[Paddski]

Originally Posted by mcbear

Wow, 48,000 miles. Good find.

What all did you have to do to it to get it MoT compliant from Japan to England? Read my amended original post which explains

As for what to look for I would simply look at the obvious things first. Since the car has driven about 3000 miles a year since it was bought new, some items might actually be fatiguing due to NOT being used as opposed to being used.

Look at the rear suspension accumulators and check for leakage in that system. It will show up as poor rear camber alignment [top of tires set IN]. Also look at the Power Steering/SLS booster pump. This has a history of leaking. If it has not been replaced in the past few years it is either leaking or will start sooner rather than later.

Wiring harness is an issue on these cars but not as bad on the 1991-1992 as on the later ones. Look at the end fittings and see if they are brittle/broken. The car will throw random and strange codes if the harness is bad. A fun way to check is to put the car in a completely dark garage with the hood up and the motor on. If the harness is bad you might just get a little light show.

Go ahead and change ALL fluids with MB approved fluids. This would be Oil, Antifreeze/coolant, tranny, rear diff, brake fluid. I would replace the brake pads as you don't know what kind are on the car. I would also look at the rotor/wires and plugs. IF they are original, go ahead and replace them. It will be worth it in age related wear alone. Also replace ALL filters.

That will end up being 3-400 pounds if you do it all [not including harness or PS pump] but will insure that you start with a solid baseline on the car and really know where you are on it.

Sounds like you have a near new body/interior. Might as well bring the motor up to speed with it.

Good luck and welcome to our sandbox.

Thanks for advice, will get this done. I have amended my original post with more information about the process of buying and what |I had checked. AS for the suspension, the car has been lowered and the two front tyres, although fairly new failed on the MOT because they were very badly worn on the inside of the rims which would as you say suggest the camber is off. Had two new tyres on front. Back tyres passed but are also worn on inside??

The power steering reservoir was completely empty when she arrived so simply had it topped up. So may this have a leak?

I can check the wiring harness although I do not have a garage to keep her in! (will be buying a good outdoor cover) any recommendations for this?. Where do I look at WH, can you show me pics?

AS for fluids, I instructed MB to change engine oil and coolant. So I shall get all other fluids changed as you suggest. But I need to find someone local, an ex-merc engineer as I cannot continue to pay MB Dealer rates. What oils/fluids do you suugest for everything?

Can you also suggest good brake pads and where the best place is to get these or best makes?

Appreciatte your advice!! Paddy