Hellraiser

Don't suppose you've got any bits left?  Need some random bits of trim...

JD

Where's it leaking from? Might be best to sort that first, rather than putting some random gunge in the inner workings of an expensive gearbox...

Front suspension 'noises' are common often the lower arm which even a non-genuine part will set you back £100.

Non-start issues are commonly battery, battery leads or starter connections/wiring.

Alternators are also common even with the modded 'plastic cover'.

 

However, all cars have issues and you say it's a lot of car for a small amount of money 

 

 

Indeed they are. Suspension on the front is a common issue, best to rip it out and replace it with better parts. If you visit rockauto.com, they are US based but still work out cheaper than buying parts in the UK, and delivery is surprisingly quick. Cheapest thing to try if you have front end knock is to replace the ARB bushes, they cost about a fiver and are simple to change. Moog parts are excellent!

Other things to look out for are the wiring loom rubbing through where it runs parallel to the aircon pipes under the bonnet (right hand side stood in front of the car), leaks from a connector on the transmission and poor/non-functioning parking brake - this is usually due to the actuators seizing up as lots of people don't use it   There are also a few reports of exhaust manifolds breaking up and destroying the turbo (OM642 Mercedes engine - do some googling!).

Don't let this put you off though - it's a hell of a car and most of these issues are cheap and easy to fix. I'm a big fan of mine