Japanese import? W201

[MichaelMB]

Looking into buying a 190e as my next car, and in doing so have been offered a Japanese import, apparently very rust free just now. Any issues with owning a Japanese version in UK such as parts commonality?
This one has my desired combination of air con with no sunroof (and the usual Japanese choice of auto). Is the a/c with no sunroof a rare combination? The car is not my preferred colour being a very dark blue, I live on muddy rural roads where pastel,grey or silver is easier to live with!
I realise it will need a UK Speedo and rustproofing if like most Japanese imports, and won't have a verified history

 

[GP801]

Aircon is pretty rare on any 201 in the UK apart from Japanese imports which tend to have loads of options fitted. I dont think you need to change the speedo as long as you are happy using it marked in Km/h. No need to change it for the MoT. I think the engines are pretty much the same so parts should be fine.

 

[ChipChop]

Aircon was an expensive option on a w201 back in the late 80's. £1514 to be precise (1986). No wonder not many uk cars had it fitted. An electric tilt & slide metal sunroof was much better value at just £734.80 (1987). Most UK w201's seem to have leccy roofs.

The run out 190 LE 1.8 & 2.0 (limited edition) models i believe came with a number of options included as standard. Period test of the pre facelift 2.6 model below. "The power to deceive"

Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 Road Test 1987

Autocar Road Test From 22nd April 1987. The vehicle details for D179 BRP are: Date of Liability 01 03 2005 Date of First Registration 06 03 1987 Year of Manufacture 1987 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2599CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not...

www.flickr.com

 

[Dippo]

. I dont think you need to change the speedo as long as you are happy using it marked in Km/h. No need to change it for the MoT.

If it's Japanese domestic specification, then it may well have a very annoying audible speed warning system which starts at around 105 kph (66 mph).

 

[fabes]

And the audio could be something else that may not work fully over here (from other import threads)

 

[SpikyMikey]

The bandwidth range is different I believe; not so much of a problem though in an old school motor like this. It's easier to replace a single DIN unit than some of the later 'unique fit' stuff.

 

[MichaelMB]

Aircon was an expensive option on a w201 back in the late 80's. £1514 to be precise (1986). No wonder not many uk cars had it fitted. An electric tilt & slide metal sunroof was much better value at just £734.80 (1987). Most UK w201's seem to have leccy roofs.

The run out 190 LE 1.8 & 2.0 (limited edition) models i believe came with a number of options included as standard. Period test of the pre facelift 2.6 model below. "The power to deceive"

Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 Road Test 1987

Autocar Road Test From 22nd April 1987. The vehicle details for D179 BRP are: Date of Liability 01 03 2005 Date of First Registration 06 03 1987 Year of Manufacture 1987 Cylinder Capacity (cc) 2599CC CO2 Emissions Not Available Fuel Type Petrol Export Marker Not...

www.flickr.com

Thanks. Have had sunroofs on a few cars, they seem to be a source of trouble and /or leaks. Only had one with electric (Saab 900 1993) which was OK but a bit of rust starting at the edges, drain holes needed cleaning once or twice a year, and it developed a fault where it would open on the button but had to be closed manually (very slowly winding a tiny key in the boot). Based on experience I'd rather not have a sunroof, unless the Mercedes 190 is a superhero here?!

 

[MichaelMB]

Aircon is pretty rare on any 201 in the UK apart from Japanese imports which tend to have loads of options fitted. I dont think you need to change the speedo as long as you are happy using it marked in Km/h. No need to change it for the MoT. I think the engines are pretty much the same so parts should be fine.

Many thanks, although I have just read another thread which says that Japanese imports are extremely unlikely to have UK or European paperwork (CofC?) to confirm emissions, and therefore although possibly built to a better emission standard than ULEZ requires, they will be hard/impossible to register as ULEZ exempt. Frustrating!! Mind you, once over 40 years old, under current rules they would be exempt so perhaps its not such an issue going forward in UK, but could be for the various laws in EU

 

[ALFAitalia]

I dont think you need to change the speedo as long as you are happy using it marked in Km/h.

You dont need a mph speedo for the MOT....but strangely you do to drive it on the road! With a few exceptions its is an offence to drive a vehicle that does not have a fully functional speedometer which shows both mph and kmh readings.

 

[ChipChop]

Thanks. Have had sunroofs on a few cars, they seem to be a source of trouble and /or leaks. Only had one with electric (Saab 900 1993) which was OK but a bit of rust starting at the edges, drain holes needed cleaning once or twice a year, and it developed a fault where it would open on the button but had to be closed manually (very slowly winding a tiny key in the boot). Based on experience I'd rather not have a sunroof, unless the Mercedes 190 is a superhero here?!

Usually sunroofs are indeed best avoided on old cars, nothing but trouble etc. Not a lot of choice on UK 190's though as most seem to have been spec'd with tilt and slide electric roofs for some reason. Also seen a few pre facelift 190s over the years with manual sunroofs which are very nice bits of kit.
Never had a water leak from the sunroof on my 190 in the 13 years i have owned it so possibly yes they are are a bit more over engineered that other cars. Not without their problems though as parts of the mechanism for the tilt function are made of plastic so can break over time. Keeping the metal rails lubricated is important. Mercedes have a special expensive grease for them. There is also a manual winder mechanism in the boot if the motor fails.



PS, Nice looking import manual sportline 190e 2.3, AC & no sunroof on ebay at the moment...

MERCEDES 190E 2.3 Sportline Manual | eBay

 

[MichaelMB]

Usually sunroofs are indeed best avoided on old cars, nothing but trouble etc. Not a lot of choice on UK 190's though as most seem to have been spec'd with tilt and slide electric roofs for some reason. Also seen a few pre facelift 190s over the years with manual sunroofs which are very nice bits of kit.
Never had a water leak from the sunroof on my 190 in the 13 years i have owned it so possibly yes they are are a bit more over engineered that other cars. Not without their problems though as parts of the mechanism for the tilt function are made of plastic so can break over time. Keeping the metal rails lubricated is important. Mercedes have a special expensive grease for them. There is also a manual winder mechanism in the boot if the motor fails.

View attachment 162297

PS, Nice looking import manual sportline 190e 2.3, AC & no sunroof on ebay at the moment...

MERCEDES 190E 2.3 Sportline Manual | eBay

Thanks. Yes I saw that one. Looks very good. I am hoping for an older one on good order, partly to avoid the catalytic converter, partly to get to Historic status sooner

 

[MichaelMB]

Thanks. Yes I saw that one. Looks very good. I am hoping for an older one on good order, partly to avoid the catalytic converter, partly to get to Historic status sooner

So far the Japanese import cars seem to be concentrated in Ireland, with some in Scotland, frustrating as I am in Somerset. I may have to travel!

 

[MichaelMB]

Many thanks, appreciate your help

I am now concentrating on Japanese imports, to my surprise

 

[MichaelMB]

Thanks. Have had sunroofs on a few cars, they seem to be a source of trouble and /or leaks. Only had one with electric (Saab 900 1993) which was OK but a bit of rust starting at the edges, drain holes needed cleaning once or twice a year, and it developed a fault where it would open on the button but had to be closed manually (very slowly winding a tiny key in the boot). Based on experience I'd rather not have a sunroof, unless the Mercedes 190 is a superhero here?!

I am definitely leaning away from sunroofs, quite a few issues being raised on Facebook forums

 

[poormansporsche]

Usually sunroofs are indeed best avoided on old cars, nothing but trouble etc. Not a lot of choice on UK 190's though as most seem to have been spec'd with tilt and slide electric roofs for some reason. Also seen a few pre facelift 190s over the years with manual sunroofs which are very nice bits of kit.
Never had a water leak from the sunroof on my 190 in the 13 years i have owned it so possibly yes they are are a bit more over engineered that other cars. Not without their problems though as parts of the mechanism for the tilt function are made of plastic so can break over time. Keeping the metal rails lubricated is important. Mercedes have a special expensive grease for them. There is also a manual winder mechanism in the boot if the motor fails.

View attachment 162297

PS, Nice looking import manual sportline 190e 2.3, AC & no sunroof on ebay at the moment...

MERCEDES 190E 2.3 Sportline Manual | eBay

190 sunroofs are great, they never leak. The manual winder is also great.

Right up until the moment that the cable mechanism snaps. Then you find out the over engineered double skinned roof and amazingly well fitting head lining is not overly conducive to cable replacement.

 

[ChipChop]

I am definitely leaning away from sunroofs, quite a few issues being raised on Facebook forums

Buying a car which has its front lower ball joints replaced in recent memory is a good call on w201's. A safety related item on these cars. And needless to say w201's, particularily facelift sacco panel cars, hide their rust very well.

 

[MichaelMB]

190 sunroofs are great, they never leak. The manual winder is also great.

Right up until the moment that the cable mechanism snaps. Then you find out the over engineered double skinned roof and amazingly well fitting head lining is not overly conducive to cable replacement.

I fear you are right!