Here is my little project. I have only started restoring this 1988 W201 190E. First was the old suspension. Next summer the engine. Hope you like it. More pics soon...
All real work started in 2008. My standard W201 was in a very bad state. I didn't want to sell it or rather "give it away for free", so decided to restore it to its previous glory. I have this car since 2005 and got it from Germany ;) As a former W123 owner i just didn't want to let this one go...
I've been collecting some parts for a while to make a start. Decided to go for Borbet A wheel 9x16 inch. Everyone said it's impossible to fit them to 190E, but i just liked the look so much. Next, all bushes and joints were sourced from Bilstein, H&R - 40mm lowering springs, new shocks, etc...
After few days every suspension part was sanded, cleaned, and powder coated. Then new bushes pressed in. In the mean time i started to work on the outside... New clear headlights and corners didn't have Mercedes built quality, but again "the look" won. Will keep old ones - just in case.
I wasn't very happy with the stance... H&R springs lowered the car about 40mm, but there was still a big 30mm gap. I knew that further drop will need some careful adjustments. Rear tires started to rub, so I had to come up with a solution. Did some reading and after long hours on internet, I sourced rear adjustable wishbones from... Thailand and Koni yellow adjustable dampers from old good Germans.
But before that, i was finally able to take it for a spin ;) Have to say, that all mods made a huge change...steering is very sharp, rebound very stiff, cornering lot easier than before. Hmm... comfort is not as bad as some would say.
Ok, time has come finally to sort the suspension out. Whole body had to drop down 30-40mm. Rear shocks were replaced with new yellow Koni. Front received Supersprint strut brace ;). It took me 4 days to polish all 4 wheels. It was a real tought job but well worth it's time. I fitted new set of Toyo Proxes 195/40/16 at the end. This is how the car sits now.
After some more adjustments, i managed to play with my car on the road. I did about 100km with a big smile on my face. It's very, very low and sometimes hard not to hit something under... well that's the way it goes i presume ;) Rear has to go up ca 15mm and i need to lift the exhaust a little...
Ok, time for a small update (August 2010). Exhaust got lifted ca. 15mm, I know it sounds like nothing, but makes a great difference on the road. I found some Sportline springs for rear, but not sure if i want them fitted (H&R behaves great in corners). Biggest change is inside. All interior got washed and cleaned. It took 3 days and some hard to find chemicals & machinery, but was well worth it, again...
For a 22 years old car inside is spotless - almost ;) After that, i couldn't do anything else than clean the engine bay and outside too...
..... more next week - so please be patient - thanks
If you would like to donate any of my projects, you are very welcome!