I also wanted to add that you shouldn't assume that you can't afford a 560SL. I bought mine last August for $11,700 and it "only" needed about $3000 worth of (mostly engine) work to become a nice, mechanically sound car.

Most people either think, or are told that their oil leaks need $2500-$6000 worth of work to fix. That's probably why I got mine so cheap.

In fact, the first mechanic I took it to thought it needed an engine rebuild. Then I took it to a respected German shop and they found out that it was the valve stem seals, $720 for new seals and spark plugs. I dropped another chunk of change on new chain guides and tensioner and complete new front brake assemblies. $2200 and suddenly my car was running (and stopping) like a dream.

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Mike Heath
1988 560SL Black/Palomino
1988 300SEL Black Pearl/Burgandy
1984 500SEC Anthracite Grey/Palomino