Hear ye hear ye. Have to agree- those 79's were virtually impossible to kill. Something was done just right that year and the engines are amazingly long lived. They also changed the back end and the cars look more modern.
Somehow the later cars (at least 81-87) became more rust prone.

The 88 is also a great choice- they have none of the wiring issues of the years previous and retain the simple, rugged LH2.2 injection (last year for adjustable timing).
The 88 also got a couple minor improvements, like the flame trap and a new fuel pressure regulator.
My choice would be a dark red 5-speed 88 244DL with grey cloth and a sunroof. Do I want too much? Virgos and IPD/Bilstein suspension would make it almost perfect.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K