190E Cosworth Manual or Auto?

[jaymanek]

Hi All,

Buying a cheap one of these as a run around...

Winter is approaching and my gold W123 is rust free and id like to keep it that way... My yellow W123 has just been "remetalled" and id like to keep it that way too...

I was going to buy a simple 1.8 but the cosworths are just too tempting.

ive decided it has to be a 2.5..

Now I do much prefer auto's but of course these are known for the dogleg gearbox... should I pay more and go for a manual or go for comfort?

Whats the consensus here?

 

[wemorgan]

Based on no experience of these cars I'd vote for either and keep your options open to buy the best value one you can. As an 8 (!) car keep it practical.

 

[nick.ged]

there was an article in one of the mags where a guy took an auto 190 cozzy to Germany to have the box swaped... he said it was the best thing he ever did, the car was transformed, better performance less fuel consumption, and just 'better' to drive.

 

[d w124]

The whole fun driving this cars,is the getrag so i voted manual

 

[flango]

Auto box in a Cozzie is like a sh*t house in a tent, It don't belong !

 

[kwakdonut]

Manual for a car like that every time. And the dog-leg box is so much fun - just ask James May!!! lol

 

[Dee-124CAB]

Jay, its got to be a manual.... I know as a rule of thumb, 'alway buy an auto M-B'.... But the Cossie is the one exception...

A manual is needed to make the most of the high-revving nature of the race tuned engine....These engines are proper screamers....And the dog-leg suits the car perfectly...

They are proper fun cars, you will love it, proper nimble chassis. I was well suprised with the balance of the chassis for the age & size of the car.

M-B have never made a car like it & may never do so again, so go for it while thay are still about...

P.S: The one thing that sums these cars up is the driving experience!

Dee

 

[jaymanek]

Cheers... ok looks like the auto is out as suspected...

Not many manuals about at sensible money.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I've voted manual as that's how it should be.

However for one to be cheap it would probably be an Auto!

 

[Darkmonsta]

I'd agree with the manual - but then I would say that as I drive one.

It's not the greatest gearbox in the world when it's cold, and can be hard to use precisely (especially as mine has now done 160k!) but suits the car so very very well when you're out of traffic, it's warmed up and you get the change spot on....!

 

[st4]

Manual. It just has to be

 

[neilrr]

I wonder, how many of those commenting have driven both?

 

[flango]

I wonder, how many of those commenting have driven both?

I have drove the race version in my proper racing years and several manuals and auto's, dog leg is a great box, a dog when cold (pardon the pun, or is that where the name came from )

Cozzie engines should NEVER be mated to an auto box it's just plain wrong, it's like putting a 1.0 Polo engine in a Ferrari just don't do it

190E Cozzie is a classic of all time, I might even go back there myself one day

 

[Honey Bear]

Remember... A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.

Sorry I couldn't help my self and that terrible pun.

Manual every time.

 

[Ian B Walker]

My opinion for what it is worth. Dogleg every time. I have driven both and to me the auto is pants in comparison.

 

[jaymanek]

Thanks all... i wont be bothering to view the autos on my shortlist!

Now my list is very short indeed!

 

[Honey Bear]

Honey do you have on there?

 

[jaymanek]

now.... 1

 

[wemorgan]

Since you're limited by choice might you widen your search to include a 2.3?
There's one for sale on this forum.

Or there is this 2.5 which is also on the 190 forum.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250654899953

http://mercedes-190.co.uk/topic/6611669/2/

 

[jeremy 2516]

jaymanek , would you like to try my manual 2.5-16V ? , I am in North London . My car is not perfect but is mechanically excellent and is well known as a very good and still tight example. I often use it as a trackday tool .