These are some GREAT replies!

I was trying not to saddle the forum down with a bunch of newbie questions (and yes, I have been using the search feature regularly), but it's great to be a part of a community that can really provide when there's a need!

As for the vaccuum hoses, belts, electrical components, brakes, suspension, etc. I'm pretty well versed in inspection and replacement of such things. I've gone through this "light overhaul" proceedure with 3 other used cars prior to becoming hopelessly addicted to MB's for the rest of my life.

First was a farking NIGHTMARE of a car - an '87 Cadillac DeVille w/ an '88 HT4100 4.5L V8 in it.....*pukes in mouth a bit* ahem. Second was my little Isuzu I-mark hatchback, which seems to talk to me and tells me that it will run forever no matter how much abuse I mette out to her. Thirdly was my brick; an '89 Volvo 740 GLE 16-valve, which, comapratively speaking is as fun if not more fun to zip around in than my 300SE (but not my '83 300SD, I farking <3 that car...though, I guess it dosen't really "zip" per se).

Now it's down to sprucing up anything I can on my 300SD/SE's, which, thanks to all you fine people, has been quite a pleasure so far.

Anyone heard of KEHL motors here in San Antonio? I've been curious if anyone knows him (Mr. Kehl) here on the forums. He's apparently a very well respected MB wrench.


EDIT:

P.S. I did an entire valve job and head gasket replacement on that '87 DeVille, hence my disgust...now it's become a candidate for the scrap yard, as it's currently in need for a rear main seal replacement ! We'll see if I can muster the patience for that...