Merdedes 190 series ?s.

[moparguy]

Mercedes 190 series ?s. (OK, so how do I correct the spelling on my topic title)

I've rejoined the ranks of the employed and am in search of a diesel commuter vehicle (driving about 750 miles per week) and noticed a few 190s on E-Bay. One is a 84, has 275k, 5spd and is advertised as being in good shape, getting 40mpg.



Another is a 87 190Turbo, 2. 5liter 5cyl, with 162k and auto transmission.



Both look attractive and the high mileage in general doesn't scare me, as I've had a lifetime of high mileage vehicles. Other than the climate control problems, anything to be aware of.



5spd or auto transmission?



4cyl, 5cyl or v6? My instintive choice would be a 4 or 5 cyl turbo model with a 5 spd transmission. As my knowledge base increases, I'll hopefully not be asking these basic questions.



I really like the way the little 190's look, and would expect better fuel mileage due to less weight, don't know about ride quality though.



Thanks, Ronnie

 

[Uncle Joe]

Stay away from those years,the engines built after 85 are not as good as the early 616/617.

of course if you like to build a life time relationship with the local m/b service department ,go for it.

BTW:the mechanical parts are very expensive,and most are dealer items.

 

[moparguy]

Uncle Joe, realize that my ignorance on Mercedes has no limit, what would you be shopping for. Given that fuel mileage and low maintenance are prime considerations.



What little I know about these cars I've gleamed from searching and reading this morning on the TDR.



Thanks, Ronnie

 

[Uncle Joe]

Ron,

fair quastion,unfortunaly,the last good body style made was the 126(81-85 300 sd)the later bodys do not have the same quality to them, if i needed a reliable,economical,mantnance free vehecle

my choice whould be a 82-84 300D (123 body) 240D(4 or 5 speed only,stay away from the auto unless you like to be passed by bycecles)or 81-84 300SD(126 body)

stay away from the 85 as they recieved a catalyst for that year(at least in CA,not shur about other states) it was also the last year for the 616/617 engines.

Dont be afraid of the high milage(thats the only way i ever see them)its all too common to find them with well over 300k,the odometer fails when they reach about 150k(the speedo will stil work)so when shpping for a car that the owner claims a particular milage, request full documentation of the milage (repair reciepts,oil change ect) if the those cannot be found chances are it has much higher milage then indicated .

now for the bad news:the cars do have some problems:

1. ac system,the comp is a GM radial(junk) it needs to be replaced frequantly only buy new (never get a reabuilt),do not comvert to r134 it doesnt work (at least on those cars) the climate control componants do fail but are avalable from the after market at decent prices.

2. transmision it is a very good very long lasting unit (it will last close to 500k with proper mantnance),they all develop a 3rd to 4th shift delay/slip if left alone it will last forever,the problem is that at that point the owner will take it in to be rebuilt,onece taken apart & "rebuilt" it will never work properly,I persomaly in over 12 years havnt found any "technician" that can make them work(did i mension that they charge a small fortune for the "rebuild")

moral of the story if it runs leave it alone.

Thats about it,my wrist is cramping up from all the typing... ... if you like more info(like how to get rid of the slush box) feel free to call me @805 732 9635,i will be happy to talk to you... ... ... ... ... ... . joe

 

[77 cafe racer]

Hey MPG



Get a '99 E300 turbodiesel. Perfect car..... fast, torque monster,

great brakes, a transmission that works, and roomie.



I have one with 39000 miles. You can "have" it for only $39,000. 00

 

[swampfox]

190 Mercedes

I have a 1984 with about 150 - 200,000 miles. The odometer had 99999 and didn't work when I bought it. I have the little 4 cly. gas engine. and get about 20-23 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission. The're a great little car, very comfortable, a little slow to get up to 70mph, but once there they'll hold their own on the freeway. As mentioned in a previous post, the AC system is junk. The only other thing that seems to go wrong is the drivers side electric window motor tends to die. I've heard the diesel is gutless but if you can find one with a 16 valve Cogsworth head or a V6. . these are pocket rockets. I'd buy another one in a minute. By the way the're about the same size inside and out as the new 2000-2003 C240s, maybe even a little bigger.

 

[emarsh]

I also was recently re-employed. I drive 95 miles 1 way, times 10, (both ways 5 times a week). Our best "other" car gets 23 MPG, I bought a 03 VW Jetta wagonTDI (DIESEL) 5 speed that gets 50 MPG. I did the math and I save $165 per month over the "other" GAS vehicle. Just ordered a van aken box from Jannety racing. This car is built in Germany and is 5 star crash rated. There are used ones for sale. A great little car for the money. ($19. 5 k new) No reason to wear out one of your favorite cars when you can wear out a commuter car!

 

[moparguy]

Thanks for the replys guys.

Uncle Joe, a sincere thank you for all the typing. I've made a note of your number and as I continue to consider the possibilities I may take you up on your offer.



Cafe Racer, sounds like what I'd like to have, let me get back to you on that offer .



Swampfox, is your car a 190? I'vie been led to believe they usually delivered on the road mileage in the 30s, sometimes high 30s.



Of course, as we all know from countless discussions about our trucks, mileage can be all over the board with seeming identical vehicles.



Thanks, Ronnie