HELP !! Info on 1992 190E
 

Thinking on buying a 1992 190E, 140k, for $3900. Looka nice and I don't see/hear any problems but I'm not at all familiar with this model. Anyone with an opinion good or bad would much be appreciated,
Thanks,
Dan

I have a '92 190E (2.3/4cyl) with 145K miles. I bought it a year ago, and absolutely love it. Did you have any specific questions?

Jeff Pierce

That's certainly a good price for a 92
190 with that mileage. I 've had
my 190 for about a year and am
very pleased with it. But before you
buy I'd have your mechanic check
these things:

1) transmission. ATs on these 190s
often shift roughly when cold. Some
say that's normal but check this when
you test drive (and test drive the
car COLD, not when it's warmed up)

2) cold starts. These 190s often have
trouble starting cold. Mine did and I
had to have the throttle switch
replaced. Again, test the car COLD.

3) timing chain. These have a habit
of wearing out on 190s and
are expensive to replace. Your
mechanic will have to pull off the
cover to check this.

4) look very closely for even the
smallest rust spots. Bodywork is
more expensive than mechanical
repairs, unless you don't mind a
car with rust.

5) Test drive the car with the
windows down so you can hear
every noise and rattle.

DON'T fool yourself . . .

PAY to have an EXPERIENCED MB TECH look at it . . .

It's BETTER to PAY to have it inspected and CONDEMNED than NOT have it inspected and BUY a POS that's a TOTAL LOSS . . .

I don't think anyone, in responding to the question, is saying to bypass a PrePurchaseInspection. I think it shows good sense to come to the Forum to check on the issues with a particular year/model to be an informed consumer. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Not a problem on a later model car such as this

The A/C system on the 190E (W201) is not the best MB has done. Leaks and underengineered compressors are to blame.

The valve seals on the M102 (2.3, 8 valve) are "usual suspects" of oil consumption.

There have been reports of the heater cores, located in the interior console, leaking and failing, sometimes resulting in burns to the driver.

The cruise control amplifier suffers from the same bad solder joints as the other MB's of this era.

Gas milage is not that great by todays standards. Average is about 22-25 mpg. The tank holds 14, but the low fuel light usually comes on after 13 gal.

Being lighter than most MB's and narrower in width, the 190E is fun to drive. Probably one of the more "tossable" sedans that MB made.