91 Mercedes 190E

My freind is considering trading in his mothers 91 Mercedes 190E (2.6 automatic with 104K miles) at a dealership for another car. The dealership is offering him 7K. I am considering buying the car from him for the same amount, but would like to find out more about the car. Kelly BB is $12,500. It has a new transmission (less than a yr)and the outside and inside looks well kept. It runs very good. He says the timing chain needs to be replaced which will cost around 1K. What do you think? Does this model have a history of mechanical problems? Are they high maintenance cars? Are parts extremely expensive. What should I look for if I consider buying it? Is 7K a good deal? Thanks for any comments.

If you buy it and change your mind, you should be able to get $7k from the dealer for it, if that's what they're offering him.

I drove a 190E 2.6 for a few days as a loaner car while my car was getting worked on. I think it was a 1990, but I'm not sure. It had a lot wrong with it, but that might have been due to high mileage. The odometer was broken. There was heat always coming out some of the vents. I had to run the AC with the sunroof open to compensate. The sunroof didn't work properly either. But that's all just that one particular car. I don't know if those problems are common for the model.

It was a fun car for a few days, much faster than my 300SD. But personally, I don't care for the small cars. They're not as safe or as comfortable. I'd rather get in an accident in a heavier car. But that's just my personal preference.

It's always a good deal when you can get a car for the same price as a dealer would pay! I don't think you have much to lose besides sales tax and registration. I'd say go for it if you know you like the model. Good luck!

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Dean
Santa Barbara, CA
1974 280C
1984 300SD

[This message has been edited by dean (edited 05-20-2000).]

Hi,

I have a '91 190e 2.6 with almost 134K. I bought it in January with 128.5 K on it for $6500. I considered this a good price at the time. It sounds like you are getting a good deal. I do a pretty long commute (60 miles round trip per day). So far the car has been great and I've really enjoyed it. No major problems. I haven't had to do any major repairs, but I had a few minor things done (Flex disk, tie rods) and the repair costs were less than I expected. This is my first MB, but I will certainly buy another one. If the car is in good shape and you have it checked out with an MB mechanic, I'd go for it.

Rick

Happy 190e owner

[Benzmac]

I have NEVER in 8 years of service seen a 103 timing chain that needed to be replaced. What is probably the case though, is the engine could be using some oil...Buy the car and drive it. Monitor the oil level. If it uses oil have the valve job done (13-1700) and save the money on the timing chain. These are good cars if well maintained.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I like my 93. The only major (inherent) mechanical that these cars had was the valve guides or seals, or the valve guides and seals, or something like that. However, from what I've read here it really only affects about 75% of them and it is a one-time fix. You also see that repair coming for a looong time (increased oil consumption). I'm surprised this one has a new tranny. But that can be a great thing.

If they want slightly north of $7k for it, buy it - you can't lose - or email me with a phone number...

[yambrovich]

A lot of your decision will depend on your physical size too!! I am 6 ft tall and weigh 250 lbs. We have a 92 190-E (my wife's) that I am not comfortable in. It's a bit "snug" for me.
I waited two years and just recently bought an 89 300E. This car works really nicely for me (and my size).
Keep that in mind when making your decision. Having good mechanicals / cosmetics is nice, but you have to SIT INSIDE THE CAR!



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Jay Yambrovich
1989 300 E
1992 190-E 2.3

[joel]

good point Jay. I was about to buy a mint 93 190E 2.3 but that car is really small; and i am not close your size or weight.

my 300E is just right.