190E Engine Longevity - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 05-28-2002, 10:39 AM

My '92 190E has 134,000 miles on it. I had a mechanic tell me that around 150K the valve guides on the 2.6 engine need to be replaced and the job costs around $2500. What's the scoop? Should I sell the car now before I have to spend a bundle or am I getting bad info?

mplafleur · #2 05-28-2002, 11:45 AM

I think that by your model year, they had the guide problems fixed.

I certainly wouldn't do anything if there are no symptoms of any problems. Does your Benz burn ALOT of oil? That's the primary symptom of guides that need replacing.

It is getting time to replace the timing chain though. You have a single row chain that has been know to break and bend the valves and sometimes break the cam. You can roll your own chain in, or have a shop do it for a few hundred dollars.

#3 05-28-2002, 04:12 PM

Thanks again! The car requires some oil to be added in between changes but doesn't smoke or have any problems other than some slight leaks, which I understand are common.

#4 05-28-2002, 09:59 PM

I own a 2.6 on which I had the valve guide done a few weeks ago. At 194,000mi, mine burned a quart of oil in 600mi. it was time to do the job.
But not at $2,500.00. You can cut that almost in half (not including other ''surprises''
I had a few surprises when I had mine done.
The camshaft was badly worn on 2 lobes... New camshaft, valve lifters.
There was a small leak (cracked)at the bottom of the radiator= New rad
Full tune up (plugs, distributor car, rotor, plugs wires) new oils and filters (engine/transmission/differential, new thermostat and a few other smaller item : Total cost:$2,200. Still cheaper than a new car.
Good luck
jackD

blackmercedes · #5 05-28-2002, 10:07 PM

My Dad's 1990 190E 2.6 has about 200,000 miles and barely uses any oil. Top end work is a ways off yet.

But, that car has been in our family (I owned it as the second owner) since about 55K-miles. Synthetic oil, frequent changes, etc. I anticipated that the top-end would come due at about 200K-miles, so maybe we're also just lucky.

The premature-wearing guide problem on the M103 was fixed long before 1992. The only reason your guides would be worn early was operating conditions or long oil change intervals.

Also, $2500 for a top-end on the M103 is REALLY high. Most estimates run $1,000-$1,500.

JDUB · #6 05-30-2002, 12:18 AM

After 1989 models new valve guides were engineered on these engines. It work be long until you are at a quart every 700 miles. At this point I would recommend just valve seals and see what happens. My 190 2.6 has about 210K on it and the oil consumption gradullay has gone to a quart every 700 from a quart between oil changes. My spark plugs used to look clean and are starting to look dark so I will be doing my valve seals.

#7 05-30-2002, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the feedback. It's encouraging to know I'm in a "good" model year for valve seal longevity. You mentioned you were planning to replace only the seals on your 190. What's involved in replacing the seals. I'm a fair mechanic but I haven't done any valve work other than grinding valves. Thanks again, David

JDUB · #8 05-31-2002, 02:30 AM

i WILLDOMY VALVE SEALS WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I must rebuild the carb on my 85 Mustang Gt or my driver license will be suspended in Illinois. My Benz Just passed the emissions test even with bad valve seals. This is the first time my 183,000 Mustang failed. I also need brakes on my 190 and preventive maint on my 96 Voyager.