I found a 1984 190E w/ 2.3L, 5 speed, 168K on the odometer. Initial driving impression is good, it needs shocks, my main concern is a growl in the rear drive which I suspect to be a wheel bearing. Minor rust around two of the jacking points, no rust in the wheel wells, trunk, battery box, etc. - the car feels very solid. No shutter in the drivetrain. Interior is very good w/ original carpet, upholstery is excellent. All the gauges work, even the clock. Some questions follow.

1) How good is the 2.3? Is it a overhead valve head, and if so is the drive a chain or a belt?

2) Are the shocks struts or cartridges? How expensive?

3) If the growl is a wheel bearing, is it a taper roller bearing or a ball bearing, and can I replace it? I have the tools and access to a press.

4) With proper maintenance, is the 190 capable of 300-400K miles? I realize with a gas engine there would be a rebuild before then.

Please feel free to answer and throw in your $.02 - this will be my first M-B, so I have no history to fall back on. Thanks for your time.

first whats the askung price ?

$1400.00

Fronts are struts, rears are shocks.
Click on " Fastlane " above, pick your car and you will see all parts and prices.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

price is not awsome, but if the car is in decent shape it is not bad. car should easily go to 225,000 or more without a major rebuild if it is taken care of. Check undercarriage for more rust. check ac and cruise over, they are common failures, ac is expensive to fix often. You might look for a newer 190E, they can be found in that price range and the 87 and newer had some of the systems tweaked by then to remove some bugs. If the one you are looking at does not have antilock brakes ( dont think it does) go to an earlier year for them. Also, the parts for the climate control and some engine control parts are for that year only, making them more expensive. Once you get in to the 87-90 range the cars start using the same parts for different years, thus making them eaiser to find and less expensive usually.
It is a good car model to start with, but dont jump at it right off, the 87's and newer are sometimes easier to deal with due to changes and parts. Also, the 87 and newer get the cool two way sunroof and updated pushbutton cliamate control unit. 1990 and newer gets the upgraded updated interior center console and more convienient accessories.
just my .02

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Christopher Henkel
1990 190E 2.6 - Arctic white SOLD
1986 190E-16v - Blauswartze
1993 300CE - SOLD
2003 W208 CLK 320 Cabriolet - Magma Red