its a 1985 mercedes 230CE
(rare, gas-powered european model), belonginig to a local here in richmond. he's not a member of the forum but i thought id post his problem, so perhaps he could see the value of this forum. give it a crack and ill give him the thread URL and maybe we can help him out.
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here's what he wrote:

"gets 20-24 mpg on regular unleaded gas, but i think it may be
decreasing due to a large hole that has developed in its exhaust
system. also there is now a noticeable abnormal noise that can be heard when i accelerate while turning left, but i am quite uncertain of its origin. if you have any thoughts on the issue i would be glad to hear them."

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

First thing I would have to say is get the exhaust leak fixed. This should fix the problem, unless the catalytic converter is getting plugged. If the noise goes away when the exhaust leak then that is what was causing it, if not I am not able to think of what it is right off hand.

thanks guys, ill pass your comments on!

eric

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

CO emissions can enter the cabin and do damage to occupants even if the windows are open. Think that a bad hanger may be reason for the noise when turning -- easily fixed, but any leak is something important to address immediately.

Nice cars, btw.