1987 190D Turbo questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimmyL · #1 01-08-2009, 11:34 AM

I'm going to look at an '87 190D that has sat for 3-4 years. When the current owner would drive it, he said it took 30 minutes before the turbo would start working. What does that sound like?
Also he thinks it needs a starter. When you try to start it he said sparks shoot out from somewhere. [either battery or starter. hard to understand what he was getting at]
Radiator is cracked at the neck of course. Are these the same radiators as the gasser 190?
Sounds like a semi basket case, but worthy.....
2 whole miles from my house!

mbdoc · #2 01-08-2009, 11:52 AM

The W201.128 uses a radiator that is designed only for that model 201-500-91-03.($660. list)

Turbo operation should be all of the time..possible issue with pressure control to the injection pump

babymog · #3 01-08-2009, 01:14 PM

See if there are signs it has been run on alternate fuel.

Nice part about that car: the radiator upper support is bolted in, easy R&R (relatively easy anyway).

captainmonk · #4 01-08-2009, 01:31 PM

just go buy it
_itch about later
No mercedes I've ever driven was more fun
gimmie my SDL for room to move around though

JimmyL · #5 01-08-2009, 01:59 PM

I can't post pics right now as I'm at a customer's location, but wow is that car rough!!

But, at the same time, portions of it are pretty clean.
I have pics but can't download 'em yet.
Tires have sunk into the ground.
Mouse droppings everywhere.
Engine is oxidized yet intact, no alternate fueling ever.
Paint is faded!
Interior seating surfaces are very good, yet stuffing is an issue.
I couldn't really see the radiator issue, but I was by myself. The guy was at work but told me to just go through the gate to the back yard and it was out by a shed.
Headlight doors busted.
Piece of C pillar trim had come loose.
Dash is super cracked. No big deal for me there, but some of the plastic is broken too.
I hate hearing about the radiator cost, but if it is a replacable part "on" the radiator that might not be too bad.
Will call him later I guess with the ultimate low ball. Can't believe how close this car was......
I pass that road every day almost.

Jetmugg · #6 01-08-2009, 02:44 PM

I have 2 190D 2.5T's as parts cars right now, along with a 2.3-16V shell. If you buy the car you are describing, I have a radiator, headlights, transmissions, fenders, glass, dashes, rearends, suspensions, bumpers, all kinds of interiors, trim, etc, etc, etc. I will make you a super-killer deal on everything, especially if you bring a trailer and come pick it up.

The 190D 2.5 T's are great cars when they are in good condition. My current driver is actually a '93 body shell (completely rust free) that has a 2.5Turbo / 5-speed manual trans drivetrain. It's a solid 40 mpg car on the highway, and about 35 in my daily commute.

SteveM

babymog · #7 01-08-2009, 04:52 PM

Did you start with a diesel shell or gas?

I've considered for years the possiblilty of using a late 124 with a 603 driveline, ... just haven't found the right donor. Seems it would be much easier to start with a diesel but we didn't get the latest ones in diesel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

My current driver is actually a '93 body shell (completely rust free) that has a 2.5Turbo / 5-speed manual trans drivetrain. It's a solid 40 mpg car on the highway, and about 35 in my daily commute.

SteveM

Skid Row Joe · #8 01-08-2009, 05:47 PM

Was that you tooling south down Beltline Rd. this afternoon in the black 190D? It does look a little worn on the exterior, but sounded good at the light @ Town East Blvd. in front of the CVS.

JimmyL · #9 01-08-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Was that you tooling south down Beltline Rd. this afternoon in the black 190D? It does look a little worn on the exterior, but sounded good at the light @ Town East Blvd. in front of the CVS.

Geez Joe, you over here near Sunnyvale?
Wasn't me. That 190D won't be on the road for months, and that is if somebody bought it tomorrow!!!!

I just got off the phone with the cars owner and told him about all the costs associated with the car. He stated that it might be closer to 3-4 years since the car has been driven. Judging by the way it was sunk into the ground, that appears accurate.
Since he is a quasi-neighbor I told him to entertain offers because I was going to be a massive low ball. He said he'd give it a week and see what happens.
It has $$$$$-pit written all over it, but it does have one significant bullet point: 1987 190D 2.5 Turbo. {and NO, that is not a 190DT!!!!}

I will upload pics later this evening. Out to replace return hoses on the white wagon. Smash is currently out of commission [blown out brake caliper] and I had to move all my stuff to the flagship of the fleet.....

Jetmugg · #10 01-09-2009, 12:13 AM

I'm not trying to hijack this thread- honestly. The question above was if I started with a gasser shell or a diesel for my 93 190D 2.5 Turbo.

It started as a 2.6L Gasser. The swap was pretty involved, but well worth the results. It looks like a complete from-the-factory installation.

If the 87 190D 2.5Turbo you are looking at has a good drivetrain, it could always be transplanted into another W201 or W124 to make a 2.5 Turbo out of a car that originally wasn't.

SteveM.

shingleback · #11 01-09-2009, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

It started as a 2.6L Gasser. The swap was pretty involved, but well worth the results. It looks like a complete from-the-factory installation.

If the 87 190D 2.5Turbo you are looking at has a good drivetrain, it could always be transplanted into another W201 or W124 to make a 2.5 Turbo out of a car that originally wasn't.

SteveM.

This is what I am thinking; if the price is right just buy it. If you don't end up fixing the car up, pick up a newer 190E with a good body and do a transplant like Jetmugg. These 190D 2.5 turbo cars are really rare and were available only in 1987 in North America. I won't give mine up unless forced to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

It started as a 2.6L Gasser. The swap was pretty involved, but well worth the results. It looks like a complete from-the-factory installation.

I really hope you documented what you did. If something happens to my car I would want to pick up a good body and move the diesel powertrain into it.

JimmyL · #12 01-09-2009, 12:49 AM

Well, here are the pics of this car. I've certainly seen worse to be honest.....

I've been told the engine turns over but the battery terminals spark!!

He has no doubt that the cables were on the correct battery terminals.
No rust visible anywhere, but there were too many rat/mouse turds to count!

I'm pretty sure I could pick this up fairly cheap, but at some point in my life don't I have to buy something other than a reclamation project?

captainmonk · #13 01-09-2009, 05:35 AM

your just skeered of what the missus will say

rrgrassi · #14 01-09-2009, 09:58 AM

No wonder Trudy gets on you! Joy would get after me as well, unless I picked it up for next to free fixed it up and sold it for profit....or gave it to one of the kids. But, if it just a diamond in the rough and not a money pit, then you would be way ahead of the game.

I would check the battery and the cables again. Could be a rat chewed the casing off, giving a short. Even if the cables match the posts position wise, does not mean the PO used the correct battery. I have seen batteries that match by size, but the posts could be reversed. I almost bought one like that for my old Chevy truck. Also check the starter connections, GP relay, alternator, and any thing els that would cause a huge immediate power draw.

babymog · #15 01-09-2009, 09:58 AM

With the grass under the car and growing all of the way through the engine to the hood, I'm guessing that the floor and rockers are at serious risk for rust.

Sparking at the battery terminals might mean that the starter is pulling a lot of current, possibly some rusted/stuck rings.

A drivetrain donor maybe, maybe you'll be lucky.