Spartan Mercedes 190 (w201)
Discussion
r129sl said:
All new grille bars, clips and a gasket came to less than £30. MB prices are totally random.
Even the grey plastic insert is cheap, no more than £20 from memory. Fortunately your grille frame is OK, they're silly money to buy now from Merc. I do love the fact that your 190E is very basic, it's highly endearing(and less to go wrong!). Just think at the time when this was new, the purchaser could have had numerous other better specified, inevitably cheaper competitors, yet they had to be seen in a more expensive Mercedes, without the frills or excess. Weren't options on 190E's rather expensive, hence why highly optioned cars very thin on the ground now?
Just read this thread from the start, I found it thoroughly enjoyable, and hasn't kerbed my interest in purchasing a 190e for myself.
I only really need a car two to three times a month for driving from London to the south coast, and 2.0E really appeals - although this evening I've seen a rather tasty 2.6 advertised. Our roads are so crap that a nice big profile tyre on well engineered suspension would be a revalation; certainly better than my sporty -but crashy- Saab's set up.
I've been in a 2.0E before and I found performance fine, I can only imagine a 2.6 being brisk and more relaxed at motorway speeds, especially as the example I've seen is pre-cat and so good for circa 160hp. Would definitely entertain retrofitting one of those Becker stereos!
I only really need a car two to three times a month for driving from London to the south coast, and 2.0E really appeals - although this evening I've seen a rather tasty 2.6 advertised. Our roads are so crap that a nice big profile tyre on well engineered suspension would be a revalation; certainly better than my sporty -but crashy- Saab's set up.
I've been in a 2.0E before and I found performance fine, I can only imagine a 2.6 being brisk and more relaxed at motorway speeds, especially as the example I've seen is pre-cat and so good for circa 160hp. Would definitely entertain retrofitting one of those Becker stereos!
EarlOfHazard said:
Just read this thread from the start, I found it thoroughly enjoyable, and hasn't kerbed my interest in purchasing a 190e for myself.
I only really need a car two to three times a month for driving from London to the south coast, and 2.0E really appeals - although this evening I've seen a rather tasty 2.6 advertised. Our roads are so crap that a nice big profile tyre on well engineered suspension would be a revalation; certainly better than my sporty -but crashy- Saab's set up.
I've been in a 2.0E before and I found performance fine, I can only imagine a 2.6 being brisk and more relaxed at motorway speeds, especially as the example I've seen is pre-cat and so good for circa 160hp. Would definitely entertain retrofitting one of those Becker stereos!
I would definitely not describe my 2.6 as brisk! It's fine but needs revving to match modern diesel traffic! I only really need a car two to three times a month for driving from London to the south coast, and 2.0E really appeals - although this evening I've seen a rather tasty 2.6 advertised. Our roads are so crap that a nice big profile tyre on well engineered suspension would be a revalation; certainly better than my sporty -but crashy- Saab's set up.
I've been in a 2.0E before and I found performance fine, I can only imagine a 2.6 being brisk and more relaxed at motorway speeds, especially as the example I've seen is pre-cat and so good for circa 160hp. Would definitely entertain retrofitting one of those Becker stereos!
I like the idea of a spartan 190, it's what I would go for now!
r129sl said:
The 190 has been parked up outside for over a fortnight while we've been away in the estate car. It started instantly. Quite amazing. I took it for a cheap car wash, my pressure washer being broken. "Verry nice car. I like."
My 190 also gets the best compliments from local hand car washes! "Lovely car, is classic now yes?". They did a great job on the 15 hole wheels as well! 
Just re-read thread r129sl, always enjoyable, thank you again for effort and ongoing high end devotion to the 190.
I sold both my 190es (light blue manual and gold automatic) about 18 months ago, people complained about the poor quality of gear change but once warmed it was fine. I preferred the manual actually, did a lot more miles in it (only let me down once in 5/6 k miles , HT leads), the automatic had only done 71k miles, a trader snapped it up and put it on at over twice the price.
Just sold the 300ce, selling my 200TE currently and just crept over that line of an acceptable "classic" in the Mercedes range into C Class territory.
Pleased with the first purchased and lining up a more tasty version in the next week, keep up the great work
P
I sold both my 190es (light blue manual and gold automatic) about 18 months ago, people complained about the poor quality of gear change but once warmed it was fine. I preferred the manual actually, did a lot more miles in it (only let me down once in 5/6 k miles , HT leads), the automatic had only done 71k miles, a trader snapped it up and put it on at over twice the price.
Just sold the 300ce, selling my 200TE currently and just crept over that line of an acceptable "classic" in the Mercedes range into C Class territory.
Pleased with the first purchased and lining up a more tasty version in the next week, keep up the great work
P
Changed the front pads this evening. Fitted the winter wheels since I had the fronts off. Sub one hour. Took it for a test drive and it all still works. £30 including new wear sensors. It looks like the nearside front has been binding on. I gave the calliper a good work over and carefully greased the edges of the pads, hopefully it will be OK.
It is a cheap car this. 27p per mile all in. 30mpg. I haven't bought tyres since we got it three years ago. The summers have done 23,500miles and still have at least 5mm of tread. The winters are pretty much unworn. And the consumables like today's brake pads are comically cheap.
It is a cheap car this. 27p per mile all in. 30mpg. I haven't bought tyres since we got it three years ago. The summers have done 23,500miles and still have at least 5mm of tread. The winters are pretty much unworn. And the consumables like today's brake pads are comically cheap.
It is a charming car. I do wish it were a six cylinder, though.
I used these instructions to change the pads: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-...
There are two additional comments I would make. First, there is no need to remove the calliper: simply remove the bottom bolt and swing the calliper up and over. The brake pad kit only includes one replacement calliper bolt per side, so plainly this is the intended way of doing it. It makes it a really easy job. Second, I put copper grease on the backs and sides of the pads.
I used these instructions to change the pads: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-...
There are two additional comments I would make. First, there is no need to remove the calliper: simply remove the bottom bolt and swing the calliper up and over. The brake pad kit only includes one replacement calliper bolt per side, so plainly this is the intended way of doing it. It makes it a really easy job. Second, I put copper grease on the backs and sides of the pads.
I think ABS was only standard after 1990. It was an extra on my car and it is something I would look for.
The main thing to be concerned about is rust. Frilly arches, rotten jacking points and dissolving rear suspension mounting points. After that they are very straight forward cars. We are not very good at looking after our cars in the UK, especially as they get older: I think you need to seek out an exception to that rule. Expensive maintenance. I wouldn't be put off by a 200k car if it has a good history of maintenance behind it.
And even if the engine and transmission are totally shagged, you can get replacements for less than £300.
The main thing to be concerned about is rust. Frilly arches, rotten jacking points and dissolving rear suspension mounting points. After that they are very straight forward cars. We are not very good at looking after our cars in the UK, especially as they get older: I think you need to seek out an exception to that rule. Expensive maintenance. I wouldn't be put off by a 200k car if it has a good history of maintenance behind it.
And even if the engine and transmission are totally shagged, you can get replacements for less than £300.
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