Mercedes 190D Diesel 5 Speed Manual

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190-Series Description

I purchased this vehicle about 3 years ago with roughly 150K miles on it from the original owner who appears to have bought it from Smyth European in San Jose. I have used it to commute to work ever since (70 miles round trip). It patters along at 65 mph without complaint, doesn’t smoke, and gets 44 mpg. The 5 link suspension and manual transmission are smooth. Don’t take it drag racing. You will loose.
I found a mechanic who specializes in German makes and loves the car. It is amusing to see it in his shop among $120K Carrera 4s’. David has helped me kept up on repairs; both proactive and reactive. Some highlights include:
Replace glow plugs and glow plug relayReplace water pumpRepair ignition switchReplace engine mountReplace oil pressure sensorNew tires about a year ago (never rotated yet very even wear)
He thinks it unwise to sell; but says the car is “straight and clean”, referring to its lack of accidents.
I’m sure I’m missing repairs, but he says everything will be listed on Carfax.
Some notable issues include:
Dent in left front fender (it was there when I purchased it)Cracked dash and loose switches in dash that control sunroof and rear defrost (I have a replacement dash that will be included)Right rear window does not roll downAC blew cold air when purchased but not now. I don't use it so don't know when it stopped working. I haven’t tried to charge it.Power antenna doesn’t workPaint is showing wear in a few places (trunk and above driver side doors)Driver’s seat sags a bit compared to passengerShort crack in windshieldIt has an old aftermarket radio. Quite the throwback. Works fine.Sunroof worked when last used, but the switch has popped loose of the dash so I haven't fiddled with it for quite a while.Cracked parking / running lights
It is of an age that exempts it from smog inspections. Insurance and registration fees are low.
I change the oil and filter myself every 5k using full synthetic. Takes about 15 minutes. No need to add oil between oil changes. I change the fuel filter every 15k. I have a few extra filters, a Yakima roof rack that came with it when purchased (I never put it on so can’t vouch for its condition), and a few other odds and ends I will include (as well as the replacement dash mentioned above).
It is a 30+ year old car with a lot of “character”. I’m trying to be as thorough and disclose everything I can think of; but will most certainly not catch everything.
Referred to as “The D”, the 190D has become a bit of an icon among friends and co-workers. We are parting ways because I have a new role with my employer and need to occasionally drive customers and partners here and there. Sadly, I need something a bit more “conventional” and don’t want an extra car. Sigh....
In addition to the photos associated with this posting, you can see a video and hear it run on youtube.
https://youtu.be/AG2J4RGIczM My sincere apologies for the nauseating camera work...
I don’t know anything about shipping a car; but am open to facilitating within reason.