190E ADVICE SOUGHT PLEASE!!

[pashtun]

I am thinking of buying a C plate '86 190 E Manual, 100,000 on the clock, supposedly FSH.
Any advice on what to look out for specifically other then the usual rot problems would be appreciated!!!

Many thanks

 

[spanners]

190E

As far as the engine goes, the timing chains were prone to wearing out on the early 190E's before they were modified to a double chain around 1988.

It's not expensive to wind a new chain opn but well worth checking as you don't want it to jump.

 

[pashtun]

Thanks spanners, that's useful. I'm pretty naff mechanically-is there a way to tell visually if the chain is worn or not??

Cheers

 

[willydog]

if you are going for a 190 i would go for the facelifted ones,
(ie ones that have plastic cladding on the the side of the doors)
this is cos most of the design faults will have been ironed out.

rust should not be a problem on 190's as the rust proofing
is really good.

with the engine running listen to any strange noises.
the oil pressure gauge should be on 2-3 on idle but
should rise to 3 with slight press of the accelarator.
if it does not rise to 3 then walk away as this mean
low oil pressure.

 

[pashtun]

Cheers willy,
I know what you mean about the later 190's, but I still fancy an earlier model, but thanks for the advice re: the pressure etc anyway.
I'll check for noises and dodgy chain probs. £650 for the car seems reasonable I guess if it's basically sound??

 

[garyovey]

Hi

I agree with spanners and willydog and can add this. History is important, don't be put off by high mileage if there is history showing regular oil changes etc. If you drive the car, you'll know it's right. Nothing drives like a Mercedes does. If it is auto, the chnage shouldbe smooth but positive. The 'E' is more pokey than the carb. Check seat wear and that the driver's seat has not collapsed. Condition is important but remember that a 190 bonnet costs £66 + vat from GSF. Check operation of all windows and sunroof, especially electric. Slight clunk o take-off not critical, could be couplings. remember that despite what people who do not know say, Mercs are surprisingly economical to repair.

Good luck and happy mercedes ownership.

Gary

 

[pashtun]

Cheers Gary for your input. There is allegedly FSH and just 100K with 2k miles per year for the last two or three years. Its odd that on Mercs of a certain age the seat bolsters seem to go regardless of the model-I wonder why ths is?
PS Sorry-what/where is GSF??

 

[garyovey]

Hi

Sorry, GSF is German, French,Swedish who supply parts for Mercedes, among others. Their website is www.gsfcarparts.com. If you go to the website, you will see where all their branches are and can request or download a catalogue. Also check outwww.eurocarparts.com.

Regards

Gary

 

[pashtun]

Cheers Gary,
I ve actually ended up buying an 85 C plate 230 CE Coupe now! 128k on the clock, so a bit different from the 190E!
Cheers

Paul

 

[donegaldan1]

I'm going tonight to have a look at a 190E 1.8 (1991).

It's got 138,000 but no service history from 110,000 to quite recently when the present owner has has it serviced and had new clutch slaves and masters fitted.

It's on the market for just under a grand.

What I want to know is should the lack of SH from 110,000 to the most recent service at 138,000 prevent me from going anywhere near it...??

Answers on a postcard please.....

 

[mike65]

I would'nt worry too much about a gap albeit a largeish one. If it runs smoothly does'nt rattle at the front (chain and/or water pump) steers accuratly and rides well its proberly fine!. Something to do is get the engine nice and warm see if you can get the fan to cut in. Obviously check the usual stuff like leaks from top end/sump, exhaust pipe, all the electrics, the heater controls...etc.

Mike.