I figured I'd go ahead and make a thread for my European spec 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16.
After owning an '89 190E 2.6 when I lived in Germany, as well as having several other W201s in the family, I knew I'd get another some day.
I'd have honestly brought back my 2.6, but we had given that to a relative who drove it to bit and sold it off (still trying to find out what happened to it, if it's still out there in Germany somewhere) before I could do anything about it.
So when I moved back to the states in 2009, I started my search for a 190E, considering even an automatic 2.3/2.6 and doing a manual transmission swap. But I had always wanted a 16 valve, so I figured that's what I would shoot for.
I also set one of my requirements that it be a European spec for the higher output and more unique options. Time went on and I eventually picked up my Euro-spec 500SE (which I still have) in 2011, which temporarily quelled my desire for a 190 seeing as I couldn't find anything good.
Fast-forward two years later to the spring of 2013 when I came across a FS ad over on 190Rev from someone who is well known for selling examples of 16 valves ranging in various conditions. This one happened to be a 1985, Smoke Silver, motor freshly redone, and only sporting 88K miles or so (actual mileage is in the pictures, I've just lost track). The reason for the rebuild at such a low-mileage is that the car sat for a good 15-20 years, having last been legally registered in 1990, and probably last moved under its own power later in that decade. The price was right, and so was the car. So I reached out to the seller and started the process, asking for any and all pictures!
Seeing the photos of the rebuild for the motor really helped solidify that in terms of the motor, I wouldn't have anything to worry about for a long time! After much deliberation and research and looking for other cars, I finally made on offer that was accepted. This was the first time I bought a car without ever actually seeing it, but thanks to text messaging and email, I was able to get detailed photos of everything that was amiss (it's all cosmetic that I still need to sort). Knowing also the the seller came recommended by just about everyone who knew him, further eased any concerns I had. The seller included a crack-free dash free of charge that was wrapped up and stashed in the trunk for me to swap on once it got to me. Couldn't have asked for a better person to buy this car from, honestly. He'll still get me things as I need them or look for them.
It left California for Texas on June 21, 2013. The driver of the transporter called me just about every evening to give me a progress report on how close he was. He was delivering an R107 to someone in Florida, I believe, so mine wasn't the only Mercedes he had on the back.
On the 25th of June, 2013, I had a buddy take me to the Wal-Mart off one of the big loops in San Antonio to pick up the car! Had to do it that way, because where I live further north, the driver would've had a hard time maneuvering around to drop the car off, especially in my neighborhood.
After signing all the paperwork to confirm delivery, I texted the seller and let him know everything went smoothly. From there, I got in my dream car and drove off to meet my buddy who took me to pick it up at a place to get some food in celebration of my new acquisition! Granted, it only makes 185hp being hamstrung by CIS-E, but it was hands down the most fun I've had in a car in a very long time. I knew I'd be enjoying this car every step of the way.
Here are some photos after I got it registered and tagged the next day:
He's by no means a perfect car, but I wanted something I could jump in and drive while I pretty it back up.
Big things is getting some dents out and repaint. Car was painted before, but years in the cali sun toasted the clear on most things. Mechanically the car needs nothing and I've stayed on top of maintenance.
I'll continue with more stuff I've done with it and photos later! I'm off to dream land now. Just wanted to start the introductory post!
After owning an '89 190E 2.6 when I lived in Germany, as well as having several other W201s in the family, I knew I'd get another some day.
I'd have honestly brought back my 2.6, but we had given that to a relative who drove it to bit and sold it off (still trying to find out what happened to it, if it's still out there in Germany somewhere) before I could do anything about it.
So when I moved back to the states in 2009, I started my search for a 190E, considering even an automatic 2.3/2.6 and doing a manual transmission swap. But I had always wanted a 16 valve, so I figured that's what I would shoot for.
I also set one of my requirements that it be a European spec for the higher output and more unique options. Time went on and I eventually picked up my Euro-spec 500SE (which I still have) in 2011, which temporarily quelled my desire for a 190 seeing as I couldn't find anything good.
Fast-forward two years later to the spring of 2013 when I came across a FS ad over on 190Rev from someone who is well known for selling examples of 16 valves ranging in various conditions. This one happened to be a 1985, Smoke Silver, motor freshly redone, and only sporting 88K miles or so (actual mileage is in the pictures, I've just lost track). The reason for the rebuild at such a low-mileage is that the car sat for a good 15-20 years, having last been legally registered in 1990, and probably last moved under its own power later in that decade. The price was right, and so was the car. So I reached out to the seller and started the process, asking for any and all pictures!
Seeing the photos of the rebuild for the motor really helped solidify that in terms of the motor, I wouldn't have anything to worry about for a long time! After much deliberation and research and looking for other cars, I finally made on offer that was accepted. This was the first time I bought a car without ever actually seeing it, but thanks to text messaging and email, I was able to get detailed photos of everything that was amiss (it's all cosmetic that I still need to sort). Knowing also the the seller came recommended by just about everyone who knew him, further eased any concerns I had. The seller included a crack-free dash free of charge that was wrapped up and stashed in the trunk for me to swap on once it got to me. Couldn't have asked for a better person to buy this car from, honestly. He'll still get me things as I need them or look for them.
It left California for Texas on June 21, 2013. The driver of the transporter called me just about every evening to give me a progress report on how close he was. He was delivering an R107 to someone in Florida, I believe, so mine wasn't the only Mercedes he had on the back.
On the 25th of June, 2013, I had a buddy take me to the Wal-Mart off one of the big loops in San Antonio to pick up the car! Had to do it that way, because where I live further north, the driver would've had a hard time maneuvering around to drop the car off, especially in my neighborhood.
After signing all the paperwork to confirm delivery, I texted the seller and let him know everything went smoothly. From there, I got in my dream car and drove off to meet my buddy who took me to pick it up at a place to get some food in celebration of my new acquisition! Granted, it only makes 185hp being hamstrung by CIS-E, but it was hands down the most fun I've had in a car in a very long time. I knew I'd be enjoying this car every step of the way.
Here are some photos after I got it registered and tagged the next day:
He's by no means a perfect car, but I wanted something I could jump in and drive while I pretty it back up.
Big things is getting some dents out and repaint. Car was painted before, but years in the cali sun toasted the clear on most things. Mechanically the car needs nothing and I've stayed on top of maintenance.
I'll continue with more stuff I've done with it and photos later! I'm off to dream land now. Just wanted to start the introductory post!