Mercedes-Benz 190E Sportline
Discussion
Having finished my E46 cabriolet(thread is on here), I was looking for another project that I can still use on a daily basis. I have another 190E, in 2.6 flavour, that is on long term hiatus sourcing NLA genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. My yellow 924S is in the pipeline but again, genuine parts are becoming a problem so will not see the road for many a year!
So I had to find an MOT'd example, I'd bought a few cheap, mundane cars for not much money, but they were pretty awful and I could not justify spending any more money on them.
I came across this car on ebay, relisted due to the winning bidder not committing to the purchase. Gave the seller a call, left a deposit and I'm now the new custodian.
What sets this particular car; which let's be honest they're not the most desirable car to leave Germany, is the tremendously high specification for a 2.0 in particular.
The first owner went on a box-ticking frenzy! Sports pack(Sportline), air conditioning, heated seats, cruise controls, headlight washers, fire extinguisher, as well as illuminated for goodness sake. This may seem somewhat insignificant, however Mercedes were exceptionally coy with options, you had to pay for everything! This was a 27k car back in 1992!
Now for 170k miles it presents rather well, with most features still functioning. However it is showing age in particular with the driveline. Numerous creaks and clunking make up not an unpleasant drive, but not what you expect fromma Mercedes of this vintage.
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A subtle indication of the advanced chassis dynamics!
Nothing particular interesting in here except for some less than desirable methods of repair!
We won't replace the electromagnetic fan switch, we'll just weld it all together!
Exhaust pasted bolt in the manifold in not really a substitute for a stud and nut, there is subsequently a massive leak!
A taste of things to come I'm sure!
A quick check of the rotor arm confirmed it was cheap and damaged, I had a proper Mercedes(Bosch) in stock.
Another immediate changed required was the removal of the AMG monoblocks. They're from a W202 C-Class and as nice as they may be I just don't like them. Fortunately they're in good order, with near new, albeit incorrectly sized Pirelli's. I'll sell them off.
I'd a set of refurbished original 15 hole Sportline specific wheels with new Hankook's.
Much better in my opinion and now it rides much better. Speedo is now accurate as well.
They'll be more to come, however I'm becoming slightly concerned with the availability of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Many are now discontinued and I do not like spurious replacements. We'll see what the future holds.
So I had to find an MOT'd example, I'd bought a few cheap, mundane cars for not much money, but they were pretty awful and I could not justify spending any more money on them.
I came across this car on ebay, relisted due to the winning bidder not committing to the purchase. Gave the seller a call, left a deposit and I'm now the new custodian.
What sets this particular car; which let's be honest they're not the most desirable car to leave Germany, is the tremendously high specification for a 2.0 in particular.
The first owner went on a box-ticking frenzy! Sports pack(Sportline), air conditioning, heated seats, cruise controls, headlight washers, fire extinguisher, as well as illuminated for goodness sake. This may seem somewhat insignificant, however Mercedes were exceptionally coy with options, you had to pay for everything! This was a 27k car back in 1992!
Now for 170k miles it presents rather well, with most features still functioning. However it is showing age in particular with the driveline. Numerous creaks and clunking make up not an unpleasant drive, but not what you expect fromma Mercedes of this vintage.
[url]
A subtle indication of the advanced chassis dynamics!
Nothing particular interesting in here except for some less than desirable methods of repair!
We won't replace the electromagnetic fan switch, we'll just weld it all together!
Exhaust pasted bolt in the manifold in not really a substitute for a stud and nut, there is subsequently a massive leak!
A taste of things to come I'm sure!
A quick check of the rotor arm confirmed it was cheap and damaged, I had a proper Mercedes(Bosch) in stock.
Another immediate changed required was the removal of the AMG monoblocks. They're from a W202 C-Class and as nice as they may be I just don't like them. Fortunately they're in good order, with near new, albeit incorrectly sized Pirelli's. I'll sell them off.
I'd a set of refurbished original 15 hole Sportline specific wheels with new Hankook's.
Much better in my opinion and now it rides much better. Speedo is now accurate as well.
They'll be more to come, however I'm becoming slightly concerned with the availability of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Many are now discontinued and I do not like spurious replacements. We'll see what the future holds.
Looks like a nice car, I've just sold my 190e. It was also a 2.0. Not a cheap car to run and you're quite right about scarcity of parts, I worked for an MB dealer up until last year. They are no longer supporting the cars of this era and are running out of stock. I know many of the cooling and ignition parts are NLA. Aftermarket stuff is hit and miss.
I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
drdino said:
Nice purchase!
Interesting specification, heated seats but cloth? In your description you mention an illuminated fire extinguisher, any more details on that?
Looking at the rear bench seat, is it a 2-seat configuration?
Oops, illuminated vanity mirrors. Hopefully the fire extinguisher stays where it is!Interesting specification, heated seats but cloth? In your description you mention an illuminated fire extinguisher, any more details on that?
Looking at the rear bench seat, is it a 2-seat configuration?
Leather was another 8 or 900 quid extra. I've a brochure somewhere, so can't recall if the heated seat option on standard seats was more than the 300 or so paid on this car. I prefer the cloth. I have part leather and cloth on my 2.6.
Unfortunately the car was maligned for it's poor rear legroom, especially for someone of my stature needing the front seat all the way back. Sports seats lost you the middle seat provision. A little ill-conceived I'll admit.
W201_190e said:
Looks like a nice car, I've just sold my 190e. It was also a 2.0. Not a cheap car to run and you're quite right about scarcity of parts, I worked for an MB dealer up until last year. They are no longer supporting the cars of this era and are running out of stock. I know many of the cooling and ignition parts are NLA. Aftermarket stuff is hit and miss.
I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
Unfortunately the parts predicament makes ownership less desirable for me, but I hate being without a 190 to drive. I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
As you say aftermarket is hit and miss, mainly miss. I have many used parts for the many cars I've broken, but they're just that, used.
I can only hope Mercedes' classic department start introducing bits again, very much like Peugeot are doing for their factory restorations.
jahbrown said:
W201_190e said:
Looks like a nice car, I've just sold my 190e. It was also a 2.0. Not a cheap car to run and you're quite right about scarcity of parts, I worked for an MB dealer up until last year. They are no longer supporting the cars of this era and are running out of stock. I know many of the cooling and ignition parts are NLA. Aftermarket stuff is hit and miss.
I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
Unfortunately the parts predicament makes ownership less desirable for me, but I hate being without a 190 to drive. I'm glad I had one, but I don't miss it.
As you say aftermarket is hit and miss, mainly miss. I have many used parts for the many cars I've broken, but they're just that, used.
I can only hope Mercedes' classic department start introducing bits again, very much like Peugeot are doing for their factory restorations.
I've had many a motor car, I cannot recall any of them ever having the original purchase receipt. It's a lovely piece of the car's history.
I'd love to know what was going through Mrs Bowen's mind at the time of order. A fire extinguisher is most obscure, and I don't see the value in headlamp washers, as retro as they now are.
I'd love to know what was going through Mrs Bowen's mind at the time of order. A fire extinguisher is most obscure, and I don't see the value in headlamp washers, as retro as they now are.
Great bit of history - why is is listed as an automatic? Back then they were more expensive - did the owner get done for the additional cost of an auto base or did the sportline pack add the manual back in?
I have a very similar receipt for my own red 190E 1.8. Found it in the footwell after pulling up the carpets ad decided to keep it when selling. Lovely bit of kit, that car never let me down.
I have a very similar receipt for my own red 190E 1.8. Found it in the footwell after pulling up the carpets ad decided to keep it when selling. Lovely bit of kit, that car never let me down.
Spinakerr said:
Great bit of history - why is is listed as an automatic? Back then they were more expensive - did the owner get done for the additional cost of an auto base or did the sportline pack add the manual back in?
I have a very similar receipt for my own red 190E 1.8. Found it in the footwell after pulling up the carpets ad decided to keep it when selling. Lovely bit of kit, that car never let me down.
I can only assume it was a clerical error. Automatic was optional so would have been noted with the list of other additional equipment. All cars were manual as standard, irrespective of whether the sports chassis option (650), as well as with the full interior treatment (950) were selected, however I'm sure Mr r129sl will be along shortly to correct me!I have a very similar receipt for my own red 190E 1.8. Found it in the footwell after pulling up the carpets ad decided to keep it when selling. Lovely bit of kit, that car never let me down.
I'll admit the manual gearchange isn't the most slick, however it makes for more spirited driving. The 5th gear also makes 70mph much more civilised than it does in the 4 speed auto.
Great car OP, I was looking at 190’s on the Bay of E and was struck by the spec, of your new purchase even had A/C which was an expensive and unusual option back then. Great that you made it look a bit more “factory” I was that impressed by the wheels it came with. My search for a 190 goes on, between ridiculously price minters at a frankly daft £10k and a few sheds around £1.5k plus the dealer that bought a 190 D at auction for £6k to drive it north and advertise it for £10k!
Good to see another 190 doing the rounds jahbrown. Since committing to my first one a few years ago I felt at home straight away. Now on my second. With regard to parts provision; I try and seek out the unexpectedly cheap items from Merc dealers and turn to aftermarket for bits that are unusually expensive. One way or another I think that parts will still be out there to be found.
Well done on a fine purchase, OP.
Great spec and that original bill of sale is a lovely bit of history to go with the car (if not a little eye-watering!).
PM me if you want any info.
Great spec and that original bill of sale is a lovely bit of history to go with the car (if not a little eye-watering!).
OEMster said:
My search for a 190 goes on...
Don't wish to clog/derail OP's new thread with details but my own 2.0 Sportline could be available soon.PM me if you want any info.
muchacho said:
Good to see another 190 doing the rounds jahbrown. Since committing to my first one a few years ago I felt at home straight away. Now on my second. With regard to parts provision; I try and seek out the unexpectedly cheap items from Merc dealers and turn to aftermarket for bits that are unusually expensive. One way or another I think that parts will still be out there to be found.
Yes, Mercedes do still stock a lot of your conventional parts which is remarkable for cars of this vintage, but it's obscure items and body panels that are NLA or out of this world pricing! I recall sourcing a radiator for my 2.6 particularly difficult, with only a few suppliers in the aftermarket. Nissens being one, but I've encountered issues with their products in the past so I was reluctant to purchase their wares again. I did eventually find a Behr replacement which was a Mercedes part with the stamp removed. Another part springs to mind. A 2.6 RHD throttle cable is obsolete with no alternative available. I was fortunate to buy one of the last ones Mercedes had in stock.I just prefer fitting genuine parts where I can. OEM parts are available of course for suspension and braking, but maybe I'm just a parts tart!
Unfortunately the car has started to misbehave. The idle is all over the place and it still has less than ideal performance. It's not the idle control valve, as I've changed in one that I know worked. Another alarming feature is on occasion it will not turn off from the key, I have to stall it and then disconnect the battery. Someone has definitely been here before, OVP relay and fuel pump relay have been interfered with, as had rhe throttle cable. Cable ties a plenty on all the rubber pipes to the ICV as they've become hard.
Good news however, I've sold the AMG wheels for a good price as well as some of the duplicate parts in the boot which should go some way into getting it up to speed. The underneath of the car is also very tired, many a worn suspension component and the metal fuel lines running the length of the floor have been replaced with rubber pipe which really isn't the best method of repair, especially as they've drilled holes all the way down the floor to attach p-clips, which are now rusting.
Car looks great in general, and up until recently drove very well but I feel it needs far too much financial investment to get it up to snuff.
Good news however, I've sold the AMG wheels for a good price as well as some of the duplicate parts in the boot which should go some way into getting it up to speed. The underneath of the car is also very tired, many a worn suspension component and the metal fuel lines running the length of the floor have been replaced with rubber pipe which really isn't the best method of repair, especially as they've drilled holes all the way down the floor to attach p-clips, which are now rusting.
Car looks great in general, and up until recently drove very well but I feel it needs far too much financial investment to get it up to snuff.
jahbrown said:
Unfortunately the car has started to misbehave. The idle is all over the place and it still has less than ideal performance. It's not the idle control valve, as I've changed in one that I know worked. Another alarming feature is on occasion it will not turn off from the key, I have to stall it and then disconnect the battery. Someone has definitely been here before, OVP relay and fuel pump relay have been interfered with, as had rhe throttle cable. Cable ties a plenty on all the rubber pipes to the ICV as they've become hard.
Good news however, I've sold the AMG wheels for a good price as well as some of the duplicate parts in the boot which should go some way into getting it up to speed. The underneath of the car is also very tired, many a worn suspension component and the metal fuel lines running the length of the floor have been replaced with rubber pipe which really isn't the best method of repair, especially as they've drilled holes all the way down the floor to attach p-clips, which are now rusting.
Car looks great in general, and up until recently drove very well but I feel it needs far too much financial investment to get it up to snuff.
Did you manage to make some progress, I did see a seller on eBay breaking a few 190s including a sportline?Good news however, I've sold the AMG wheels for a good price as well as some of the duplicate parts in the boot which should go some way into getting it up to speed. The underneath of the car is also very tired, many a worn suspension component and the metal fuel lines running the length of the floor have been replaced with rubber pipe which really isn't the best method of repair, especially as they've drilled holes all the way down the floor to attach p-clips, which are now rusting.
Car looks great in general, and up until recently drove very well but I feel it needs far too much financial investment to get it up to snuff.
I'm afraid the car is in need of too much work. Exceptionally poor underneath and the car was on low compression on cylinder 3. Makes no financial sense. I'm going to use the good sportline bits from this car in my 2.6 manual at some point.
I'm most likely that ebay seller. I've a ton of parts from multiple cars. Yes its a shame to break a car but if the figures don't work then it simply has to be broken, it does keep other cars on the road fortunately.
I'm most likely that ebay seller. I've a ton of parts from multiple cars. Yes its a shame to break a car but if the figures don't work then it simply has to be broken, it does keep other cars on the road fortunately.
jahbrown said:
I'm afraid the car is in need of too much work. Exceptionally poor underneath and the car was on low compression on cylinder 3. Makes no financial sense. I'm going to use the good sportline bits from this car in my 2.6 manual at some point.
I'm most likely that ebay seller. I've a ton of parts from multiple cars. Yes its a shame to break a car but if the figures don't work then it simply has to be broken, it does keep other cars on the road fortunately.
I’ll drop you a note then as I have a growing list of spares..I'm most likely that ebay seller. I've a ton of parts from multiple cars. Yes its a shame to break a car but if the figures don't work then it simply has to be broken, it does keep other cars on the road fortunately.
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