Good morning,

I've been checking out this board and others for a while. It's time to dump my old POS BMW, which has becone a money pit even by money pits' standards! I'm seriously considering an old Benz.

I may have a chance of aquiring a 240D with a manual tranny. This seems to be the choice for a baby Benz in terms of reliability and longevity. It is really clean and low miles. I'll know more later.

Next up are 250/280Cs. Here are a few questions:

Firstly, what are your opinions on buying from a dealer, provided the cars have records, etc... Here are two--

http://www3.sympatico.ca/cw.classics/cars4.htm

This looks like a beautiful car in a really cool color, but it is in Ottowa.

http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/0/2/37388302.htm

This is alot closer and still a cool color.

I was into 2002s for a while, so I know about rust issues. Where are the usual culprits on these cars. Rockers? Floors? Firewall?...

How about carbs? Did they come with Solex or Zenith carbs? I read that you can put a Weber 32/36 on these and still keep the stock air filter. Will they take a 38/38?

Any other major things to check out?

Also, if I don't get the 240, is there anyone either in Ottowa or downstate NY that can give the above cars a once over for me before I make the trek myself?

Thanks,

Peter

P.S. I may also have a line on a free, but slightly rusty 300CD.