It was a typical Friday night for a car enthusiast. While a house party pulsed with music and chatter, I found solace in the garage, wrenching on a BMW. The company of a few friends and the gleam of polished car parts were a welcome escape from the college revelry. That’s when Cory Hutchison and Rodney Nichols walked in, drawn by the activity and the shared language of car passion. Little did I know, this chance encounter would not only forge lasting friendships but also spark an unexpected automotive transformation.
Cory and Rodney, a duo brimming with humor and authenticity, quickly became close friends. Our initial bond was built on shared automotive interests, though their passion leaned towards Hondas, specifically Preludes, while mine gravitated towards BMWs. Yet, even then, I had a hunch things would evolve. As the evening drew to a close, I extended an invitation for a weekend wrenching session, jokingly adding, “Mark my words… if you hang around here long enough, I’ll have you guys in BMWs before you know it.”
Fast forward, and Cory and Rodney are indeed among my closest friends. And while my BMW prediction wasn’t entirely accurate, it was close. Rodney, after parting ways with his BMW E23 735i, found himself drawn to a Mercedes-Benz 190e. While technically not a BMW, this European classic, in my book, was a victory nonetheless.
The Honda Devotee’s Detour to a Benz 190E
Rodney’s automotive journey was deeply rooted in Hondas. His love for cars was paralleled by his passion for street bikes, particularly Hondas. For years, a Honda CBR motorcycle shared garage space with his 2nd-gen Prelude and his fiancée’s 5th-gen Prelude. “I think I’d have to sell the car before I’d sell the bike,” he once confessed, echoing the sentiment of many motorcycle enthusiasts who understand the unique thrill of two wheels. However, to our collective surprise, Rodney listed his beloved CBR for sale. The reasons remained vague – perhaps for another bike, car funds, or life’s necessities.
The world of online classifieds, especially for affordable motorcycles, is often a melting pot of characters. Lowball offers and bizarre trade proposals are commonplace. Amidst the noise, a peculiar offer emerged: a trade for a grey market Mercedes Benz 190e. The description wasn’t flattering – barely running, faded paint, and an odd fiberglassed front end from a larger Benz model. Intrigue piqued, Rodney decided to investigate, and I was equally excited by the prospect.
Unveiling the Diamond in the Rough 190E
A red Mercedes 190e arrived at my house, and its initial impression was… striking, in a challenging way. The grafted front end protruded awkwardly, and the once-red paint had surrendered to time, fading to a cloudy pink reminiscent of sun-bleached soda cans. The engine sputtered and struggled, a clear sign of issues with its obscure diaphragm-based injection system – a system as foreign to Rodney, a Chevy technician, as Mandarin. Yet, beneath the surface flaws, Rodney sensed potential.
Beneath the faded paint, an original Zender body kit, seemingly untouched, adorned a remarkably straight body, free of major dents or damage. Inside, beneath tattered upholstery, lay a set of original Recaro seats, paired with a desirable euro-spec dogleg manual transmission. A rare D&W steering wheel and shift knob, likely original to the car, added to the allure. Even the cloth houndstooth doorcards, framing manual roll-up windows, hinted at a unique specification. This 190E possessed the coveted features that Mercedes enthusiasts dream of discovering, seemingly falling into Rodney’s lap. However, realizing its full potential would be a journey of dedication and elbow grease.
Restoration and Refinement of the Benz 190E
Rodney embarked on a mission to revive the faded glory of the 190E’s paint. He dedicated countless hours to buffing and polishing, becoming a paint correction expert in the process. Without constant care, the paint would quickly revert to its lackluster state, but Rodney’s persistence kept it gleaming. Sourcing European-spec headlights from overseas and a pristine hood from a local junkyard, Rodney and Cory undertook a DIY respray in a woodworking shop. The result was surprisingly perfect, seamlessly blending with the original paint. The 190E was beginning to resemble its former, Mercedes-intended self.
With the bodywork addressed, Rodney turned his attention to the engine’s ailments, ordering a stream of parts from eBay to restore its smooth operation. Once the mechanical issues were resolved, the Benz transitioned into daily driver duty, reliably transporting Rodney on his hour-long commute to and from the Chevy dealership.
For wheels, Rodney chose a set of 17×8 and 17×9 split rims, reminiscent of the iconic “AMG Hammer” Aeros. Wrapped in 205/40 and 215/40 Falken 512 tires, the Krone wheels nestled perfectly within the 190E’s squared arches. To achieve the desired stance, Rodney engineered custom strut mounts, combined with bespoke springs and struts, balancing aesthetics with ride quality. With these final touches, the 190E was show-ready, and it undeniably turned heads wherever it went.
From Show Car to Future Icon
Since its transformation, Rodney has driven his once-struggling Benz 190E across the East Coast, from SoWo to H2Oi, racking up significant mileage. Meanwhile, his beloved Prelude, a former source of pride, awaits reassembly after a paint job initiated almost a year prior. Its future, and the fate of its sold-off wheels, remains uncertain. While Rodney’s Honda chapter is far from closed, his Mercedes 190E journey continues, with a driveline swap topping his list of future enhancements. The most rewarding aspect of this story is witnessing Rodney, a man of steadfast convictions, embrace the unexpected and venture into unfamiliar automotive territory. When we first met, the idea of him owning an iconic 80s German sports sedan seemed improbable. Now, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to lend a wrench to the next chapter of this remarkable Benz 190E build.
