My Mercedes W201 190D - Build Thread - [Pic Heavy]

[Mickey Mayo]

Loving the motor. Can you tell me where you got your springs from and what way did you type it into the German eBay? My brother has one of these and wants it lowered a bit more than 40mm

 

[Stuu]

Loving the motor. Can you tell me where you got your springs from and what way did you type it into the German eBay? My brother has one of these and wants it lowered a bit more than 40mm

Thanks lad!

I got the german translation for springs then added 'w201' in the search. I found 60mm ones for a reasonable price and emailed the seller (who spoke English) if he would send them over to NI. Once I got them I sent them to Eurosprings and they compressed them an extra 30/40mm (can't remember the exact amount!)

 

[Mickey Mayo]

Brilliant thanks!

 

[cauld1]

Thanks lad!

I got the german translation for springs then added 'w201' in the search. I found 60mm ones for a reasonable price and emailed the seller (who spoke English) if he would send them over to NI. Once I got them I sent them to Eurosprings and they compressed them an extra 30/40mm (can't remember the exact amount!)

Very handy information to know! In the process of saving up for bits for my e28 I managed to find myself with a bog standard 2 litre 190e which needs lowered a bit!

 

[Stuu]

Very handy information to know! In the process of saving up for bits for my e28 I managed to find myself with a bog standard 2 litre 190e which needs lowered a bit!

Yeah, I didn't want to go the usual route and cut the springs (which most people do when it comes to old Mercs). I think the total cost of the springs (including compressing them) was like £170 which isn't that bad and they are surprisingly comfy!

 

[cauld1]

Good stuff, did you change the shocks at the same time? I'd been reading up about needing to change the standard shocks if you lower the car by more than 40mm but is there any truth to this?

 

[Stuu]

Good stuff, did you change the shocks at the same time? I'd been reading up about needing to change the standard shocks if you lower the car by more than 40mm but is there any truth to this?

I haven't changed them yet but I plan to. The standard shocks will work fine but they won't last as long with the shorter springs in them. I had a 190E a few years ago and had to change the standard shocks after a year of driving it lowered.

 

[martybelfastsri]

looking awsome!

 

[davey21]

love that merc seriously nice motor mate credit to you.

 

[Arfur]

Why haven't I read this thread before now?!!!!!!
Stuu the merc rocks!! Excellent work!

 

[Stuu]

I decided to bring the car out of storage a few weeks back and got some small updates done. (It also passed MOT today)

The parcel shelf was all faded and looked manky, so I took it out and sprayed it matt black and upgraded the rear speakers as well:

I had bother getting a universal remote central locking kit to work correctly so I decided to bite the bullet and buy a proper W201 specific RCL kit which was plug and play.
It was more expensive but it's a great job and was very easy to fit! (Sorry no pics of fitting it).

I'm having rubbing issues on the rears, so I'm in the process of getting custom camber arms made which should solve the issue!
There are also a few stone chips and marks (I'm picky) so the car is going to the sprayer this week to get all the wee minor bits sorted.

All comments welcome and more updates to come soon!

 

[Stuu]

Thought I'd revive this as there is a happy ending (or I guess a happy continuation) of my w201 story.

I sold the car in 2015 but regretted it big time so luckily I was able to buy it off the same owner a few years later. Unfortunately it wasn't dry stored in the winter, the paint had faded and the car was in a pretty sorry condition:

After buying it back, I stored it for a few years then this year I decided to get my finger out and get it back in prime condition. I dont have a lot of photos but the following was done:

• New plastic fuel tank as the old metal one was leaking
• Alloys professional refurbished ( thanks to Michael @polishingalloys )
• Usual servicing + new key barrel
• Restored the leather on the seats

The main issue was the paint so in it went for its second respray in 10 years:

....The finished result!

I'll keep this thread updated with any changes/plans as I dont plan on selling it anytime soon

 

[Todd]

That’s cool as!

 

[Jonny_W]

Yes on absolutely everything!!

 

[martybelfastsri]

these have aged wee rember my dads green 190d hated it at the time but i have a soft spot for them now ...kitted they look great

 

[ossy2004]

Stunning

 

[Mont]

Lovely!

 

[Blackie]

Stunning looking big thing!

 

[Lyons]

Tremendous

 

[Boydie]

That is class - only thing I would maybe consider would be a black grill?? would tie in well with the rest of the black on the car but I am also thinking it may take away some originality

 

[ilovequo]

Cool machine, lovely to get it bought back!

 

[Marc C]

Stunning car. Had my eye on them for a few years and regret not getting one sooner with the price of them now!

 

[r16vka]

@Stuu Dude someone on the dubshed thread linked me to here. I got a few rolling shots of your car on the way back from dubshed

Going back over your build thread, is it still on springs? Sits really nice on the move

 

[Boydie]

@Stuu after 6+ months how has the leather repair held up? I am starting to notice some cracks in my leather from my large ass getting in and out on the bolster so wouldn't mind getting a repair done before its too late