Just had a chance to drive a 190E 2.6 with a sportline
suspension. It seemed to be a really nice driving machine.
I hardly see any posts about this car.
Anybody have any comments about these cars ie. reliability, expected problems, defects, etc?

Very few sportline models were sent to USA, so they are somewhat rare. Yes they do handle well & were worth the extra $$$$.

Steve,
I have a 2.6 that I bought just over a month ago. Since it is winter and is bitterly cold here in Canada, (night time lows approach -20C!!! without windchill factor) I had to have the dealer change the oil and transmission fluid. In the spring I'll be putting the car up on my ramps for servicing. I feel the 2.6 is the 190E of choice. The sportline option would be nice but, in Canada they are extremely rare. I have only seen one white/grey on black and it was gorgeous. The only downside to the 2.6 is the older design of the automatic transmission. It shifts according to vacuum and sometimes feels slow to react. The 2.6 motor has plenty of juice. High speed highway travel is its forte. I have no other qualms about the car other than the sometimes slow to react automatic transmission. Other than that I can only praise the car for its solidity, smoothness, agility and practicality. 2.6's are FANTASTIC CARS!!!!! ANY QUESTIONS JUST ASK!!!!!!!!!
MIKE MCKINNEY

__________________
1989 300CE - 269,000 km
1994 SL600 - 59,000 km

steve,

If this is a low mileage later model car, it sounds like a real find. If it is a sportline, I assume that it is a '90 or newer, something like that. Reason I mention this is that the earlier M103 engine, this a smaller displacement version of the M103 engine found in the 300E, has valve seal problems that need upgrading if it has not already been done. You will want to ask questions about service records to see if this has been done, if it is an earlier car. Also ask questions about oil usage. All in all, the M103 is a great engine, and I agree that this would be one of the premier W201 cars if it is in good condition.

Good luck,

Sportline is the way to go if you're thinking 190. And definately 91 or newer. I've posted a couple of times as the merits and drawbacks (in detail) and also to the maintenance items, expense, etc etc I've experienced with my 2.6 (search under my username for these).

Summary - great, solid, nice-handling car, needs to be manually shifted around town (or lock out "4"), definately needed sportline-spec rubber (I have non-sportline model), gas mileage not great if you drive fast but these things last and last and last... Cheap to own, very very very few weak build/engineering items worth mention. All around a great car and the 1991-forward models are the textbook example of effective design review and refinement.

Oh yeah - and fantastic MBZ build quality. Haven't wrecked it yet or I'd comment on that too...

I own a 92 190E Sportline... Charcoal/grey... I am the 2nd owner; bought it 3 yrs ago with 60k on it. Now after 65k later, only changed the water pump, front flex disk, plugs, filter, and the usual fluids. Car has newer 8-hole 15" alloys with SP9000 and it handles beautifully. I tested new Class, but I think the Sportline is so much more solid. Handling, braking, sound, and overall feel superior. Very easy to sercice and just feel so well engineered. The M103 is a great engine in my opinion.

Larry
-92 190ESportline
-98 C280Sport

Thanks to all who replied to my 190E question.
My only hesitation at this point is that despite
a flawless interior, perfect AMG wheels, newish
rubber, great paint, no body damage, not one service
record exists for this car. It has 135K, and the used
car salesman had a "make offer" expression when asked
about the history of the car.
The dilemma--take it at a lowball price, or run away.

Steve,

Your last post is difficult if not impossible to respond to without seeing the car. Have you taken it for an inspection by a professional? I think your hesitation is very wise. Used car lots typically have cars that were not good enough to go on the dealers lot that took it in trade.

The mileage would not bother me if the car were solid and well cared for.

Keeping in mind that this is a premium 201 car as far as how it is equipped goes. It might be worth having inspected by a professional, if it looks good to the pro, see if you can get it for a fire sale price. If you can't, honor your instincts and let him keep it.

Sorry I can't help. This is a personal decision on your part.

Best of luck,

Take it to a great tech for an inspection. These cars are fairly simple mechanically and a good tech can give a full diagnosis pretty quickly. He can probably even tell you what "needs" to be replaced and give you some further room to talk the dealer down. The 2.6 if well-maintained will spin 200k miles no problem. I'd pay attention to oil burn, water pump, climate control and tranny condition. Wear parts like brakes/rotors/flex discs/engine mounts/shocks (etc) are cheap.

If the dealer resists spit on him and walk away.

If your local dealer(retail outlet center) is NICE perhaps they will do vehicle master inquiry & see what if any warranty work was done on car & by what dealer. Maybe you can even call them & inquire on previous service work. Of course a good used car inspection is more inportant than history.