I'm considering a neighbor's '87 SL. It has 181,000 miles on it. What should I be looking for and what do you believe is a reasonal price? Other than normal wear for the mileage it appears to be in good shape. No body damage, good paint with a few chips; cracked leather, two tops.

I have an '88 420 SEL, with 120,000 miles so I'm somewhat familiar with the Mercedes quirks. I also have a very knowledgable, computerized non-mercedes mechanic who keeps my 420 going. I'll have him look at this SL. And he has worked on the neighbor's SL, but I am particularly interested in any special failure risks with the 560 SL, that you might advise me on.

I'll appreciate your comments.

Jerry