Like many classic car enthusiasts, the thrill of the hunt is almost as exciting as the potential prize itself. Recently, my search led me to a listing that seemed almost too good to be true: a 190d Mercedes Benz with a compelling backstory and an even more attractive price tag. The initial phone call was promising, painting a picture of a well-maintained vehicle with a history as rich as its potential.
The owner, a widow, explained the 190D was her late husband’s pride and joy. He used it for his daily commute, a significant 60-mile round trip on the highway. This detail immediately spoke to the car’s reliability and likely highway mileage, something crucial for a diesel engine known for its longevity when properly maintained. She recounted purchasing it as a birthday gift for him from its original owner, further suggesting a lineage of care. Parked in the garage for the past two years following her husband’s passing, the 190D had been resting, awaiting a new caretaker.
To ensure its roadworthiness before selling, the owner had taken the initiative to have it inspected by a local Mercedes-Benz repair shop – the same trusted mechanics I myself rely on for my own classic 380SE. The mechanic’s verdict was reassuring: the car was in perfect running order, aside from a detached AC compressor component. This professional pre-sale inspection offered a significant layer of confidence.
An iconic Mercedes-Benz 190D, showcasing its timeless design and robust build quality, a sought-after model for classic car enthusiasts.
Adding to the allure, the owner mentioned the car is somewhat hidden and not in the most fashionable color, potentially explaining the reasonable $1800 asking price. While she seemed firm on the price, the absence of rust – a common enemy of classic cars – coupled with minor hail damage (which she readily disclosed) felt like acceptable trade-offs. The hail damage, a shared experience from a May 2002 storm, even added a touch of local character to the vehicle’s story.
The only slight concern raised was the mention of smoke upon startup, attributed to the car’s two-year period of inactivity. While some initial smoke is not uncommon in diesel engines, especially after periods of rest, the type and persistence of the smoke will be crucial to evaluate. My hope is that it’s merely temporary black smoke, a common occurrence, and not indicative of more serious issues like a head gasket problem. However, the mechanic’s inspection should ideally have flagged any significant head gasket issues, especially if the car was driven to and from the shop.
This leads to questions about potential issues and what to look for during an inspection. If a head gasket were compromised, would there be telltale signs like coolant in the oil? And how should the transmission feel in a 190D compared to my 380SE? My 380SE’s transmission shifts firmly, particularly from first to second gear. Should I anticipate a similar feel in the 190D, or perhaps even firmer shifts given its different engineering?
Tomorrow afternoon, I’m scheduled to see this 190D Mercedes Benz in person. The prospect of adding a diesel Mercedes to the garage, even a “baby Benz” like the 190D, is undeniably exciting. If the car lives up to its promising description, it might just be the next classic Mercedes to join the stable.
