picking up another MB What should I do with it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

weird beard · #1 08-16-2010, 11:53 PM

I have an accepted $400 offer on a 1991 190E gasser as a parts car. Needs a head gasket. 2.6 with 280,00km. It is in much better shape than my '86 190D diesel. Kinda wonder if I should really part it? Maybe I should fix it? any thoughts?

I could really use a lot of parts from this car, exterior parts, interior parts, electrical parts. I think some of the driveline may even be the same.

Would I make any money fixing and reselling? Could this car be anything special? It has been de-badged except for the stars. How do I tell?

MBeige · #2 08-17-2010, 12:11 AM

You could transplant the more modern items on the 91 into your 86 like some interior bits if they're the same and match well, or the body cladding if you wish.

I found the center console on the later models to be easier to take apart than the earlier style with 3 pieces of wood on the vertical section as opposed to the newer style with only one large wood trim piece for the CCU and blower controls plus one for the ashtray.

jt20 · #3 08-17-2010, 12:23 AM

looking back... I would have found a nice 201 gasser of later vintage and perform a diesel swap.

The diesels wear out at a later age and the bodies are usually done by that time. A gasser 201 can be found for cheap by 175k and the later amenities / upgrades are worth the extra work.

If the body and interior of the gasser are that much nicer... perhaps your diesel is the parts car??

weird beard · #4 08-17-2010, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20

looking back... I would have found a nice 201 gasser of later vintage and perform a diesel swap.

The diesels wear out at a later age and the bodies are usually done by that time. A gasser 201 can be found for cheap by 175k and the later amenities / upgrades are worth the extra work.

If the body and interior of the gasser are that much nicer... perhaps your diesel is the parts car??

except my diesel is already on the road, tax paid, safety inspected. The '91 needs e-tests, while my '86 does not. I had considered this, but not feasible at this time.

How much work would it be to do the swap?

t walgamuth · #5 08-17-2010, 06:02 AM

If you just swap the engine and tranny and pay a pro to do it i estimate from 750 to 125 usd. the differential ratio is different, taller, (I believe) though and if you keep the gasser diff you will have less acceleration and better fuel economy.