Mercedes-Benz 190E 'LE'
Discussion
After owning a W215 CL500 for a few months I was always a bit worried about bills etc so thought I'd sell it and buy a 'proper' older Merc. After always wanting a W140 and nearly buying one instead of the CL500 I thought I'd go the other way with something simpler and smaller.
I found a 190E LE in Rosso Red on ebay which was local, I viewed it and liked the car but there were a few niggles and I thought the price was high but now I knew I now wanted an LE. For those that may be interested - MB made 1000 LE 190E's in 1993 and they came complete with a few features as standard and I believe they were fixed spec. These included electric windows, electric tilt/slide sunroof, walnut trim, 8 hole alloys and three unique colour combinations. Available with 1.8 and 2.0 4cyl engines only, the 2.0's also came with rear headrests and an armrest.
I found my Azzuro Blue 1.8 on Retro Rides, it had done less miles than the Rosso Red car (111k vs 160k) but didn't have such a complete history. However, a lot of items had been seen to recently including a new radiator, service, etc. The car was in Wolverhampton but I viewed, left a deposit then went up on the train to collect it. The 150 mile drive home was uneventful and as expected the revs are quite high when cruising at 70mph!
As you can see, the car is in pretty good condition - the photos flatter it a bit but it hides its age well I think. I really don't like the rear spoiler (annoyingly only fitted a couple of months back) and have another boot lid waiting to go on after it is painted. I have fitted some replica dealer number plates as the previous owner fitted modern plates and plastic surrounds that I wasn't keen on. I also fitted a walnut gear shifter as I didn't like the standard plastic item.
There are a few jobs to do, including a possible wheel refurb and a few mechanical bits. Otherwise I'm currently enjoying the slow and steady drive, comfy ride and retro looks so will see how long I keep it.
I found a 190E LE in Rosso Red on ebay which was local, I viewed it and liked the car but there were a few niggles and I thought the price was high but now I knew I now wanted an LE. For those that may be interested - MB made 1000 LE 190E's in 1993 and they came complete with a few features as standard and I believe they were fixed spec. These included electric windows, electric tilt/slide sunroof, walnut trim, 8 hole alloys and three unique colour combinations. Available with 1.8 and 2.0 4cyl engines only, the 2.0's also came with rear headrests and an armrest.
I found my Azzuro Blue 1.8 on Retro Rides, it had done less miles than the Rosso Red car (111k vs 160k) but didn't have such a complete history. However, a lot of items had been seen to recently including a new radiator, service, etc. The car was in Wolverhampton but I viewed, left a deposit then went up on the train to collect it. The 150 mile drive home was uneventful and as expected the revs are quite high when cruising at 70mph!
As you can see, the car is in pretty good condition - the photos flatter it a bit but it hides its age well I think. I really don't like the rear spoiler (annoyingly only fitted a couple of months back) and have another boot lid waiting to go on after it is painted. I have fitted some replica dealer number plates as the previous owner fitted modern plates and plastic surrounds that I wasn't keen on. I also fitted a walnut gear shifter as I didn't like the standard plastic item.
There are a few jobs to do, including a possible wheel refurb and a few mechanical bits. Otherwise I'm currently enjoying the slow and steady drive, comfy ride and retro looks so will see how long I keep it.
Edited by Max M4X WW on Tuesday 6th September 19:41
Fantastic, love 190s and especially this colour.
When I left uni and needed a car that was vaguely reliable I traded my 1.6 Capri in for this beauty:
I searched for ages for a 5 speeder manual - less of a drone for the motorways!
Looking forward to hearing about it - great cars to work on too.
When I left uni and needed a car that was vaguely reliable I traded my 1.6 Capri in for this beauty:
I searched for ages for a 5 speeder manual - less of a drone for the motorways!
Looking forward to hearing about it - great cars to work on too.
Spinakerr said:
I searched for ages for a 5 speeder manual - less of a drone for the motorways!
It isn't too bad if you are happy to go a bit slower, but I never bought the car for motorway use so not a problem for me. Either way, my first tank of fuel including the 150 mile motorway drive gave about 36mpg which I thought was pretty good! Max M4X WW said:
0a said:
They really are charming little cars aren't they. They encourage steady driving!
If everyone drove one, I swear Road rage would not exist! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YG7DEP9lWc
derin100 said:
Max M4X WW said:
0a said:
They really are charming little cars aren't they. They encourage steady driving!
If everyone drove one, I swear Road rage would not exist! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YG7DEP9lWc
Max M4X WW said:
Spinakerr said:
I searched for ages for a 5 speeder manual - less of a drone for the motorways!
It isn't too bad if you are happy to go a bit slower, but I never bought the car for motorway use so not a problem for me. Either way, my first tank of fuel including the 150 mile motorway drive gave about 36mpg which I thought was pretty good! Mine goes in on Friday to get the wing done, then it's suspension time, then a full service. I have become rather fond of it and find myself pottering about in it instead of the other cars.
Max M4X WW said:
It isn't too bad if you are happy to go a bit slower, but I never bought the car for motorway use so not a problem for me. Either way, my first tank of fuel including the 150 mile motorway drive gave about 36mpg which I thought was pretty good!
Expect to keep that up M4X WW. I even get an honest 32 mpg from my 2.5-16 almost regardless of how hard I drive it. Really like your car.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff