What to look for in buying a 190 SL

Hi,

I've been toying with idea of purchasing a 190 SL. I haven't done very much research yet, so please excuse my ignorance.

What years are the "best" ? (I know that's a fairly relative term).

What are the problem areas for this particular model?

I want something that's a daily driver, mechanically very good, cosmetically ok, and the interior could be somewhat shabby.

What sort of perfomance are we looking at?

I also had in mind a BMW 2002 and a Alfa GTV (2 litre), but I love Mercedes!!

This is what I had in mind:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=596127357&r=0&t=0&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebaylargephotohosting

Any other comments and suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[Jim Villers]

You need to drive a 190SL in order to figure out if it will meet your expectations. They are a fifty's car and more of a touring car than an agle fast sports car that you might imagin. As a daily driver, you might prefer a car with air conditioning, a better heater, efficient widshield wipers and water tight construction. Then again you might be a motorcycle rider.

With all of that said, they are an enjoyable car to drive, that will easily maintain todays Interstate speeds and are always "noticed".

There is a "buyers tips" thread on the 190SL Group Forum that you might check out. http://190slgroup.com/

Thanks Jim,

I had the chance to visit that site briefly and ran across some pictures of "Pea Soup". I love that color and it's a neat car, it's the one that really sparked my interest.

I'll do some more poking around, per your recommendations.

I'm no stranger to older cars having owned a '50 Packard and some late 60's American classics in the last 10-12 years. I was fortunate to have parents who loved (and still do) quirky cars, so as a kid I drove Saab 99s, Datsun 280Zs, Fiat Spyders and some Alfa Graduates. Unfortunately, I've only driven the newer MB's such as the W126, 124 and 140.

Do you know of any 190SL owners in the southern Wisconsin area by chance? I'm somewhat interested in the 280SL, but like the 190SL design much more.

Thanks again,

[Jim Villers]

You sound like a quirky type of guy like myself. I bought my 230SL to be my "daily driver" but it just didn't seem right to drive it on an ugly, cold and rainy day. My 16 valve is now my daily driver and I gave my Acura to my son. The 280SL is nice and "much closer to modern car" than a 190SL; but the 190SL people are nicer and the 190SL Group is special. "Pea Soup" belongs to Robby Ackerman who is a frequent poster on these boards.

There are a number of Group members close to "southern Wisconsin" (if Minneapolis or Chicago is close). Check the "Directors" page for names and addresses.

[Ed Richardson]

Body rust is a big problem. Take a magnet and check the body to see how much is steel and how much bondo. Otherwise they are pretty straight forward and most parts still available. Ed

I was just reading about the 190SL rust issues -- floor pans, battery area etc. This is still fresh in my mind, since my buddy down in FL enlisted my help in tracking down a suitable Porsche 356. (He finally settled on a 912, but that's another story).
Many of them had major rust repairs perfomed, but the use of bondo seemed to be a popular technique-- big no no!

[rmadison]

You mentioned considering a 280SL. Design is not debatable, so if the 190SL is it for you, go for it... but if the car is going to be a driver, then maybe take another look at the 280SL.

I love the 190's and always admire them at shows but the 280SL does have some creature comfort advantages (at least in my opinion). This is due to later technology and design philosophy. The W113 cars were intended to appeal to a wider public and comfort was one of the criteria. (Caution: Rust can be a problem on W113 cars.)

In simple terms, to me the 190SL is more of a "Sports Car" while the 280SL is a "Sporty Car" (if that makes any sense.) I can't really speak with great authority here since I have never driven a 190SL. I have spoken to people who own both cars and this is what they say.

I also believe that parts and maintenance for the later car is easier and less costly (but not cheap by any means).

Good luck with your decision and your search.
Richard M

[bstreep]

If you are in Southern Wisconsin, you might look up Sam McReady at Eurocars in Madison. Do understand that Sam is mainly a "used parts" kind of guy, but he does occasionally have a good driver around. http://userpages.itis.com/eurocars/

Thanks Bill,

I ran across his site the other day (his web site happens to hosted by my former employer).

He's only about 25 mins from me, when I get some time, I'll make an app't to see what he has. Pharmacy school is taking a front seat to my unending passion for MB's (and various other cars of my liking) at this point...

Cheers

I love the 190 SL, but it is really apples and oranges to compare it to a 2002 or Alfa GTV. The 190 is a small, 1950s car with a top that goes down. Its brakes and suspension are ancient in design. It's really a car to cruise in on a sunny day. Alfa GTVs and BMW 2002s are worlds more modern than the 190, much more powerful, and can be thrown around corners quite briskly. There are lots of them still racing, and upgrade parts are available from many sources. The problem? The tops don't go down. And that's why I'd go with the 190.
Colin

[Jim Villers]

Different cars are for different purposes. My 190SL is my classic ... great for cruising, rallying and joining in with the 190SL Group. The 230SL is a more modern car, my almost a daily driver, great for driving on nice days with more power than the 190SL. My 190E 2.3-16 is my daily driver and "toy" for autocross and track events; agile, quick and FUN. Understand what you want to do with the car, and then pick the car that will do it well. Try to meet the people and the clubs before committing to a mark. It is the people and sharing experiences as much as the cars.

I can't speak directly for the 190's but having recently emigrated to a W114 from the BMW 2002's I can offer some insight there. Parts are more expensive on the MBs hands down, now if the parts are 10-15 years older than the ones I have to look for....

I've never driven the 190sl but can tell you the 2002 is a ton of fun and easilly upgradable to what ever your taste and or budget allow. just watch for rust. The largest concentration of these cars is in CA mainly cause they don't rot the same there, you can get one in any condition you want there.

However, means aside, I'd rather be behind the wheel of any SL, but I don't push my cars the way I used to.

I like the 190SL hands down, plus there's the potential to see the car do well in the marketplace. I don't see the 2002 or Alfa GTV doing as well.

[bstreep]

I've found the parts for my 190SL to be VERY reasonable, and readily available. If used parts don't bother you, it's down right cheap. While it's been 4 years since I did it, I had the clutch done for less than $400 (with new parts...). As long as you don't bend the chrome or lose a clock...

Keep in mind while looking for bondo that the doors, hood, & trunk are aluminum & and a check with a magnet will not work.
CMW 62 190SL