Considering 1984 190E
 

Folks,

I am considering the purchase of a 1984 190E and would like input on what trouble issues to look for. What are the typical trouble spots? What issues can I check for? Is the 1984 model any more/less solid than other model years? How plentiful are used parts for these cars?

I currently own a 1981 300D and a 1978 450SEL.

Thanks

For $100 more you could get a 1987-88 car. Much better car!
Now a 1984-85 190D is a good car.

You couldn't give me an 84 190E.

The input given so far is the reason I say that a "good" early 190E might be a keeper. No appreciation right now and they were never really taken care of as a whole, so might be a rarity later on, hell I'd go so far as to say a good one is already a rarity.
Here in the rust belt, body condition is always a fight, so look a prospective car over top and bottom for rust issues. The front spring perches i have seen rust off, similar to the problem on the 210 chassis cars. See if there is any maintenance records for it, very rare to find a "carefully maintained" 201 chassis car.
Lacking that a lot of it will be "gut instinct" on if it's a solid car. I sorta like the 201 chassis, very underappreciated car, just never got the kudos it deserved, to me the lineage from the earlier 115 and 123 chassis is there, same engineering dept as these cars and the 124 and 126, just always been a bit of a misfit because of the size and price. Was much more popular in Europe than here.

Why would you consider a 27 year old premium fuel burner? Unless, a 190e had 2 or 3 parts cars with it, and you got it given to you or it had sentimental values to you, I would walk on by. IMHO I can't imagine someone giving 35,700 for one of them in 1984. I must say they are the worst cars I have ever known. You couldn't give me a 190e.

M.B. spent a billion bucks of early '80s money developing the W201.
This model saved them from bankruptcy.
As well as developing innovations that went into every other forthcoming model.

There is no location on the O.P.'s presence so we don't know what situation the vehicle would be. No mention of the mileage or condition. Depending on location the car could be relatively rust free. In my country and area only the seventies cars are starting to show serious rust problems.

Parts are plentiful and "relatively inexpensive" for the W201.

As mentioned though, they were designed with leaded super (96 RON) petrol (Gasoline) in mind.

Also. They are a slug compared to contemporary vehicles.

I am a big 300e fan... always heard the 190e was inferior...

just picked up a 1992 190e for our son with 71k original miles on it and all service records..

it's a darn good car...but i suspect it is a bit refined from a 1984.. It also has the 2.6 which I think is a good engine.

While there are a lot of 201 parts out there, the 84, 85 cars had a lot of parts specific to those two years, none of which is advantageous in terms of ownership or maintenance. If you REALLY want a 201 don't consider anything before 86.

84, 85 < trash
86+ >= trash

As mentioned above, the US intro 1984 is an "odd duck" parts wise. The entire front cowling, windshield, hood and wiper system (including the two wipers on the single stalk) are unique. That year M102 engine used a multi belt system, not the single serpentine; used mechanical valve lifters instead of hydraulic, had a lower compression ratio, lower hp, different a/c compressor . . .

The 201 chassis is a gem.
Rust and poor ownership takes its toll on all cars.
My 1984 190D is a sweetheart, its been thru the hands of 2 teenage boys so far in my stewardship.
The feedback from them speaks volumes...
So low profile, the Cops dont notice them unless they do something stupid... and with 70hp, that takes effort... But they marvel at 30mpg minimum, regardless how they beat on i!.
I love it and it will be a part of my stable for as long as it keeps going... and at 190,000 miles, I hope I have many miles and years ahead!

W201
 

Trouble spots? Everything between the bumpers. My advice, having owned two, is stay away from all of them but if you must, '87 or later.

Not to mention the 14" wheels, the non-articulating wiper arm and the reliability of a five dollar atomic bomb.

Why don't you tell us how you really feel?

Writing off all W201 would be a mistake. I've had more than most and truly enjoy the car. However, any 20+ year old car will be a risk if it wasn't cared for, so inspection and research is required, and the OP has come to the right place.