Advice? Considering purchase of a 1975 280S

[patricedm]

I am considering purchasing a 1975 280S. It has 175,000 miles on it, but the interior and exterior are in great condition. It is priced at US$1,350, but i would not pay more than US$1,100 for it. Some notes:

It has been repainted (good job, done about 10 years ago and still looks great). The interior is in fantastic shape, with only two small tears in the leather on the drivers left bolster I can live with them.)
There is no rust in the wheel wells and none visible in the undercarriage. The interior floors seemed solid, but i did not press or knock especially hard. I did not check under the trunk mat, but the current owner did say that the plate covering the reverse lights had rusted out, which i presume means there is leakage in the trunk seal. The hood damping pad is almost completely gone.

Here are some other issues:
Carburetor is sticky. I gather i should just expect to replace it with a new Weber or similar?
As mentioned above, right reverse light not working, apparently because the inside protector plate rusted out.
connector for "jog" in pipe between front and rear muffler is rusted at weld point -- local shop says US$40, but will probably just rust again.
Right power window not working.
Sunroof not working. Also, small bits of rust (at most 1/2 cm) in two corners of sunroof edge.

The tranny felt fine -- shifted quickly and surely, no hesitation. A/c is cold, heater is hot. Radio has been replaced by a newer CD one, but i can live with that. Seems like it has been reasonably well taken care of, but i know the gas models of the big cars can be tricky and i am not a mechanic, nor do i want to become one.

I intend to get a local reputable MB shop to take a look, but thought i'd post here to see if anyone had any advice or suggestions. I have always admired the large sedan MB's from the mid- to late 70's -- parents of friends had them and i loved getting rides in them, but i need a car that drives often (not daily, but i want that kind of reliability.) I don't mind putting another $1,000 in her right away, but need real transportation out of it when all is said and done (and i DO NOT WANT a honda.)

Any thoughts appreciated and thanks in advance.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Anyone would tell you if you want rock solid dependability, you buy an MB diesel, one that's been taken care of and preferably has the service records. I have the diesel model of the car you're looking at wiht probably some more toys being a later model with the climate control in all. I think yours had the knobs for the heat, etc? Take the car to a good MB mechanic and have it properly gone over and they will tell you exactly what it needs, etc.
David