How about an '87 2.5t 190d project car?
 

This summer I'll have the room and time for a project car to fix up. My Subaru XT is up to speed mechanically and the only other thing I would do to it is wetsand and clear coat it's paint, since the P.O painted it single stage but never got to the clear coat. I may keep it as a school use car or sell it this summer, I haven't decided. Not getting rid of my 300cd, and I'm not driving that in the winter anymore.

AFAIK, the 1987 2.5 Turbo diesel engine in 190d's is desirable for it's (relative) power and fuel efficiency, correct? A 1987 190d with this engine has popped up on Craigslist. The ad lists it as having a new headgasket, but the transmission doesn't shift. They're asking $400. I see 190's in the junkyard every time I visit :rolleyes: so some parts are available that way. If I would buy this then I would do a 5-Speed swap if I can find all the parts. Do 190e and 190d manual transmissions work in both applications? I don't remember if the starter bump is on the same side or not. With a 5 speed and 2.5t this car should get 35+ mpg, diesel costs less than RUG here in MO now. I do have a spare set of newish tires on bundts too.

This car is probably junk by now. There are always others to look for. I may check this one out, it's in the same suburb where I bought my subaru.
Typical CL ad.
"I sale my 87 MB 190 turbo diesel, engine runnig good,new headgasket,tranny not working,body has some rust,170000mi,automatic"

This is the ad: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1060205442.html
http://images.craigslist.org/3ne3ma3...756815151f.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n23od3...7b91931af9.jpg

Or, I've been drooling over this MB for a while, A green/green cloth euro 450SEL 6.9! 101,000 miles and a hair over $2000 asking price, guy is selling 2 other 450sel's too. Goodbye all of my money. But what a car, my favorite color combination, favorite w116 long wheelbase. I'm going to have a signature a mile long :rolleyes:

http://images.craigslist.org/3kd3mf3...336a6615ca.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3k63ma3...fcaf5819d1.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3n13k33...a008b61431.jpg

go for the 450 since once its fixed up and looking good it will be worth a lot more money than the 190D

A two grand 6.9 is a guaranteed money pit. If you don't want a boat, a M100 engined car is just the ticket for disposable income.

There's a reason that car is 2 grand.

The 190D turbo is a much better choice...

Jim

I've got a black on camel MBtex, 87 190dt that runs and is in reasonably good shape plus a complete 5 speed changeover from a 190 gasser (trans, shift linkage, flywheel & clutch, driveshaft, dif and axles.) If you're interested. Runs and drives but the automatic skips second gear and shifts from 1st to 3rd, then 4th. Drove it home from Atlanta but we're now hooked on the 98/99 E300's so probably won't get around to this project. I still think it will be a great little car with the manual. I've got $2600 in it but now need the space more than the car...can't keep them all :) Anyway, let me know if you (or anyone else is interested). Car does start and drive. Some assorted other parts stripped from a parts car go with it (manifolds, turbo, right front fender, a few smaller bits).

in terms of practicality(sp?) yes.

But in terms being a collectors items and gaining value as it gets older the 450SEL is the one you want. a pristine 450SEL fetches a good amount of cash. Saw a pristine one on ebay that sold for 80grand

The 6.9 waterpump costs $500 from the MB dealer new, the distributor cap costs $50 and wires cost $110 from aftermarket sources... :eek:

The person with the 6.9 has two other w116 450sels with v8's for around the same price. All of them are euro, and all in "decent" shape. If I want a w116 and not a diesel I may go over and have my pick of the litter. Two of them are longbody w116s, and my favorite combination of all factors happens to be the 6.9. :eek:

DO IT! 190D

I have been eye-ing these for months since everyone is selling their stuff. Make sure to test warm compression and any possible head failures. (funny looking coolant etc.. )

I would be doing the 190, but then I am biased. I have a 'manual kit' for my 190D but need a flywheel. All are waiting for the day when the autobox goes south!

Dont ask me I bought a:

$550 1985 D <-DD
$1800 1984 TD
$1500 1980 TD
$800 L508D RV conversion.


Atleast I have a good eye for the money pits :)

Bump. I may look at this 190d this weekend. If I were to buy it I would have a place to store it and a few months to gather parts for a 5 speed swap. I would need the transmission, linkages, driveshaft etc from a gas or diesel 190, but I would a flywheel from a diesel 190d, correct? If I have to remove the engine to replace the transmission I shouldn't bother buying this, I don't have the room for a hoist anywhere.

I bought a $750 subaru but have already spent it's purchase price in parts getting it to daily driver stage. :rolleyes:

derburger,

Personally, I would keep shopping for a 190D in better condition.

Good luck, regardless.