Talk to me about 190E Mercs (cheap ones!)

[200bhp]

We're off to Australia next year so I'm planning on selling the cars and buying something cheap, reliable and with 12 months MOT.

We're going by boat so the plan is to use the car to take our baggage to Southampton where it will be free for collection to a fellow PHer!

So with this plan in mind, I've been looking at the Merc 190E. Its big, comfortable, reliable and they are around with 12 months MOT for less than a grand.

Are they as reliable as one would expect?

What should I look for?

Is there a decent owners forum?

[Todzilla]

I do have to ask; what cars are you selling?

[r129sl]

The is a dedicated UK forum at www.mercedes190.co.uk. There is also a good deal of support for the w201 in the Merc Club and on the US forum www.benzworld.org.

Very good 190s are now serious money, £2,500 plus.

Basket cases can be had for less than a grand. But even these will serve you reliably for six months without requiring any expense. They are exceptionally robust little cars, probably the best built and most reliable Mercedes of all time, even better than the legendary w123. The 190 was a big move for Merc, so they got it right. To say it was over-developed is an understatement.

This one looks like it would be OK: http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

And this one, too: http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

This one: http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

And finally: http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

The only problem I foresee is that you won't want to give it up.

Edited by r129sl on Thursday 15th December 10:42

[ClassicMercs]

As with all older cars things can start to go wrong. However all I had problems with was electrical items becoming less reliable - windows, wiper, alternator (cheap switchable brush pack - possible a couple of times until other wear issues kick in). So its the standard comment - check everything works. Suspension springs can break - even when taken carefully over speed humps etc. Tappets can have a little noise for a minute when cold, variable with use.
I'm sure part of my electrical reliability was down to lack of use towards the end - they do like to be used. Apart from that my car needed for very little other than standard servicing in 9 years and 60k and was only sold due to lack of space / other cars. It pulled well and was smooth, even at 21 and with 150k on the clock - that's why someone else was happy to buy it and travelled 200 miles to collect.
I would have another tomorrow - must have auto and front arm rest - sunroof is desirable, personally.

[W124Bob]

Check rear jacking points first,if they are looking good chances are rest of car is ok.Electric rear windows are a weak point,cable to drive motor fray's.Intermitant poor starting when cold with an ABS warning light is a voltage relay but I can't remember which one! 2lt petrol probably best for shed money.

[Highway Star]

If you get one, give me a shout in 12 months if you need someone to take it off your hands! I drive one as a loan car every time my Mercs are getting serviced at the local indy and I never want to give it back.

[200bhp]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. Once It becomes possible to buy one with 12 months MOT to last until January 7th, I'll start looking.

Currently it's likely to be either a 190E or a Lexus 4.0 V8 LS

[T S Magnum]

I've had this one for 18 months as the daily barge.



Common problem is the dreaded front ball joints which can fail and send the front wheels under the car

Sould be noticable from heavy / creaky steering. I got mine done as soon as the creaking started! Other than that it's been great if a bit tardy at motorway speeds (only 1.8 to make MPG remotely sensible).

Loads of character, feels so solid, very quiet with great NVH, massive boot.

[RobertE]

All 190s are fine cars and there is something for everyone, from 1.8 petrol to 2.6 petrol, with 2, 2.3 and diesels in between. The 16 valve cars (I have several) are simply wonderful, but I'd imagine that for Oz, then a 2.6 would be perfect. They'll do 130 and, more importantly, do it all day. At 'normal' speeds, fuel consumption is q. good, in the order of 28-32 mpg.

Mine has done 300,00 miles, I bought it as a hack, and seldom use the others, hence the mileage. I paid way less than £1000 for it and would recommend them to anyone. Try to get the Sportline, which is half way between the 16 valve suspension and a regular Merc.

Great, great cars...

[Pontoneer]

Hello Robert ,

Nice to see you on here .

[somnv]

My sister bought a 190 for £295 a few years ago, and it lasted her for a couple of years without much bother. It was the most base spec one you can get. Carb!

I run an LS400 alongside my W126. Got to say, the LS400 would be a very safe bet for you as well. Extremely reliable, big and comfy!

Good luck.

[200bhp]

somnv said:

My sister bought a 190 for £295 a few years ago, and it lasted her for a couple of years without much bother. It was the most base spec one you can get. Carb!

I run an LS400 alongside my W126. Got to say, the LS400 would be a very safe bet for you as well. Extremely reliable, big and comfy!

Good luck.

Funnily enough I've been looking at Lexus too - Both the LS400 and the GS300. Just waiting for the right car to come along.

[JAHetfield]

I picked up this little lady for 600 nicker with 107k on the clocks



2.0 petrol, auto. Very reliable, only broke once on me. Broken wire running to the alternator and it kept tripping the fuse on the OVP relay but it was an easy fix. Had to sell it as I was doing big miles at the time and couldn't afford to keep pouring petrol into it. Last time I saw it, it was running 10" wide wheels and cut springs. Looked nice but I'd safely say driveability was ruined.

As said, check for rust and definately, definately, definately check the bottom balljoints. If in any doubt, change them because when they go, the wheel really does buckle under the car, usually at speed.

[Pentoman]

I need to sell this one, which I've had since 2001 and like too much to get rid of it.

Edited by Pentoman on Tuesday 10th January 14:52

[bolide]

I've never seen a 190E with MB-Tex before - it looks great. Nice colour combo, too

Nick Froome