thanks for all the info I picked up a Haynes manual and am going to change oil asap. As far as the mileage goes, the Odometer reads 177,000 but the maintanence record (which I found after purchsase) reveal that the car had 298,000 in 2000. I figure they just replaced the odometer, so I can't be sure of mileage. I took the car to a MB dealer mechanic and an independent garage specializing in german cars. They both said they couldn't believe that the car had at least 300,000 miles. Just afre minor things (which they said dont need immediate attention): leaking reary, shock (with SLS), oil cooler line a little leak, turbo drain valve? is little leaky, oil pump a little leaky, needs gasket. Any suggestions on the order I should fix these, which ones are DIY (i'm fairly mechanically inclined). It looks like it was well mainained by prevous owners. I have some pics if anyone is interested:

www.nd.edu/~bpeters2


thanks again