The consensus view recommends 1992-93 190's, presumably because some earlier quality control issues were fixed. Did these issues involve M103, automatic transmissions, and 1984-85 model years? I ask because I am kinda interested in a stick shift 190D 2.5 (no T), offered in the US during 1986 to 1989. Alternately, a post 1986 stick shift 2.3 (8v) gasser is possible. Assuming I stay away from 1984-85 model years, M103, and automatic transmissions, are there still large issues I should be aware of?

Yes, I am specifically targeting low horsepower models based on intended use. Any of the above will be a veritable rocket compared to a 1980 300 CD I used to own (and still miss).

The only thing I've noticed about the later cars is problems with the door panels. For some reason, in many of the post-1990 190E cars, the vinyl tends to pull away from the panel. My Dad's '91 190E 2.3 suffers from it while my '87 16V does not. Other than that, the later cars are very nice.

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!