190E 1989 137k - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 06-09-2006, 11:24 AM

The 89 190E 2.6 ran fine (just drove around block - not insured). Some things I noticed:

- choke may be sticky cuz when I press gas on idle it stays revved-up. it revs down when I put it in gear. seems to shift ok. should drive it on hiway.
-mostly cosmetic under hood (foam insulation in hood seemed eaten up here and there - I think by rodent. rodent nest was in engine compartment) car sat for 3 mos outdoors. didnt seem to have damaged wires (from rodent)
- ac doesnt work.

Bhoy, that engine sure takes up most of comartment.

Owner says its in good running order. 122k miles. Anything else to check on?

Jim B. · #2 06-09-2006, 11:36 AM

How many miles on it? Does it have books and records? Were the timing chain, tensioner and guide rails changed on it at around 100,000 miles?
If not, factor that job into the purchase price of the car.

A used car is always a gamble, but it could be a good car.

If possible, get the best example you can, in the best condition.

They say there is nothing more expensive than a cheaply purchased Mercedes

tobybul · #3 06-09-2006, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

If possible, get the best example you can, in the best condition. What do u mean by this?

They say there is nothing more expensive than a cheaply purchased Mercedes

The good thing though about cheap purchase is you'll feel like you did not lose much in case you want to let it go. Its good to know when to draw the line so one doesn't spend too much or know when its a money pit.

sixto · #4 06-09-2006, 01:23 PM

I wouldn't be concerned about an original timing chain in an M103. The chain doesn't go through inflections like in a V8. You don't hear much about chains snapping on these engines. But as a precaution...

Sixto

tobybul · #5 06-20-2006, 09:06 AM

Finally got a chance to drive and kick tires last night. Car's got 122k. Drives pretty good. What i saw:
- no a/c
- had rodent nest in engine compartment the first time I looked at it 2 weeks ago
- insulation under hood eaten up by something
- insulation by firewal partially eaten up by same rodent that ate the hood insl
- some trims inside are broken (air register, tears on 2 door panels, minor tears on seats)

Not known:
- major maintenance work done?

Kelly Blue book says trade-in is $550. Retail says up to $3k. Not comfortable paying over $1000.

sixto · #6 06-20-2006, 12:44 PM

Rodents took residence in a car I used to have. There was no getting rid of the smell. It was like Seinfeld's car. I sold it during allergy season

Sixto

bigbrownbenz · #7 06-21-2006, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Finally got a chance to drive and kick tires last night. Car's got 122k. Drives pretty good. What i saw:
- no a/c
- had rodent nest in engine compartment the first time I looked at it 2 weeks ago
- insulation under hood eaten up by something
- insulation by firewal partially eaten up by same rodent that ate the hood insl
- some trims inside are broken (air register, tears on 2 door panels, minor tears on seats)

Not known:
- major maintenance work done?

Kelly Blue book says trade-in is $550. Retail says up to $3k. Not comfortable paying over $1000.

I just paid $6,000 for my '84 190E 2.3 and, yes it was an inflated price, but since it introduced to me to the glory that is Mercedes-Benz, I consider it worth every penny. Mine was in as close to mint condition as an original 22-year old car could be, leather was like new, everything in beautiful shape, shiny paint, absolutely straight and smooth body, runs like a champ, smooth, silky smooth. And punchy enough, compared to the old Hondas I'd been driving. Don't let it go knowing you'll always wish you'd bought it.

jchowe420 · #8 06-21-2006, 03:56 AM

I just paid $6,000 for my '84 190E 2.3 and, yes it was an inflated price

not really, if the condition is excellent, i think 6k is a very good price!

You can easily spend over 6k for fixing the car to make it as good as the one you got now......

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