Should I buy?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

crs82 · #1 02-02-2010, 12:02 PM

Got a lead on an '84 190D. 2.3, of course. Owner said he was driving at about 70 mph and the car lost power briefly and then continued running, but very roughly. He pulled over and shut it off (bad move?) and when he tried to crank it again, it would not run but would crank.
He had it towed and the mechanic (don't know if he was MB-specific) said the chain tensioner plunger had given up and the car had "jumped time". The camshaft and crankshaft are still aligned but the injector pump is now off time.
What is my best case scenario? The cost is $900 obo and he will deliver the car. All other systems (heat, air, sunroof, etc) work great. Transmission is rebuilt (with receipts). No rust. Good paint.
I've been looking for a 190D for some time and they are either too far away or complete basket cases.
Thanks for your input.

#2 02-02-2010, 12:20 PM

Assuming he is correct, I would replace the timing chain, the tensioner, and all related components. I don't know what it would cost to DIY, but I would guess that it would cost $1000+ at a good shop. Just my estimate, based on my cars.

barry123400 · #3 02-02-2010, 12:25 PM

If there are a lot of junk 190ds in your area with good engines why not? You cannot count on the engine being practical to repair one way or another. So add the possible cost of a local aquired engine as it may or may not come to that. That way there cannot be any great unexpected events.

Also the cam and crank marks lining up if true are a good thing. Far better than them not In my opinion. It may be well worth aquiring.

Any ideal of how many miles on this buggy? As you are aware the odometers are not too reliable an indicator..

#4 02-02-2010, 12:28 PM

...so the question becomes; do you think this car is worth the $2-3000 that it may end up costing?

Stevo · #5 02-02-2010, 12:33 PM

Depends how much of the possible work you are willing/able to do but I would say a good body with no rust and an a well kept enterior is worth $900, the engine can be swapped or fixed. Is it a manual? I would offer $500 and say you think the engines shot but you'll "tow the car away right now"

Then tare into the engine and expect the worst but hope for best. Worst case scenario, you find a wrecked (but not too bad) 190 with a good engine which you swap into car #1, you fix the dented fender (insurance total) in car #2, then rebuild the engine from #1 and put it in car #2 which you've tricked out with the best parts from both cars, sell car #1 and wa la you have a free car....not counting a year or so of labor

LUVMBDiesels · #6 02-02-2010, 01:03 PM

If the engine is toast, I would look for a nice 2.5 turbo from a 300D or the elusive 190D 2.5

crs82 · #7 02-02-2010, 02:08 PM

I guess the question is: How will I know the engine is beyond repair? If the injection pump is off time, how can I sync it back up? Apparently the valves and pistons didn't hook up, so that part is good. He also has a rebuilt head that will be an additional $150. With a new head, do I still have to do injection timing?
The good thing is that he will deliver the car and I could probably get the car and additional head for about $900. The bad part is that what I'm getting may not be enough.
Anyone in the ATL area that can act as MB guru to get me through this?

konstan · #8 02-02-2010, 02:52 PM

I am no expert but I think $150 for a rebuilt head (if its really completely rebuilt) is pretty darn good...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode