190E Purchase Questions
 

Last weekend, a friend and I took a look at a 190E 2.6, with 100,000 miles on it. The exterior and interior of the car are absolutely pristine and I don't think I've ever felt colder a/c. The engine compartment is pretty clean, too, you could eat off the air filter housing or valve cover.

We took turns driving the car, and it drove, handled and braked fairly well. The only thing that left me feeling a little let down by the car is that it seems to be on the sluggish side. Even with the pedal floored, the acceleration seemed less than peppy. I may be biased because my daily driver is my E500 right now, but I guess my question is whether that car/engine should feel slow and steady or have some get up and go.

It may be that the car just needs plugs, cap, rotor, coil, etc. It appears that those were last done in 2002. The car was only driven about 16,000 miles since then. Anyway, my friend seems ready to take it to the next step of having the car looked at by an independent shop, but I just wanted to see if anyone had any comment on the accelerator response and any potential problems here.

Just remember that the newest 190E is going on 16 years old.

They are very good cars after 1988.

A pre-purchase inspection is ALWAYS a good idea. $$$ well spent.

Well, this one is a 93, so 15 years old. My 300CE is 20 years old, but it has plenty of get up and go. It's the same engine as the 2.6, albeit larger, but feels light years stronger. I just didn't expect it to be that much weaker feeling.

Don't forget the transmission control cable. If it's disconnected or improperly adjusted it can leave you in the wrong gear (ie no downshift when you need it).

a plugged up cat will also hamper the engine's pep. My 2.6 has 210k on it. I'd also have the lower radiator support bracket looked at..mine rusted through. Something you really dont want to have happen on yours or your friends.

-kris