Spartan Mercedes 190 (w201)
Discussion
There has been an amazing amount of progress over the last 24 hours. The car is completely stripped and there is no rot anywhere. I've posted up a bunch of photographs below which show the usual trouble spots: inner wings, jacking points, front bumper attachment points, sills, rear light apertures, windscreen surround, and there is absolutely nothing to see by way of trouble.
The wings have been off before (the little masking tape tags holding in the locking nut backs are a giveaway), but it is not clear when.
The front screen is coming out to be replaced with new as it is fairly chipped and scratched. The rear screen is coming out but will be put back in as it is in good order and the defrosters work. The theory is it will be done next week.
These pictures show the front end. This is usually a total mess. The bumper bracket here is hardly touched by corrosion, however.
The sills and jacking points likewise are just a bit dirty, no rust at all. Incidentally, I think the sill covers on the 190 offer far greater protection than those on the 124.
This wheel arch had had a poor filler repair but happily it all came out. There is no rust so it has been re-repaired and flash-primed. I watched this being made up and was quite impressed.
The offside door jamb has also come good with relative ease. Just the nearside to do now. At least the doors don't have to come off.
Finally, I love these little discoveries. The bumper plainly was manufactured on 18 January 1990 and I got the colour right for the Saccos.
The wings have been off before (the little masking tape tags holding in the locking nut backs are a giveaway), but it is not clear when.
The front screen is coming out to be replaced with new as it is fairly chipped and scratched. The rear screen is coming out but will be put back in as it is in good order and the defrosters work. The theory is it will be done next week.
These pictures show the front end. This is usually a total mess. The bumper bracket here is hardly touched by corrosion, however.
The sills and jacking points likewise are just a bit dirty, no rust at all. Incidentally, I think the sill covers on the 190 offer far greater protection than those on the 124.
This wheel arch had had a poor filler repair but happily it all came out. There is no rust so it has been re-repaired and flash-primed. I watched this being made up and was quite impressed.
The offside door jamb has also come good with relative ease. Just the nearside to do now. At least the doors don't have to come off.
Finally, I love these little discoveries. The bumper plainly was manufactured on 18 January 1990 and I got the colour right for the Saccos.
I think I have that taxi brochure, I have a few. I love the colour! Taxi spec 190s are 623B: that means the Saccos are Light Ivory as well, not Safari Beige like my car. If I succumb to a modern (driving down to the Dordogne I started questioning the wisdom of relying on my 124, especially when the air con failed to show up for duty), I might see if I can special order a 212 in Light Ivory.
Anyway, more progress. Rust proofing the inside of the wings, trial fit, and rear screen out.
Anyway, more progress. Rust proofing the inside of the wings, trial fit, and rear screen out.
Finished and collected today. No chance to photograph it properly as I had to take it straight to MB Newcastle where it is having a big service. Oil and filter, air filter, coolant, automatic transmission fluid and filter, power steering fluid and filter, poly-vee belt and tensioner, new discs and pads all round. By my book, that will make it as close to a new car as it is possible to get.
I am going to fit summer tyres. It was supplied on Pirelli P6s; although I almost always go for Michelins or Continentals, I am thinking about putting Pirellis on it again, either Cinturato P1s or Cinturato P6s. But they're crap, aren't they? Here it is in the body man's yard. There is a bit of fiddling to be done yet. I have to fit a new model designation; the aerial grommet has a crack in it; and the GPS antenna needs re-siting (again).
I am going to fit summer tyres. It was supplied on Pirelli P6s; although I almost always go for Michelins or Continentals, I am thinking about putting Pirellis on it again, either Cinturato P1s or Cinturato P6s. But they're crap, aren't they? Here it is in the body man's yard. There is a bit of fiddling to be done yet. I have to fit a new model designation; the aerial grommet has a crack in it; and the GPS antenna needs re-siting (again).
Thanks, BI.
I have been a bit slack with updates. I have been busy and the weather has been less than ideal for photos.
It had a full service at MB Newcastle. All consumables replaced: oil and filter, transmission fluid and filter, coolant, power steering fluid and filter, brake fluid, poly-vee belt and tensioner, discs and pads all round. I need to do the plugs, but otherwise it has been base-lined. They were very complimentary about the car. As well they might, given the magnitude of the bill (£1,400 for the tally keeper). But given the unblemished supplying-dealer service history, I think it is right to keep it in the dealer network at least once a year.
We're just using it now. It gives 29mpg in ordinary commuting, some of it very heavily trafficked, some open road. I obtained some new-old-stock genuine rubber mats (£20) for the rear footwells to lessen the impact of small children back there. Otherwise, in the best possible way, there is nothing to report. It looks and feels like a brand new car. I have given the paint job the full Chemical Guys treatment so one sunny evening I will take it out and take some pictures of the finished article for you.
I have been a bit slack with updates. I have been busy and the weather has been less than ideal for photos.
It had a full service at MB Newcastle. All consumables replaced: oil and filter, transmission fluid and filter, coolant, power steering fluid and filter, brake fluid, poly-vee belt and tensioner, discs and pads all round. I need to do the plugs, but otherwise it has been base-lined. They were very complimentary about the car. As well they might, given the magnitude of the bill (£1,400 for the tally keeper). But given the unblemished supplying-dealer service history, I think it is right to keep it in the dealer network at least once a year.
We're just using it now. It gives 29mpg in ordinary commuting, some of it very heavily trafficked, some open road. I obtained some new-old-stock genuine rubber mats (£20) for the rear footwells to lessen the impact of small children back there. Otherwise, in the best possible way, there is nothing to report. It looks and feels like a brand new car. I have given the paint job the full Chemical Guys treatment so one sunny evening I will take it out and take some pictures of the finished article for you.
I have obtained a set of 4 Bosch H7DC spark plugs for £10 and am intending to fit these later today if I have the chance. That completes the service items.
I am also in the process of obtaining summer wheels and tyres. Barry of Barry's Tyres in Gateshead has obtained some Coninental Premium Contact 5s for me and will fit them for £60 each. However, I don't know whether to get alloys or steels. Brand new from the dealer, there is nothing in it. Steels are £77.50 plus VAT, alloys £87 plus VAT. I love the 15 hole alloys but this car is a Spartan and I think it would be better on steels. It seems I have made a decision.
I am also in the process of obtaining summer wheels and tyres. Barry of Barry's Tyres in Gateshead has obtained some Coninental Premium Contact 5s for me and will fit them for £60 each. However, I don't know whether to get alloys or steels. Brand new from the dealer, there is nothing in it. Steels are £77.50 plus VAT, alloys £87 plus VAT. I love the 15 hole alloys but this car is a Spartan and I think it would be better on steels. It seems I have made a decision.
I changed the plugs at the weekend (new Bosch H7DC plugs were £10 for four). Boy was that easy. Great access and there didn't seem to be much risk of cross-threading at all. The old plugs were nice and clean albeit the electrodes were starting to wear. It feels a little bit crisper. I noticed that the warm air pipe between the top of the exhaust manifold and the inlet tube is broken in several places, so I shall order a new one (£37) and wrestle with it next weekend. The new steel wheels should arrive this week, too. I will be interested to have it on new summer tyres.
dbdb said:
They do look good - so lovely and new! I am envious that you can still buy the correct size tyres!
What is the advantage of new wheels? Do the wheels themselves deteriorate?
Having new tyres is a marvellous feeling. I'm planning to put some on my car since the tyres are now a bit too old in my view, but need to go up to 16" wheels unfortunately. It is the disadvantage of an unusual size.
Why new wheels? I switch between summer and winter tyres and it is easier to switch sets of wheels than it is to mount and dismount tyres, nothing more than that.What is the advantage of new wheels? Do the wheels themselves deteriorate?
Having new tyres is a marvellous feeling. I'm planning to put some on my car since the tyres are now a bit too old in my view, but need to go up to 16" wheels unfortunately. It is the disadvantage of an unusual size.
The great thing about the small wheels is how cheap tyres are: £48 each for good uns. And I can't see this car eating them up in a hurry.
I'm really at a loss now as to what else to do with this car. I would still like a cover for the rear seat. And I have a lead on a new old stock 70L fuel tank, so you never know, I might find some excuse to spend money.
EJH said:
sc0tt said:
You need dealer plates!
Looks great.
Any idea who can do, what appear to be period-specific, dealer plates? I'm after some for my 911, if possible.Looks great.
Sorry to take o/t!
On top of the Toon (Bainbridge's car park) last night. I can remember parking here when I was three years' old in my dad's E21 320. It just whizzes past.
Then fitting new wheels and tyres. A brief tootle to the garden centre this morning and it feels lovely, much more supple than on the winters.
Edited by r129sl on Saturday 13th June 13:42
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
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.
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
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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