hey, my name is Renee. Thinking about getting a 1991 190E 2.6L for 4500.00 is that a good price???
It has about 130k on it already. They say no mechanical problems...could you tell me what you know about the car and is it expensive to repair? Is it a good, reliable car? Does it break down often, is it expensive to fix? How many miles can it go on for? When I see the car what types of things should I ask and look for? Is it slow or fast? Any problems with the 1991 model that you know of? Do you have a 190E?...what has your experience been like??

Thanks So Much, this site is dope!
Renee

Well, I have a 88 190e 2.3 and i can tell you a few things i wish i would have looked for when i got mine. Not sure how much in common our cars have but..

Check for rust around the jack points, the round holes near the front and rear wheels. check for rust in the trunk corners under the plastic trim covering. I think by this year there was a double roller chain, which from reading the threads seems like an important one, but something to check. Also sounds from the threads that the 2.6 is a worthy purchase over the 2.3 for its power and reliability. I think i read that some years of the 2.6 had a headgasket problem though. Do check the condition of the coolant and oil to look for contaminents. If you planning on doing the work yourself i would get a haynes manual for reference and the service cd. I would recommend purchasing parts from Fastlane as they are a heck of lot cheaper than the dealer in most cases.

I dont know the history of the car but with proper and regular maintenance, and some patience and dedication it should last you a long time. I bought mine in Dec. 2002 and had to put an engine in it this past august. I am attributing this to the lack of maintenance by the previous owner(s). I have my hood open almost everyday usually just looking around and checking on things. I like to get out the lawn chair sometimes and just look at. This provides satisfaction and relaxation. Check the bluebook for the price range of this car. You may also want to check the compression before you buy. Or take the car to a mechanic to have them check it out for you. I dont think this is unreasonable request, and the owners should have no problem with this unless they have something to hide. This could reveal things which you could bring to the bargaining table if you decide to buy. A carfax may also provide some information.

There are many many many resources online for the 190e, use the internet, and especially this site to find information. Do a search on 190e and browse through the posts to find common problems, pleasures, and upgrades . You may also want to take a stroll through fastlane to get an idea of prices of some random parts.

Hope this helps some.

josh

I have an 88 190e 2.3L (4 cyl). Bought it 10 years ago (50K on it) and never had regreted it - currently have 150K on it and starts every morning like a charm!

Though, I have had one major problem with the vehicle. The Vacuum system for the A/C. had to change out the cells/diaphrams behind the dash. Not an easy job and it takes an experienced mechanic like 5 hours to do. The cells/diaphrams are not expensive, like 20 bucks each (three total behind the dash) It has been my experience with my vehicle and that of friends, that if these have not been changed before, they will go out on you soon.

Renee,

I bought a 92 190E 2.6 with 129000 miles two months ago in outstanding condition. Paid $4900 for it. Kellys Blue Book value is $5100 and Edmund's $5600. If everything works and the car is in excellent condition then $4500 is a good deal, but always try to talk them down. If taken care of properly the engine will last 250,000+ miles. Unless your a DIYer, maintenance cost will ber higher than other automobiles. It is not the fastest car on the road, but it rides like a king on the highway at 70+...car was made for the autoban. Brakes will cost you the same as any other car. Fuel delivery problems will be expensive. As with any used car...until you drive it for a while and get to know your car the reliablility can be questionable, but historically the 190 is rated high for reliability. I love my car and plan to put a few dollars into it and keep it for a couple of years. Make sure you check the cruise control, the Climate control to make sure all the buttons work and that the heater and A/C work, and the brakes. You can tell a lot by how easy it starts and how well it drives....take a long drive in it and drive it above 60 mph.

Contact me if you have anymore questions.

SKI

I have a 1991 190e 2.6 with 122k miles on it. Rust hasn't been an issue anywhere on the car. However, the head gasket is a common problem on that engine. Besides looking at the coolant, check the rear of the engine for oil. A common symptom is that it blows oil out the back of the head at the gasket. Another issue is the climate control. When these cars hit about this age, some of the vacuum diaphragms start to dry out and fail, as pointed out earlier in this thread. One common problem is that the center dash vents won't work properly. Mine, for example, always blows out cold air, even when the side vents are pumping out the heat (although one mechanic told me that the center vents always blow out cold air regardless of the heat setting). I'm gonna get that fixed soon.

Also, make sure you use the heavier weight oil in the engine though as recommended in the manual - minimally 10w40. No 30 weight oil for these cars!

I just bought a beautiful 89 190e 2.6. White with silver leather in absolutely fantastic condition. Had all the maint. records with it and has 188k on it. Drives like a dream. Only paid 2500 for it too. Blue book on it is 4100. Talk him down, you can get it for less.

__________________
89 190E
2.6L
Arctic white
Grey leather
Sunroof
Pirelli P400 rubber
Smoked corners

Actually the tumbler. Usually gives some warning signs before it failes. If if fails it locks itself in. If you replace it before it fails its about $70 (including a $25 key). If you replace it after it fails it can cost 10 (ten) times as much

Thermostat cover: it has been upgraded to a metal one. If its plastic, change it and the thermostat (good preventive maintance).

For engine stuff refer to its model number: M103. There are a lot more M103's than 190e's.

And where did you find the dope?

__________________
5 speed '91 190E 2.6 320,000 mi. (new car, fast, smooth as silk six, couldn't find any more Peugeots)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.5l Turbo Diesel 266,000 mi. (old car, fast for a diesel, had 2 others)
5 speed '01 Jetta V6 (new wifes car, pretty quick)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.2l Turbo Gas 197,000 mi. (wifes car, faster, sadly gone just short of 200k )
5 speed '83 Yamaha 750 Maxim 14,000 mi. (fastest)
0 speed 4' x 8' 1800 lb Harbor Freight utility trailer (only as fast as what's pulling it)

The 190E is a nimble little automobile that is a pleasure to drive. I purchased my 1993, 190E back in 1996 and I am the second owner.

I have had a few problems along the way but not more than any other vehicle. Currently the vehicle has 160K miles and still is solid. I am currently getting ready to replace the head gasket and recondition the cylinder head.

The only advice I can give you is there are businesses that inspect vehicles that can give you a good idea if the vehicle has been properly serviced and if there are problems what it would cost to repair.

If you decide to purchase the vehicle, I wish you luck and welcome aboard.

This might help:

Pre-purchase inspection - Partial Buyer’s Checklist

Misc Condition
Former owner- servicing records – a must
Extended warranty available? Independent can do work? Cost?

Problem areas
Air conditioning (-$2000 if not working)
Becker radio – all channels
Power windows, door locks, vacuum system
Radiator neck (-$400)
Rear window seal

Interior
Fading, rips, and tears
Fit and finish of parts
Carpets and floor mats, front and rear, check for water or rust in floor pans
Seats, wear, Seat belts
Seats, full function of motion, memory, headrests
Windows, power operation up-down – no grinding or binding
Sun roof, full function and closure
Switches, lights, wipers, steering wheel in-out
Radio – antenna goes up and down
Dash lights – all lit

Exterior
Paint and finish
Body condition, dings, repainted?, etc
Corrosion: exhaust system, brake lines & calipers, fuel lines
Corrosion: fender wells, jacking points, rear deck/window seal, trunk seal
Seals around doors, sunroof, trunk, etc
Trunk – carpet, sidewalls, lights, check for water, jack, tools and spare tire condition
Tires and wheels – check for alignment problems, abnormal wear, etc

Engine
Leaks – oil around heads (important), coolant, etc
Fluids – engine oil color, coolant color, transmission oil color & smell
Rust under hood, drains clear, hood pad
Oil splashes anywhere? Engine compartment should be clean
Start car with closed throttle…should start right up, rev up, settle down…No clack-clack
Compression check
Battery – corrosion under
Hoses, belts – condition

Heater/AC controls - Open hood, put on normal (down arrow only filled in).
Dial temp down and check that A/C clutch engages.
Put on EC and check that clutch disengages.
On cooling check that air comes
from center and both side vents.
Set control for heat and check that center vent shuts off.

Driving
Transmission – clean shifts, no run away, kick down, engage fwd and rev immediately (1 sec)
Smoke at tail pipe
A/C works and is COLD
Brakes – no pulling, pulsing, warps, ABS, 25 mph panic
Squeaks and rattles
Steering – no drift, wheel should be centered
Cruise control - smooth
Over bumps…listen for loose parts (open window)

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)