PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Any diesel fans also have a 190-16v?

JimSmith · #3 09-02-2003, 11:42 AM

Orkrist,

I have a 1986 190E 2.3-16 that I purchased new as a Euro model with the factory unleaded fuel emissions system and federalized. I have had nothing but superior experiences with this car over the years I owned it. I recently gave it to my son (painful experience and seems like yesterday, but he turned 16 two years ago) when it had about 205,000 miles on it. It never failed to run and never left me stranded even once in that time frame. Due to my own negligence on keeping the valves adjusted my son burned an exhaust valve. We removed the head and spent a small fortune rebuilding it. When they go wrong the problems are not trivial in cost. I blame myself for that error though, and other than that I have had relatively few 16 valve unique problems and no Euro unique problems.

I recently purchased another 16 valve for my other son who is turning 16 later this year. It was an eBay event and so far is looking like a reasonable investment of less than $5k for a car with less than 150,000 miles. As you can guess we are in the valve adjustment phase, after changing all the fluids and filters. The valve adjustment is a pain in the rear in that you have to remove the camshafts after taking detailed gap measurements, then measure some shims with a micrometer, do some math and order new shims, then reassemble and verify the gaps are correct.

So, I would not spend more than $8k for an example with low miles after having a compression test done, and verifying the valve adjustments have been carried out at regular intervals. I would also demand a rust free example for that kind of money, with functioning air conditioning and self levelling system. Expect dash board cracks and some clear coat damage unless the car spent its life in a garage. The rest of the car should be solid - no rattles, no stalling, no hard starting.

Good luck, and I hope this helps, Jim