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.

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Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

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

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

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