Kris : keep it simple ~ you have a load tester right there ,(the car) all you need is an _analog_ multi-meter like the cheapo $3.95 one from harbor freight ~ charge the battery and see if it'll hold 12.7 volts no load then try to start it and see what the voltage reads ~ 11 volts or better ? your battery is fine , look at starter etc.

Under 12 volts ? battery is suspect .

Once you get it running connect the voltimiter to the cigar lighter and go for a drive ~ these cars have a pretty low charge rate (55 amps) so it'll take some time to get up to 14.0 VDC or higher , manybe not at all if you run the stereo .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better