I went ahead and took a chance on that higher mileage 300d that I looked at the other day based on many recommendations from local shops and on the various Benz groups.

I have a stack of repair receipts about an inch high for the car along with all the manuals, and stuff that came with it new (bought it from the original owner's son). I literally have record of every engine and transmission oil change since 1984. It was religiously changed every 5000 miles on the engine and 25K for the trans. Oil cooler lines have been redone in the last 3 years, as well as engine mounts (although it still shakes a bit).

Some observations: It ran great on the 30 mile trip home. Good pickup, trans seemed to shift well, climate control works, but the A/C did not blow cold. When I parked it, I did notice an oil drip from what seemed to be the rear (of the car) of the engine....I haven't been under there yet to look at it, so I don't know where it's coming from. I haven't been able to find a record of the timing chain change, so that worries me a bit. The last valve adjust was about 60K ago, so I assume it's due for that too.

Any other things I should immediately tackle?

Thanks, and I LOVE the car.

Joe