I have been seriously considering the purchase of one of two '63 190 sedans lately. I love the 110 chassis for it's clean looks and have always wanted one. Now that my beloved W116 300SD's body is beginning to deteriorate beyond reasonable repair, I need to start looking for another cool daily driver. One of these 190s is a diesel (which will probably be my first choice between the two) and the other is the gasoline powered equivalent. I'd like to put one of these very vintage MBs through it's paces during everyday use and see how well it will still withstand the usage. If anybody out there has any ownership insight to offer on these models, please feel free to share it with me, as I'm thinking that this particular diesel 190 should be purchased and put away till the time comes to say goodbye to the SD (of course, I'll probably wind up sticking the SD behind the stable, as I don't think I could bear to see it go to the breaker yard!)


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

Owned several W110.110 200D models. Boy were they slow!! Install a 190E motor/trans & it would be a nice ride. The chassis is one of the strongest uni-bodies ever made. & there are lots of good used cheap parts avail.

I know of a 63' 190c that has been for sale in N.Alabama for a little while. I have talked with the people about it over the phone. I have also seen pictures and the car looks really nice. They said it needed a few things(wiper motor,carpet,etc)but no rust underneath and a straight body with decent paint. The seats and dash look nice as well. The car was bought new by this guys uncle in Germany. He was in the military and had it shipped back when he came home. The car has spent it's life in Alabama and has all records for repairs. What I really liked about it was that it had a factory sunroof! They were asking $2800 for the car but would negotiate. I can find the contact info. if you need it.

The chassis under those cars is one where M/B established their reputation after WWII. The diesels are so slow it is comical and, in today's traffic they are probably dangerous. A good 190 gas can be fun to drive; not fast but at least entertaining. One thing I remember, though, is that they were very sensitive to cross-winds. Try to find one that has been greased regularly, otherwise you are in for a front end rebuild. Not difficult, but it might be somewhat costly.

Well, I found out that the diesel one has been sold, but I spoke to the fellow with the gasoline one. Here's what he told me:

Originally took delivery of it in Germany and drove it all through Europe (documanted in maintenance booklet). Brought it back (port of entry was New York) and drove it cross country to California which is where it has been ever since. A new engine was put in around 25 years ago and it runs strongly and the tranny (4-speed on the column) shifts great. The body is completely rust free and is in great shape. It's white with red MB-Tex interior which is also in great shape. A few things needed on the car: Front and rear MB star logos, rear brake shoes and hoses, clutch slave cylinder, possibly new tires, and to make it perfect, a fresh coat of paint. Otherwise, he said it's a hoot to drive (although slow) and would make a cool runner. He's asking $2,900 which seems reasonable to me considering I'm not going to actually retire my 300SD for at least a couple more years so I can fix the 190 up in the meantime. My only problem is taking delivery of the car. I'd perfer to fly out there and drive it back (I've done it this way with just about all of my cars), but I just don't have the time to do it. So I'll be calling some carriers this week to find out about shipping from San Fran to Cleveland. BTW, anyone out in the SF area care to have a look at this car for me? I'd be happy to compensate you for your time. Thanks fellas for the replies!!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo