RE: Mercedes marks 40 years of the 190
Discussion
Turbobanana said:
Near launch date, the design team went out for a celebratory lunch.
Everyone chose the bratwurst, except Peter Pfeiffer who picked a peck of pickled pepper.
Made me laugh whilst not on mute during a boring Teams meeting, thanks Everyone chose the bratwurst, except Peter Pfeiffer who picked a peck of pickled pepper.
Edited by Turbobanana on Wednesday 23 November 09:20
blue al said:
Sadly looks like it's been snapped up 
Twice in the mid 80’s the question arose . A new 3 series or a 190 . Each time I finally went for the BMW as it was “ sportier “ and a wider range was available. The 190 had an older person’s image but you could appreciate the depth of quality . As time passed and I got older the 190’s appeal grew for me which sort of validated my initial thoughts .
Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
blue al said:
Deposit taken! It’s funny how ‘unexceptional’ cars are now becoming exceptional!
Callum43 said:
Twice in the mid 80’s the question arose . A new 3 series or a 190 . Each time I finally went for the BMW as it was “ sportier “ and a wider range was available. The 190 had an older person’s image but you could appreciate the depth of quality . As time passed and I got older the 190’s appeal grew for me which sort of validated my initial thoughts .
Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
I find the perception of cars really interesting, and I've always associated BMW as being more sporty and Mercedes for the more older person as well. Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
I was in my local Merc dealer sat waiting for my car last week, and I was the youngest in there by far...and I'm 50 next year! So there is definitely some truth regarding the perception I reckon.
A nicely written article and I respect the enthusiasm these attract.
But I’ve never seen the appeal. I remember looking at these in 1983 with my Dad and thinking they looked really cheap next to the proper Mercs and thinking that buying one was just the height of pretension as they were slow and jokingly under spec’d for the money.
But I’ve never seen the appeal. I remember looking at these in 1983 with my Dad and thinking they looked really cheap next to the proper Mercs and thinking that buying one was just the height of pretension as they were slow and jokingly under spec’d for the money.
Oso said:
A nicely written article and I respect the enthusiasm these attract.
But I’ve never seen the appeal. I remember looking at these in 1983 with my Dad and thinking they looked really cheap next to the proper Mercs and thinking that buying one was just the height of pretension as they were slow and jokingly under spec’d for the money.
Under spec‘d? Look at the rear axle. Very high spec!But I’ve never seen the appeal. I remember looking at these in 1983 with my Dad and thinking they looked really cheap next to the proper Mercs and thinking that buying one was just the height of pretension as they were slow and jokingly under spec’d for the money.
So the 190E and 3 series were very very expensive at the time , you were getting golf/escort sized interiors with a really poor standard specification. I guess that's why the majority of company car user choosers took SD1s, Granadas, Carltons etc , much bigger much higher spec etc . I suppose if your company car is to last 2-3 years do you care its built to last 40 years ? The other issue was the UK was not the same as today , people were not obsessed with perceived image , that came later with the advent of PCPs .
cerb4.5lee said:
Callum43 said:
Twice in the mid 80’s the question arose . A new 3 series or a 190 . Each time I finally went for the BMW as it was “ sportier “ and a wider range was available. The 190 had an older person’s image but you could appreciate the depth of quality . As time passed and I got older the 190’s appeal grew for me which sort of validated my initial thoughts .
Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
I find the perception of cars really interesting, and I've always associated BMW as being more sporty and Mercedes for the more older person as well. Now when I see a good example of both I think I could still live with either of them as everyday transport . Fine cars.
I was in my local Merc dealer sat waiting for my car last week, and I was the youngest in there by far...and I'm 50 next year! So there is definitely some truth regarding the perception I reckon.
Could explain why M-Bs seem so appallingly driven, a lot of the time. The new Volvo-driver...
Perceptions/stereotypes are psychologically fascinating.
Had a few over the years, and all were purchased at way less than £1k.
First one was a 1992 190E 2.0 Auto in Astral Silver, then a 1984 190 Carb 2.0 Auto in Moss Green, followed by a Black 190D 2.5 Auto, which was slow from the offset but cruised happily once up to motorway speeds and finally a White 190E 1.8 Manual.
The Auto boxes definitely suit the normal versions better, as the manual I find to be a bit notchy on them.
But if I had the chance to own a 2.3 / 2.5 Cosworth, it would have to be the dog leg manual.
Talking of the 16v, I almost bought one for £600 back in 2005. Was about to leave to pick it up and the guy ended up selling it to his work colleague. That car would be almost £20k today!
These things were solidly built and well engineered. I love my E30s, but I would say for sure these are higher quality than they are. E30s are more fun to drive, the 190 is smoother and more refined.
Quirks like the ribbed rear lights so that parts of them are still visible even when covered in dirt, the excellent turning circle, the immense sound deadening and comfortable seats make them a master piece of their time. Even at 40 years old, they feel robust and rarely have rattles or creaks from the cabin.
The beginning of the golden era for Mercedes-Benz - W129, W126, R129, W124, W140 are all in the category IMO. To be fair, even in the 50s, 60s, 70s,, their cars were superbly engineered.
First one was a 1992 190E 2.0 Auto in Astral Silver, then a 1984 190 Carb 2.0 Auto in Moss Green, followed by a Black 190D 2.5 Auto, which was slow from the offset but cruised happily once up to motorway speeds and finally a White 190E 1.8 Manual.
The Auto boxes definitely suit the normal versions better, as the manual I find to be a bit notchy on them.
But if I had the chance to own a 2.3 / 2.5 Cosworth, it would have to be the dog leg manual.
Talking of the 16v, I almost bought one for £600 back in 2005. Was about to leave to pick it up and the guy ended up selling it to his work colleague. That car would be almost £20k today!
These things were solidly built and well engineered. I love my E30s, but I would say for sure these are higher quality than they are. E30s are more fun to drive, the 190 is smoother and more refined.
Quirks like the ribbed rear lights so that parts of them are still visible even when covered in dirt, the excellent turning circle, the immense sound deadening and comfortable seats make them a master piece of their time. Even at 40 years old, they feel robust and rarely have rattles or creaks from the cabin.
The beginning of the golden era for Mercedes-Benz - W129, W126, R129, W124, W140 are all in the category IMO. To be fair, even in the 50s, 60s, 70s,, their cars were superbly engineered.
I had the same experience with my Dad in 1986. After a lifetime of British co cars (last of which was a V8 SD1) he wantes something German. So he tried a 190E 2.6 and a 325i Sport. He bought the BMW as it was sportier.
On another note - remember Senna in the all F1 star line up at Nurburgring in 1984 (before he was that well known)? F1 drivers all competing in the same cars, would love to see that now!
https://petrolicious.com/articles/reliving-a-uniqu...
On another note - remember Senna in the all F1 star line up at Nurburgring in 1984 (before he was that well known)? F1 drivers all competing in the same cars, would love to see that now!
https://petrolicious.com/articles/reliving-a-uniqu...
Rostyle said:
So the 190E and 3 series were very very expensive at the time , you were getting golf/escort sized interiors with a really poor standard specification. I guess that's why the majority of company car user choosers took SD1s, Granadas, Carltons etc , much bigger much higher spec etc . I suppose if your company car is to last 2-3 years do you care its built to last 40 years ? The other issue was the UK was not the same as today , people were not obsessed with perceived image , that came later with the advent of PCPs .
Yes - even a modestly-specced 190 was Granada Scorpio dough.I knew the beancounter at M-B Brentford and he usually got a 190 2,6 as a 'pool' car. That was very nicely-specced being a demonstrator, but I dread to think what its list price was!
The fiat-money bubble did mean that people changed quite rapidly in their aspirations and it wasn't very long thereafter that the mass-market people gave up on executive-segment cars entirely.
The W201 was superbly over-engineered in its day - especially that rather delicate rear suspension. The world is far too cynical a place for that to happen today.
I now think the W124 is a more timeless design. But I preferred the W201 look at the time - almost a 'cute' S-Klasse. Funny how things change.
I remember these being launched and the disgust that 'proper' Mercedes drivers heaped on their brand being downgraded to a small car. My dad had a 3-series (E21 320i) at the time, his brother had a Merc 'E' and was disgusted that his premium brand were sinking down to the level of BMW and their cheap cars.
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