I've had tw other diesels, a '76 300, and a '78 240 ( which was murdered by a toyaota a 465k miles). I did every thing on those cars, I mean everything.

Now I have an '82 380 SL, and I lover her as much as I did my 240D. But she need better hands than I have.

Read all the threads, they have their problems.

I's up to you, but I prefer topless, and If I ever hit the Lottery, I'll have another oil burner too!

Good Luck.