Mercedes-Benz Problems

IT CERTAINLY is a low-mileage example and I trust it is in good condition. If so, there are several ways of selling it. You could advertise it in a specialist magazine such as Just World Cars, or approach a Mercedes-Benz club directly. In fact, I would suggest you do both. Depending on the condition, you could get up to $9000.

THOSE Mercedes had a body that gave good crash protection, but your sons would be safer in more modern cars with airbags.

YOU can have it serviced by any of the above. The Mercedes dealer will do the service by the book and most likely charge the most, but you'll feel pampered. The European car specialist will also service it by the book and charge less, but you probably won't be pampered by the service staff. Often these specialists are former employees of dealerships who have branched out on their own so they're fully trained and experienced. In this case, look for someone who specialises in Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, your mechanic may have no problem servicing your car, but if he's an all-rounder, he may not have specialist knowledge. That said, if you feel comfortable that he is a competent mechanic, and you trust him, stick with him.

THE 380SL is a classic sports cruiser and yours sounds a very nice example. In good original condition, a 380SL gets about $40,000 on the collector market, and in average condition about $10,000 less.

THE warning light is indicating there is a problem with the ABS. I would strongly recommend you have it checked by a Mercedes specialist. The brakes will still work, but you will not have the benefit of the ABS. To check the function of the ABS, apply the brakes hard to the point of lockup. If the brakes lock and the wheels skid, the ABS is not operating. If you can feel a pulsing through the pedal, the system is working. Either way, have the ABS checked.

PULP is the best fuel for the W201 190E. It has the required octane for that engine, which would have been developed to run on the old leaded super. The Australian Institute of Petroleum says you should use an additive, but the Merc has an alloy cylinder head with cast-iron valve seat inserts that have probably been hardened. which means you could safely run it without an additive.

IF IT has been running on Optimax for quite some time and hasn't burnt valves then I would recommend you stick with an unleaded fuel. It is generally recommended that all Mercedes-Benz cars before July 1976 should use either LRP while it is available, or unleaded with an upper cylinder lubricant, but if your car is running fine on unleaded, I suggest you stick with it.

CARS 15 years or more old can be imported without complying with the Australian Design Rules that applied at the time of manufacture. It's a loophole to allow enthusiasts to bring in classic and historic cars. Unfortunately, it has opened the door for people to import commercial quantities of cars that don't fit the definition of a classic car. Try a Mercedes-Benz specialist for details of the 190e. The loophole is being closed.