Thinking of getting a 190D...

[Targa-NF]

I was looking at a 86 or 87 190D. The engine sounded a little too tappy.
It is a 4 cyl non-turbo. With only 111,Miles. It was not a lower end knock.
It was a loud tapping. It did not sound like my SD when she needs a valve
tune-up, It was a higher pitched tap tap tap... I have never heard a 190D
4 cyl diesel running before so it hard to compare. Any addvice would be great.
Thanks, Jay

[babyjames]

I worked on a W201 190D 2.2 last week. Compared to the W123/W126 cars, these things are crap. Don't waste your money.

Jay.

[danwatt]

I think their wonderful cars. What makes you think they are crap?

[pawoSD]

My dad worked in the factory (sindelfingen) when these cars were being built, and even he himself calls the 190's "cheap sardine cans" They were MB's answer to an econobox needy population.......obviously they are better than a typical car, but they're nothing like the 123/126's as were mentioned earlier....those were the true tanks.

[300SDog]

Yeah I've heard the same thing from mechanics, thin sheet metal and plastic interior sounds like mostly cosmetic criticism. But what about the 5-spd 190D 2.2 ? Hell with that kind of engine and drivetrain combo - who cares if the rest of the car is paper thin!

So lets adress the issue here - did MB start using self-adjusting valves with the mid '80s 190D? And what are weaknesses or differences in the valve train that might cause alot of high pitched tapping? If you're really serious about buying the car or if it's going for alot of money, dont hesitate to take it to independent mechanic for $50 examination. Its hard for me to believe the car is an absolute piece of crap. And 111k miles should be nothing for an MB 4 cyl diesel.

[Ara T.]

I love W201's... of course they don't feel as solid as a W123. God forbid a Mercedes weighs less than 3500 pounds. Rack and pinion steering is also a lot nicer.. though the lower weight also ties into that.