1966 190d finback

[halldl]

I've owned a 1959 190 and several 70s and 80s MBs, never a finback, tho I've always admired them. Looking at the above car, engine supposedly rebuilt couple of years ago, automatic trans, not driven regularly, looks to be in one piece with trim intact, etc., no battery, owner says he'll put a battery in and it'll crank and be driveable, talked him down to $600 from $1200. Havent examined it up close or driven it yet, just been driving by it sitting for sale in a driveway for about 18 months and finally called. Want it for a toy, not everyday transportation. Any fatal areas (suspension attachment point rust, etc.) I should look at? I looked at a 1963 finback a year or two ago that ran but was rusted beyond all hope and was a danger to drive in my opinion. Thanks!!

Doug Hall
Currently: 1997 S320

[john m]

Hello Doug Hall
No special areas I am aware of.
I would get a strong flashlight and a hand mirror, use them to get a good look under the car before you buy it.
Feel and smell the engine/transmission oil, thick engine oil is a dummy fix for a worn out engine, odd smell or feel of trans fluid could be addatives.
I would grab the car for myself if I knew where it was.
You are a very sharp buyer to get the price down that much.
I am concerned that it was not driven regularly, it could be like a time bomb waiting to go off. RE: repair cost.

[badali]

Definitely check for rusted rocker panels behind the front wheels. Also around the headlights. Dirt sits on top of the back of the headlight area causing the fenders to rot. If the body is good most mechanical parts are still available. It is not worth allot but I would buy it if it had a good body just because I like them.
Brad

[Tom Hanson]

First thing you also need to figure out is what you actually have. The last year for the 190D was 1965. After that, the 200D came out. Same chassis prefix, different engine designation variant.

[Bill Lamb]

I have owned both a 190Dc and a model 200 (gas) finback sedan over the years. Drove'm until they rotted away. I actually put a 5-main bearing diesel engine in the 200, converting it to a 200D. (My! what a job that was - needed heavier front springs, glow-plug wiring etc).

The diesel engines of those years (OM621 I think) would run about 100K miles before they'ed lose compression and become very hard to start - almost impossible to start in cold weather.

If you're looking to get a diesel of that vintage, make sure the compression is up to par, or you'll need to rebuild the engine.

Bill Lamb.