Hi folks, this is my first post. 6 weeks ago I bought a 1984 190D 5 speed with only 135,000 miles. I got it for $3600 on eBaY which might be high but it was hard to find a non-turbo 5 speed. It's been in a minor front end accident that the owner didn't disclose which was disappointing. He had an inexpensive repair done that looks decent but the bumper is about a half inch low on the pass side and the fender and hood slightly misaligned. I bought a one-way ticket to Denver and met the owner at the airport to do the exchange. Had I been closer to home it would have been a deal breaker. On the other hand I got 42 MPG going 75-80 MPH on the way back to California. It's slow as hell but I bought it to commute. So far I'm pretty happy with it, it's my first Mercedes. I'm impressed that a car could be in such good condition after 24 years. I've had american cars from the 80s where every soft part needed replacement.

I know there isn't much support for 190 owners here but maybe some of you can help. Here's my question. This car has two cooling fans, an electic fan and a magnetic clutch fan. When the car is moving the temperature gauge stabilizes at about 85 deg C but if the car sits idling the fans don't come on until 100 deg C. Both fan switches are stamped "100 deg". That seems a little high to me. Is this correct? I like the idea of having an electrc fan to move air through the A/C condenser without the added load of an engine driven fan and the clutch on the engine driven fan. Both improve mileage. What temperature should my car run at, 85-100 deg range seems too wide? Is it possible my car has the wrong thermostat and should actually run closer to 100 deg?

Thanks

The 85 is about right, probably.

It sounds like your clutch fan might not be clutching right.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

85-100 is within spec, I wouldn't worry until about 110. I think that just about 80% of older MB's run up to 100C in traffic, mine does.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

If your electric fan is coming on at 100, it is working as designed.

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1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


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