Late 70's early 80's Euro 280SL's

[iwannabenz]

I am looking for advice/opinions re: "grey market" 280SL's (NOT the pre 1972 models). Specifically, here are some questions: 1) Is the 2.8l inline 6 as "unburstable" as the 70's 4.5l V-8 that was in the 350-450SL? Most of the ones I am looking at have well in excess of 100,000 miles on them. Are there any defined specific mechanical defects (such as the single row timing chain that plagued the 81-83 380SL)? Is the 5-speed manual transmission reliable?, or is the car somewhat heavy for a standard? Is 5th gear a true overdrive? Is there anyway to determine from the VIN what the rear end ratio is (or were they all the same)? Are any technical specifications available ie hp ,torque, power curve graphs? Any performance specs 0-60, stopping from 60, top speed? I am looking at purchasing this as a nice summer driver, would I be better off looking at a 450SL, and if so why? My desire for the Euro 280SL is because #1 the 5 speed manual tranny available (I love driving a standard,as does my wife), #2 the inline 6 which I believe has approx 30 more hp that the last of the 450SL's, #3 nice clean lines (including headlights and bumpers). This is my first posting, hope its not too long.