Lil' brother is thinking about 190D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Thirdem · #1 03-29-2012, 01:16 AM

Okay, my little brother is interested in buying a 1993ish 190D for fuel economy. He thinks that he would like a manual if they were available with them. But he will be fine with an auto. Any thoughts or ideas?? Thanks guys!

Walkenvol · #2 03-29-2012, 07:50 AM

I thought they quit making the "D"'s in the late 80's?

jaoneill · #3 03-29-2012, 08:13 AM

Having had several I should warn him that if mileage is the determining factor he should be looking at a VW TDI.

The '84-'85 4 cylinder 190d's got excellent mpg (43-46 mpg). My '87 naturally aspirated 5 cylinder, although it drives like a gasser, will only get 35 mpg going downhill with a tailwind.

Jim

Thirdem · #4 03-29-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkenvol

I thought they quit making the "D"'s in the late 80's?

Yeah, I just found that out, they quit in 1989.

Thirdem · #5 03-29-2012, 06:01 PM

Take it there arent many diesel W201 owners on here??

MNBenz · #6 03-30-2012, 01:04 AM

I have owned a 1984 190D, a 1985 300SD and currently own a 1983 300TD.

The 190D I owned was in superb condition and had a greasecar two tank kit installed. It was my first diesel and Benz so it was early on my learning curve but the 190D caused me the most problems out of all the diesel Benz cars I've had.

It also was very very slow. Mine was an auto, if you could get a manual that would be good. I think the best mileage I ever got was 34-36 or so. I've heard the manuals do way better and if you can get a turbo manual 190 than that is the best.

Weighing every model I've owned, I'm very partial to the wagon. I converted it to a manual with a Getrag 5speed and this new transmission can get nearly the same mileage as the 190D auto did on the freeway, and I actually have some power. Just my experience, I know others like the 190D's. Actually the shifter in my wagon for the 5 speed is from a 190D so I can't knock the model too bad

Walkenvol · #7 03-30-2012, 07:59 AM

I've had an '85 2.2 autofor about 6 months and 7K miles. Mileage ranges from 34-39. Motor runs great and I enjoy how the car handles. I find it plenty powerful for my needs including highway commuting. Hate the climate control but its not unique to 190's. Its a 27 year old car so its needs regular attention. I would buy another one especially a good conditioned manual.

Good luck!

JB3 · #8 03-30-2012, 11:48 AM

x2 if fuel economy is deciding factor, go VW.

Im running 40+ mpg consistently on a POS 1.6 diesel 86 VW jetta I got for 500 bucks. Is it as nice a ride as a mercedes? no, is it built as well? no. Is it easier to repair and twice as economical? yes.

Your brother should grab a Mk2 or Mk1 VW. Just about the easiest car to take apart and put back together, plus with a Robert Bentley manual, everything is spelled out clearly.

Thirdem · #9 03-30-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropnosky

x2 if fuel economy is deciding factor, go VW.

Im running 40+ mpg consistently on a POS 1.6 diesel 86 VW jetta I got for 500 bucks. Is it as nice a ride as a mercedes? no, is it built as well? no. Is it easier to repair and twice as economical? yes.

Your brother should grab a Mk2 or Mk1 VW. Just about the easiest car to take apart and put back together, plus with a Robert Bentley manual, everything is spelled out clearly.

I don't know if he would go for a VW. Safety is one thing in mind, as is looks. He likes the looks of the W201. And has read several reviews where people with manuals are getting 45+. One guy said if his gets under 46 mixed driving, he starts looking for what might be wrong.

johncruce223 · #10 04-13-2012, 11:39 AM

I just bought a 190D 5-speed. Gets really good mileage, around 45. I am running biodiesel in it and it actually cost less than diesel #2. It is no speed demond, if does handle really well, and it is faster than my '71 VW double cab!

rs899 · #11 04-13-2012, 12:04 PM

^ Happy hunting. These are all getting really hard to find now. Good luck.

ds190 · #12 04-14-2012, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johncruce223

I just bought a 190D 5-speed. Gets really good mileage, around 45.

What you have said is meaningless without saying whether that "45" is highway only, around town, or combined. From my experience, there is NO way that car can get"45" around town, or combined, unless one is drifting in neutral downhill with a tailwind.

Which is it??