190e 2.3-16 EURO or NOT Please Help
 

Hey guys,
Just got back from checking out a 1987 190e 2.3-16, only has 80,000 miles. The VIN is DA3407HF342887, Carfax says it's invalid. Got the VIN off the Driver side door pillar, not off the windshield. I think it may be a european model converted to US spec. Help me out. The front bumber has an elongated license plate holder, looks like it would hold euro plate, but also has holes for US plate. Has traces of rust underneath. Under the rear spoiler, there is a middle brake light. I checked out a truly US spec one that did not have the brake light under the spoiler. Also wondering, when shifting from 1st to 2nd it seemed to make a noise at the back...no leaks in axle though... The speedo is in MPH. Car has not been in accident, or so I believe, he is asking 8K. Worth it or not? Paint is perfect, interior is perfect, engine is strong, trans seems to be ok. PLEASE HELP ME. Thanks.

-Quinn

Sounds like a U.S. spec car to me. Try the VIN with 'WDB' added to the front of what you have.

Good luck.

quinnk,

A European version from the German home market has a VIN that starts WDB201034 1F followed by a six digit serial number. The number you cited sounds a lot more like the US VIN pattern with letters mixed in.

A grey market car will have a decal or rivetted dog tag like plate with the original imported cited by name on the driver door post (edit added location). If the plate says Daimler-Benz Acktiengesellschaft, the car is not a grey market car. If it is a grey market car the importer will either be a person (like mine) or a company other than MB.

Sounds like the car is in pretty good condition. I was under the impression US cars did have a center high mounted brake light integrated with the spoiler. My Euro 190E 2.3-16 had a unit mounted in the rear window like the sedans. I took it out when the bulb burned out as it was so cheap it just fell apart and rattled.

I would have the car checked by a mechanic, and have at least a compression check and a close visual check of the car done. Good Luck, Jim

Thank You
 

Thanks guys,
I just did a CARFAX and it came back great. Only problem found was failed emissions when the car came from ohio to california. It has passed ever since. I really appreciate your help. Thanks.

Quinn