I always wanted to own a Mercedes-Benz 190E at some point. My affection for the car was sparked by playing hours of Gran Turismo and racing the sacred 2.5-16 Evolution II around the Nürburgring. 

Whether it was the base or Cosworth version, I just had to own one to say I had done so.

Once the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic was over and people could socialise a bit more, I purchased mine and immediately started customising it.

LETTER | How my journey to owning a Mercedes-Benz 190E became a dream come true

I had air ride suspension fitted and, after that, a set of 16-inch OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Audi 500e alloy wheels. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the time to get the car to where I wanted and it became largely forgotten. The decision was then made to post the vehicle for sale, and after quite a few chancers were shown the door, an interesting swap deal came about – the 190E for a 1996 Volkswagen Mk3 Golf GTS fitted with the revered long block (2E engine) 2.0-litre 8-valve. 

At a crossroads 

It was refreshing to know that the buyer was someone who had been in the Stance scene for quite some time. Fabian Petersen is a member of the ResiStance Society and owns a Mercedes-Benz – a W124 fitted with air suspension. He was in the market for a bagged Mercedes-Benz so he and his son could drive together – one with the Baby Benz and the other with the bigger Benz. The swap deal was considered and, after inspecting the vehicle, papers changed hands and that was that.

VW Golf MK3 GTS

News24 Robin Classen

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Fortunately for me, most of the upgrades to the car that I would have done were already in place – such as fitting a VR6 front spoiler, a JOM coilover suspension kit, LED headlight bulbs and 15-inch alloy wheels. 

I don’t know what it is with me and finding cars with immaculate interiors, but the Golf is in great condition, considering its age. Other than that, the car just needs a fresh coat of paint and a few maintenance items. 

The car has never been put on the dyno, so there are no official power figures. However, it’s had a few performance upgrades, including a 276 camshaft, an AUG short ratio gearbox with FFZ final drive and a stainless branch with full Powerflow exhaust. Finally, the engine runs on an aftermarket management system due to a dyno tune. Future upgrades include the fitment of throttle bodies, rear disc brakes sourced from a VR6 and a full respray.

VW Golf MK3 GTS

News24 Robin Classen

Why the change? 

There’s no denying the cool factor that comes with a car whose ride height setting can be adjusted at the touch of a button – not to mention the “swoosh” as the air from the tank is released. The only downside to owning such an older and less-seen car is that some parts often cost a pretty penny or are challenging to source.

Another thing is that many people consider the 190E a classic and will only buy one that’s in or near its original form.

The Golf, on the other hand – although only three years younger than the 190E – is much easier to maintain due to VW’s wide spares availability. The objective is to maintain and improve the German hatch, and if anyone wants to throw decent money at it, it too will be waving its goodbye. Fortunately, or unfortunately, most material things in life have a price.  

Having the extra speed on tap makes the driving experience more exciting, although speed cameras become the next problem to worry about. The burble of the higher lifting camshaft also attracts wannabe robot racers who want to see who’s the fastest.

Image: Robin Classen

News24 Robin Classen

It might not be a “vrr-pha”, but I can now say that I also own a Golf.

At the same time, I know the 190E is in good hands and I’ve already seen it modelled on social media at various events across Cape Town. I’m eager to see what the new owner has in store for the Baby Benz and, for me, a template of what could have been if I had a bit more patience.