Faults:

The head gasket started leaking at about 30,000 miles and was replaced as was skimming of the head. This cost me about £300, (not at a MB dealer). this lasted about 600 miles and had to be done again, another £200.

All the brake discs have had to be replaced as they were squealing, £450.

Rust on the driver inner door pillar, where the rubber boot is attached. Warranty.

Leaky boot (trunk).

Bubble of rust on sliding roof, which jammed and had to have the cable replaced.

Leaky water control valve for heater.

New water pump fitted.

Seat belt indicator lamp stayed on and caused the alarm to keep setting off, I had to remove the interior light control PCB.

Most seriously, every year or two I have to fit a brand new distributor arm and cap as it keeps cutting out and runs lumpy. I have tried to clean these items, but they have to be replaced with new parts. This is an easy job and takes no longer than about 15 minutes and costs about £60.

General Comments:

I have had this car from new, and now I am about to buy a new E280CDi Classic Estate.

Even though I have had my problems, the car is lovely to drive and the seats are like new, as well as all the controls working without ant problems.

Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

My car has a carat duchutelet body kit and a lowering kit which makes it look great and handle like a train and still very comfortable to drive. with 152000 miles on the clock the cabin still looks brand new, no rips or tears.

Faults:

Parking brake required new pads at 7000 miles - replaced under warranty and brakes generally giving good mileage.

Head gasket blew at 96000 miles.

Tires have been Continental ECO 185/65/15H which usually give about 30000 miles a set.

Rear exhaust has rattled occasionally from loose baffle since 95000 miles, but is being kept going though new box and catalyst now seems inevitable.

General Comments:

Maintenance was by main dealer up to 85000 miles when I switched to a small independent Mercedes specialist. Labor costs are therefore considerably less without sacrificing the quality needed to keep these, very reliable, cars true to their reputation.

The auto box makes for very smooth running in London traffic.

Despite small engine the car is perfectly lively.

Overall fuel consumption is still 30 miles per Imperial gallon.

Cross- country driving on English roads is very comfortable and rattle-free.

85mph is the most comfortable speed on motorways.

Sadly no air-conditioning on this model, but separate heater and air vent controls do enable front passengers' individual comfort needs to be met.

Paintwork and build quality have been excellent.

Faults:

Occasional strange high pitched whirr from the ventilation system. Remedied by switching it off for a while.

General Comments:

Awesome mechanical reliability. The two litre certainly makes a difference to the driveability. This is my second 190E and the only thing that will stop me buying another is if I get richer.