Mercedes 190 - Base Model

[BorniteIdentity]

I have just become the proud new owner of this wonderful ‘base spec’ Mercedes 190. I have previous with both old Mercedes (w201,202 and 124) and with entry level models (I own what is believed to be the only remaining Ford Sierra Base with iconic grey grille in the UK). This Car appeared on the fantastic ‘smoker barge’ thread and I couldn’t put a deposit on it fast enough.

I should be up front; it’s not completely bone stock. Whilst it’s carburettor powered with no sunroof, no electric windows, no ABS,,no arm rest, no....err... nothing - it does have astral silver metallic at cost of DM1080. The Becker Europa radio is a welcome addition, as my Sierra has no such frivolities within, but is suitably mated to a manual antenna.

Ah yes. The Deutschmark thing. Whilst this car was sold in the UK, it was purchased via NATO cars to a Lt. Col, Stephens who was posted at the Hannover Telecommunications Office. The purchase price is confirmed as DM32,380 on the purchase order from Mercedes Benz Diplomatic Sales of Piccadilly, London.

The car has been extensively looked after. It left the dealer network when it got to 16 years old and there’s an A4 folder full of correspondence between England, Germany and Customs - along with various government leaflets about export and import plus reams of receipts.

The car has all three keys and is in superb condition. In fact, it’s caused me a real dilemma. The plan was to just use it as intended and bang up and down the A1 100 miles a day. But, in complete honesty, it is far too good for this. I paid £1450 for the car with 13 months MOT and I’m not sure I could replace it for twice that amount. With sensible miles (90,000) it really needs to be on a classic policy with an agreed value.

It drives superbly, better than any vehicle I’ve owned in the last 10 years. The last service, in summer 2017, runs over three sheets of A4 in detail and cost £600. Shortly afterwards there was £250 worth of work including a new water pump. It would appear that no expense has been spared.

I’m over the moon. I know the poverty spec won’t appeal to the ‘cozzeh evoh’ types, but it does very much to me. Base specification cars are cars YOU drive, and without the distraction of toys you find that you DRIVE.

Have some photos below.

[BorniteIdentity]

Hmm. Still limiting images to 2mb like it’s 1998 I see.



I will come back to this thread once I’m at a laptop.

Edited by BorniteIdentity on Sunday 7th January 15:34

[BorniteIdentity]

Thank you for the positive vibes so far. This morning, the car completed its first 100 mile round trip and behaved impeccably. The notion that these cars aren't fit for modern commutes, and can't keep up with traffic, is frankly ridiculous. 105 horses is the same as a 1.6 Astra/Focus that people wouldn't think twice about bombing around long distance in - often with half of the love this car has enjoyed.

I plan on writing in good detail about the car. Survivors like this (and my Sierra) deserve to have their story told and be well documented; for my records, for anyone in the future and for anyone who happens across the car and wants to know more. You'll have to bear with me a bit though as I'm double shifting for the foreseeable and Flickr/PH dictates the use of a proper computer rather than a mobile device.

IMG_3558 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

IMG_3560 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

IMG_3557 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

IMG_3594 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

IMG_3596 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

The folder of history is full - and by that I mean there's no more space for anything else. I'm going to transfer it into a box file - and separate off the MOTs from the Reciepts from the import papers and the original bills of sale/order forms.

I was saddened to read a few minutes ago that the original owner, Lt Col Stephens died 4 years ago at the age of 89. It would appear that the car was only sold after his death in 2014 - so this vehicle loyally served him as he did us for many years (25 years). The 190 was then owned for 18 months by Mr Doji of Witham after that, before being bought by Mr French who I bought the car from last week. He purchased it in summer 2017, planning to keep the vehicle long term before being posted to Gibraltar working with the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

On the matter of the GB sticker - I did agree at first. However, things like this (and the very smart seat repair with a complimenting red leather) are all part of the car's story. I'm loathed to remove all of it, and am a bit nervous that it could end up being a difficult and regrettable job. So, for the time being at least, it stays.

Thanks very much for your interest in the car. As soon as things start warming up a bit I will treat it to an oil change (it's only been 4,000 miles since a full service) and start to get to grips with what's what.

Edited by BorniteIdentity on Tuesday 9th January 15:01

[BorniteIdentity]

I do love this little car.

It suits where we live and where we like to go. It reflects who I am, and never looks out of place. This week it's looked completely at home at a funeral, in a pub car park, at the supermarket and at work. I've done nearly 1000 miles since I collected it and it's been flawless.

There is precious little to do other than drive it. I will investigate underseal options once the winter is over and the car has had a chance to properly dry out, and there is the tiniest amount of paint work to attend to.

[BorniteIdentity]

Very little to report on the Mercedes 190. It is absolutely bob on. In fact, I feel guilty because - in a better market with a fruitier advert - it would have been a lot more money.

All I’ve done so far is wash it, wax it and drive it. Oh - and remove that GB sticker which spoilt the back end immeasurably.

I feel guilty subjecting it to the hostility of the A1 and M25 each day, so am using another ‘winter beater’ to take the brunt of the commute. If the weather is decent, I don’t hesitate to grab the keys and use it for the 100 miles - it does the job with such aplomb.

My Mercedes 190. by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

My Mercedes 190 by Bornite Identity, on Flickr

Edited by BorniteIdentity on Monday 19th February 09:57

[BorniteIdentity]

gareth_r said:

BorniteIdentity said:

..I was saddened to read a few minutes ago that the original owner, Lt Col Stephens died 4 years ago at the age of 89...

Did you find his obituary in the Royal Corps of Signals magazine?

I think I found an obituary on the local newspaper via Google - and then read something more official, but can’t remember now. My memory is like a sieve; worrying for a man of 35 (!)

[BorniteIdentity]

That’s wonderful, thanks very much. As I suspected, he bought this car shortly before retiring - taking advantage of the discount scheme available to military personnel.

It’s a shame that he is no longer around, but it’s a credit to his care and commitment that it looks better than many cars half its age.