Thank you very much for the advice. I will skip on this one.
I haven't owned a car since 2005 (1989 W126 300SE) and I am super excited to get back into MB ownership. Trying to think sensibly is hard!
Absolutly I don't need a v8. I loved the straight six M103 - plenty enough power for me.
I will continue looking and no doubt post again soon.
Oliver

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Oliver