I'll jump in first and welcome you to MercedesShop...

First, NO, that is NOT the way they are supposed to drive. There are plenty of great examples of '73 Mercedes right there in the driving mainstream....

Find a knowledgable mechanic... Get the comprehensive list of what it needs and start wittling away at the list as your budget allows...

Generally, these cars were made to last IF properly maintained. You may be the one that has to invest to get this one up to "standards"... it's kinda like taking in a stray from the pound.... Half the FUN is getting them back to original working condition and marvelling in WHAT the engineering from that time is REALLY communicating to you!

... anyway.... back to my Tim Leary memoirs and black light posters!!!

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Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)