Key points are as follows, unless you are wanting to get ripped off buying a 380sl.

1) Heater servo condition - I know a few who have bought SL's with a non-working heater, thinking it works like Chevy pickup's.

2) transmission condition if over 100k.

3) Engine smoke. This is an ALL aluminum engine, no steel or iron liners in this overgrown SOHC lawnmower engine. I love my car and everything, but it is not even close the euro motor of the same pedigree.

4) A/C condition.

5) padded dash

6) interior wood

7) rear-main seal leakage - this can be fixed without yanking the whole mess, but it is still rather difficult.

If any of these problems exist, and you are not a handyman, don't pay over $5000 or you will be sorry.