Interesting development. I've had such good luck restoring my 1988 420sel, that I've started to earn a reputation at work for fixing old mercedes. People talk and I'm sure that my reputation is exaggerated far beyond my actual modest ablities but still its kind of nice.

Anyway somehow through the grapevine a family friend of a co-worker has had a recent loss in the family. I don't know all the details but he was young (in his 20's) and kind of an amature motorhead. Before he got sick, he bought a 84 300sd with 170,000 on it. Aparently he was ill for quite some time and finally passed away about three months ago. The family really wants to find someone to take the car and restore it to running condition, as it was his passion before he passed away.

The car is black with palomino interior, and has been sitting for about 1.5-2 years under cover outdoors. I took a brief look at it today and its intriguing. There is some damage to the headlight assembly and grill but otherwise the chassis is actually spectacularly rust and damage-free. It may have been re-painted, but if it was its an excellent job (I would have to clean it to really tell). The interior is very dirty but otherwise intact and salvagable as well. Even the tires were obviously brand new before it was parked, though I don't know how they'll clean up.

Here's the tricky part. There are no records. I think but I'm not sure that he drove the car for a year before parking it. The car was apparently running before it was parked but would stall as soon as it was put into gear. The Mother thinks she might remember something about bad compression but isn't sure. The fluids look ok, oil is very black but the level is fine. Tranny fluid is a little dark amber but the level is ok. Also the entire engine bay is covered in oil residue which seems like a bad sign.

They are looking for a key now so we haven't tried to start it yet. I'd like to run a compression test obviously and see what's up. The stalling could be any of a million things and he may have jumped to conclusions with his diagnosis. I just don't know. I guess the question is, is this a crazy thing to get involved with?

We are looking to get a car for my girlfriend. I really wanted to get her a 300SD because they are safe and she like my 420 so much. She'll be away for a month and change this summer, so maybe that would be a great time to dig into the project. But would it be better to spend a couple grand on a older but currently running 300D (w123) or on repairs to get this one up and running?

Plus I'm sure the family would want something for this one but I really don't know what's fair, especially without further testing...

I appreciate any thoughts, thanks!

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1988 420SEL 170K