It finally happened, thoughts on 300D vs 190E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fantom71 · #1 02-22-2006, 11:44 PM

My darling wife finally approached me today and commented on my 91 190E 2.6 5 speed that is currently DOA. I got it DOA and as such have never driven it. She wants it fixed or gone and I dont really blame her since when I got it, I had every intention of having it fixed within 2 weeks. It has now been a bit over 1 year.

My reason for this thread is this: what are the seat-of-the-pants differences of the 300D and 190E? What are the driving characteristcs like in the 190? I know nothing about the series but from what I have seen, it seems to be as solid as my 300, just smaller. Would it be more fun in the twisties and off of the line when you pull along side a ricer?

I dont want to sell the 190 and it will be a cold day in you know where before I sell the 300. My choices are 1-sell the 190 as is (worse case senario), 2- fix the 190 myself, while juggleing owning my own business, a pt job and 3 children while learning the how to's on engine disassembly on the job, or 3-paying someone to finish the head gasket job. The problem with #3 is that no garages want to touch it while the job is in process (not to mention cash restraints). I guess I am just wanting some encouragement to get this damn job done. I will be nice to have two running toys...

Skippy · #2 02-23-2006, 01:10 AM

I've never driven a 190, so I can't speak about the driving characteristics.

I have changed a head gasket or two, and I can say this about it. As long as you have the manual, and you can follow written instructions, it isn't that hard. Time consuming maybe-if it's your first it might take several hours to a full day depending on how much you have to take off to pull the head and put it back, but if you read through the instuctions first, and then follow them step by step, you should be fine.

This assumes that all the 190 needs is a head gasket, of course.

Ara T. · #3 02-23-2006, 02:35 AM

The difference in in pickup is quite a bit. Not only does the 190E 2.6 have what, 160 HP and similar amount of torque compared to a 617, but it also weighs ~600 lbs less than a 300D. I have never driven one with a stick before though so that is gonna be a fun lil car. The weight reduction and suspension setup make it handle like a go-cart compared to a W123 and the rack and pinion is a lot tighter than the recirculating ball.

locry · #4 02-23-2006, 10:40 AM

I used to have a 190E 2.3, i can say that it handles a LOT better than my current ride, a 124 300D. The 190 is a lot peppier, IMHO it handles a lot better than the 124, i think its because it weighs less and uses almost the same suspension as the 124. its a pretty nimble car... i can imagine a 190e 2.6 would drive a lot better.

I also had a 124 230E the same time i had the 190E 2.3. Same engine. World's apart in terms of handling. The 230E did have a smoother ride though.

overall, by feel, for me my 190 felt more "solid" than my 124, probably because the smaller chassis which used basically the same components of the bigger 124 flexed less. If i had the chance i'd get another 190 in a heartbeat!

jfikentscher · #5 02-23-2006, 11:35 AM

I had a 1987 190E 2.6 and loved it. Quite the peppy auto. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles and ran it to 450,000 before trading it in.

The only real problem with the engine was that the small pre-muffler got clogged and the engine would not breathe. This caused oil usage and finally loss of power. replaced the pre-mufflwer and all was well again.

Had the usual problems with ball joints, struts and the rubber drive shaft bushings(?).

Great car.

Joe