Francis:

MB Tex from Adsit is about $1700 for the full set, leather is $2700 -- these are sale prices from last year. I've been quoted $500 each for front seat covers by World Upholstery, seen prices as low as $380 each. I didn't bother to ask about the rear seat since I couldn't pony up for the fronts!

I bought 2 1/2 hides of navy blue Italian upholstery leather, turns out to be VERY close to the MB 262 leather. I've made a set of vinyl covers for the fonts, only problem was adjustments (making patterns from the old onse was a gas, the leather was STRETCHED in places, to say nothing of the holes and tears....). Not all that big a project if you can sew, or get someone to teach you how. Biggest problem is wrestling the upper cover around while sewing the side panels in.

I really like the way leather sits, so will make my own.

As I said, the M117 usually runs FOREVER, but who knows what "like a new engine" means. Could just be a valve job, or timing chain.

$5000 is a fair price if it is in very good shape.

New wood is frighteningly expensive -- my mechanic paid $500 for a front bow 10 years ago, so you can guess what it would cost now. Most likely, the laquer is shot on the car by now, even if garaged.

Refinishing the wood is straightforward -- strip all the old laquer off and stain if necessary to restore color (if the laquer is all blistered, the color will be faded). DO NOT SAND, the veneer is only 1/64" or so thick, you will sand it off completely!

Once you get it stained, apply many coats of spar varnish, sanding between coats until the varnish fills the grain and you can sand smooth. Go gently with the sandpaper, it's easy to cut right through the finish AND veneer the first few coats. Watch for runs and for the channel in the front bow filling up.

When you get a decent amount of varnish on (I used about 14 coats), rub down with "between coats" Scotchbrite to a completely dull finish, the polish back out with pumice and rottenstone to an near gloss. This will match the factory finish (sprayed on, I'm sure, not brushed), and prevent the "mirror" gloss than looks fake. Also removes any blemishes and dust particles. You can get is as glossy as you want, just remember that having the sun glare off the base of the windshield can be a real pain.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!