Where can I find some info on this model? I am considering it as a replacement for my 944 Turbo. I am beginning to tire of dumping cash into that car every week. Are the 16s pretty reliable? I would look for a nice low mile car.

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90 M-B 300GE 5sp
01 Volvo V70 T5
86 Porsche 944 Turbo

I have an 87 16V with 136K and love it to death (or maybe it is loving me to death, or the poor house ––– whatever). A low milage car would certainly be the best, but there are some things of which you should be aware that, if common experience proves any guide, are bound to go. You should anticipate having some issue with these (if they haven't been addressed already) at one point or another. By the way, nice unmolested examples are hard to find.

Timing chain (needs MBZ update)

Idle woes. Symptions include uneven idle, surging idle, etc. typical culprits: overvoltage relay protector, idle speed control unit, mass air flow meter, idle speed control valve, a little black box on the side of the fuel injectors the name of which excapes me right now.

Climate control (seem to be par for the course for MBZs of this era)

Suspension. The self leveling rear needs maintenance every 70K or so, usually new nitrogen "bells" and/or new shocks. Many just delete the hydraulics and install a simpler spring/strut setup.

I haven't had much issue with stuff other than what I would consider normal maintenance items and performance upgrades (as far as I can tell from the original records, I'm still on the original clutch!) This is one heck of an upgradeable car. There are a number of sources for suspension, engine enhancement, exhaust, etc. which make this car just a blast to drive. Don't bother with an automatic -- that misses the point of the whole experience.

The cars are not tremendously fast (0-60 in 6.__ secs with a slightly tweaked car) but, properly suspensioned, this car is a blast to drive with very sharp steering dynamics, etc.

You may also want to do a search on this Forum to guage other members experiences with the cars.

Have fun!

John

Hey G-man,

If you are looking for info. Go to the 190 Revolution webpage. The link is: http://mb190e.50g.com
In the reference section under the tech section , you will find some basic info. John is correct about certain things to look for. On my 16V I've only had to replace the accelerator cable grommet, which cost me 99 cents to replace in 5 minutes and I replaced the slave cylinder, that cost me about $45 and I did it myself so I saved about $40 in labor expenses. If you find a nicely taken care of one that hasn't been autocrossed or hot rodded, it should be kind to you. I definantly recommend the 5-speed over the auto tranny. It is a Getrag (they make racing trannys)dogleg 1st that is very fun to drive. Definantly not as quick as your 944 turbo, but it can be made to be as quick or faster. Anyway, go to the 190 Revolution site that I mentioned above and visit the forum on that board too and the links. Let us know about anything else you may question. Later.

Regards,

Clinton Davis
'86 190E 2.3-16V

They are great cars, often described when first introduced as a "four-door 944". I have had all the woes starting with failure of a "superceded" timing chain tensioner and the obvious consequences.

It has otherwise been very reliable and a very fine handling car. It was the inspiration for n extensive/expensive suspension change to my other car, a '94 E420.

Charley Cleaver
1986 190E 2.3-16
1994 E420(+)

Unless you find a very well maintained 16V you can wind up putting $$$ every month. And because they are limited production cars the parts tend to be a bit higher. BUT they are a lot of fun in a 4 door package.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN (6 TIMES)
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. Shopforeman
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA racecar