190 16v

[shorty]

Hey All

After a conversation with a friend im thinking I might get one of these , and would like any advise from owners .

Id be looking at getting an earlier 2.3 , circa 1986 reasons are because it will qualify as a classic in less than 3 years .

Was there a timing chain issue with this 2.3 engine ?

What problems should I look for , or expect on these cars ?

 

[Dieselman]

The 2.3 only has a single row timing chain so they do wear quickly.

 

[shorty]

Okay , cheers I remember reading something about the timing chain .

Is it a standard type timing chain , would it be a simple enough replacement , and the signs of ware be apparent

 

[John Jones Jr]

Your number one concern is rust.

 

[martyz]

Your number one concern is rust.

+1^
To find a really sound one is a mission,don't be fooled by nice bodywork,the menace lurks underneath.

 

[mabz]

I have one currently which is up for sale and have owned one before and when people say these rust they mean it. Most if not all have it so be prepared to spend out mate but still they are one of the best mercs for me,

 

[shorty]

I was expecting rust to be a problem , it always is especially with MB's .

I can do most rust repairs myself and I was expecting to respray any car I buy considering it will only cost me for materials .

 

[martyz]

I was expecting rust to be a problem , it always is especially with MB's .

I can do most rust repairs myself and I was expecting to respray any car I buy considering it will only cost me for materials .

Should be the car for you then. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Check engine compression, the valves coke up a lot, and there are 16 of them to replace etc. Cooling, engine mounts, bushes, spheres, brakes etc.

Rust is only the start of your things to do.

 

[John Jones Jr]

The real issue with valves is not that they're carboning up, the main concern should the condition of valve seats, when new seats are needed and they will be, it's head off time. Not a big problem in itself & anyway all 16V heads should overhauled between 100-120K miles (t-chain too), so if it hasn't been done it needs an overhaul, most importantly with replacement valve seats fitted along with guides etc.

So, your check list should be in this order:

1. Rust
2. Rust
3. Rust
4. Head condition.
5. Bottom end condition - excessive back pressure, excessive oil useage.
6. All the usual suspect areas as per any 20+ year old Merc.

And avoid any car that's been messed with i.e. after market light units, massive alloys, etc. Nine out of ten times money was spent on those items and not on proper maintenance.