This is my 1982 280CE I purchased from the 2nd owner in 2003 with 120,000 km on the clock. It now has approx. 170,000 with no major engine work and no smoke. It was originally purchased in Melbourne Australia in 1982 then purchased by the previous owner for $49,500 after it was out of warranty and 5 years old. The 2nd owner was a sprightly lady music professor who drove the car approx. 5,000 km a year - mainly to and from school. It was garaged in both locations. Her husband made her sell it and he bought her a little white Japanese econobox like a refirgerator w/rubber tires. She still writes me to see how the car is. I polish the original Signal Red paint with Zymol wax that I have sent from US to AU. The instruments have been modified to remove the clock to replace with a tacho and the fuel-oil pressure cluster has the vacuum/economy gauge now. The car was rustproofed including removing the interior and a bit of rust was removed from the left bottom door. Door was removed and new metal was welded. Much rubber trim has pre-emptively been replaced and many parts rebuilt or renewed including the older style starter motor, steering box, new Bilsteins, later style rear glass with horizontal heat elements as the verticlal element glass delaminates then leaks. Driven "spiritedly" every day. My first Merc after 6 BMW's! Need info about conversion to 5 sp manual? Any help appreciated!