I was wondering about this because I have heard of "dancing" fuel gauges and oil pressure gauges on 80s Mercedes. My old 1985 380SE had a "dancing" oil pressure needle and occasionally the fuel gauge needle would "flicker".

Well, I did not realize it until today, but my 190D does NOT do this. I did not know if it was a difference between gas/diesel models or not. The fuel gauge stays smooth and steady, the oil pressure gauge moves smoothly and at low idle, engine fully warm, it sets still at 1.2 bar- no bouncing. My car was a well-maintained, well cared for car and still fairly low mileage, so that may account for some of it. I have also heard of lighting problems, but I have not been able to find no lights on my car that does not work - inside or out. Also I have heard of poor lighting issues on dash clusters of 80s Mercedes, but mine seems fine and better than those on my old 380SE.

Also, my car is a 1984, but it has a factory 3rd rear brake light. Most cars did not get this until 1986. Was it optional or standard on the 1984 Mercedes 190s? It was not listed on the factory invoice. My 1985 Mercedes 380SE did not have the 3rd brake light.

Also, my 190D has the "standing" lights for both the right and left side. I do not recall my old 380SE having it for both sides, but I may be wrong. Do the 84-85 S-Class have standing lights for both sides?

Lastly my 190D has "delay" interior lighting. When I shut either of the front doors, the front interior light stays on for about 5-10 seconds. My 1985 380SE did not have this feature. Strange a 1984 190D has it (a $23K car when new), but a 1985 380SE (a $44K car when new) does not, unless mine was on the fritz on my old 380.