Echo the comments of everyone else, I'd try and find a facelift Kompressor version.
The tuning potential from the engine is much greater and relatively inexpensive, the engine is also practically bullet proof.
As you're looking at cars, I'm sure you'd dug around for info but here's my 2c on them.
They are expensive to maintain when things go wrong. Shocks are £1200 each +fitting if I remember right, I had to replace one on mine the month after I got it as it was flagged as leaking at the dealer. Actually, anything to do with the ABC system is costly, so invoices for it are good. I get the fluid changed annually, £400 for peace of mind at MB.
Otherwise, servicing isn't anymore than a regular MB with the M113k motor.
Side windows are double glazed, moisture gets in where they are laminated and begins to stain the adhesive. Cost to replace all four is £2500 +fitting (at MB it cost me around £3400). Could be a haggling point but they are likely all going to be the same.
The bodywork is a combination of plastic and aluminium. Bumpers, front wings and boot are plastic, rest is aluminium. Check for signs of corrosion, MB paintwork of this era really wasn't the best. This thread shows what too look for -
clicky.
Good service history of the car is almost essential.
I'd say the covers the main and expensive points. You'll generally find the cars are all decked out with options, the only one I'm missing is ventilated seats so you'll not be hard pushed for toys.
They are truly gorgeous cars, IMO anyway, so if you have the budget for the unexpected (£1-2k for a repair wouldn't be uncommon) then I'd say go for it and you won't regret it.
