190E 2.3 verses 2.6 engine - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ejsharp · #1 12-31-2004, 12:33 AM

Can someone tell which of the two engines (2.3 or 2.6) is prefered in the 1993 190E and why?

Thanks.

MTI · #2 12-31-2004, 01:22 AM

The M102 4 cyl is the original powerplant for the W201 and the chassis was engineered for it. The M103 6 cyl was shoe-horned into the engine bay to provide a platform to compete with BMW's six cylinder sedan. With more torque, HP and performance close to the 2.3-16, the M103 is great for freeway cruising. From a maintenance point, it's a lot easier working on the M102 than the M103, especially up front.

Chamorro · #3 12-31-2004, 02:41 AM

Quote:

From a maintenance point, it's a lot easier working on the M102 than the M103, especially up front.

AMEN! I'll add that it's easier to work on stuff @ the back of the M102, IMHO

sixto · #4 12-31-2004, 04:03 AM

Trick question. The right answer is the 2.5 turbodiesel which unfortunately wasn't available in the 190 in the US in 93.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Jason Beal · #5 12-31-2004, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

The M102 4 cyl is the original powerplant for the W201 and the chassis was engineered for it. The M103 6 cyl was shoe-horned into the engine bay to provide a platform to compete with BMW's six cylinder sedan. With more torque, HP and performance close to the 2.3-16, the M103 is great for freeway cruising. From a maintenance point, it's a lot easier working on the M102 than the M103, especially up front.

I've heard the 4 cylinder had problems. But I've also seen those engines with really high miles. Did it have a poor build, or did it attract cheaper owners who didn't take care of them? Or both?

benzfan · #6 12-31-2004, 11:07 AM

The problem with any luxury car brand is that people who can't afford them new can suddenly barely afford to buy them after they are a few years old. Of course, they then can't afford the maintenance and the car progressively declines through the 2nd, 3rd, 4th owners. Some cars, like Audi and Jag have very high parts costs. One of those cars a few years old can be a real wallet breaker (BMW too in my experience). The maintenance costs (parts) for my old 190e 2.3 were among the lowest of any car I have ever owned, and my c280 isn't too bad either. My 2.3 had well over 500,000km on it when I got rid of it, and it still ran reliably, strong and there were no noises from the car anywhere. The build quality is there. If you are contemplating buying one, find the best one you can in terms of the interior and body (watch out for the slipping or harsh shifting tranny too). The engine can be rebuilt until the cows come home.
As an aside, I found that aftermarket chain parts places (don't include Fastlane in this generality) had prices 2-3x as high as the dealership for some parts such as injectors and bearings for the 190e. I may shop around a bit when it comes time to do work on my new c36 that Santa brought me though.
Good luck. Have fun.

ejsharp · #7 12-31-2004, 11:55 AM

Thanks guys... all of you have been most helpfull in answering my question. As you may have noticed I already purchased a '93 190 2.3. It is in excellent condition with 78,000 actual miles. The interior is like new and the previous owner took it in for service whether it needed it or not.

The only concern I have is that the car has a lot of road noise that my 300E does not have. Particularly I hear the exaust especially when accelerating. I suspect the 190E is not sound insulated as well as the 300E.

Also the 190E does not seem to shift as smoothly as the 300E. It shifts smoothly if acceleration is gentle but is more quick and abrupt if given a heavier pedal.

My main concern is with the noise level. It's like a drone sound that comes from the trunk area. Is this normal for the 190 or might a consequence of some other condition. It is definately the exaust that I hear. If at high speed, I drop the car into neutral and let the car coast at idle speed... then the drone goes away... but returns if I rev the engine while coasting.

Can anyone shed light on these two conditions? I am happy with the car and it is a beauty... beautiful green paint with beige interior. I just put new tires on it because the ones on it were getting brittle although they still had plenty of tread.

Again thanks.

mctwin2kman · #8 12-31-2004, 05:11 PM

The noise is normal for a 190E due to the lack of any good insulation in the trnuk and accross the back seat and deck. You can do your own soud proofing though with some dynomat type product.