Strange how most of the unusual problems I have with my '90 190E 2.3 Sportline are associated with what attracted me to it in the first place - the fact that it is a 5-speed manual. Most of the tricky problems have been with the clutch or more precisely the clutch hydraulics. They are all sorted now, but something that has puzzled me is a "rattle" the clutch has. Ever since I have owned the car (2 years now), the clutch (or something in that area) has rattled briefly when stopping the engine. The same rattle can also be heard if the engine idle speed drops slightly below normal (eg. when air-con compressor engages). The rattle is definitely in the clutch region (ie. within bell housing). Does anyone have a suggestion what this may be? I don't believe it is normal although it does not seem to be getting worse nor does it cause any problems. The only other possibly related issue is some clutch shudder when cold, particularly after the car has stood unused for some days. I have assumed this could possibly be oil contamination as there is a what appears to be a slight leak from the rear main crankshaft seal. Possibly the shudder is related to the rattle though?

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.