I'm in the market for a 190 16 valve. Because of the stop and go traffic I deal with in LA, the best option for me is an automatic. Am I, in general, courting disaster? Do these trannys tend to hold up? If the car has 130K on it, with original tranny working OK, how long before trouble is likely? If I buy it, what maintenance can I do to the tranny to help it last longer? Any other significant points? Thanks.

MOST automatic transmissions fail due to slippage & lack of proper maintence. IF the trans is still in "good" condition now after 15 years, it may run for a while OR it's days might be numbered.

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1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

To elaborate, It all depends on the previous owners. If the tranny was serviced every 30k and not driven hard, you should be fine. If the services weren't done, you will have trouble.

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Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

In general, the auto is easier on the engine. So even if you have to do some work on the transmission, the saving on engine bills will make up for that.