190E Purchase - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Pomp · #1 05-23-2003, 02:27 PM

well, i did it. i bought my first benz and i must say, i'm feeling a bit overwhelmed after owning volvos for the past 10 years. she's a real cherry '89 with 94k on her and all the records. i'm wondering if anyone out there can give me alittle advice on what to be looking for. i'm fairly confident in the garage and enjoy changing my own oil and maintenance. is it a good idea to change my own oil? or have the garage do it?

just looking for alittle advice. also, should i get the benz factory tech cds, or is there another tech book out there. sorry for the length. thanks.
pomp

tunk · #2 05-23-2003, 02:46 PM

I picked mine up last year. and it just hit 187,000 last night. I have a paper manual but I don't use it too much, mostly I get help from this site. Oil changes are not a big deal with this car, and it'll be much cheaper and allow you to look underneath periodically. congrats and enjoy, it's a fun, fast turning little tank isn't it?

cdt

MTI · #3 05-23-2003, 03:57 PM

Haynes recently updated their chassis and motor manual to include the later models and I believe the 2.6L, so it covers the gas models excecpt for the 16 valve. It's a good reference to have. There are CD based shop manuals on E-Bay for the W201 chassis, pretty much every day of the week.

Don't skimp on changing the oil on our little guys, those valve seals love being soaked nice and fat. Changing oil frequently is made easier in the Benz since the filter is top mounted and you can use a topsider to suck the oil from the dipstick. Also, the seals on the A/C system do like to be used as well to avoid dryout leaks.

At 94K, you might want to consider, if it hasn't been done already, checking the 02 sensor (usually at 60K) and the timing chain tensioner.

Drop an e-mail or PM if you need information about W201 tuning, modifications, the R/16 resistor, part sources, etc.

benzfan · #4 05-23-2003, 08:55 PM

The factory CD does help when it comes to troubleshooting esoteric problems. The Bosch fuel injection book is a big help (ISBN 0-8376-0300-5). The car and fuel injection is actually dirt simple to work on yourself. You didn't say if it was a 2.3 or 2.6. Regardless, they're simple creatures. I still have a good exhaust manifold (used) for a 2.3 and a Bekkers sport cam (unused) if anyone here is interested (cheap). Enjoy.

#5 05-24-2003, 12:19 AM

Hey Pomp:

A Great Big Congrats on your purchase. I am a proud new owner as well. I just bought a '97 E420 with 58,500 on it. I never thought I'd get something that new or with such low mileage, but here I am.

I drove a White '92 190E 2.6 to my high school prom and ever since then I've dreamed of owning a benz (that was ten years ago) It wasn't until a year ago that I saw an '87 560SEL for sale locally and drove it. WHAT A MISTAKE. Ever since then I've been completely obsessed. I went from wanting a 126, to a 140, to a 124, and then finally the 210.

My two cents? If you run into real trouble email Benzmac or one of the moderators who are actual techs. They know more than anyone I've ever discussed these cars with, including my local mechanics. Have Fun. Good Luck!

tvpierce · #6 05-24-2003, 12:22 PM

The CD manual is about $120. I would suggest picking up a Haynes manual at your local auto parts store for $15. If you get into it, and feel that the Haynes and the advice from this site are not sufficient for you, then bite the bullet and buy the CD.

I find I rely more on the people here for tech help than I do on my Haynes manual. But I'm glad I have both.

Another quick note for a newbie: This forum is run by a Mercedes Shop. If you need parts, they are a fantastic source. Click on the Fastlane tab at the top of the page. If you don't find the part you need, or if you have any questions, call Phil. He is extremely helpful and knowledgable about all things Mercedes. I cannot speak highly enough about the service he provides. (I'm not associated in any way with Mercedes Shop, I'm just an extremely satisfied customer, and someone who's very appreciative that this forum exists!)

BTW, I'm also a Volvo guy (940 Turbo). Love both cars -- for completely different reasons.

Welcome, and enjoy your new car.

Jeff Pierce

Pomp · #7 05-24-2003, 03:51 PM

oh yeah, btw she's a 2.6. thanks for the welcome and for all the great advice. she is a blast to drive! ever since i was 7 (alittle over 30 years ago) i've loved these cars. i still can't believe there's one in my garage. a wealth of info on this site. i'll be a regular now. thanks again everyone.
pomp