190 D Faster or slower than 240 D? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#31 11-30-2006, 07:50 PM

Look for a 1987 190D (2.5 turbo). Not slow, a blast to drive.

I almost bought one as my first Mercedes, but this one has some history concerns.

Frankie · #32 12-01-2006, 02:39 AM

I'm still leaning towards the 190 D. Spoke to my MBZ mech yesterday and asked about his opinions on the 1985 190 D vs any 240 D and from a mechanical perspective, he basically shot down both models. He has a strong preference to 300 TURbO s(1985). He loves the fully cast iron engine and hates aluminum/cast iron combo. Talks about it like it is a fine vintage of wine!

I need to stay focused on who will be driving this car, me or him. I figure that I can't go wrong buying a fuel economical 190D as investment and reliable daily driver and sell it at any future time, breaking even. I'm not the type to seek making a killing from selling cars.
I'd sell it to a person seeking a classy, fuel economy car when diesel prices go higher and higher.
Frankie

#33 12-01-2006, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

.....I figure that I can't go wrong buying a fuel economical 190D as investment and reliable daily driver and sell it at any future time, breaking even.....

t walgamuth · #34 12-01-2006, 08:10 AM

the 190 should be quicker, get better fuel economy and more fun to drive....but will take more maintenance on the engine. the body and chassis imho is about the same in ruggedness as the 240. but the strut front end is tougher to change shocks on.

the 240 will be slower, less nimble, easier towork on and will not require nearly as much fixing. i think a good 240 will sell a little higher than a good 190d. could be wrong about that.

having had ten or 12 240s i would choose that if cost is important.

not ever owning a 190d i would like to some day if the opportunity comes along.

tom w

Cephallus · #35 12-01-2006, 11:46 AM

The w201, even in slow diesel form, is a very nimble car. Wherever you point it, it goes, without questioning you. Definitely not the same feeling in the 240d.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, but they have very distinct personalities. I personally chose the w123 over the w201, but having a couple of 190e's already, I really didn't want to do the same-but-slower thing. And I absolutely love my 240d. Every time I drive it I grin from ear to ear.

FYI, there's a thriving community of w201 enthusiasts at 190revolution.net.

babymog · #36 12-01-2006, 12:23 PM

And since the early gas 190s are worth very little, I often see them in the u-pick yard, parts are plentiful and cheap.

A little less common to see 240D in a junkyard, could affect the cost to keep an old one running.

BTW, maintenance on the 190D, especially the 2.5, is pretty much filters and fluids.

Jetmugg · #37 12-01-2006, 12:27 PM

I have had 3 190D's now. I think they are all listed in my signature line. I highly recommend them. The W201 chassis has a much more "modern" feel than the W123 cars I've ridden in, or the W116 that I formerly owned. All of the 190D's were also much quicker than any 240D. My current 190D 2.2 5-speed has a deep first gear which pulls quickly through first, with a nice gear spacing the rest of the way up. My last one, a 190D 2.5 Turbo, which I put a 5-speed in, was a highway bullet. It had the tall rearend (2.65 I believe), which when coupled with the overdrive 5th gear, made for effortless cruising. My first 190D was a 2.5 automatic car that was equally as quick as my previous 300SD.

After you have driven a W116 or W123, the W201 chassis feels much more sporty and thoroughly modern, even when judged against the current offerings by other companies.

My 2 cents,

SteveM.

babymog · #38 12-01-2006, 12:31 PM

Not to hijack the thread Steve, but from what car did you get the 5speed and how much fabrication was necessary?

mcguirjf · #39 12-01-2006, 12:41 PM

the front aluminum engine timing cover. I bought my '85 190D but the mounting location of the belt tensioner on the cover was broken and the PO tried to re-weld it (it didn't work). The belt would constantly scream. The aluminum cover which has been updated is about 200 dollars from the dealer. The only problem installing this thing is if you damage the headgasket which seals the top of the cover will result in a head gasket job. I'm currently doing this now and I must say it is getting up to about 600 dollars in parts and tools alone. Also just an FYI, the timing chain for the 190D can only be put together with the master link press. (see tool rental forum)

Not to discourage you, but with any old car it will need work. A nice plus is that this car has hydralic lifters so you never have to adjust the valves like the other folks on this forum.

Good luck in your search!

Jetmugg · #40 12-01-2006, 02:36 PM

Really no fabrication required, just a matter of assembling the correct MB factory parts. I used a rebuilt 190E (gasser) 5-speed tranny, shifter and rods, pedal cluster, clutch master and slave cylinder. I used a flywheel from a 2.5 diesel non-turbo car, and I believe that the clutch and pressure plate were from a gasser also (don't remember the specific part #'s). You will need a tranny crossmember from a 5-speed car, and the front driveshaft from a 5-speed car. When properly done, you cannot tell that the car was not a factory 5-speed.

The best way is to get a complete 5-speed donor car, and take every single nut, bolt, clamp, clip, rod, hose, etc. related to the tranny setup. That way, you can avoid having to order small parts from MB. I didn't have this luxury, so I ended up spending more time and money than I would have otherwise.

SteveM.

Frankie · #41 12-01-2006, 03:47 PM

Thanks Jeff and Steve and others,
You really love your cars. The 190 D that I'm test driving tomorrow had a lot of parts replaced w/i last year but no mention of timing chain, overall engine or transmission. I'll be sure to listen for odd noises!
Cheers,
Frankie

t walgamuth · #42 12-01-2006, 06:43 PM

the 124 car and i am sure the 201 as well, the front end just clings to the road with no fuss whatever.

the rear end feels the same on the 123 and 124 but the front in the 124 is a light year ahead in feel and grip.

tom w

volare · #43 12-01-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

Thanks Jeff and Steve and others,
You really love your cars. The 190 D that I'm test driving tomorrow had a lot of parts replaced w/i last year but no mention of timing chain, overall engine or transmission. I'll be sure to listen for odd noises!
Cheers,
Frankie

I guess you can say i love my car. I bought it on the 4th of OCT 2006 with 243,121 Miles and it hit the 250,000 mile club today.

Enjoy the Test Drive

Frankie · #44 12-01-2006, 07:32 PM

That is fantastic! I want to reach that milestone with whichever model I end up buying! Send in for your Mercedes medal!
Wonder how I can prove that if I buy one with a broken odometer(very common problem).
F.

t walgamuth · #45 12-01-2006, 07:35 PM

you just fill out the form and send it in.

it is like the irs ....an honor system....but no audits by mb.

i bet i have had at least 15 benzes with over 250k on them! never put that many miles on one though.

i think maybe the most miles i have put on one is the 65k i have put on my 500sec!

the year i bought it my #1 grandson was born very very premature and spent 8 months in the hospital in indy. i put about 50k on it that year, driving back and forth three times a week plus.

he's fine now! four years old. a delightful little guy!

the sec is fine too.

tom w