I looked at a charcol '87 16v today. It's got 118,000 miles and sounds like a really good deal. [I was able to look at and start it it, but because of time contraints- Didn't get to drive it, i'm driving it tomorrow] I do however have a few questions about things I should look for.

It has an auto transmission, I'd heard of one or two auto 16v's before this one, but how rare are they? Are they dependable as any other mbz tranny?

The previous owner said that he'd had the head replaced because the oil pump had died about 10,000 miles ago. Any way to verify that it's a new head?

I couldn't find any rust anywhere [wheel wells, underside of car, trunk, etc..] where else should I check?

How can I check the leveling system, just look for leaks?

Thanks in advance!
James

Hmmm,
Why did the oil pump fail? The only way I have seen them fail is if something entered in the oil system. (like another part was broken off)>
Where are you located?

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

I'm in LA right now. I live in Northern Cali, [That's why there is an urgent! -- I'm leaving LA tomorrow (Friday)] I'm really not sure how it failed exactly. The PO didn't work on the car himself, so it seems as though he doesn't really know what happened and why. This may sound stupid, but theres no way to do a compression test without the specific equiptment to do it? Any good mechanics in the Venice area? Anyone on the list ever heard of West Side Motorsports? Porsche Dealer / Mechanic / Works on Mercedes as well?

-James

On my ride, there is some rust lurking on the rockers around the rear jack plugs. But then again it has lived all of its life in NY with nice salty roads in the winters.

If your car started out in LA, it probably wont be a factor.

__________________
Patrick Leber
'84 190E 2.3
'83 Porsche 944 (track car)
'84 Porsche 944 (parts car)
85.5 Porsche 944 (sled)