Advice on purchasing 1987 190E 2.3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

oaouda · #1 10-23-2004, 01:44 PM

Hi All,

I am looking into
1987 MERCEDES BENZ 190E, 4 cyl, 5 spd, ac, p/mirrors, p/windows, stereo, am/fm, air bags, sunroof, alarm, manual trans, no accident, all rec, no dent, $4600. He is 2nd owner. This located in souther california. I checked the value of the car at Kelly blue book ,and it came back with $2300 for excellent
condition.

Is he asking too much? Am I missing something? Is there is something special about this car? Can some expert, Any suggestion on the price to offer him?
I am doing my reserach on Autotrader, to get feeling the price, and all I found was automatic.

I do appreciate your help. Have a good day.

A264172 · #2 10-23-2004, 02:15 PM

From what I understand the Standard trany's are very rare, just check out the Cars Forum, many -WTB 190D manual's there. not sure about gassers though

psfred · #3 10-23-2004, 02:55 PM

Price is a bit high for an 87 190E, they aren't all that uncommon.

However, if it is indeed in prefect shape, it won't need the $2500 to replace engine and tranny mounts, rear suspension links, cracked dash, and torn upholstery that is common on these cars by now.

A manual transmission is indeed rare, and worth more than an automatic, but I'm not sure by how much.

The W201 isn't the same as the W124 -- somewhat less durable, smaller, noiser, and has a bit less retail value.

I'd dicker if the car really is in excellent shape and ahs had all the suspension rubber replaced.

Peter

lino · #4 10-23-2004, 03:25 PM

I wouldn't buy a W201 unless you especially want one. The money for repairs will be the same or more as your W124 and it is by far not as good a car. You can get a much more of a car for the same money in a W124.

On the other hand, if it looks like this, then buy it

Good Luck

oaouda · #5 10-23-2004, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

Duke2.6 · #6 10-23-2004, 04:51 PM

What's the mileage? What about maintenance and repair records? Has he had it emission tested for change of ownership? This is the owner's responsibility in California. You should view the report, and if you suspect fraud pay to have your own test done prior to money changing hands or accompany the current owner to the test station and observe the test to be sure everything is on the up and up. The test is valid for 90 days from the date it was conducted until you submit the change of ownership to DMV.

At this point in time various price guides don't reflect the value of a low mileage documented car that needs nothing.

Duke

jeff-abalone · #7 10-23-2004, 05:05 PM

87 mb 190e 2.3L--- it had different engine design on early 87 and later 87. Early 87 model is single row timing chain (less hp), the later one is double rows timing chain (more hp).

2.3L engine (4 cyls)- not bad on 190E. Since the car is smaller than 300E, i think that the acceleration should be better than W124 260E or almost same acceleration of 300E.

Fuel consumption-- about 10.0L to 11L for 100km (city driving on my car).

oaouda · #8 10-23-2004, 07:57 PM

Thanks again for the response. You guys are awesome..

tvpierce · #9 10-24-2004, 10:01 AM

Perhaps my view is tainted by the fact that I own a 201, but I wouldn’t trade it for a 124. In fact, when I bought it, I looked at a 300E and my current 190E, and selected the 190 because the size just seemed right – the 300 fealt a little big. The 190 is MB’s only true sports sedan. Surely with the 2.3 ltr 4, it’s no drag racer, but the handling is truly sporty. It's hard to say one car is better than the other... they're just different.

As far a build quality between the two cars, it’s worth noting that they share many of the same parts. I’ve seen nothing on my 201 that’s a compromise in quality or workmanship. (I've done a considerable amount of work on my car, and I've done it all myself.)

Just my 2 cents... arguably worth that.

Jeff Pierce