Mercedes Benz repair: 1987 420 SEL, mercedes benz, block engines

Question
Hello,
I am looking to buy a 1987 420 SEL that wont start.I have tried starting fluid, no good.The car cranks,but will not fire up.I dont thing its a fuel problem,or it would have fired with the starting fluid?Maybe coil?The car has 160000 k on it and is in seasonably good condition for the year.The young lady who owns it cannot affored to repair it so she is selling it dirt cheap.(around $200-$300.Can you give me an idea as to the prob.?Thanks>piero Melia.  

Answer
Best guess:
#1. The engine has lost compression = worn out.
#2. The timing chain skipped.  

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