Mercedes 190E 2.0 What to look out for when buying

[DJC]

I'm thinking of buying a 190E preferably a 2.0 Auto. I just wanted to know what to look out for and how to find the right car. My budget is 2-3k

Any help would be appreciated.


Dan

[rubystone]

DJC said:

I'm thinking of buying a 190E preferably a 2.0 Auto. I just wanted to know what to look out for and how to find the right car. My budget is 2-3k

Any help would be appreciated.


Dan

Rust.

[ClassicMercs]

I really regret selling, but lack of garage due to the need for an estate - I would buy another without hesitation. Most reliable car I think I've owned.

As already mentioned - rust - but they are quite good. Front springs seemed to go with me, despite taking humps gently.

Electrics. Check things are working - old electrics which have had lack of use (or age in the case of the multi function stalk for wipers/indicators) . I also had noisy tappets when cold in winter - soon sorted themselves in two minutes.

For me - an auto obviously, sunroof (better than the W124 which can be a bit noisy), front arm rest, and non sagging nets on the back of the front seats (I'm sure they must be fixable). Anything on top of that is a bonus. Prices now seem to be rising as supply decreases - I should sort garaging and jump in again.

[SSL]

DJC said:

I'm thinking of buying a 190E preferably a 2.0 Auto. I just wanted to know what to look out for and how to find the right car. My budget is 2-3k

Any help would be appreciated.


Dan

For two to three thousand you should be able to buy a really nice 190E 2.0

I would try and buy as late a model as possible as the earlier ones apparently had problems with their single timing chains . Also the front seats were redesigned to provide more leg-room in the rear.

Look out for rust in the usual places, wheel-arches, under the rear window and near the rear pillar air-vents.

If you go on the Auto-trader website the W201 has just won its best used old car award and it has a 7 minute video on the car.

I owned a 93 190E 2.0 for a year but it didn't have enough grunt for me but I would buy a good 190E 2.6 in a heartbeat. Great cars. Good luck.

[DJC]

Thanks for the comments. I know I'm only 17 however insurance is quite cheap. I am thinking about this as I want an auto and at the same time something I can tinker with at the weekends. I love these and know that if I can find a good one I know that I can rely on then. I know enough about them to go ahead with a purchase.

[ClassicMercs]

Only 17 and buying your first MB auto - full respect. All I could think about was 6th form and uni - 30 years ago.

Is this a second car on a classic policy ?

Spot of the day yesterday whilst on my pre dinner bike ride was a 2.5D heading into the woods to take the owners dog was walk - run forever - but I'd stick with the 2.0E - unless you find a nice 2.6.