early vs late 190e ???
 

hi all, i'm new here, located in ontario canada, looking to buy a 1984-1993 190e (5 speed) and trying to understand the differences between a mid 1980s car (2.3 liter 4 cylinder) and an early 1990s car (2.6 liter 6 cylinder).

i understand the early engines had a single row timing chain, which was replaced by a double row chain. and the 2.6 engine was more peppy without compromising gas mileage.

but are there any other reasons to prefer an early 2.3 car to a late 2.6 car, or vice versa?... for example, in regard to ease of DIY maintenance/repairs, electronic engine mgt (fuel/timing), suspension, wheel + tire size/bolt pattern/stance, brakes, steering, interior/seats/instrumentation, parts availability/price, factory rustproofing/galvanized metal, etc, etc.

where i live, 1987 and earlier model year cars are exempt from emissions testing.

i'm not really interested in the cosworth model, cause i understand 5th gear isn't an overdrive ratio.

i'm trying to avoid buying a particular model year 190e, and then wishing i had done a little more homework. thx for any help.

I like the later model 190Es because I think they are more customizable and some parts are interchangeable between the years and even other cars like the W126, R129, W124. The later model is pretty simple too work on once you get the hang of it also and you can bolt on a 3.0L engine without any modifications.

You will have a tough time to find late model with 5 speed manual
I was looking and - nothing over 1989 was avialble in Toronto ( 16V are out of radar)


After getting that compromise is required - switched to bigger models -
End up buying W124 automatic - happy with compromise so far

I don'to know Canadian car import regs, but there are tons of manuals available just a boat ride away e.g.,: W201 190E Sportline 2,6 mit 5 Gang Schaltgetriebe in schwarz, Youngtimer in in Reutlingen | eBay

The later ones are nicer. I have one from almost the very end of production ('93) that I turned into a 190d. :D

Agreed late model has lots of nice things.

One down side is on the door panel. The glue that was used to bond the leather/vinyl to the door panel is crappy. The leather will pull away from the paneling eventually.