Hi guys, this is my first post here. I am looking at buying 1984 190E and wanted a few opinions on the situation. The car has 240000 KM's, mint body, interior, only passenger window and sunroof not working, I think the diaphragm for the center dash vents is not working (it does not close off the air flow). I am getting it inspected for timing chain, the tranny shifts solid, steering, brakes (recently done) and suspension all feel solid, all pending a more detailed inspection of course. Cars been tuned up, cap, plug and rotor, new tires. The asking price is $2000, any thoughts, words of wisdom?

Thanks,

Andrew

A lot of miles for 190E. That's what it looks like to me. Should come around for less, esp an '84.

Yeah, its 140000 miles, or 240000 km's, at 24 years old thats 10000 km per year. Quite little driving over the years really.

I suppose I should mention that I am in Canada. All the other cars I have looked at, 5 of them, have had more mileage and were worth the same or more money and in considerably inferior condition. My inspection is tomorrow morning so I will be able to post more details after I have the specifics.

I am interested in peoples experiences with this particular model, its quirks, things to look out for and any advice pertaining to my owning and servicing of this car, if all goes well.

The 1984 is the lowest powered 2.3L 190E ever sold in North America. All the later years have more hp. So, if you're happy with the power and have no pretentions of ever wanting it to go faster, then fine.

The '84 also has some unique parts compared to the later years, like the a/c system, v-belts, wiper, even the single nozzle hood.

Be sure the chain has been changed (with guides and rails) or you do it pronto when you get the car. They fail and take the engine with them.

Yeah, I noticed the power is very low, but for me, thats a good thing Plus I think with less power, probably the longer the drivetrain will stand up. I really appreciate how simple this 1984 model is, does not have many things to go wrong, just good quality basic engineering.

I've just got the price reduced to 950$ based on the fact that the car needs time chain, gear and rails. With the other electrical odds and ends, full servicing of all fluids, window regulator, shocks and heater vent flap. I will be into the car for 3 grand, 2k repairs and 950 for the car. The inspection also revealed that the body is immaculate, brakes, tires and tune up all done.

I am planning on continuing the restoration work over the long term, eventually I want this thing 100% mint. Its very comfortable and drives smoothly and solid, I am very happy and looking forward to more years with my first Mercedes!

Two comments . . . the 1984 has plenty of things that can go wrong, so don't fool yourself. For instance, most of the '84 models have the engine with solid lifters, not the hydraulic self adjusting ones that the later models had. On the plus side, that and the lower compression ratio make it an interesting candidate for "boost."

Second, spending for a "100% mint" restoration is a fools errand. This 1984 W201, being the entry level of the sedan line is unlikely to experience any increase in value over our lifetimes. Spend on maintenance and solid operating expenses.

So what exactly is the issue with the lifters then? Is it anything beyond the typical solid lifters requiring increased attention to valve adjustment? Also, can I switch to hydraulic? I am not interested in forced induction, that would totally defeat my purpose. If I wanted to go fast I would be in another market.

Well, of course there are issues to go wrong; as with anything. My comment was more in regards to other models that have a multitude of power options and additional features, that this car does not have, ie; power seats, heated seats, wiper headlamps, power head rests, cruise control, etc. The list of impending repair bills on cars with these options and more, is a worthwhile factor to me in determining which model I would prefer.

Yes, I am not expecting it to increase in value (beyond the intrinsic value I add through parts and labor), my idea of 100% mint is everything fully operational mechanically, electrically and cosmetically. I do not mean literally replacing every piece that is worn, used or otherwise not pristine OEM. Its not a speculative investment, but a utilitarian one.

But I really like the car, I feel as if I own a piece of history when things were made right. I am sure that MB has recovered in recent years, I have heard they experienced a bad patch on quality in years gone by.