Brian,
Thanks! You're correct, I'm still above ground and no one is happier about that than I!
I've been active with my Mercs. My 73 220d (W115, 4 speed manual) was bought in early august last year and driven daily from mid September until FWB 10th when I got the 83, which has been my DD since. Last year I bought an 82 just like my 83, same blue over blue, 4 speed with a seized engine. Bought an 81 240d, also a 4 speed, that was rough but ran well with the intention of installing its engine into the nice blue 82. Well, I've got both engines out, but haven't found the time or energy to install the good engine into the other blue car. When the blue 83 came up for sale, I jumped on it with both feet
I also picked up an 83 250. It's a grey market car. Haven't figured out where it came from yet. It is pea green with am M123 2.5l straight 6 carb'd. It has a weber on it that needs to be rebuilt. Interior is dark green which looks awesome with the pea green exterior. It also has Euro bumpers. Really a great looking car. Picked it up, running and driving, albeit not very well, for $600. It's such a good looking car, I'm in love with it despite the slush box. Too bad it's not a 4 speed.
I even looked at an 82 230 touring a month ago. It had euro bumpers. But needed lots of work, so I passed.
But, I'm really in love with diesel W123s and always have an eye out for more!
Ben Pender
Fat-fingered from my iPhone