In anticipation of an upcoming annual safety inspection (diesel, no emissions!!) in the midst of a recent rear break job (new discs, parking break shoes, break pads, two, used calipers) that necessitated a trip to NAPA (rotors, $12!!) I found myself pulling alongside a nicely kept, red 190E with a tan interior. Going into the store, I looked around to see who the customer/owner might be. I was surprised when the only other customer was a seasoned citizen, looking for a windshield washer reservoir cap.
Of course, NAPA didn’t have such a part, and as I was on my way next to the nearest dealer, Trans-Atlantic Motors (rear break pad pins - $4 each and break pad springs - $6 each – Ouch!!) I struck up a conversation with this lady, and offered to see if the needed part was in stock in the parts department. (I figured it was only a $30 part!)
Her name was Ruby, and she has been the only owner since she bought the car in 1987 when she was only 76 years old. That’s right! She is 92 years old, and had just run out to NAPA to get a part for her car.
She was sharp-eyed, quick-witted, moving around good, and her car was dent-free. She told me that only repair she ever had done was when she replaced the complete A/C last spring before it got too hot. (She read it in the Farmer’s Almanac, and knew it was going to be a hot summer.)
I got the part, dropped it at her house the next day ($2.25 for the part!!) had a great hour shooting the breeze with her, and I expect to see her around town.
Is driving a Mercedes-Benz the key to a longer life? I take the whole experience to be that not only is driving a Mercedes-Benz an all-around great experience, but it could also contribute to a long life.
P.S. Just kidding about the A/C. Hers doesn’t work, either!!

Well, there actually is something about Mercedes.

I'm working on a story about a 300 TD Station Wagon with 750 tkm on the clock. One owner: a cloister. Only driver: One nun.

When I asked her: "Did you do all the kilometers?" She answered: "Yes, it was my job. But I also drove our VW Microvan"

She went from Cologne to Rome straight, starting at four in the morning and getting there around eight at night.

They had a W 115 Station wagon conversion by Binz before that car, and before that car they had a Ponton Binz.

The W 123 Station Wagon had a complete service history. Five books altogether.

Kind regards
Eberhard

I will be looking for your story Eberhard. I mainly am interested in what her daily cargo was. Cologne from Cologne for the Pope?

No, not the Cologne.

This convent has several houses around germany where they take care of old people.

They were regularly visiting these houses.

Kind regards
Eberhard

The w201 190's are one of the most fun to drive Mercedes, so I think it might be the sercert to long life ..if your havin FUN!!

How do you like the Turbo 190D benzgirl ??I like the louvers on the front fenders. I want to get a set of my 190 16v.