I just purchased my first MB. Its a 1973 220d automatic (338,555 miles according to the title) from a freind of a freind who needed it gone. It had sat for a year. The paint isn't great, and there's a spot or two of rust, but the interior is in great shape. I checked all of the fluids, added a bit of Diesel, then jumpstarted it. it took a bit, and fussed, but it started up and ran on her own.

What I wanted to ask is the normality of the things I'm running into. I'm new to these, and wanted to see if there were easy fixes, or if that's just the way it is.

1. The engine starts and runs, but it shakes the whole car. the engine vibrates in the front end several inches each way. Really worries me.

2. White Smoke. and sometimes Black. Normal for this age of diesel? I figure it probably is somewhat, but wanted to see if there is anything I can do to eliminate it or reduce it. It is ok as long as it runs, but I am kinda proud of this little car, and don't want people to miss it in a cloud of smoke.

3. Like I said befor the engine runs, but when I put it in gear, the engine dies. It is like the engine becomes too bogged down by being in gear. The parking brake is released, thought maybe that was the problem. Is there something that I am missing? or is it that the engine isn't up to snuff yet?

4. I can't get into the trunk. The key seems to turn the lock OK, but pushing the button in does nothing. Before I go to wrenching on it, is there a secret that I am missing? is there another way in (through the back seat or soemthing?) that I don't know about? Is there a secret release button somewhere?

Thanks for helping a guy out. I'm excited to get this beauty going.