thanks for the really great responses i igot to this post.
i am trying to organize to check it out this weekend with a factory-trained mercedes guy.
she has no records as i mentioned except the last one which was for $2500 when the radiator and hoses were replaced. i found out that the dealership would have dug out all the old records for me (for free even) but the timing's not going to work if i am thinking about buying this car. i will rely on the mechanic to check everything out. is this foolhardy and should i not think about it without records?
i can get it for $5000 btw.
thanks for all the great help i have found on ths site.