190D 2.2 question

[190D22]

My car likes to idle rough from time to time. I know that diesels are traditionally rougher engines that knock a lot harder than gasoline models. Would new engine mounts fix this rough idle? Mercedes has looked the engine over, it hasn't had any major engine service since 90k it's now at 140k and they said the engine is in perfect running condition. Which leads me to my next question. What is the normal mpg with these cars? I get around 30mpg in the city, it depends if I have lead foot syndrome or not for it to be higher or lower. Is this about what it should be? I love this car so much, even though it is a slow poke, it's a beautiful car! Thanks.

[psfred]

Yes, bad motor mounts will definitely give you rough idle. This applies to gasoline cars, too. The quick and dirty test is to asses the vibration standing in drive, then reverse. If the vibration is significantly less or gone in reverse, the mounts are shot.

Replace all three -- both sides and the rear tranny mount, too. The rear one is usually going when the fronts are dead.

If you haven't for a while, treat the car to a nice high speed high load trip of at least a couple hours -- does wonders for diesels. Put a bottle of diesel treatment in and go.

Your milage is about right -- I'd expect better, but 30 isn't bad in town. You should get 36 or so on the highway at reasonable speeds. If not, check for fuel leaks or dragging rear brakes. My Volvo TD (2.4 L turbo) gets about 29 mpg in town/mixed and 31-32 on the highway.

I'm looking for a 190D 2.2 with a five speed -- I'm going to have to provide my own transportation as a contactor soon, and need a car that gets excellent milage!

Peter

[190D22]

It's my understanding the 2.2s are rare with 5 speeds. Hell, 2.2s are rare all on their own.

How much do you think new mounts will run me?

[psfred]

Mount cost depends on type -- if they are the older rubber and steel cup type, not more than $30. Gell filled new type, $60 or so, maybe more, non gell filled new type, about $45. You can check fastlane for more details.

I know, any MB with a manual tranny is rare in the US -- too many lazy drivers. 190D 2.2s aren't too common, either, having appeared during the cheap fuel years. More scarce is my real "dream" 190 -- the 2.5 turbo!

Peter

[hillbilly]

I have a 1984 190d with a 5 speed. the engine is smoking pretty bad. It had been sitting for 5 years when I purchased it.I think its probably oil rings and valve seals. starts perfect so comp. must be good. can put ya in it for about $1200.00 if you are interested.
thanks
hillbilly

[psfred]

Hillbilly:

What kind of smoke, and what is the oil consumption like, if you know?

Peter

[hillbilly]

definetly oil smoke but have not driven it enough to know consumption.

[jobah]

I have owned this 2.2 5 speed for 14 years. I had a rough idle at about the same mileage - started at about 120k. It would only happen once the car is heated up. The culprit turned out to be the chain tensioner. I took it to several shops, and no one diagnosed the problem. It was so bad that the guides were almost fully worn out. I replaced all of these components, finally, at 212k and I have not had any problems since. I suggest that you try the same -- the symptoms sound the same.

Also, as to mileage, I never get below 33 combined. Lifetime, I have gotten over 35. I have gotten as high as 46 when the car had 200kmi and I just recently I got 44 on a trip from Chicago to Lake Placid. I have been driving the car at an average of 80 mph on the highway for 80 miles a day for the last four months. The car is averaging about 35.5 mpg. The car has an original engine - original valve guides and all. Your mileage will not be quite as good, but this should be a benchmark.

I agree with you, the car is a fantastic machine.

[joegolden]

Here is a 87' 190 2.5 td about 50miles from me! I have always liked these as well. I think this guy knows what he has got because he thinks a lot of it! Nice though. Check it out-------


http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=91113102&dealer_id=&certified=n&max_price=10000&start_year=1987&end_year=1987&address=30720&search_type=used&make=MB&model=190DT&min_price=10&distance=any&advcd_on=n&advanced=n&color=&car_year=1987&ac_afflt=none

Hey Hillbilly, got any pics of that beast? For some unknown reason I may be interested.

[mplafleur]

I'm looking for a 2.5L 5 speed soon to replace my 2.6L. Keep your eyes peeled and let me know if you see one. It's got to be priced low enough that I wouldn't feel bad about not having collision coverage. Insurance rates are outragous!