so i went to a public car auction, and "impulse bought" a 190e for $700. kinda bid as a joke, not really expecting to win. the only other bid was the $600 opener...


156k, cancer-free, clean(able) and most everything works. it runs and drives. claims to be a '92 190e 2.3.

now there are some issues;

- oil pressure gauge is pegged at 3 any rpm over 2000 or so, but its lower at lower rpms, and is at zero when off. is that normal? what units is it?

- engine has a slight "clatter" at low rpms. like a modern diesel.

- engine vibrates at highway speeds, put in neutral, all is smooth and quiet, put back, and its like my buddies ford escort.

-the transmission shift fine when driven sedately, but is a little rough when kicked around.

first things first, the car will have all fluids and filters replaced, bottle of techron run through, followed by new plugs. it seems to have been sitting for a few months...

what next? are the valves adjustable? check timing chain/valvetrain? i assume if the valves are not "right" it would cause my engine problems, as well as mess with vacuum, causing shifting to be wonky?

pcv? egr? vacuum leaks?