I have a well taken care of 84 300D.

I ran across a 87 190E 2.3 today. Light Creme color with Palamino interior. 142K, no dash cracks, seats look good. Paint could use a good detail. I spoke to the owner via phone and his mechanic (who I kind of know btw). Car is well taken care of and everything works. Had the head redone a few years ago, although I haven't seen the service records. Mechanic doesn't remember changing the timing chain. This is a one owner car and always maintained well (oil changes, fix whatever needs fixing). The wife has been driving it for quite sometime. I have not test drove it yet. Asking $2,000.

I would purchase this car for better around town mileage and driveability. Performance is not an issue, hey I have driven 300's since 1988. This could be a second car too.

My questions:
What kind of mileage should I expect in town and highway?
Does it require premium fuel or regular? How long should I expect the engine to last (on average with regular oil changes as has been done so far)?
How long does the auto trans generally last in these 190's?

BTW she replaced it with a Lexus SUV.

Thank you in advance.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

Bump?

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

My questions:
What kind of mileage should I expect in town and highway?

Obviously your results may vary, but expect low to mid 20's MPG.

Does it require premium fuel or regular?

It should run fine on unleaded fuel, but not the bare bottom regular. I believe that the 1987 2.3L got a bump in cylinder compression and needed slightly higher octane.

How long should I expect the engine to last (on average with regular oil changes as has been done so far)?

Sir, it's a Mercedes! The M102 is a pretty straightforward engine. It's one weak design might be the valve seals that dry and crack over 10 years or so, but are easy to replace. The hydraulic lifters mean no serious valve adjustments.

How long does the auto trans generally last in these 190's?

As with the engine, the 4 speed auto with it's 2nd gear start, is pretty reliable.

At this age, the biggest cost items in terms of repair are likely to be found in the aging suspension parts, the cooling system if it has not been properly maintained, and the ever problematic a/c system, but those are typical of Mercedes of this period.

Just drove the car. Its kind of a tighter fit for me than the 300D. Drives a little more firmly. Needs an alignment. The fan clutch is shot, but it didn't overheat. Looked briefly through the records, valve job and head gasket 20M miles ago. Master cylinder replaced. A/C has been gone through. Blows at 45F while driving under 35mph in stop and go residential. Consistent oil changes. Doesn't appear to have been in an accident. Interior is really clean. Sunroof needs lubing. Looks like the radiator has been replaced. Strut mounts replaced within last 2 years. Pirelli's are almost brand new. A little more p/u than my car.

I think the seat needs a bit of work. Mine is more comfortable.
Maybe offer $1,700 with bad fan clutch. I live a half mile from it.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)

MTI What do you need to do to replace the valve seals?

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

This might help tip you in the favor of the 190e- The 300D requires more freqent oil changes and a valve adjust every 15,000 miles.

I have owned both and I really enjoy driving the 190e.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

If the 190 has not had the chain replaced, do it now! Sold our 190 witht the understanding that the new owner was to replace the chain as it was (over)due. New owner just drove it for a year a (and let her kid crunch it twice). Chain broke. She junked it.
I have an '83 300D and yeah, the 190 fit me a bit tight. Front suspension needs to be overhauled around 100-150k. Not that hard. You already have a new radiator so that won't fail for a long while (with proper MB antifreeze). Oh, yeah, had to replace the A/C compressor on mine.

It didn't over heat because its not a fan clutch Its an electro magnectic clutch that spins freely at the same speed until it kicks in at 105c. When its NOT engaged and its spinning freely you can stop it easily.

Pop the oil cap and look into the front of the engine. If you see a single row chain get it changed if it hasnt been, if its a double row you're ok just listen for a bad tensioner.

I did a little research and found out about the fan clutch last night before I read your post. 105 makes me nervous but hey, who am I to argue with MB engineers.

Did these cars come with a single row std or did MB switch to a double in the late 80's?

What do you all think about the price?

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)