idly wondering ...

[flagstaff]

... why the 190 was never sold in UK with the M102 2.3 litre engine? ok, i know it came in 2.3l 16v version, with a different cylinder head ... but why was it never sold with the standard 8v motor, like the previous (and similarly-sized) 230e? was it all down to economy/fuel prices?

and while we're on the subject, whay was the 500e only available as a left hooker?

and while we're still on the subject :wink: ... why was there no V8 motor *at all* for the W124 chassis in the UK? the coupes, especially, would have sold on this element alone, surely?

 

[spanners]

Which models?

Where do we start?

If the 2.3 was too thirsty for the UK market, why did they produce the 2.6?

Why did they never produce any turbo diesel models for the UK market in the 190, 124 and 126 series? That can't be because of the cost of fuel.

As fuel is so expensive over here, why did they produce a 260SE and never release it for the UK market?

I have to conclude that MB randomly picked which of the models, they would let us have.

 

[mike65]

I think the reason is straightforward - the 2.3 8v offers litle more than the 2.0 8v ecept worse fuel economy.

Mike.

 

[flagstaff]

that's not my experience at all, Mike. the 2.3 motor is much torquier and smoother than the 2.0, and seems more suited to the weight of the 201 chassis (without the drawbacks of a 6-cylinder lump at the front)

 

[mike65]

I bow to your experience flagstaff!

Mike.

 

[flagstaff]

hey, if you're after *proper* power from a 190e, then look no further than this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....ry=9855&sspagename=STRK:MEBWA:IT&rd=1

[may need to cut and paste the link into your browser, but it's worth it 8) ]

 

[mike65]

Wheres the spoiler!

I'd be paying 1300 euro a year just on road tax for that thing...

Mike.

 

[spanners]

Spoiler

I think it was left out on purpose.

Looks like it's a "Wolf in sheeps clothing".

 

[Spike]

I've been in that very car and it is fantastic.

Its been up for sale for a while and although there has been a fair amount of interest, most people are scared by potential maintenance costs should things go wrong.

Wonderfully unique car though... tempted myself TBH but I couldnt get the boss to agree to the idea.

Stick it on classic insurance for peanuts and have a ball.