I need buying advice

[blu73]

Hi there,

I joined this site recently as I love my merc's and needed advice on what Merc to buy as my first. PS thanks to all who gave me advice.

I have decided that the 190e is for me and have found a few to go and look at (a '90, a '89 & a '87), my problem now is that i need some advice on what to be looking out for apart from the obvious things, rust etc. I'm looking to buy a manual so problems with auto boxes aren't an issue but advice on what are common problem areas to look out for and what would be expensive to replace.

Also is there any specialist merc insurance companies i should get a quote from. Best quote so far is £470ish with norwich union (21yrs old, on a garaged 1990 190e 2.0ltr diesel) but they don't accept modified cars so wouldn't be able to get the AMG alloys!

 

[Swiss Toni]

A 190E was my first Merc and I still think it was one of the best.

Old-school build quality and a good deal all-round.

Brooklands did a roadtest book which I thoroughly recommend, and for what it is worth, I'd always go for the facelift later model with better interior layout.

The 2 Litre petrol is a good unit and the diesel is painfully slow, but reliable.

Not sure if they did a diesel version in LE spec, but that would be the one I'd go for (and ALWAYS an Auto).

I still come across one-owner (usually an old duffer...!) 190Es, and there are Cosworth Cars about too - go for the best you can afford and value a FSH over low-miles.

Check suspension bushes btw - the back end was a neat set-up but feels poor if the bushes are shot (and replacement is not cheap).

If you want a car with AMGs rather than (for example) the 8-arc alloys, check steering set-up and geometry - a poor lowering kit will ruin a good ride.

Enjoy

Cheers!

 

[Will]

Excellent choice, off the top of my head things to look out for?!?

Broken coil springs (does it sit low on one corner?!?)
Oil leaks on engine. If you are looking at an earlier model (not sure if the '87 qualifies!) check to see if the timing chain is noisy (you'll hear it rattling if it is) - the early models had a single timing chain which was later improved.
Shock absorbers (does it float all over the place on the test drive).

If the model you are looking at has electric windows/sunroof, check these thoroughly. Virtually all 190Es that I have looked at/know of/seen for sale etc will suffer with at least one of the rear electric windows failing at some point!

Probably a few things that I have forgotton. To be honest with you, trust your eyes. If it looks like a decent car, the chances are that it is probably fine. A decent service record and signs of good ownership will help here. Avoid any 'barried up' type motors, invariably these will have been neglected.

Generally, very tough and reliable cars. Can be quite well looked after for not a lot of money, and has all the build quality values of an 80's Mercedes-Benz.

Try and get a good one with a nice spec. I think around a grand you should be able to pick up an excellent example - be fussy, it'l pay off in the long run.

Will

 

[stwat]

Hi, a very good choice indeed. Just to add a few thing to look out for.

The propshaft "doughnut" bushes can wear out, especialy the rear, causing jerky drive and knocking from the prop. Fairly eaisy and cheap to replace. The rear diff can wine on high milage and/or neglected cars. So listen for this especialy on lift off/engine braking. The steering damper doesnt last to long(same on many mercs up to this day) and will cause the steering to feel vague and the car will be dificault to Keep in a straight line. Very cheap and easy to replace but very often overlooked during servicing.

In the older cars, look very carefuly for rust around the jacking points. And anywere else for that matter.

Valve stem seals can also perish on badly maintained high milage cars. Causing oil to be burned on the over run of the engine. Not the end of the world but you'd rather find one that doesnt do it wouldnt you.

The last copy of "Mercedes Enthusiast" has a good buyers guide. So get a copy if you can. Although the prices it quotes are a litle high compared to the real world prices you see.

Good luck and keep us informed on what you eventualy buy

Stu

 

[andyman]

Buy a later one with the duplex chain as its a lot thicker and stronger than the old one,
Check for rust under the battery as this is the only place mine rusted on at 160k and 11 years old!!,
Also I have to say the Auto's are MUCH BETTER than the manual's(but then I'm a lazy git!!)lol, Be patient there loads out there and good luck and let us know how you get on mate,
Regards Andy. :bannana:

 

[Alfie]

A 190E was my first Merc and I still think it was one of the best.

Old-school build quality and a good deal all-round.

Brooklands did a roadtest book which I thoroughly recommend, and for what it is worth, I'd always go for the facelift later model with better interior layout.

The 2 Litre petrol is a good unit and the diesel is painfully slow, but reliable.

Not sure if they did a diesel version in LE spec, but that would be the one I'd go for (and ALWAYS an Auto).

I still come across one-owner (usually an old duffer...!) 190Es, and there are Cosworth Cars about too - go for the best you can afford and value a FSH over low-miles.

Check suspension bushes btw - the back end was a neat set-up but feels poor if the bushes are shot (and replacement is not cheap).

If you want a car with AMGs rather than (for example) the 8-arc alloys, check steering set-up and geometry - a poor lowering kit will ruin a good ride.

Enjoy

Cheers!

Totally concur with Swiss Toni here. My first Mercedes was a 190e 2.0 auto which I thought was the dogs dangly bits, especially as it was new and paid for by someone else.

Reliability was first rate. Build quality supurb. Definately try to seek out one of the last LE spec ones and as Swiss Toni says, always always an auto. Its worth shopping around to find a good one with FSH and as few miles on the clock as possible. Get a good one (many have been trashed by chav's) and you wont be disappointed. Best cars are usually those sold via mercedes owners club(s) etc.

Good luck and lets us know how you get on.

 

[neilrr]

I've got a 68K mile F(and I mean FULL)SH 1.8 "G" reg (1990), black (embassy black, not blue/black)/saffron tex, 5 speed manual car in amazing time warp condition for sale in April's MB Gazette. All MOTs, all stamps from ONE MB dealer until 46K, then invoices from ONE indy thereafter. In astonishing nick - zero rust, dings, scrapes etc. Always garaged. Drives almost like a new car & must surely be good for many, many more miles & years. PM if you want the SP. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

 

[willy]

I would go for a 2.0 one as the 1.8 is a bit underpowered

 

[Hartzpartz]

Why not go for the ultimate classic and buy my 2.3 Cosworth? He!

 

[neilrr]

I was under the impression that the ultimate classic was the 190E 2.5-16, rather like the little beauty I own.

 

[Swiss Toni]

I was under the impression that the ultimate classic was the 190E 2.5-16, rather like the little beauty I own.

Nope

It was the 190 EVO II - Like the one I, errrr, I , ummmm, saw.

 

[blu73]

Thanks for your advice, I'll keep you posted.

 

[stwat]

Nope

It was the 190 EVO II - Like the one I, errrr, I , ummmm, saw.

I think this very rare beauty could well be classed as the ultimate 190. Yes, its a Brabus.

http://merc190uk.forumhoster.com/index.php?showtopic=923&st=0&#entry6151

It even has a diff oil cooler built in to the rear spoiler

Although, i wouldnt say no to all of the above.

Stu

 

[Hartzpartz]

Yeah, all classics in thier own right I reckon............