190E 2.3-16; Curiosities, Advice - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Veloce300DT · #1 02-08-2006, 04:21 PM

I am looking in to purchasing an 86-87 190E 2.3-16 and have some questions.

While the most important factor in the purchase will be condition, paint color is second. Aside from Smoke Silver & Black Pearl, I really havent seen any w201 16v's in the U.S. in any other color. Overseas it seems more colors were available to buyers. I'd kill for a 2.3-16 in Almandine Red which I have seen and looks drop dead gorgeous, plus a set of Evo wheels

-What colors were avail. on U.S. spec w201 16v's?

-What are key issues to address when having a PPI performed once I find an example worth investigating? Trouble spots/ Signs of excessive wear (hard driving) etc....

-Are there any 190E 2.3-16V specific sites/forums/clubs to reccomend?... I remember 190revolution being a much more thorough site than it is now.

Thanks in advance,
Happy Motoring!

ATATEXAN · #2 02-16-2006, 01:06 PM

I might be willing to sell my car that I've owned since 1997 as the third owner. These cars are great but have the odd, very expensive parts (e.g. driver door cladding panel: $386.00/shipped from Germany; A/C compressor is very expensive because of rev range of engine and need for high-rev cut out). In this way, these cars are like a BMW E30-series M3. Low volume, special parts. The rear SLS is a pain-in-the-rear, too.

If I buy a friend's tricked-out 500E, I might consider selling my 16V which is in the process of having the engine rebuilt. All of the other stuff like rust elimination, complete climate control system replacement, suspension overhaul, etc. has been done. The car is a 5-speed in gray/black metallic.

As you can imagine I am a little ambilvalent about selling because of all the blood, sweat, tears, and money involved as well as the sheer driving pleasure.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

#3 02-16-2006, 03:29 PM

Veloce,

The 16v was only offered in two colors-the black and silver. Here is my advice:

Make sure that the timing chain tensioner update has been done, or be prepared to replace the tensioner, chain and cogs on the cam+front of engine. This should be your # 1 mechanical concern!
Make sure the valves have been adjusted regularly. #2 concern!
Get a stick-shift, the car seems almost pointless without one...
Consider removing the rear sls, or don't worry if it is already off the car.
Get euro lights, for safety and looks.

Fun cars, but pricy because of their tendancy to be abused along with # of toys. For the last two years i've been alloting about 1200$ a year for repairs etc, but a new exhaust is more than that, differential is 1600$, I think the going rate for a compressor is 800$. All of that is just for parts...and all three items i've listed are commonly shot on these cars. Oddly, I don't plan on giving mine up unless she gets balled up in a wreck.

this is my favorite board for mercedes stuff, 16v included

cheers,
dan r.

Oh yeah, check for rust underneath the front wheel-well lip. The body kit really hides it!

Loki_XIII · #4 03-13-2006, 08:44 PM

Yea abuse is a huge problem (I've found countless little 2.3-16's that look like they went through hell). On my old one, one of the first repairs made was a suspension: 2 of the 3 arms on both sides of my back suspension (sorry, no idea on the actual part names) were cracked almost completely through from one of the previous owners I guess going off-roading...

Veloce300DT · #5 04-25-2006, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the advice guys. Considering the abundance of non 16v 190E's, I am toying with the idea of finding a cherry 1993 190E 2.6 and tuning it... however I am not sure what kind of stuff is still aval. in the way of performance mods for the w201 6cyl engines... are there any companies that sell performance upgrades for ALL w201 chassis cars?

Ideally id like a 2.6 sportline in Ice Blue or Almandine Red, which I would then fit 16"/7" 8-hole replicas to. Naturally id install the Euro spec headlights and black the grille insert out.

Im not fond of the limited edition 2.6 from 1993- the interior is a little McDonalds looking for my tastes with the Black and Red two tone. I LOVE the interior of the 2.3 limited edition with its extra wood trim and leather trim upgrades.... id love it even more in black.

suginami · #6 04-25-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veloce300DT

Ideally id like a 2.6 sportline in Ice Blue or Almandine Red

Almandine red is the most beautiful color I have ever seen.

There is a user on the forum who has an almandine red 500E. I might sell my soul for that car.

#7 04-25-2006, 02:59 PM

I think the general answer is "How much do you want to spend?" I think the 2.6 engine in the 190e has a same or similar block to the E320 block also used in the mid-nienties in 320SL, so upgrade paths from those cars would be available as well (mosselman turbo). Even if you keep the 2.6, i'd guess some hp would be squeezed from a programable EFI (megasquirt, et al) and ignition, larger exhaust. I think some AMG tuned engines come up on ebay from the C32, maybe those a re an easy fit? The 2.3-16v came with a LSD, so that is probably an option as well, even if you don't want to go with quaife.

cheers,
dan r.

Veloce300DT · #8 04-25-2006, 04:47 PM

Suginami- Im glad we are of like minds! My fav MB colors are Orient Red and Almandine Red. Id love to have an Almandine 500E myself.... but Id really love to find an Almandine 190E 2.6 with a black interior. Almandine was a very commonly ordered color in Europe, and is much rarer here in the U.S.
16V's were avail in Almandine Red overseas....... i'll keep dreaming.

Thanks for the continued info guys!

waybomb · #9 04-25-2006, 08:37 PM

I love driving the 16v. It feels extremely light and has a nice sound. Mine is lowered and rides very nicely. Removing the springs for replacement with H&Rs was a snap with my Klann.

190rev is a bunch of kids that really don't know didly. Every once in a while, an intelligent response to a question can be had, but usually the responses are useless.

I do not understand what issues there are with the rear SLS. Replacement of either the shocks or the spheres is very easy.

I have found the car easy to work on, except working behind the dash. Had to change the ignition switch out - not fun, but that was about the worse job I had to do.

Things I've had to do or did "just because": replaced the radio and speakers with a Pioneer and MBQuart speakers, replaced a busted door lock tumbler, replaced the springs, the shocks, and the spheres, replaced the ignition switch, and replaced the electric fan clutch coil. Going to replace the clutch master and slave cylinders this weekend. Fairly inexpensive Benz to own; but I do my own repairs which makes everything about 75% cheaper.

Veloce300DT · #10 04-25-2006, 11:32 PM

waybomb- glad to hear you like your car! Every time I log on to another car forum- club202 for example (where the main topics of discussion are 20" rims and Subs) I appreciate MBshop more and more..... as far as real info goes this is THE PLACE.
Problem spots like the SLS, or neglected timing chain tensioners, or even the price of special 16v specific parts dont really deter me. I am in no rush to purchase a 16v- just plan on waiting until the right one comes along... theres nothing more expensive than buying a cheap MB. Id rather buy a well cared for example than rush it all and end up with a car that needs lots of work... lets face it- a fixed up car that has been abused will never be as nice as a pampered original car. And if the SLS needs to be replaced may as well replace it, im a fan of keeping things factory OE.

I have a feeling that a well cared for W201 of any guise in flawless shape will be less problematic than my W202- its recieved nothing but the upmost care and it should be charging right along at 205K miles.... but alas, its in the shop more than any of my other cars..... at least it still looks new. I dont feel bad dumping money into it.

waybomb · #11 04-26-2006, 09:02 PM

Going to knock on wood here, but my 202 C280 Sport has been problem free. I did a couple of brake jobs, had to replace a MAF, an antenna mast, a door switch (that was a wierd one - was causing all kinds of crazy things to occur), and the normal fluid maintenance things. That's it.

As a matter of fact, all of my Benzes have been fairly reliable. That's why I keep buying them. Still looking for a 126 Wagon.

Veloce300DT · #12 04-27-2006, 03:04 AM

believe me I feel the same way... I really dont find many other cars as appealing to me as MB's... I do like Volvo's for their build and styling on certain models, but when it comes to rock solid construction and a well rounded & REFINED package, MB is the preference.

My W202 was problem free up until about 175K miles when the transmission went out. had that replaced... then the computer diagnostic system started flagging things left and right around 180K.. false readings of bad coils, etc... had that sorted. Then the headgasket blew at 190K... the second one mind you (first being at 75K).... then the second MAF had to be replaced which was just done this past week. I expect the car to go through headgaskets as they tend to do... I have no problem with that. But the computer/electrical problems really made me grow weary of the newer MB's. I LOVE the W202 C280.. I think it was the last MB to be built with the old school MB quality, plus more modern amenities and ergonomics, and it IS sharp looking. But I wouldnt want to buy another MB newer than the W202 chassis for the electrical issues I have had, and for the ones that new chassis seem to be having.

That said, I still think MB's are the best, and my W202 has actually been pretty good considering its mileage. But for an MB it could have been a better car. I tend to compare it to my W123 which is FAR more durable.... which really isnt fair. My W123 is as solid and rattle free as the day it left the factory.. and has never given me one problem in the 50K miels I have owned it. The W202 on the other hand has developed little rattles and squeaks over the miles, and interior plastics are of lesser quality. They are both a great deal of fun to drive... the C280 has its own sporting flair, and the 300DT has an entirely unique teutonic feeling of muscular torquey performance with its diesel engine.... and both can run at 85-90mph effortlessly. I love them both in their own unique ways.

If you really want to talk about a PITA car, ask me about the 3.0 ....its gorgeous and fun, but it comes at a price.
The Volvo is the honda of european cars. It is what it is... although it has great power and the IPD mods it has have given it a very sharp edge on handling. I love the pre 1990 700 Turbo series styling tweaks too.

the search for a cherry W201 continues.....