I'm going to look at a used 1985 190d 2.2 automatic on Saturday. It's on a used car lot, which I don't like, but it looks like a good car. Said to be one-owner, 157k miles, blue with grey leather interior, looks very clean.

They're asking $6,875, which seems high, but maybe that's just because it's on a used car lot.

What should I look for on the car? What are the typical problem areas on the w201 series? I had a 300td wagon so I know the basics of the Benz diesels fairly well and I've always done all the maintenance/repairs/mods on my own cars, so I'm mechanically inclined.

I haven't seen the car yet, but in pictures I noticed there's no emblem on the right side of the trunk lid. This is where the "2.2" emblem should go, at least on most of the 190's I've seen. Should there be an emblem there? Just wondering if there was paint or bodywork done back there.

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'81 300TD turbo <<sold 12/05 to another diesel nut

This is for a 1988 190D: From Kelley Blue Book

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

Unless its showroom perfect, had a body off restoration and had the odo rolled *forward* there's no way its worth that much.

I wouldnt offer more than what CI provided.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

You need to remember that 190Ds were much less expensive than 123 body cars and as such have generally led a much harder life. Expect it to not have been maintained the way it should be.
That price is very high, they're seeing it as a car that gets good mileage and figure it'll sell easily to some rube. It probably will but not that easily... Try not to pay more than about $4,000...
I've got an '85 2.2l 5spd manual, its reasonably peppy. I suspect an auto would be more like a manual shift 240D.
Anyway, listen carefully to the fan blower motor, mine made a bunch of noise until I oiled it. The wiper on mine is getting really slow too.
AC work on 201 body cars is supposed to be very expensive and at the price they're asking it dammed well better work.
The car should handle like its on RAILS compared to a 123 car but the rear suspension links wear and ruin the handling.
My car has power seats, I'd prefer manual, mine make a bunch of noise.
Make sure the injector hard lines have the plastic clippies that keep them from vibrating. If they vibrate too much they'll break. The lines are getting difficult to get, I needed one and it took nearly 2 weeks...

Theres probably more that I can't think of right now but that should get you started. Harp on it being an automatic which will lower the mileage and make it less fun to drive. Good luck!

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Sadly Benz-less

The Service Manager at Astorg MB in Parkersburg, WV told me that the 190's (W201) had problems with their automatic transmissions.....he was just commenting when I told him that I had purchased another car, my 190D 2.2 5 speed.

The blower seems to be a weak point.....both my cars had bad blowers....the motor alone is $120 ish from Phil.....

Also....the struts/shocks are a bit pricey and one of my cars (parts car) had a lot of rust in the spring perch area......

Pick up the floormat, and the plastic piece under the mat...see what it looks like under there.....

I have $750 invested in both of my cars.....and perhaps another $250 in parts and stuff from Phil......

SB

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Diesels:
'85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG
'84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG
'77 240D (parts car)
'67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP)
Gassers:
'94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG
'85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car
'58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG

That price is very unrealistic. Stay away from that car lot. The `85 190d is a great car with a weak electrical system.

Along the same vein I will be looking at a 1987 190d 2.5 with auto tranny. He says the odometer has 110k (wonder if that's right). Price is $1300. Any thoughts?
thanks