Hi!

First of all I live in Tirane, Albania, South Europe.

I have a '92 190D 2.5 turbodiesel 5sp manual. Was looking for something faster, like a 190e 16v, 2.6, or a 124 300e (m103 or m104). While checking the adds in a newspaper I saw a 500 sel on sale.

To clarify things, fuel in my country, as in the rest of Europe, is very expensive, at least compared to the US. Diesel used to be about 1/2 or 2/3 price of petrol but now they're almost the same in price. The price of lpg (liquid petroleum gas or autogas) is less than 1/2 the price of diesel or cheaper. That's why I wanted to go the petrol route for more power over what I've got with the benefit of economy.

Back to the 500 sel. I called the number the car was advertised with and a lady replied. She said she couldn't remember what year the car was but she said it's in top condition. I asked several times if indeed it was a 500 and she said yes. According to her the a/c was working. The car has been sitting unused for about 4 years, don't know if it was staying 4 years without running or been used very little.

I might check the car only tomorrow. I want to check it as I can get the car for about $3.500. i can sell mine for about $7.500. The lpg conversion is about $700.

Now the questions.

What might have gone wrong with the car from 4 years lack of or very little use?

I know these cars are one of the best Mercedes produced, but what should I look for, problems?

Anything in particular that is troublesome in these cars?

What sort of economy do these cars get? I know, economy and a '80s v8 don't mix but still I'm curious.

Anything I need to know except get the car and enjoy it?

Thanks a lot!

Deni