Well after many months of hanging around this forum, reading and receiving knowledge and advice about these wonderful cars, I have finally bought my first Mercedes. It is an Ivory White on Palamino 1987 300SDL with 185k miles, almost completely rust free and with a full (and complete) service history from day one.
The car is in Texas and I have had a Pre-Purchase inspection done by a local specialist (Bens Workshop in Austin). Apart from needing a new Belt Tensioner & Pulley, a Battery and three vacuum actuators for the Climate Control, it seems to be in A1 condition.

Now I am looking forward to flying down to drive it home. Many thanks to everybody on this board for helping in my 'education', it is a great resource. I'm sure I will be needing more advice as time goes on.

Andy