190e newbie

[jealouslyblue]

Hi, I guess I'm looking for some advice and reasurrance....
I bought my first Merc today - a 1988 190e 2.0 petrol 168000. Well I know next to nothing about cars, I bought it because I heard they are reliable, and my Orion certainly isnt. The car looks beautiful to me here is a pic:
http://i4.ebayimg.com/01/i/01/ef/6c/16_3.JPG
Now I'm starting to have my doubts as to whether I should have taken on an old Merc, as there are a few problems to sort out that Im hoping wont cost the earth and I'm hoping some of you kind people might advise me...
1) The tappets are noisy - is it a hard/costly job to replace them?
2) The rear brakes sound like they are binding a little as there is a whirring noise while driving - or could this be as my friend suggests a 'rear axle diff' (?)
3) there is a small water leak from the water pump - do I replace water pump or is there an easier solution?
4) Rear electric windows dont work (fuse/motor?)
Hope someone's going to tell me I wont have to sign my life away to get these jobs sorted.
The car has 10 monts MOT left.
Im based in Yorkshire UK.
Thanks in advance )

 

[mike65]

The rear windows might have seized motors if they were never used by previous owner...failing that its almost certainly frayed wiring (its a weak point at the b pillar).

The water pump is'nt expensive to replace if needs be (go to eurocarparts or German Swedish & French) there is a seal somewhere inside the pump and one between pump and block which might need replacing....

Binding rear brakes can be diagnosed by jacking up the back and free-wheeling the wheels, if they come to a silent smooth halt its not the brakes.

If its the rear diff the sound will rise and fall with your speed.

Cant help you with the top end rattle...


Hope that helps

Mike.

ps Ownership of Mercs requires signing away your soul only!

pps nice looking car apart from the scruffy botton front.

 

[mofo]

looks just like mine