I've owned this 140,000 mile 190E 2.3 (my first MB) for about 4 months and I'm begining to see signs that she may have had a rough life. I've been watching the posts and tried the search function, but haven't seen my questions asked.

1) My car disposes of oil rapidly. It does not appear to leak. It definitely smokes and the exhaust even left a bit of a stain on my driveway, while I let it run to warm up on a cold morning. I'm guessing there is no cheap fix for that. When driving a highway speeds with a window down the smell of exhaust is strong in the cabin. I discovered a length of garden hose that appears to run from under the air filter and down into the exhaust manifold. I asked the old geezer I bought the car from and he said a local mechanic added a "blow by" for him to help vent fumes away from the cabin. ??? I didn't get into it furter, but I assume he is talking about burning oil. The car has plenty of power, and starts admirably. I haven't seen smoke in the air filter.

2) The water pump is extremely noisy. The car seems to want to overheat when left to idle. This is disturbing because it is about 15 degrees here. WHen summer comes, I'm sunk.

3) Should a competent mechanic who is inexperienced with Mercedes be able to repair my car, if given access to the proper resources?

4) Should the trunk unlock along with the doors?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Darrell Rodgers

Darrell:

I've got a 190 as well and my trunk unlocks with my doors. Yours should probably due the same (vaccuum). As for your water pump, it should not be noisy.......Replace the pump ASAP and flush the entire cooling system, evaluate the condition of the fluid. If it is rusty you'd be wise to replace your hoses and possibly your entire radiator.

Smoking exhaust is another red flag. You could be in for some expensive repairs. What colour of smoke are you seeing? If its blue its going to cost $$$ and if its whiteish and thick and cloudy its going to cost $$$$.....

Look for an independent MB shop in your area, make or read some posts in the forum dedicated to shops.

Best of luck with your 190E!!!

Mike McKinney

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

You're sure its the water pump? If you are then it needs to go. The loss of oil sound like old seals going or gone they are going to have to open her up. Take Shynes advice and find an independant MB shop near you. Be prepared though!

Once fixed you'll have a good reliable car!

If the car has power, the valve seals probably need to be replaced. The oil is being sucked down through the valve guide throgh the seals and burned. It is a common problem. It is not that expensive to do or have done. There should not be a garden hose on anything in the engine compartment. It will not last very long at all. The engine heat will destroy it quickly.
On the problem in the cooling system, remove the thermostat and test it by boiling it in hot water. It should open before the water boils, if you have a thermometer check the tempature that it opens. I think the factort thermostat opens at 185 F.
You can chech the water pump by grasping the water pump pully and check for freeplay ( a mild rocking in the shaft). Generally if you feel movement at all the water pump bearing is on the way out soon.
You should try to get an owners manual for the car either here is the classifieds, on EBAY.

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1990 190E 2.6
1996 Grand Voyager 3.3
1985 Mustang GT 5.0 5 SPD
1982 Suzuki GS 750T

This depends on two things: one is position of the slot -- when the slot is in a horizontal position, trunk and gas cap will stay locked when you unlock the doors. In the vertical position, the trunk will unlock when you unlock the doors. Also, locking the trunk to either position will lock the doors.

Second, can you unlock the trunk at all? The "valet" key will not unlock the trunk. You'll have to order a master key from MB if you have only the valet key. It is fairly expensive.

Good luck!