Well, I must have just found "the" deal.

I purchased my 92 500sel, looks exc, runs fine, $7800.

I replaced the front suspension ($500) and then brought it to a reputable "indy" and asked him to "fix everything". The bill was $900, which shows just how clean the car is. ($300 was oil, tranny, diff oil swap). He advised that the tranny would need help in the near future.

10,000 miles later I rebuilt the tranny ($1300 total) and now I'm jammin'.

-David