Here is what I would do. Join MBCA. Mercedes Benz Club of America or at least go to their web site and find your local chapter. Contact one of the members and ask questions. You will find MBCA members a very helpful bunch. They might know of local cars in good condition and/or can help you inspect one. Once you know what to look for you will have a much better buying experience.

Good luck!

__________________
"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
Gone
'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
Fritzi '84 BMW
'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
'63 Corvair conv
'57 Nomad