Just purchased a 1987 190E 2.3 W/ 73,000 miles. I have a few questions/problems.

On about the third moonroof opening it stopped halfway and now is stuck ( I haven't had time to look but I am assuming it is a fuse?) If not how do I shut it manually?

Second Question: It was fine the first day but the engine temp gauge in th car is wacky. It will be fine and then shoot up into the red and stay then shoot down to normal for a minute then back up to the red. Sometimes it stays there, sometimes it is normal, but more and more it is high?? Any suggestions on what may be wrong and what to look for?

Third: the Brakes squeak loud, not sure which ones but it is loud when pressed and when driving there is a squeaking sound when brakes not applied?? Any suggestions?

Finally not knowing much about this car (besides what I have read on this board) what should I do for this car at this mileage when I take it into the mechanic what should I have him look for. I do not know the maintenance history of the vehicle.

I appreciate your help thank you very much, please help!!

First and foremost, check the coolant level -- low coolant will cause rapid temp variations. You are in danger of ruining the engine by allowing it to overheat!

If the coolant level is OK, there are several other things to check, but DON'T drive it with the temp guage going up into the red zone unless you are CERTAIN it isn't really overheating. Otherwise, the problem will solve itself, the engine will lock up. Check the wire to the temp sensor, if it is loose or worn, it can short, sending the temp guage up. Sensor can be bad, too.

There is a manual operating nut in the trunk for the sunroof. It is behind the trunk lining, on the drivers side, I think. 14 mm deep socket, should crank relatively easily.

However, you need to get it lubricated before you get too excited, it will only stick again. You also need to check the condition of the lifting angles it if tilts up -- the earlier ones break easily and will jam the sunroof.

Brakes that whistle or squeal when not applied are usually dragging. There are several causes, the most usual is that someone didn't replace rotors when needed, allowing the pads to jam on the antirattle spring. Left too long, this overheats the calipers and necessitates replacement of all the rubber parts. Shouldn't be a problem for you, you don't have enough milage to require rotors yet, unless abused.

Squealing when applied usually means the wrong pads are in there -- MB pads wear pretty quickly, and most aftermarket pads are too hard. Makes them last forever, but they don't work as well and screech. This can be solved by replacing with MB pads.

If you don't know the maintenance history of the car, ask for a "major" service -- any MB shop will know what this means. If your shop isn't familiar with MBs, find another one (best choice) or educate them -- if it were me and I had the money, I'd have the coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and oil changed. Probably the rear end lube, too. Inspect brakes, repack front wheel bearings, and do an inspection. Lubricate throttle linkage, check hoses, etc.

The 190 is a nice little car, but like all MBs, must be maintained. Neglect them and they will fall apart.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Hey thanks for your response, very good advice...

One more ? on the moonroof, could it be a fuse that blew also or do you think it seized up? The reason I asked is it worked flawlessly the first few times I used it..thanks

Yes, it's very likely the fuse, because the slides are dirty and it takes too much current to move the roof, so the fuse goes. You may be able to get it closed by replacing the fuse. I think they are in the engine compartment under a black plastic cover next to the brake booster.

Don't use just anything to lube it, go to a dealer (ouch!!) or a good independent mechanic and have them use the MB sliding sunroof paste. This isn't typical grease. You won't want to buy it, comes only in a 1 lb can, costs $52 or so. Cheaper than repairs, but you would never ever use it up!

If you use anything else, you risk ruining the pads and slides, and this is EXPENSIVE -- they cost almost as much as the replacement lift angles did! Mine on the 300D was all screwed up, mostly from bad grease and neglect.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!