Problems with 190E or 300E
 

I received a bit of bad news from my kids in college at UK, that our old van had broken down and needs extensive repairs. So, looking in the paper for another vehicle, I came across two MBs being sold by the same person: a '93 190E and an '89 300E. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of either of these vehicles before I drive an hour to see them? Thanks BOB

The 93 190 probably has updated fuel injection (EFI vs. CIS).

The 190E is simpler to work on, but not by much as compared to the 89 300E.

I really can only comment as a 300E owner, and I am pretty happy with the reliability of said vehicle.

What to look out for:

The 300E engine series (M103, M104) have the dreaded head gasket issue to deal with, and possibly the A/C evaporator. Both are expensive options to repair at the dealership. Make sure the owner has records indicating that both have been repaired. MB added the luxury woodgrain to the 300E (W124) from 93 on, so the 89 might look a bit spartan.

The 300E was one of the most popular of the MBs and quite a few were produced. Parts, as a result are cheap and readily available.

Both cars are DIY for most repairs if you have a basic mechanical aptitude and a modest set of metric tools (especially allen sockets).

Whichever way you go, check service records...

Thanks for the quick responses!! I appreciate your assistance. BOB

All 190E's (including 1993) had CIS electronic fuel injection.

300E's got SFI on M104 engined cars (300E 2.8 or 3.2) in 1993.

The wood grain appeared on 300E's on 1991 models.

Thanks for correcting my inaccuracies...wasn't absolutely sure about some of that... :confused:

No need to apologize at all. I've beenknown to make a mistake or two before.

Besides, that's why I'm here. I'm just here to be helpful.:D :)

The 104 engine had the wiring harness issue. The 104 is in 1993-1995 W124 300E's. You should be safe with the 89

Regards,

Don

Don is correct. All 1992 and earlier M103 engined 300E's (3.0 liter and 2.6 liter), and all 190E's (2.3 liter and 2.6 liter) engines are fine.

The newer 300E / E320's ('93-'95) are fantastic cars and the M104 engine is superior to the M103's in just about every way. You just have to get over an approx. $800 repair to replace the engine wiring harness, and possibly replace the head gasket (early head gaskets leak oil externally). Once these two issues on M104 engined cars are taken care of, you're home free for the remaining life of the automobile.

I have a 1987 190e 2.6 with possibly 200+k miles and the only major problems I've had are slow oil leaks, heater core failure and ac problems and this is after five years of hard driving and non maintaenance.

I believe there are no major differences in the 1987 190e and the later models.

It's a very reliable car and I've only been stranded once(ran out of gas) in the five years I've had it. It doesn't have the wiring harness problem either, from speaking to mechanics and other owners the common problems they seem to have are AC failure but you might get lucky, make sure you test the AC.

It's very tight in the back and definitely not a family car in my opinion, but it should be fine for kids, it's a coupe with four doors if you ask me. There is limited space in the engine bay on the 2.6 compared to the 300e so you might want to take that into account.

Good luck, don't forget to check the AC:) and look for oil leaks

Either is a good choice. I would buy the better car, plain and simple. The best records, condition, etc. It usually becomes clear once both are examined...

1986 300e fuel problem...
 

My 300e has been parked for almost a year and a half. Ran good until a problem with it stalling began. Changed fuel pump and filter, but problem has persisted. I am told that there is a screen at the bottom of the gas tank that can create a problem. Anyone aware of this situation? Would love to get my car going...HELP! Oh, I do have to prime car to get it to start and it will run for a while until it stalls out again.

Your 300E should not have a screen at the bottom of the fuel tank, otherwise the fuel will not remain in the tank and present a very dangerous situation.

I suggest you post in the Tech Help forum and provide more details.

My $.02
 

I owned a 1991 190E 2.6 Good car. A little slow on the uptake when the A/C was running. If you're entering high speed traffic, kill the compressor while merging in traffic. Always wondered how the 2.3 4-banger was on accelleration with or without the A/C on? :o
From a dad's perspective, my daughter totaled it when she T-boned a little foreign pos sedan. She & her passenger opened the doors and got out unharmed. Crumpled to the wheel wells & that was it. MB safety.

Compared to my 88 W124 300CE, the 190 was nimbler,smaller and, imo, a better kid's car.Bonus: My girls both liked it.;)

The 300E is a bigger car. For better or worse.
Good luck.

I expect that the OP has already made a decision by now. :)

WHO THE HELL DREDGED THAT ONE UP FROM THE DEEP!!:o:o:o:D:D:D

oh boy! Pay attention much?:P