1st time poster and MB owner. Received my '89 300E last weekend from Ebay auction. The dealer (Delray Bch FL) puts excellent pictures up, has a good rep, (I checked with everyone who left feedback to see if they're still happy) and sells most cars for way more than mine. MB, Mercedes, Porche, Ferrari etc, average price 30 to 50K. The complete records show the original owner not only had every recommneded service but many 1 to 2 thou before it was needed! Dealer seemed honest, feedback was great, carfax and records confirmed a genuine 66,000 miles, so I went for it!

The bid was at 4K with 5 days to go, so I offered him 7,500 to close the auction. Turned me down, thought he could get over 9. So I sniped it with 30 seconds to go for 7,100. If there wasn't one other eager bidder ahead of me, I could have got it for 6,600.

I have had bad experiences with remote control inspections in the past, so I decided to just bring the car over, because I could always sell it for more here in Phoenix. Yes, I totally lucked out. Car looks like it's two years old. Cosmetic flaws are a rock chip on the hood (disclosed in pic on eBay) one minor ding and minute front chips. I mean that is it! My neighbors literally thought I'd bought a brand new car. Mechanically it drives like a new car too, tight, responsive, perfectly balanced. The only surprize negatively is a bit of an oil leak. Front engine, from middle or bottom (not timing chain cover). I've never been a fanatic about oil leaks on my cars as long as they drip straight down and are not excessive. Based on what I've read on the forum, leaking is not unusual, it looks like I'll probably be doing valve seals sometime in the future.

I'd like to thank the boards for helping me define which model to buy and great tips. I look forward to more.
Gary