Spartan Mercedes 190 (w201)
Discussion
Did some polishing this evening (should have been gardening) and took some pictures in the dying minutes of the golden hour. How can this gloriously rich colour be re-sale death?
It looks like I have sourced a new 70L fuel tank. No word on price yet. But, apart from having that fitted—"a piece of piss" I am assured by the ever-eloquent Lord Baister of Staithes Garage—it's done and attention moves on to my r129. See here for more evidence of the price wrought by obsession: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I keep looking at other cars—no harm in looking, right?—and don't seem able to break the habitual longing for more. But the truth is, I have the perfect fleet, no? I mean, a super smooth saloon car would be nice, say a 400 E; and a Range Rover Classic for winter; and maybe an outlaw-inspired Porsche Boxster 986 for solo fun (but as we all know, solo fun is not much fun—although googling 986 to check I have the type designation right reminds me how gorgeous those early Boxsters are); and, and, and....
It looks like I have sourced a new 70L fuel tank. No word on price yet. But, apart from having that fitted—"a piece of piss" I am assured by the ever-eloquent Lord Baister of Staithes Garage—it's done and attention moves on to my r129. See here for more evidence of the price wrought by obsession: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I keep looking at other cars—no harm in looking, right?—and don't seem able to break the habitual longing for more. But the truth is, I have the perfect fleet, no? I mean, a super smooth saloon car would be nice, say a 400 E; and a Range Rover Classic for winter; and maybe an outlaw-inspired Porsche Boxster 986 for solo fun (but as we all know, solo fun is not much fun—although googling 986 to check I have the type designation right reminds me how gorgeous those early Boxsters are); and, and, and....
Edited by r129sl on Monday 15th June 07:01
Still admiring that gorgeous 190! Thanks for the further updates 
Re: 70 litre tank.....
Is it a straight swap, or do the boot trims differ because of the tank capacity increase?
I remember a long while ago being advised some boot trims are different in my 124 coupe when I looked in to upgrading to the 90 litre tank.
Please keep up the posts coming
Darren
Re: 70 litre tank.....
Is it a straight swap, or do the boot trims differ because of the tank capacity increase?
I remember a long while ago being advised some boot trims are different in my 124 coupe when I looked in to upgrading to the 90 litre tank.
Please keep up the posts coming
Darren
Deal done on the fuel tank. It is a straight swap, save that the panel behind it (i.e. the foremost piece of boot lining) is different. Given this is just a piece of soft felt-type material, I may get away with it but, if not, it won't be the end of the world. Wife was moaning this morning about having to go to the petrol station on her way in... which makes a change from the dishwasher not being empty, the children not being ready, me being thick, or whatever.
Keep coming back to your threads, they really do something for me that newer cars don't.
The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
moustache said:
Keep coming back to your threads, they really do something for me that newer cars don't.
The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
Audis were a big thing in my childhood. My dad's fortunes changed in 1987 and he replaced our utterly knackered Fiat Panda with an Audi 80 Sport (B2), then an Audi 80 1.8E (B3), then an Audi 100 2.8E (C4) and finally an Audi A6 2.6 (also a C4). Happy days.The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
I think my attitude to these cars makes sense. I think it is the cheapest way for me to motor well without taking safety and reliability risks and without cutting back on pleasure. I don't know what I have spent on this 190. Maybe £7,000 all told, including its purchase and various consumables. It will do 15,000miles a year for us. They will all be pleasurable miles. It is a really special car, which we will enjoy using more than any affordable modern. Next year I might spend £1,500 on it; likewise the year after. It will always be worth £2,500 on our imaginary balance sheet.
By comparison, last week I was sent a leasing proposal for a brand new Mercedes E220 CDI SE Auto. The total cost over three years was £12,750. But I would only be permitted 8,000miles per annum. Up the mileage and the costs go up quite significantly: at 8p per mile, the extra 21,000miles over three years works out at an extra £1,680. So call it £14,500. Then at the end of the three years, I have to give the car back with nothing to show for it. Except maybe a bill for the scuffs on the alloys, the dinks in the door, the inevitable upholstery stain.
So these cars are not an extravagance. At best, they are cost neutral. At worst, they maybe cost a little more. But here's the rub. I'd rather poke my eyes out than drive a poxy E220CDI SE in resale black over hideous black vinyl with silver trims, big wheels, rock hard suspension...
Edit: I'd still have to buy tyres and at least one service on the modern, as well.
Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 16th June 11:07
r129sl said:
moustache said:
Keep coming back to your threads, they really do something for me that newer cars don't.
The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
Audis were a big thing in my childhood. My dad's fortunes changed in 1987 and he replaced our utterly knackered Fiat Panda with an Audi 80 Sport (B2), then an Audi 80 1.8E (B3), then an Audi 100 2.8E (C4) and finally an Audi A6 2.6 (also a C4). Happy days.The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
I think my attitude to these cars makes sense. I think it is the cheapest way for me to motor well without taking safety and reliability risks and without cutting back on pleasure. I don't know what I have spent on this 190. Maybe £7,000 all told, including its purchase and various consumables. It will do 15,000miles a year for us. They will all be pleasurable miles. It is a really special car, which we will enjoy using more than any affordable modern. Next year I might spend £1,500 on it; likewise the year after. It will always be worth £2,500 on our imaginary balance sheet.
By comparison, last week I was sent a leasing proposal for a brand new Mercedes E220 CDI SE Auto. The total cost over three years was £12,750. But I would only be permitted 8,000miles per annum. Up the mileage and the costs go up quite significantly: at 8p per mile, the extra 21,000miles over three years works out at an extra £1,680. So call it £14,500. Then at the end of the three years, I have to give the car back with nothing to show for it. Except maybe a bill for the scuffs on the alloys, the dinks in the door, the inevitable upholstery stain.
So these cars are not an extravagance. At best, they are cost neutral. At worst, they maybe cost a little more. But here's the rub. I'd rather poke my eyes out than drive a poxy E220CDI SE in resale black over hideous black vinyl with silver trims, big wheels, rock hard suspension...
r129sl said:
Audis were a big thing in my childhood. My dad's fortunes changed in 1987 and he replaced our utterly knackered Fiat Panda with an Audi 80 Sport (B2), then an Audi 80 1.8E (B3), then an Audi 100 2.8E (C4) and finally an Audi A6 2.6 (also a C4). Happy days.
I think my attitude to these cars makes sense. I think it is the cheapest way for me to motor well without taking safety and reliability risks and without cutting back on pleasure. I don't know what I have spent on this 190. Maybe £7,000 all told, including its purchase and various consumables. It will do 15,000miles a year for us. They will all be pleasurable miles. It is a really special car, which we will enjoy using more than any affordable modern. Next year I might spend £1,500 on it; likewise the year after. It will always be worth £2,500 on our imaginary balance sheet.
By comparison, last week I was sent a leasing proposal for a brand new Mercedes E220 CDI SE Auto. The total cost over three years was £12,750. But I would only be permitted 8,000miles per annum. Up the mileage and the costs go up quite significantly: at 8p per mile, the extra 21,000miles over three years works out at an extra £1,680. So call it £14,500. Then at the end of the three years, I have to give the car back with nothing to show for it. Except maybe a bill for the scuffs on the alloys, the dinks in the door, the inevitable upholstery stain.
So these cars are not an extravagance. At best, they are cost neutral. At worst, they maybe cost a little more. But here's the rub. I'd rather poke my eyes out than drive a poxy E220CDI SE in resale black over hideous black vinyl with silver trims, big wheels, rock hard suspension...
Edit: I'd still have to buy tyres and at least one service on the modern, as well.
You forgot to mention that with your cars you have the joy of being a connoisseur and enjoying having preserved and the continued use of wonderful and interesting cars.I think my attitude to these cars makes sense. I think it is the cheapest way for me to motor well without taking safety and reliability risks and without cutting back on pleasure. I don't know what I have spent on this 190. Maybe £7,000 all told, including its purchase and various consumables. It will do 15,000miles a year for us. They will all be pleasurable miles. It is a really special car, which we will enjoy using more than any affordable modern. Next year I might spend £1,500 on it; likewise the year after. It will always be worth £2,500 on our imaginary balance sheet.
By comparison, last week I was sent a leasing proposal for a brand new Mercedes E220 CDI SE Auto. The total cost over three years was £12,750. But I would only be permitted 8,000miles per annum. Up the mileage and the costs go up quite significantly: at 8p per mile, the extra 21,000miles over three years works out at an extra £1,680. So call it £14,500. Then at the end of the three years, I have to give the car back with nothing to show for it. Except maybe a bill for the scuffs on the alloys, the dinks in the door, the inevitable upholstery stain.
So these cars are not an extravagance. At best, they are cost neutral. At worst, they maybe cost a little more. But here's the rub. I'd rather poke my eyes out than drive a poxy E220CDI SE in resale black over hideous black vinyl with silver trims, big wheels, rock hard suspension...
Edit: I'd still have to buy tyres and at least one service on the modern, as well.
Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 16th June 11:07
With an E220cdi you would look like you were mini-cabbing, sorry “executive mini-cabbing...”
r129sl said:
moustache said:
Keep coming back to your threads, they really do something for me that newer cars don't.
The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
Audis were a big thing in my childhood. My dad's fortunes changed in 1987 and he replaced our utterly knackered Fiat Panda with an Audi 80 Sport (B2), then an Audi 80 1.8E (B3), then an Audi 100 2.8E (C4) and finally an Audi A6 2.6 (also a C4). Happy days.The money you spend on your cars makes me feel less guilty about spending money on my Saab 9-5 Aero. With these old cars, you always have a niggle in the back of your mind that you're throwing money away as the car is old and not worth the effort. Then you read about people ACTUALLY throwing money away on two year lease deals and realise that £500 to replace some key components is actually worth it and far less than what most would be spending.
Your cars take me back to my childhood and my dads Audi 100 2.3 5cylinder saloon, and the simplicity of its fabric interior and wheel trims but still a feeling of utter refinement and bullet proof quality.
I think my attitude to these cars makes sense. I think it is the cheapest way for me to motor well without taking safety and reliability risks and without cutting back on pleasure. I don't know what I have spent on this 190. Maybe £7,000 all told, including its purchase and various consumables. It will do 15,000miles a year for us. They will all be pleasurable miles. It is a really special car, which we will enjoy using more than any affordable modern. Next year I might spend £1,500 on it; likewise the year after. It will always be worth £2,500 on our imaginary balance sheet.
By comparison, last week I was sent a leasing proposal for a brand new Mercedes E220 CDI SE Auto. The total cost over three years was £12,750. But I would only be permitted 8,000miles per annum. Up the mileage and the costs go up quite significantly: at 8p per mile, the extra 21,000miles over three years works out at an extra £1,680. So call it £14,500. Then at the end of the three years, I have to give the car back with nothing to show for it. Except maybe a bill for the scuffs on the alloys, the dinks in the door, the inevitable upholstery stain.
So these cars are not an extravagance. At best, they are cost neutral. At worst, they maybe cost a little more. But here's the rub. I'd rather poke my eyes out than drive a poxy E220CDI SE in resale black over hideous black vinyl with silver trims, big wheels, rock hard suspension...
Edit: I'd still have to buy tyres and at least one service on the modern, as well.
Edited by r129sl on Tuesday 16th June 11:07
The whole idea that they could be cost neutral makes them a throw away item which I have a massive problem with. I am the sort of person who likes to look after what he has already, take shoes for example. I bought a £175 pair of shoes to wear for work (as a teacher), safe in the knowledge that they would 'last' and be supremely comfortable. I would happily have the company completely resole them (hand made and British) at a cost of £90 when the time comes (not for a long while yet) rather than go out and spend less than that on a cheap pair.
Perhaps not a great analogy, but I feel that when it comes to emissions and how much CO2 my car pumps out I can at least feel happy knowing that I don't own a new car which probably used a LOT more CO2 in its production, not to mention, water, etc etc...
...I am definitely rambling and boring people now so I'll pipe down.
A nice little Ebay purchase. In Aller Welt was the title of Mercedes' in house magazine and what an excellent publication it was. Issue 181 (1/1983) was concerned with the launch of the 190.
By now the mag was in its 28th year. It continued until about 1990, I'm not sure, then was got rid of and replaced with that toilet paper they sent out to customers. It used to be a genuinely interesting and very high quality production, mainly concerned with interesting places in the world (this issue has reports from Valle d'Aosta, Trinidad, Salvador da Bahia, the Bergisches Land in Germany, Cyprus and Jordan). Not much about cars, really, but little bits of Mercedes appear in the photographs such as this one (from the Cyprus article). Another marker of how good and high quality Mercedes-Benz used to be but no longer is. Presumably today's "E-Newsletter" contains advice on how to beat the queue at the roundabout by the retail park, perhaps by blasting down the right hand lane before aggressively pushing in at the last minute.
It's a dull day at my office when something car-related is neither purchased nor received from Ebay.
By now the mag was in its 28th year. It continued until about 1990, I'm not sure, then was got rid of and replaced with that toilet paper they sent out to customers. It used to be a genuinely interesting and very high quality production, mainly concerned with interesting places in the world (this issue has reports from Valle d'Aosta, Trinidad, Salvador da Bahia, the Bergisches Land in Germany, Cyprus and Jordan). Not much about cars, really, but little bits of Mercedes appear in the photographs such as this one (from the Cyprus article). Another marker of how good and high quality Mercedes-Benz used to be but no longer is. Presumably today's "E-Newsletter" contains advice on how to beat the queue at the roundabout by the retail park, perhaps by blasting down the right hand lane before aggressively pushing in at the last minute.
It's a dull day at my office when something car-related is neither purchased nor received from Ebay.
Just for you CdeG: buy your own here. Cheapest part in the thread.
http://www.harveynichols.com/323781-relish-girls-c...
http://www.harveynichols.com/323781-relish-girls-c...
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