Users,
Never before have I owned a vehicle which I have anticipated keeping for any length of time. That is until I purchased my 1987 Mercedes 190D. It is just broken in at 150k and is in surprisingly good shape. I have grow quite accustomed to "just using" my S-10, Civic, and Escort in the past, without any obsessive regard for them, as I saw them as disposable cars. However I see an investment in my 190D and would like to treat it as such. I was wondering what essentials should be practiced regularly to ensure that your car treats you as well as you treat it. This pertains to personal care outside of the mechanics garage.

I change the oil religiously every 3000k with a new filter. I check the oil level at each fill. I allow the car to idle for 30 seconds prior to driving it anywhere so it can get the "gurgle" out of the idle and run smoothly. I drive it conservatively. I treat it well. However, how often do you need to: wax, condition the leather, treat weather seals, etc.?

I am a college student with hobbies, obligations, and many outside interests. I am sure there is a balance one can find between complete neglect and caring for a vehicle as a full time hobby (something I have watched neighbors do as I shook my head in disbelief). It is, after all, a means of transportation and no more.

Ultimately: What is the list and protocol for general car upkeep. What products, what procedures, what to avoid.

Thanks!

Bill

 

Hi Bill,

I too share your enthusiasm about the 190 series. My 190 took me to college, my first few jobs, my honeymoon, hardtimes, goodtimes, the late eighties, the entire nineties, most of the two-thousands, and I got it out and drove it to work Thursday. It has in fact broken, needed brakes, and fuel system repair etc in the last 520k miles, but what makes the cars great in my opinion are the following things.One: owners like us.Two: Mercedes maintains an excellent supply chain for repair parts for their older cars, while other companies seem to write-off thier own products after four to six years. Three: The general durability of the vehicle makes it reasonable to keep it for a long time.In my opinion, good 190s will become collector's cars before 2015, because of their style,classic design, and time period. I'm keeping mine.

Engine: keep the oil clean just as you are doing. Do find a good fuel treatment that removes moisture and water from the fuel system; Water in the fuel will completeley ruin the fuel system. Rodent damage has been discovered to be a major problem for wiring in these cars. I keep a few small rat poison pellets in the trunk, near the battery, and near the fuse box to keep critters from chewing on the wires and causing shorts; be aware that other pets are attracted to the pellets so manage them accordingly because they are deadly. Plug any open holes in the underbody.

Paint: I have always used acrylic NUfinish, and my car still looks new after 19 years. I suspect it is because Nufinish doesnt wash off in the rain.

Interior: Keep it out of the sun! Do NOT use any ammonia products, they are chemically incompatable with the materials used.Use carwash soap instead.

Good luck

Blue