how long does a 190E typically last? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-10-2002, 01:05 AM

I am trying to find out how long these cars typically last. i have an 88 2.3 8v with about 170k on it. i bought it a little over a 2years ago and have since then invested at least 6k in repairs, suspension, cooling, driveshaft, brakes, etc. nothing overly major, like engine or tranny, but knowing these cars, little things cost big money. the a/c just copped out on me, i don't intend on fixxing it, that would cost almost 2k, but i want to know if it's worth keeping the car or just selling it now and getting a new one. i'm a student and really can't afford a new car, so i need to have this as long as it will last. it still runs very well, but i'd hate for it to suddenly die on me when i could've gotten rid of it already. realible cars, yes no? keep acouple more years or get out before it pulls the big one on me? thanks for your priceless advice

Jim's500E · #2 07-10-2002, 10:30 AM

I'm thinking maybe 300-400,000 miles with regular maint...but that could get expensive; more than the value of the car I would think. You know it is solid as compared to newer cars but not as economical as many others. Repairs can and do get costly, on any car with over 100,000 miles. Is it a keeper? Something you are attached to?

IMO...it'll probably outlast your wallet.

#3 07-10-2002, 02:18 PM

I wouldn't say i was so attached to it that i couldn't get rid of it, it is my first(and only!) car, so yeah there is somewhat of an attachment. i don't mind the repars going over the value of the car, infact i think i've already crossed that line. i just figured dumping 2-3k every year in maintainance to the car is still cheaper than signing away 20k or more on a newer one. i intend to get a new car when i graduate in a couple of years and just need this one to carry me till then. but if it's going to cost as much to keep this one running for the next 2 years as it will to just buy a new one, then i might as well get a new one. this car is pretty solid, i would be nice if it had little features like a cupholder though

anway, thanks for ur advice again. if i did get a new car, i was looking @ the Jettas. i know the older models are bad news, but i hear they've fixed the probs. this true? thanks again

J.HIDALGO · #4 07-10-2002, 03:33 PM

I have a 300E and an 1999 Jetta GL standard 4 cylinder auto.
My 300e just went to my son, who is driving it now. It has 24x,000 miles. It still running strong but, I see a valve job in the near future. I figure, it is a safe car and safety is important to me.
I also have a Jetta (wife's) which has standard side air bags, ABS, etc. I call it a mini MB but, it has some problems too. Everything was fixed under warranty. i.e. radio broke, alternator, battery, passenger seat, mirror control, and my doors are making noises now (which I traced them down to a some loose bolts).
I do my own maintenance so the expenses are not too bad.
My point is, any car will give you problems. It is what your priorities are that it is important. It is YOUR car, use your head and not your heart. You will come up with the right decision.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

p.s. If you go for the Jetta, go for the 1.8T.

#5 07-10-2002, 04:45 PM

...yeah, i just wish my head had a bit more information about cars so i could make the right decision!

anyway, thanks for the heads up. so you think the jetta 1.8Ts are better than the VR6s? i think they've got similar hp but the vr6s are v-6s and typically have more options(naturally more expensive

) plus aren't turbos supposed to become very problematic as they age? well is shall keep driving the 190e and see how much longer it lasts. for a 15 year old car i must say(and so does everyone else here) MB did a pretty good job, too bad i didn't get to her sooner...
cruise on...

Lance Allison · #6 07-11-2002, 07:40 AM

I have a 98 Jetta TDI (turbodiesel) bought new in late 1997. It has been absolutely stone reliable, save a few problems with the power window regulators. The best part is, my odometer currently reads 199,464 miles. It has some performance mods installed that have the car running about 1/3 more power than stock, so it is a really fun car to drive - and still turns high 40's mpg.

Definitely not the same caliber car as the MB, but nonetheless a fun, reliable car.

#7 07-11-2002, 12:00 PM

so you actually think the TD i ould be a better choice than the GLS/VR6? i thought diesel cars were supposed to be sluggish? i am going to "passively"put my 88 190E up for sale soon, and i am looking @ the jettas. unfortunately consumer reports doesn't think much of them, i don't know, gues si'll just have to keep getting more feedback. thanks again

Maddog · #8 07-11-2002, 12:55 PM

I have a 1986 190E 2.3 that has 245,000 on it. The only work I have had done on the car that was major was a valve job back around 200,000. The car does not burn any oil and still drive very strong. I am the second owner of the car, and the transmission was replaced around 100,000 because of some mechanic screwed something up. Currently the only thing that I would fix about the car is replacing all of the rubber seals in the tranny because it overheated because my auxiliary fan isn't working properly. The tranny will slip every once and a while between shifts...not really that big of a deal...just kinda annoying. i say stick with the car and take is easy on the car. As long as you stay low in the RPMs...the car will last a long time.

leon · #9 07-13-2002, 04:29 AM

Ive got a 190e with 300.00 miles on it. Ive had it 11 years now and its a 1988. Ill tell you its a dam good little car, sturdy, solid, still holds it style, and I love mine and cant get rid of it. But the truth is the car has nickled and dimed me along the way. Yeah some of it were things that could happen to any car, and some of it were things that made me think that all that stuff you hear about mercedes quality was a myth.

Just keep those fluids clean (oil, tranny,steering)

remember its not a fast car, ive hardly driven mine over 80 mph,

and learn how to do some of the small stuff yourself and you ll be alright.

Mine still drives like a newer car, goodluck with your choice

Lance Allison · #10 07-13-2002, 10:04 AM

Actually for about $300, you can have a software upgrade chip put in that will give the TDI a big boost in power. My car has the chip and also a tuning box (~$350) and it will run with about anything out there. It will certainly outrun a 2.0 VW and hold its own against a VR6 or 1.8t at least in town. I can run with my (still in the family) supercharged Bonneville. Not that it gets left in the dust, but until about 45mph, the TDI will pull from the Bonnie.

The TDI is limited by revs, as it really runs out of steam at about 4000rpm whereas the 1.8t will zing way past that.