Those of you around several months ago will remember that I purchased a 300SDL on eBay with the cracked head syndrome. All is well now mechnically, so I went today to my local DMV to retitle the vehicle, pay my taxes, register, etc.

The clerk tells me that since I have no bill of sale (the b*stard seller only sent me a title, with someone else's name on it), he can't issue a title or registration. I have to make a civil court date to have a judge declare the vehicle my property. Naturally, I have ample proof of the purchase--and the ensuing conflict and resolution through auction insurance--but I fear that a court date could easily be a 6-month proposition. And who knows what the judge might find to nitpick about.

Does anyone have advice on how to pursue this situation, or if there are alternatives to court? I seriously doubt the dealer would give me the time of day, especially since I now have an insurance company attempting to collect $4k from them. Perhaps I could contact the individuals who sold the vehicle to the dealer and get them to vouch for me? After all, it's their names on the title.

All suggestions and comments welcome,

DL

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1995 E300 146,000 miles "Celia"--sold
1993 300sd 131,000 miles "Konstanze"--with Mom in Tampa
1987 300sdl 225,000 miles "Frau Grau"
1980 300sd 164,000 miles "Old Yeller"--sold