Strang topic, I know.

I have a problem.
The problem is I spend far too much money, I have just worked out that I am in far too much debt, and the most expensive thing to keep going is my 1989 300SE.
I don't want to lose it, but I don't think I have a choice.
I have been looking at a 1989/1990 190e 2.0 manual. What differences in performance would there be in comparison to my 300SE? I presume the 190 would be slower, but it is lighter, and it's a manual.
Also, would I notice much of a difference in economy?
Any help appreciated, I am in a real mess, it's going to break my heart to lose the car, I have put a lot of money into it.

Cheers

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Oliver

If you buy a good maintained 190E, the difference in economy would be noticeable.
The 300SE needs more fuel and is more expensive to service in comparison with that 4-cylinder in the 190E.
I don't know how the rules in the states are, but here in the netherlands the difference in assurance money and road tax, for these cars, is very big and that is probably the reason why most people drive in compacted car-models.

The 190E will be fast enough, although it is not as fast as a 300SE.
The top speed of both cars is different (in europe) but the US models are limited at 130mp/h anyway, so that should not make much of a problem...

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

MBenz, Oliver is in Europe with you. The 2.0 is not sold in the US only the 2.3.

Oliver, The 2.0 is very economical compared to the 300se and with a manual tranmission also the cost of maintenance should be considerably lower if in good initial condition (get it checked) like Mbenz says.

Good Luck....

yal...thanks,

I was a bit confused when I read this post...2,0 liter AND manual...
I thought it would be something like gray import or whatever.

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Thanks guys.

I think it's time I put my car up for sale

Thanks for everyones help with my 30se. You've made it run like a dream, I just hope the next owner will care for it as much as I have.

Thanks

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Oliver

Just a note, If you are tall, over 5'10" the 190E is harder
to get into. My friend who is 6 ft, has trouble with
legroom when he rides with me even though the seat is in
the full back position. In addition his hair touches the
headliner. If you are considering a 190E the later cars
IMHO are better. The 2.3 is easier to work on than the
2.6 MPG in 2.3 on trips w/5 speed trans is 28-33mpg.

I have an '87 190E 2-litre with the 5-speed manual which I bought 2 years ago at auction with 114K on the clock, and it rolled over to 125K today (I have another car hence the relatively low mileage in that time).

It's been very good, totally reliable apart from the odd little thing like dodgy electric window switches (easy DIY fix). I get about 30mpg average, 35 on a long motorway run.

Parts have been surprisingly cheap even from the main Benz dealer (except for trim items) - service items from the dealer are often cheaper than Halfords! MOT tests have been easy to pass with amazingly low emissions readings - yet I've barely touched the engine.

Performance is acceptable - I got 125mph out of mine, though acceleration from rest is a bit disappointing compared to the '84 BMW 320i I used to have, this largely being down to the high gearing. Motorway running is very relaxed as a result - 80mph is a breeze. Many areas of the 190E are better than the BM, eg overall refinement and appearance. I do miss that sweet BM six though, but the little four-pot is surprisingly refined and quiet, and more torquey than the BM which used to 'pink' if asked to lug a high gear.

I know from reading this forum that the 300E is a very highly rated model - one I wouldn't mind owning one day!, but hopefully you shouldn't find the 190E too much of a comedown!

James, Kent UK.

I'm at 6' and find the seat pretty far back but the ride is not compressed and my head does not touch. Entering the vehicle is somewhat cumbersome but not as testy as my 300Zx.

Thanks again.

Hello James, nice to see someone else in the UK here!!

Thanks for all the help guys.

Oliver

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Oliver