Looking at a 190D 2.2 for the winter, what do you think? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dude99 · #1 10-13-2010, 01:41 AM

So the '79 300D is getting close to undrivable so I'm going to take it off the road for the winter but I need something to get me out to school and back every day. I spotted a 1984 190D 2.2 5 speed listed for $1200 that looks like it will fit the bill. I figure I could get it for $1000. I know most MPG numbers on the net are wildly exaggerated but I was reading that 35+ mpg wasn't unreasonable. Is this true? I don't know a lot about the w201 since all my experience is with the w123 so any info and opinions is welcome. I'll throw the pics of it that I have on here for you all to dissect. Also how will the performance compare to my 300D. I was under the impression that it should be quicker.

JimmyL · #2 10-13-2010, 01:49 AM

Heck, I'd buy every one of those I came across if they were all $1000- $1200 bucks.
I don't know about quicker, but it might be less slow........

chasinthesun · #3 10-13-2010, 11:41 AM

Youll have hydraulic lifters ,with alot of miles they get a bit noisey ,listen too the motor as it idles ,it can be fixed if so .I would buy it just for the fun of its driving characteristics ,the one I have runs and drives like a go cart.Not fast and furious ,my 300cd will outrun my 5spd from 0 to 60 ,the turbo and an the extra cylinder makes sure of it.

LoosBenz · #4 10-13-2010, 12:04 PM

If it runs/drives well and the body isn't rotted, I'd very willingly give $1000-1200 for that.

dude99 · #5 10-13-2010, 04:10 PM

good to know, thanks, I'll hopefully be going to look at it this weekend. What are the main rust points on a w201? are they the same as a w123 (ie. jack points and fenders)? Ok, so the hydraulic lifters can be a slight issue, are there any other things I should look for on a om601?

Jetmugg · #6 10-13-2010, 04:24 PM

A 190D 2.2 5-speed is arguably the most fuel efficient mechanically injected diesel that MB ever produced. Even with the exaggerated claims, 40mpg (highway) is readily attainable.

They are not "quick", but will outrun every 240D on the road, if that counts for anything.

Like other posters said, if it's rust free (or relatively rust free), buy every one you can get your hands on for that price.

SteveM.

layback40 · #7 10-13-2010, 07:56 PM

Have you got it yet ??

Nice looking car !!

Unless there is something real bad that we cant see in the pics, I would take a roll of greens with me to the owner & let him see you have $1k to give him on the spot. The smell of $$$ often helps to close the purchase !!

Dont waste time & let some one else steel it from under you !!!

Good luck !!!!

dude99 · #8 10-13-2010, 09:18 PM

not yet, going to look\buy it on Sunday. If all goes well and he isn't hiding anything it should be mine. The only issue he mentioned was that the weld from the exhaust pipe to the muffler had broke, but that the muffler was new. So no big deal, a quick bit welding and it should be perfect. If I do get it I'll post some better pics after its washed..

piccolovic · #9 10-14-2010, 11:09 AM

I religiously got 36 mpg with extra wide tires. The only weak point on that system is the AC (Nippondenso), so don't get talked into R134 Conversion. Otherwise I loved my car that I had for 6 years (finally killed in crash while parked) . .. tears. Required very little maintenance. If they took as good a care as the PO on mine, you can expect the same (my cousin had the auto version, and PO did almost no maintenance and my cousin paid dearly to keep hers on the road). The auto version of that car, would make anyone suicidal if they have to drive it in city conditions. Yes, I did shut off the AC for onramps, but once in third gear, I had no trouble keeping it going at great speeds. I put high mileage on the car. Very powerful engine, great torque. Also, you can buff out the paint, if original and will look brand new. I did have the driver's seat restuffed, as the PO was a lot heavier and sold it to me with 216K of her butt in that seat. I also purchased a 5-yr alignment policy when I bought new tires for it, and had the rotation/alignment done every three months, along with oil/filter changes. Consequently, I never had to have front end work done on my car. I had close to 400k on it at the time of the crash . . . sold the drivetrain.

I took mine to a mechanic and paid for a check on the car, so I knew what would be needed in the first few months of owning it. The price is great, but if you will have to put in a ton of $$ the first year, and you don't have the $$, that should influence your decision. Also, most mechanics don't know the true cost of parts, and many are available after-market for that car, and was actually cheaper to replace parts for it than my Ford Tempo (POS). Do your own work when possible. I had to even "make" a part for the transmission plug, which I guarded with my life. I would suggest running over the Harbor Frieght and buying a metric socket set/wrenches.

BTW . . . where are you located? If yours is in good condition and reasonable distance, I would consider trading my excellent 300D . . . if you were interested.

Torie

chasinthesun · #10 10-14-2010, 11:33 AM

Youll want to make sure of the hydraulic clutch components are not leaking ,(slave and master cylinder ).The clutch system uses the brake fluid reservior as its H fluid in supply so youll want to ask if the brake fluid goes done after driving.The slave cylinder is under the carpet near the clutch pedal and the master cylinder sits off the 5 spd housing underneath the car .The cost of Parts for both would be aound $150 and install would be $250 at most.

odie · #11 10-14-2010, 12:26 PM

my 84 190 2.2 got 30s all the time keeping it around 65. but max speed was about 85. was a good car though.

muleears · #12 10-14-2010, 12:40 PM

I think if you wait till Sunday... it won't be there. Especially if it is advertised with pics.

shingleback · #13 10-14-2010, 01:57 PM

Looks to be clean, and is a good price for this area (I noticed the BC licence plate). It has the manual trans, so that is a huge benefit. If you pick it up and need some little parts for it, I have a parts car in my back yard (its a 2.3 gasser but most other parts will fit). I also know this dude in Richmond with 4 of them, all diesel, and many parts.

pawoSD · #14 10-14-2010, 03:04 PM

A 300D will be faster than a 190d 2.2 Thats a lot less engine, and no turbo. I'd want one if it was a 2.5 5-speed.

We got my sister a 190e 2.3 and it rocks, it is fun to drive and pretty quick! With the 2.6 or cosworth engine that chassis is probably a blast to drive.

dude99 · #15 10-14-2010, 03:40 PM

wow, with all these comments I'm beginning to think I found a diamond in the rough. I too would like to go see it sooner but I have exams and classes this week, including saturday so sunday is the soonest that I can get out there. So I'm pretty much crossing my fingers at thus point. There were no pics in the add so I think that might help a bit.
Shingleback: if I do get it I might just take you up on the offer for parts, it's good to know people who have a few laying around. Especially since they're don't seem to be many members from our area, that or they're all just shy. Thank you very much for the offer though