GSXR, Thank you for the Wagon info, mentally it makes sense, but I just can't warm to it otherwise. I would actually love to go the "other way" and convert a 300CE or 190 to 603 power, or even to an upgraded 350SD engine. I once did a XJ6 S1 conversion to a TPI L98/700R4 combo, and I like the idea of building up a CE or 190 5spd, to up around 200 Diesel HP. (Needless to say, it's not going to happen..... "estimate the manhours and cost, then double, and add 50%" LOL)

I bought the 87 off eBay, from a Broker with Gamble Motors in Knoxville, I paid $3500, 220k miles, I think the regional auctions listed on CarFax scared some people off, VIN WDBEB33D3HA293722, as I just made reserve. It appears to have been a two owner car, the last two years in Tennesee, and before that Florida. NO RUST, the Interior is solid, but the sides of the seat and rear parcel shelf show some signs of mild sun fading, it is not so bad as to be unacceptable to me, the dash has no cracks, carpets great, no seat damage excepting one small tear under 3/4" in the passenger seat, and the armrest is tired. The exterior shows evidence of a respray, the only reason I suspected this at first, was due to the fact that it looked too good for the miles and model year, especially for a metallic paint, the clear coat has a few small areas that are suspect. I like the metallic, but I don't like the fact that it doesn't hold up as well over time, as the non-metallic that can be buffed out. IMHO (What color is the copper/titanium metallic called, it's is almost identical to my KTM Duke's paint?)

The suspension work mentioned in the previous post, was done at what I have heard is a reputable shop, The Benz Haus. Reading into the reciepts, it looks like the last owner took good care of the car. 3.5k oil changes and all other fluids, even brake fluid, were changed yearly, the coolant system was pressure checked yearly. The P.O. had the trans, fuel pump, (I assume this was the IP) oil pan, etc all R&R'd too fix oil leaks, only a small diff leak at present, all underbody sound shielding present and accounted for. The flex discs, pinon seals, cruise box, water pump, 1 half shaft, both ABS sensors, manifold flex tube, coolant tank, P/S hoses and box, etc, are all new in the last 24 months, and many minor items not worth mentioning here, are new as well. Last year the A/C was evacuated, and charged with a dye, and blows cold. (All the above at the Benz Haus.)

Not sure about the A/T, as it's my first one ever, man I hate'em, the upshifts seem a tad harsh. The ABS has died recently, no ABS light on start. Got one pwr headrest motor that runs, but doesn't move the headrest, I think I should check I/P timing and/or change the timing chain (unknow), change the vacum actuators for the climate control system, headlight clip is missing, pass seat rise switch is cracked, etc. So far these are the biggest items on my short list. Does the vacum pump have a casting number to identify it?

GSXR, your suggestions, are pretty similar to my thoughts, in Texas you better have the windows Tinted, I wish the original owner had tinted, as the interior would be a 9.5 instead of an 8.5 I expect the sway bars will be next, and I would love the rest, especially the leather interior parts, but for now I think I will do the tint, t-chain, climate actuators, switch to Mobil1 & Analysis, and keep an eye on the cyl head. Priorities suck, I am saving, to buy a house, for my 401k, and my upcoming moto vacation in Thailand.

I will get up some consise to the point questions soon, as I want to get the 300D, and 190D whipped into shape soon, and the 190 needs to be sold. I almost looked at another 1987 300d in town with 140k, for $2900, but I knew if I looked at it I would buy it. It was out of the paper just weeks before GSXR's misfortune struck.

Sorry for the long post guys, and thanks for the help and great resource, Mack