Greetings!

I've just bought a used 190E 2.6l and am looking for advice as to what aspects of the car I should check out to prevent or at least become aware of potential future problems.

The car has 150,000 kms, seems to run well (setting aside a rough idle for the first half-minute after starting), and appears to have been very well-kept. I'm planning to change the engine and transmission oil straight away, but beyond that I'm without a clue since I've never owned such a car before.

I've already become very fond of Scipio, and so I want to inspect and if necessary replace anything likely to need attention by now that isn't necessarily announcing itself in an obvious way!

Thanks for any advice you might have.

Congratulations on buying a fine baby benz. I have over 150k miles on mine and it still runs and drives great. IMHO the 2.6l is well sorted and easy to maintain engine!

The rough running is most likely to be either ignition - check plugs/wires/distributor cap, or dirty injectors - try injector cleaner.

Other areas most likely to be in need of attention/replacement:

Serpentine belt - check for wear/cracks
Brushes/regulator unit on alternator.
Front and rear shock absorbers, especially if original.
For any drive train clunks, especially when changing down - check/replace front and rear flex joints on prop shaft.
For loose or rough gear selector action - replace worn nylon shifter bushing.
If front of engine has a layer of oil and grime - replace timing cover top oil seal.
Brake fluid
Differential oil
Coolant - 50:50 MB coolant and distilled water

Enjoy for many years to come.

__________________
Neil.


1991 190E 2.6 170k
1995 E320CA 57k
1999 Chevy Tahoe 98k
2000 R1150GS 45k
1983 300CD 178k - sold, but not forgotten

The first thing to do is get the English Haynes manual for the car. There is no manual for the 190e listed in the US/Canada Haynes series. There is in England. Order it over the net, or by phone. It is directly applicable, in spite of the right-hand-drive illustrations. It is more expensive, since the pound is so high, but well worth it. And it is hard-cover.

There is a full official Mercedes manual somewhere on the net, bootleg. Check out the threads in this forum that have stickies on them. It is not very user-friendly, but is useful.

The other thing is to be aware of BMV Auto Parts, at 12271 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Paul will sell you Mercedes parts at a reasonable price.

Andrew
1989 190e 2.6
Jaguars

I bought the English Haynes Manual (hardcover) on Amazon for about $18.00 USD. You may also want to download the MB W201 CD from - http://modtech.us/w201-mercedes-shop-manual.html - It is free and very useful. (about a 75 Meg Download...be warned)

Congratulations on the new (to you) car, I hope you enjoy it for a long time to come. I would also add, you may want to change your brake fluid as well as your power steering fuild and filter. Check your spark plugs to sure they are the correct non-resistor Bosch H9DCO plugs ( http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=181047&highlight=m103+resistor+plugs ). Oh, one last and very in-expensive thing, check and replace any damaged or suspect vacuum lines, I wish I had done mine when I first got my 190E, the best $8.00 I ever spent.

__________________
1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

A belated but sincere thanks to all of the helpful suggestions. Scipio has been doing well, with one hiccup: the front driver's side tire fell out of the ball joint during a very hard left turn in a parking lot. I had heard the clunks for a few days beforehand, but wasn't due to see the mechanic until later in the week. Fortunately, no lasting harm was done, though it was very disconcerting.

I'll pick up the Haynes manual next time I'm in the UK. Right now, my only complaint is the really, really pathetic excuse for headlights.

I've just sold my 190e 2.6 and regret it already. Nimble in traffic and zippy with that largish engine in the small body.

If a ball joint has just failed then make sure your mechanic checks out the rest of the joints in the front driveline - tie rod ends and steering damper.

As posted above, make sure your vacuum lines are in good condition (rubber ends also). Non resisitive plugs, distributor and rotor and leads plus fuel filters, (rear and front) are good replacement items that after done should see many miles before they need doing again.