Merc 190 novice needs answers

[mcnevermind]

I am in the process of deciding which car to buy next, i am pretty convinced im buying a merc 190 hopefully j-k reg.

Can someone tell me if any/all of the models came with cruise control and also is it any good.

Also im after an auto 190 with the amg kit on it, so far in the last 4 weeks on autotrader.co.uk i can only find one nationwide can anyone point me in a better direction.

cheers

 

[squealinneil]

I have 3 190Es now (just sold a 2.0) - a 2.5-16, a low mileage 2.6 & a higher miles 2.6 for everyday use. They're brilliant cars, well made, over engineered, over built, not prone to rust &, with proper maintenence, will last many more years.

CC was an option. I've seen v. few cars with it. Unless you spend a lot of time on empty motorways CC is not practical. I had a 2.6 with & rarely used it.

What engine do you want? 1.8, 2.0, 2.3-16, 2.5 diesel. 2.5-16, 2.6 or...? 4 or 6 cylinder, 2 or 4 valve head, do you want economy or performance, petrol or diesel?

190s are not fuel injected, 190Es are. Nearly all are auto, most with AMG kit have been abused/boy raced/thrashed. Condition & service history are MUCH more important than year. What's your budget?

 

[mcnevermind]

I was looking for a 1.8 or 2.0 petrol auto, pref the 190e now you mentioned the fuel injection.

I do spend quite a lot of time on an empty motorway funnily enough, its just that im getting rid of my 86 Golf Cabrio which has nackered my knees and done in my lower back, so i wanted something comfy and effortless for my budget which is 1500-2500

i know many AMG's have been boy racered but didnt the kit come as an option at one point? I just think the kit makes the 190 look very sexy although i could stick the kit on myself a later date?

what do you think to all this

 

[squealinneil]

I found the 2.0 a bit underpowered. I think the best of the 2.0s put out approx 122bhp when new. It will go along at motorway speeds fine, but if you need overtaking power (or just fancy flooring it for fun) then it's lacking.

The 2.6 is a different proposition. It is a great motorway car, with 160-165 bhp, & has pretty effortless ooomph. Surprisingly, I find my 2.6s have all used less fuel than the 2.0. I believe this is because they are understressed most of the time where as you tend to use more welly with the smaller engined car to get it to hussle along. Never driven a 1.8 but I imagine it's a slug.

The AMG thing is personal taste. I don't know if it was an option, but if it was I'm sure it was an expensive one. Probably most are replicas. I prefer the Cosworth body kit. You can occasionally find either at a Merc breakers for reasonable money.