1993 190 Sportline - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-20-2002, 07:25 PM

Hey everyone, I have the opportunity to buy a 1993 190 Sportline, with 17" (or 18) AMG monoblock wheels for $4500. I personally have not seen the I understand it has 120,000 miles on it. My dad works for the local mercedes dealership, and one of his customers is going to trade it in on a new E500. This price is somewhat below KBB private party value, and considering the wheels alone cost at least a grand, it seems like a steal. In addition to the bigger wheels, the bottom grey plastic panel has been painted to match the body (black). I understand they were only 700 of these cars produced.
Just a few questions:
Any reliability issues, things of major concern I should look for before buying??

Power mods?: Im only 17 and without job, so would the typical Riceboy intake/exhaust yeild any desirable results? any other (cheap) mods that would produce a few extra hp????

Right now I have a 91 volvo 240 (0-60 in 5 minutes)... so im sure the 190's 158 horsepower will seem lilke an F-1 car at first, but of course the more power, the better, right?

Thanks in advance.

Paul.

Itgb · #2 10-20-2002, 10:22 PM

Paul,

I think you should head over to the 190 Revolution Forum at:Link . There are actually one or two members that have 190 Sportlines. As far as mods go, one of the forum's members, wldmn12, (Jay) makes an intake kit for the 190 2.6 that a bunch of people have gotten and are very happy with. You can also do a custom exhaust for pretty cheap( I did a Borla universal exhaust on a 190 2.6 and was very happy with the result); Also check out 2phast's website at Link . He has loads of info for upgrading the 190 2.6.

Good Luck,
Giancarlo

c43amg · #3 10-21-2002, 02:32 PM

If the car is black with black recaros (front and rear) with red piping and panels, it is one of the 700 Limited Edition 2.6s made in '93 (with the factory Sportline) -- there are also non-Limited Edition Sportlines, but the Limited Edition cars are a nice package.

Chiragp · #4 10-21-2002, 08:10 PM

I'd say buy it. Besides the standard w201 and 124 problems, its a rock solid car. I still look at my 190E in the garage and smile as it looks classic. Although driving my new M3 does make me smile from ear to ear as well.

If its a Limited Edition, don't think twice, if its a Sportline....Then take her for a spin.

Good Luck.

#5 10-21-2002, 09:15 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the info.. one more question: Ill be looking at the car tomorow, the Lawyer is going to bring it down to the store, so what is it in Particular that would distinguish it as a LIMITED EDITION sportsline, is it simply the 4 bucket seats? anything else I should look for?

To provide a point of reference:, this car on ebay is falsly listed as "190 2.6 custom", its obvisouslyt he Sportline package. So, is this a limited edition sportline, or just a normal sportline.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1870048306

Thanks again!!

c43amg · #6 10-22-2002, 09:07 AM

It is a Limited Edition -- it is not "custom" but rather one of the 700 Limited Edition 2.6s produced at the end of the 190E model run. The 190E and 2.6 badges on the trunk were added, as the Limited Edition came from the factory debadged. The red pinstripe on the sides is also added. There is only a driver air bag, despite the ad's claims.

It is a very desireable car and corners well -- the 2.6 does not give a great deal of power (158HP and 162 FT of torque) out of the turns, but will accelerate reasonably well if you wind it out through the revs. Some Limited Editions came with the factory alarm (our car has it) -- there were no other options other than the factory CD player (see below) and an integrated phone, which is now obsolete and actually a negative.

If it has the correct Alpine CD player installed, it will play through the factory head unit -- if not, Scott from this board's La Jolla Audio (http://www.lajollaaudio.com) can supply a plug and play Alpine deck for a reasonable price -- see Buying from Scott/La Jolla Audio and Adding a CD changer.

The Sportline seats are narrow and the steering column does not adjust, so it is not ideal for someone very wide or tall. My 17-year old daughter drives ours and loves it, but she is 5'2" and 90 pounds so it fits her like a glove.

I paid $11M last year for one from a Mercedes dealer with 65,000 miles, so I would think that up to $10M would be a good buy. Be sure to have it checked out carefully mechanically, but if you are OK with a 10-year old car (and the normal issues that brings), it's a very good choice.

If you'd like to see the factory Limited Edition brochure, I have it in electronic form and can e-mail it to you if you provide your address. Also see http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp?spec=3&subNav=overview&yearModelCode=88_190E26LE&class=88_190&rnav=024568&menu=2_0.

Good luck.