1985 Mercedes 190D 2.2L Diesel & Manual Transmission EVERY SERVICE RECORD!

1985 Mercedes 190D DIESEL and MANUAL Transmission

I purchased this SINGLE OWNER Mercedes 190D last week to learn how to drive a manual transmission. After a quick lesson, I’ve decided to stick with the automatic transmission :). The lady purchased it new in 1985 and drove it until a few years ago when she began to scale back her use as she aged. She purchased the car here in Raleigh, NC at the local Mercedes dealer. It now has approximately 209,000 miles, but I have every service record since new!

The Body

The paint is not in the best condition and needs some serious buffing, or to ultimately be repainted if you wish to make this a collector’s item. The sides of the car are pretty good, but it has dulled overall and could use some love. The hood and trunk, in particular, need a little work. The only large flaw with the body is the dent in the back of the trunk. The car hasn't been in a wreck, but a branch fell on the trunk lid a year ago. You can see the dent in the trunk, but it still shuts completely fine. The panel gaps weren't significantly affected. I have felt the dent on the inside of the trunk and planned on getting it popped if I were to keep the car. The paint did break in the center of the dent and would need to be touched up. In the meantime, I have filled it with wax to combat the rust.

Upon request (eBay limits my number of photos), I can send pictures of the floor boards from underneath along with the rest of the car. There are no major rust issues with this vehicle and I haven't seen any rust at all underneath the car. There are only a few small places of surface rust underneath the rear doors. Again, I will send pictures upon request. I am very meticulous about my cars, and this didn't bother me at all.

The Drivetrain/ Suspension

This car is equipped with the 2.2L Diesel Mercedes engine. I have linked a video of the car running, where I rev the engine a couple times. The cold start probably needs to be adjusted as it starts, but takes one or two pulls. Once warm (as shown in the video) the car starts without hesitation and sounds great. This was the first diesel car I’ve owned, and I really enjoyed how easily it starts for an older vehicle. Video of car running: https://youtu.be/Ec9R3qJwYXE

The manual transmission goes into all the gears with ease and doesn't grind at all. There is a “spring-gate” to prevent downshifting to gears 1 or 2 too quickly. This takes a little getting used to, but the transmission glides without an issue.

The car drives fine on the highway and doesn't pull to one side or wobble. The suspension is fine for an older vehicle and doesn't feel worn out. The steering is okay, but I would recommend having the front-end gone through to tighten up steering (your preference). The steering isn't terribly loose but is noticeable.

Maintenance

I have all the service records since new! This car was well taken care of and serviced regularly. The oil was changed every 5,000 miles. Also, the majority of the service was performed at Leith Mercedes here in Raleigh, NC. It is very neat to see the service records evolve over the 32-year life of this vehicle, as they move from handwritten to typed. The clutch was replaced a few years ago, and I estimate it probably has about 70% life left. All fluids were changed at the proper intervals.

Accessories/ Interior

The interior is in fantastic condition! All the leather is plush and not cracking. I was very impressed with the interior when I purchased this vehicle. There are only two pretty visible issues with the interior: the dash is cracked and the driver's seat has one little hose and a little, torn patch (see photos, not that bad). Sometimes a spring will poke through the hole, but it can be easily fixed (this is only an issue for larger fellows). The leather panels on the doors are all in great shape, but a few are peeling slightly by the top. This is not a very noticeable issue (see photos). The headliner is in great shape!

I have included the original owners manual, all original booklets, and one original key. The electric locks work just fine. The glove box opens and closes without an issue. All the exterior lights work fine, and every gauge works on the dash. Also, every light/ warning works on the dash (there is no check engine/ ABS light illuminated). Every window and the sunroof work, except for the rear right window. The spare tire and jack are included in the trunk (which is very roomy!). Original first aid kit is included!

What needs to be done:

I have changed the oil since I bought it. The brakes need to be bleed (they stop fine, just spongy), and I imagine the pads are pretty worn. Additionally, the tires are very low on tread and should be replaced. The blower motor works, but there is an A/C leak which needs to be fixed to recharge the A/C. The radio system works, but the electric antenna doesn't extend, so it needs to be replaced.

I’m sure there are various other minor issues with this vehicle, but aside from my few days it is one owner and runs/ drives great. I am very satisfied with the condition of the vehicle and strongly considered keeping it, but I’m not quite ready for a classic car. I appreciate you looking at this ad, and please reach out with any questions!