Hi all, I recently purchased a 1992 190e, and it runs great except for when idling in gear. I saw the plug wires were arcing so I replaced them to little or no effect. Sometimes when I put it in reverse or drive it will die, but sometimes the rpms will just dip real low but the car will catch itself in time and bring the rpms back up in the nick of time. Same thing when stopping, sometimes it will stay alive but sometimes it just doesnt make it. I took the idle air motor off and verified that it was operational. The condition is a litle bit worse when the a/c is on. It idles @ 750-800 rpm in park or neutral, and idles around 500-550 when in gear (the times when it doesnt die)

Any suggestions would be welcome.

I should also mention that the accelration is nice and smooth, and really the engine purrs like a kitten at all times except idle.

make sure no vaccum leaks first. If the vaccum hoses getting old, replace it. Then, check out the OVP is fine or not....

Thank you for your response. I checked the lines, I did not find any leaks. What is the OVP, and how do I check it?

How about the valve guide seals?

When I had my '93 190E, I had the same exact problem you are speaking of, especially when starting the car. When operating, it was OK, but when I would stop or the car would idle, it would get dangerously close to dying, and sometimes would.

Had new valve guide seals put in, and the problem went away. I dunno - maybe I had more problems than I knew, but just thought I'd post what fixed my problem.

The 190E is a great little car ... I miss mine, but my C230K is a big improvement.

Best of luck,
Michael

__________________
+AMDG+
2005 W203
Running as fast as I can to stay behind!!

I would check your ignition coil.

If you recently purchased the car, I'd give it a good tune-up as I do on all used cars I buy from a private owner.