Hi everyone,

Well i own a 1990 190E 2.5-16 Auto.
Have had the car for years and have always maintained it to a very high standard.

I have always wanted a 5 speed manual getrag though

I have looked at cars for sale that are a manual but the problem is that they are in bad condition. I know where my car is at in terms of maintenance and i really do not want to buying something that needs work doing to it.

So im in a prediciment. Should i convert my car to a manual?
My main bones of contention are:

1. Losing originality (will the conversion have an impact on future sale value?)
2. Can i keep cruise control
3. VIN number mismatch

Everything on my car is completely standard. After driving my friends 2.5-16 manual it was a revelation.

I would love to hear some opinions on wether or not i should do this...
Many thanks guys...


Zak

I would not worry about any of those things. Whatever loss in originality there is will be offset by the lack of desirability of the automatic, which would be a big negative at resale, I would think.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Doubt that that conversion would have any effect on value. If the car was newer possibly.

Yes cruise will still work IF you wire in the clutch pedal switch & you switch the resistor plug in the controller.

What you really need to do the conversion correctly IS a donor car that you can get ALL of the needed parts.

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Thanks guys for the replies.
All the correct parts will be in hand before the conversion.

In your opinion is it worthwhile, or should i leave well alone?

Bump!

I say leave well enough alone - too big a job relative to the value of the car. If you really want the 5 speed find a nice 190E 2.6 - better engine anyway.

Car was valued recently for $24,000 USD
Im just trying to garnish some well informed opinions...
2.6 is a good engine, but i prefer the 2.5.

I'd say go for it.. A 2.5 16V w/ the 5sp would be quite the find for any 16V aficionado.

Was there a difference in diff ratio's on the 2.5 from auto to manual?

Jonathan

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Thats a good question Jonathon.
Im not sure...Although the company that i have contacted who will do the conversion have said there is not.
But there is a slight difference in the speedometer.
I will look into the diff question more.

Where are you? That car is virtually worthless in the U.S., even in good condition. It is not a well regarded engine.

You might be thinking about the 2.3...
Im in Europe...
Why is not a well regarded engine? Im curious!

I think it is a bit high maintenance, compared to most benzes. And the smog controls robbed it of much of its performance so the later 2.6 all benz six cylinder is simpler and less expensive to maintain and about as fast.

I have driven a couple of them and kept thinking they were kindof doggy and felt it should have blown my socks off more. The chassis though is first class.

I believe the diff is the same.

Tom W

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks Tom.
My car is a non-cat version thankfully.

It all depends on what car you drive, but its true these cars do need maintenance...Often most are neglected and end up haggered sadly!

A lot of people say i should just leave well alone and not do the conversion. Others say its a no brainer!

I was thinking about the 2.3-16 which was just an early troubled 4 valve top end. I don't think we ever got a 2.5-16 190E in the U.S.

Your right the early 2.3-16 did have issues, especially with the single timing chain. Right again in saying the 2.5 neer made it to the US because of poor sales for the 2.3 and strict emission laws!