1985 Mercedes-Benz 190-Series

Sedan

2.3L 4 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Manual

WDBDA24CXFF087473

Gasoline

You are bidding on a pristine example of a rare manual transmission model of the first year Mercedes Benz entered the compact car field. I purchased this car from the original owner by way of his next-door neighbor. The original owner bought the car in Leesburg, FL, and I have never seen better maintenance records. He even changed the brake fluid every two years religiously, just because M-B recommended it. Unfortunately, the original owner drove the car in 5th gear around town, so he routinely paid the dealership to de-carbon the heads at great expense. The 60,000 mile service came to over $3500 at the dealer, and when the water pump went out shortly thereafter, the local dealer here in Fort Walton quoted $930 for the repair! That' when he decided a Volvo might be cheaper to own. They would only allow him $1900 in trade (this is in 2009), so the neighbor took him out of the car for that amount, repaired the water pump, replaced the battery, and drove the little car to church on Sundays. I came across it when he complained to me his wife wanted the car out of the garage so her Honda could stay dry. I have enjoyed the car as an alternate daily driver, putting about 20,000 miles on it over two years. Maintenance items include new brakes and disks (the calipers were fine), new U-joints, new ball joints in the front suspension, a new gearshift boot, addition of heavy duty cocoa fiber mats all around, replacing the exhaust manifold and putting new Yokohama tires on (last two since April this year). The body is straight, with only minor dings typical of parking lot rash, none of which how up in the photos. I had the dark brown pinstripe re-done, and polished the original non-metallic ivory paint to what you see. The car was garaged until I came to own it. Though it sits outside, I routinely wash, polish and wax it, so it appears as new. Note there are no cracks on the dash; the interior is in immaculate condition for a 26-year-old car. Everything works, except the cassette player on the Becker AM/FM radio, and the electric motors on the front seat headrests. Equipment includes power steering, power brakes, A/C, cruise, electric radio antenna, electric sunroof, electric seat adjust for both front seats, power mirror (right hand - left hand is manual), vacuum operated door locks. The only fault with the upholstery besides the sagging nets on the back of the front seats and minor flaws in the M-B Tex vinyl caused by pet claws is the door panels. The vinyl is pulling away from the backing panel where it meets the window trim. Driver door is the worst, but the other doors are showing wear. Local upholstery shops have not come up with a solution. It is a minor detraction from an otherwise beautiful car. People sometimes call this the Baby Benz, and even the M-B engineers laugh at how the car was over-engineered from the start. The rear suspension, for example is a 5-Link affair that is actually more complex than the larger Benzes in 1985. The 4-cylinder 2.3L overhead cam four cylinder engine is very smooth and strong. When you are behind the wheel, looking at the three-pointed star ahead, you can be convinced you are in a much larger car. The faster you go, the better this car likes it. Note the photo of the panel at speed - at 100km/h (about 63 mph), in fifth gear, the engine is only pulling about 2100 rpm. The car is absolutely stable and a joy to drive at autobahn (i.e., illegal) speeds. I would trust this car to take me anywhere tomorrow, with no fuss, so bid with confidence, and plan on driving it home, if you like. Ask away with any questions, and I'll try to respond promptly. No reserve on this beauty, so someone is going to drive away with a fun, affordable classic ride; might as well be you. Terms: $500 deposit due within 48 hours of end of auction via PayPal; remainder payable via cashiers check or cash, unless other arrangements have been made. Buyer responsible for transport.