First off I just want to thank everyone who has participated/is participating in this great forum. I have been leeching vast amounts of knowledge about my car that I just purchased(I have resorted to reading this msg board more than the daily paper!). Everyone here has, imho, created the best resource for Mercedes-Benz owners! I own a 1987 BMW 325is, and not to knock BMW owners, but their message boards are less than civil, to say the least, compared to here. Anyways, I just purchased a super-great 1989 Mercedes Benz 190e 2.6 seen below.



Question #1 : With the help of your archive, I have flushed/filled the coolant(change thermostat), changed oil, and changed the air filter. It runs like a champ. Is there anything else a non-mechanically inclined person like myself could do to keep it in good shape? (I have a scheduled appt. with a reputable independent to check it over in about a month, but want to make sure I can do anything in my power to help the car. Previous owner was uncaring to say the least . . .)

Question #2 : Does anyone know the size of the stock wheel? I need to buy an extra rim for a spare and I don't have a torque wrench on hand to take off and re-tighten my own wheels properly. On the service CD manual I got it lists two.

6J x 15 H2 (et 49 mm) normal

&

7J x 15 H2 (et 44 mm) sportline

I would assume that I have the normal rims, but throughout the archives most people state that the stock rim size is the 15x7 with a 44mm offset. I have included a close-up picture of my rim if it will help.



Thanks in advance for any help . . . and happy motoring to all.

Hi, and welcome:

Q#1: When I buy a used car, if it doesn't have complete records, I flush (or have a tech flush) every fluid in the car. MB fluids are usually best - see the archives for a discussion on red vs green coolant. Brake fluid should be done every 2 years anyway, and trans depending on mileage. I have the Power steering and differential fluids changed as well. Next I have all the suspension/subframe bushings checked out. On these id doesn't hurt to have the rear suspension thrust arms checked especially carefully.

Q#2: I believe your wheels are the 6J15ET49 because I don't see a Sportline badge on the photo of your car, and because my 300E came with 6.5J15ET49 as stock. I don't think they went to the 7" rim on your smaller 190 without the Sportline.

Nice clean car - are you going to put different wheels on it? (Those 15 hole factory wheels are light weight and forged, but a PITA to clean). I installed the 7J15ET36 dished 8 hole polished wheels off of a 1998 C230 - no problems, easier to clean, and looks nice while retaining some of the look of the 8 hole rims MB used on these cars at the last of the model run. (Pics below in my sig line).

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E