190E 1989 137k

[tobybul]

Not sure if this is the place for this so i apologize in adv.

Considering getting this car. Can you tll me what to check/look out for?

[sixto]

2.3 or 2.6?

Sixto

[tobybul]

I will know more today. Is there an issue with either one?

I got one...I love 'Eleanor' to death. To make a long story short it is just like buying any car with "charisma", check EVERYTHING, because they (all MBZ's) can be costly to maintain (believe me on that one); remember as in all older model vehicles (not necessarily this model), sometimes the parts can be very hard to find or must be special ordered. Ask some of the people around here in the forum, they will lead you good. Other than that, my experience is that it is a very enjoyable car and a reliable one to boot. If you do decide to buy, then enjoy. Toodles!

[tobybul]

I understand what u mean. I actually just got an 85 300D thats in fairly good shape with just under 100k. Being in Michigan, its got some rust spots and I have been slowly working on making it look nicer. I am thinking about getting a small sandblaster to touch up these spots. Sice you mentioned you guys restore cars, do you use a sandblaster? Is it a good tool for removing oxidation?

[tobybul]

The 89 190E 2.6 ran fine (just drove around block - not insured). Some things I noticed:

- choke may be sticky cuz when I press gas on idle it stays revved-up. it revs down when I put it in gear. seems to shift ok. should drive it on hiway.
-mostly cosmetic under hood (foam insulation in hood seemed eaten up here and there - I think by rodent. rodent nest was in engine compartment) car sat for 3 mos outdoors. didnt seem to have damaged wires (from rodent)
- ac doesnt work.

Bhoy, that engine sure takes up most of comartment.

Owner says its in good running order. 122k miles. Anything else to check on?

[Jim B.]

How many miles on it? Does it have books and records? Were the timing chain, tensioner and guide rails changed on it at around 100,000 miles?
If not, factor that job into the purchase price of the car.

A used car is always a gamble, but it could be a good car.

If possible, get the best example you can, in the best condition.

They say there is nothing more expensive than a cheaply purchased Mercedes

[tobybul]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

If possible, get the best example you can, in the best condition. What do u mean by this?

They say there is nothing more expensive than a cheaply purchased Mercedes

The good thing though about cheap purchase is you'll feel like you did not lose much in case you want to let it go. Its good to know when to draw the line so one doesn't spend too much or know when its a money pit.

[sixto]

I wouldn't be concerned about an original timing chain in an M103. The chain doesn't go through inflections like in a V8. You don't hear much about chains snapping on these engines. But as a precaution...

Sixto

[tobybul]

Finally got a chance to drive and kick tires last night. Car's got 122k. Drives pretty good. What i saw:
- no a/c
- had rodent nest in engine compartment the first time I looked at it 2 weeks ago
- insulation under hood eaten up by something
- insulation by firewal partially eaten up by same rodent that ate the hood insl
- some trims inside are broken (air register, tears on 2 door panels, minor tears on seats)

Not known:
- major maintenance work done?

Kelly Blue book says trade-in is $550. Retail says up to $3k. Not comfortable paying over $1000.

[sixto]

Rodents took residence in a car I used to have. There was no getting rid of the smell. It was like Seinfeld's car. I sold it during allergy season

Sixto

[bigbrownbenz]

Originally Posted by tobybul

Finally got a chance to drive and kick tires last night. Car's got 122k. Drives pretty good. What i saw:
- no a/c
- had rodent nest in engine compartment the first time I looked at it 2 weeks ago
- insulation under hood eaten up by something
- insulation by firewal partially eaten up by same rodent that ate the hood insl
- some trims inside are broken (air register, tears on 2 door panels, minor tears on seats)

Not known:
- major maintenance work done?

Kelly Blue book says trade-in is $550. Retail says up to $3k. Not comfortable paying over $1000.

I just paid $6,000 for my '84 190E 2.3 and, yes it was an inflated price, but since it introduced to me to the glory that is Mercedes-Benz, I consider it worth every penny. Mine was in as close to mint condition as an original 22-year old car could be, leather was like new, everything in beautiful shape, shiny paint, absolutely straight and smooth body, runs like a champ, smooth, silky smooth. And punchy enough, compared to the old Hondas I'd been driving. Don't let it go knowing you'll always wish you'd bought it.

[jchowe420]

I just paid $6,000 for my '84 190E 2.3 and, yes it was an inflated price

not really, if the condition is excellent, i think 6k is a very good price!

You can easily spend over 6k for fixing the car to make it as good as the one you got now......

[tobybul]

What are the miles of these cars???

[acehandy]

You can never pay too much, if you get what you want.