Is it worth keeping my 1993 190E 2.6? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

riorust · #1 01-18-2008, 11:51 PM

Hi All,

I am new here, but have a question (or two) for those that are more knowledgeable than my self.

My father just gave me his old 190E 2.6 with approx. 135K on it. The car drives great now after a quick voltage regulator replacement. The body is straight and the interior still smells new!, Paint would make it look new.

I've been searching this web site and am duly impressed!, I think I have read 1/3 of the posts pertaining to a 190E 2.6.

My car (from what I can see and hear) will need, a timing chain tensioner, timing chain cover gasket, cam "O" ring, dist seal, fluid and filter changes, a battery (preventive maint. (3 yrs old)), possibly some cam followers, valve cover gasket, and a right ball joint (mild secondary clunk once and awhile). I'll flush and change the oil before doing the timing chain tensioner and cam followers.

The springs and shocks (bilsteins) are about 2 years old, and the exhaust and o2 sensor is about 6 months old. The only things wrong now are the antenna does not work and the SRS light is on all the time.

I know this is a 15 year old car and on-going maintenance will be required. I would like to know if my budget of $150-200 (not including fuel, oil, reg and insurance) per month is realistic, with me doing most of the work?

I make a good income but living in LA cost a bunch, as does alimony, child support and my older daughter's tuition.

This car was my Dad's pride and joy (he bought a new Benz), I want to keep it up, but would like to know if I'm in the ball park. I may put 4K miles a year on it, I have a couple of other cars. Does it seem worth keeping? (bear in mind, I'm not so concerned with eventual resale value, as much as a realistic maintenance budget)

Thanks for your thoughts,
David

Hirnbeiss · #2 01-19-2008, 08:40 AM

If you're handy with a wrench, and can find the Haynes manual for the 190, and can follow instructions, you can keep that thing going for a while on a low budget. I inherited a 190E with 140K on it, and it was doing fine 25K later when I sold it. The timing chain was never an issue (4-cyl though).

But, having several cars with your other issues is just asking for money trouble, regardless of the make and model. (just my .02)

lee polowczuk · #3 01-19-2008, 08:42 AM

I think your budget is very realistic once you get your issues sorted out.

I spent about 1400 in parts and maintenance last year for our 3 124's.

I did all the work, however... along with my son

blackmercedes · #4 01-19-2008, 01:12 PM

The 2.6 engine is pretty bullet proof if cared for. The top end might need some attention some time, but the bottom end will last virtually forever. The four speed AT is also durable.

We have a 1990 190E 2.6 that I rarely drive anymore (in favour of newer cars) but it has 512,000km (about 300K-miles) and the engine has never been opened (timing chains only) and the trans is original. Yes, the car is on it's last legs in many ways, but is shocking how well it has held up. One surprise: the cruise control has never broken!!

Problems over the years: some ball joint replacements, the driver's rear window is broken, the ACC control unit has some problems but is mostly working, the alternator was rebuilt and the rad was replaced. The top end of the engine is getting soft now and should have seals/guides, but the car has literally no value, so that won't get done. The antenna quit years ago, so I "broke" it in the up position. The rear window defroster won't work, and it's not a fuse and I can't find the wiring problem. The ABS sensors are kaput, but still work 75% of the time. The SRS module quit in about 1998 and I put some tape over the SRS light. We are seat-belt wearers anyway. The steering damper needs replacing, again.

But, this summer, there were some vandals loose in the mountains and I didn't like the idea of leaving my C or the Scoob at the trailhead for days for someone to smash to bits, so we took the 'ol 190E. She purred down the highway, never missing a beat. Three good sized trips to the mountains and back with no problems at all. Despite her age, mileage and obvious neglect over the last few years (oil gets changed, etc. but other stuff goes without fixing) she is still a reliable car.

Oh, and 130,000miles is nothing. My 1998 C230 has more than that and is like new...