1986 190d 2.5 w/ 106k..good car?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Miles81_240d · #1 09-05-2002, 07:36 PM

Hello All,

After I sold my 240d a few months ago, (and, having attended the NW diesel meet last month!), I have had the irrisistable urge to get another MB Diesel... I have the opporunity to pick up a *MINT* (and i mean Mint) 1986 white 190d, 2.5/Auto, with only 106k documented, 1-owner miles (with maintenence records!).. I'd like you guy's opinion on this model year 190d- I am going back to the seller this weekend, to test drive the car and give it a better look-over (I had only briefly visited it on a lunch-break a few days ago). I think i might be able to snag this one for a good price.. ,but i'd like to hear other 190d owners (or people familiar with this car).. i'm just looking for something reliable w/ good gas milage. is the 2.5 more powerful than the older 2.2 diesel??

Thanks all!

-Miles
(Former 240d owner)

TimFreeh · #2 09-05-2002, 08:41 PM

I owned an 86 190D 2.5 with a 5 speed manual for about 5 years and 130K miles.

The car was pretty much trouble free. The only items I remembered changing were the glow plugs, cruise control module and a clutch at 164K.

The car would average 40-43 MPG in mostly highway driving. The 2.5's have 90 HP. It was not a slug but you were not going to win any drag races with it. The 190 series has gotten lots of bad press over the years. I've owned 2 examples of the 201 body and had great luck with both of them.

Tim

jobah · #3 09-05-2002, 10:48 PM

THis is the best year for a 190D. Least emissions "stuff" and the 2.5 l engine. It is a wonderful car with the 5-speed, but the auto is a little slow. I have a buddy with an '86 having about 190kmi. They made some great strides between 84 and 86 (and I love the 84's).

While they have a relatively bad reputation, I prefer my 190 D over the 84 SD and 83 300D that are also in the garage (my signature only identifies my daily driver).

I prefer the 60x engines (after having worked on both). I prefer the updated interior as well, and the updated suspension.

vwbuge · #4 09-06-2002, 11:09 AM

You prefer the 190D over an SD or 300D ?????? Are you sniffin' paint?

jobah · #5 09-06-2002, 11:57 AM

I've got all three, and I might be sniffing paint, but I love the 190.

On long hauls I like the additional size of the SD, but for my daily commute (80-100 miles) my favorite is the 190D.

This is not to say that I do not love the others. The SD is a great car, as is the 300D. I much prefer the 60x engines as opposed to the 617 because of less maintenance and because of better fuel economy (just make sure it does not overheat). I have worked on the 617 and the 60x extensively, and it is just my personal opinion.

Also, the 190D was the first one I purchased, and I have put the most miles on the 190D. It may be that it is just a sentimental favorite. (in 13 years and over a quarter million miles, the car has never let me down).

Just my .02.

mplafleur · #6 09-06-2002, 12:08 PM

I bought an '87 190D 2.5 auto a couple of months ago. I love it, although it gets ~32 mpg average.

Miles81_240d · #7 09-06-2002, 02:04 PM

Glad to hear some good feedback! i think I will definetly check out the car tomorrow, in more detail. My gut feeling tells me that this is a really good car. Any areas i should check on it in particular? Are the 190's prone to any particular problems?? Are these engines any quieter than the older 617/ w123 diesels??

Thanks!,

Miles

BlueBabyBenz · #8 09-06-2002, 04:12 PM

I own a 190D 2.5, automatic.

Let me put it this way.

If you don't buy this car, tell me the contact information. I am almost sure I want it, as long as there are no surprises.