I've been searching for a long time and I finally found it--a 1986 300 SDL with 140K that "seems" to be in excellent condition bodywise and mechanically (but no service records). Sunroof does not work, and driver seat springs are sagging, but everything else seems good to go. I paid $4,500. Here are my "issues":

1. I want to properly maintain this car, and I'm thinking I should bring it to a dealer or another mechanic to check it out and perform any overdue maintenance (with 4 kids I don't have much time myself). Problem is I live in a small city and their are only 2 independents that claim to work on MBs and one MB dealer who is close. What questions should I ask to see if these shops are comptent to work on older MB diesels? Should they have certificates confirming training or anything like that? I don't know of anyone else around hear that owns an MB.

2. I'm going to immediately change the engine oil, air filter, transmission fluid, rear differential fluid and coolant. Should I use special MB parts/fluids? If so, wheres the best (read cheap) place to get them--I'm assuming it isn't at the dealer.

3. Should I do any other maintenance right away?

Thanks for the help.
Robby