A190 transmissions

[Ballacraine]

Hello folks,

Newbie here with a question for those of greater experience.

I am in the process of looking for an A190. I will probably be keeping it for quite a few years, but will not be doing a high mileage.  

What is the accepted wisdom on transmission reliability?

I get the impression the tiptronic will be very nice while it works OK, with the questionmark of not being sure when it will dip the clutch & you will lose engine braking.
I get the impression it will be really expensive if & when it goes wrong.

The fully automatic I do not have any problem with as regards usage.  What is the feeling on reliability?

Manual transmission is my preferred option.  With there only being a couple of  A190s on the Island, I am not going to get the opportunity for a test drive prior to arranging purchase, so I am asking the question what is it going to be like?  Baulky, tight, precise, stirring porridge or what?

I would be obliged to any that can help me out here!

TIA

Nige.

 

[fuzzer]

I had a fully auto which comes with the tiptronic gearbox as the gate goes P R N  - D + .  Don't buy a clutchless manual as its impossible to offload them. Its your choice , auto  or manual.

Just to add another spanner into the works , why not look at an A210 ? They look   Really good with the 17" evolution alloys and the indicators in the mirrors. They also have a very nice alacantera interior ....


I would buy auto.

 

[Ballacraine]

Thanks for the prompt reply, Fuzzer!

I am afraid I am even more confused now!

So the auto is Tiptronic...I thought that was the ACS (clutchless manual)

So you would reckon, auto rather than manual?

TIA

Nige.

 

[Ballacraine]

My budget is only about £11,000 so I don't think an A210 is an option quite yet!

Nice thought though :0)

Nige.

 

[Koolvin]

I Had a A190 Avantgarde for a week, twas charcoal black with AMG styling package, was an awesome car!!! it was fully loaded , folding mirrors, autodims, heated leather etc etc.... The tranny was awesome!! i loved that car to bits!

I also drove a a140 - was the worst car I ever drove

if u are going for a a190 go for avantgarde fully optioned - you will love it

oh yeah the A190 is very very fast, I kicked some RS turbo's in it with ease!!

(Edited by Koolvin at 7:55 pm on April 30, 2002)

 

[Andy]

Hi Ballacraine

Fuzzer is right the ACS box works well, but if your looking to sell in the near future then nobody wants it. New technology people are a little sceptic. Both the auto and the manuals perform well. If your preferred option is the manual. Then go for it. No problems there I have heard of. I driven both and they perform well.

Good luck

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Ballacraine]

Thanks for the speedy replies, folks!

Thanks for the re-assurance, Andy!

Nige.

 

[Koolvin]

oh btw you seen the german TWIN engined A class - F****ING awesome!!!

 

[Ballacraine]

Certainly have, Koolvin!

Well impressed! ;0)

Nige.

 

[fuzzer]

I drove an ACS A160 and did not like it , was not natural althrough i could not fault it technically. I suppose its down to preference.

 

[Ballacraine]

The reason I am going with the A190 is because we are a family of five (3 young kiddies) & there is a lot of shopping/holiday luggage.

I have had a car putting out 88bhp before (Nissan Almera 1.4 ) It was no where near enough.  So that writes off the diesel.

I have a feeling that the 160 isn't going to be enough either!  (I am trading from a V6 136bhp Vitara)

Opinions?

Nige.

 

[fuzzer]

Have you throught about an older C250 Turbodiesel , its no slouch and big enough for all your kit and kiboodle . If its outwith the budget , try a C200 or C230 .

Im talking about a 96/7 ish . If nothing in Manx , then try the uk as there are a lot of them here.

 

[fuzzer]

I ment  estate

 

[Ballacraine]

Thanks for the idea but I am pretty much set on the A Class because I like a smaller vehicle for parking & garaging purposes.

Nige.