88 190E with some issues, advice please

[killervache]

Ok, quick overview. I have no experience whatsoever with Mercedes, but have worked on my e23 735i (that's a BMW ) and my Volvo 740 Turbo quite a bit, so I'm hoping systems are at least similar. I'm looking at purchasing a 1988 190E, 2.6 that a guy has for sale across the street from my father's shop. He's asking 1800 for the car.

The car is not perfect by any means, but has a very straight/rust free body and the interior, aside from the door panels being dead and the usual dash cracks, is in good condition. IF the odometer is not lying, the car has only 120,000 miles on it (half of what my Volvo had when I bought it).

Problems:

#1 When shifting into gear (auto), the car jerks significantly. I'm used to a little jerk with the Volvo, but this is a pretty decent jolt. Shifts fine when driving though.

#2. There is almost no power right off idle until you reach at least 3,000 RPM, to a point that I believe it may be only running on 3 or 4 cylinders (correctly). Is there some way to get a diagnostic reading from the car as to what the engine management is sensing?

#3. The SRS light is on, similar question to above as I've heard the diagnostic on these cars includes the SRS system.

#4. At low speeds the ABS becomes active (pulses the pedal like it's on slick surface and the brakes follow suit) for no apparent reason, even under grandma style braking. Speed sensor??

#5. Last and most worrisome to me. The car has problems starting initially. It turns over and eventually starts, Is there anything other than a typical cold start Valve on this car. I don't believe it to be an electrical problem, but I'm sure a tuneup wouldn't hurt.

Sorry for the length, but thank you for any assistance you guys can provide.

Steve Geer