1984 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3L gas from North America
Summary:
300,000 miles and still going strong
Faults:
Bought used, 2 owner brother/sister, all original miles with rebuild top end (valve train) and rebuild manual 5 speed transmission. At least 2 front end "wrecks" on the car previously, both fixed with no further complicates.
Immediately replaced the final drive due to differential "roar" noise.
Ignition column went out which required significant "messing with" to get fixed.
Fuel pump quit, but it was only the hot lead, was reattached and worked.
Ball joint broke and dropped the front left suspension (but it's my fault cause I ignored my mechanics advice to replace).
Odometer broke about 2 months after purchase, current miles are guessed from my fuel log.
Tends to run hot, one wire frayed on the wiring harness for Aux fan, but even hot it never gets above 110 C in the summer except in stop and go.
Overall - it has many small items such as door locks don't work, antenna doesn't work right, speakers blown, etc. - but it's my daily driver.
General Comments:
Its not an "on the town" car, and supposedly the early 190E's had problems, but overall, mine has been solid as a rock.
It gets 20-30 mpg depending on the driving style and I can sometimes drive it hard.
5th gear on the manuals is basically worthless in the US cause you have to be going 75 or higher.
Great 1st car for a teen or something as long as you can find one that has been treated well.
How many reviews have cars with over 300,000 miles? :-)
I can tell you, going from a 1987 Civic to the 1984 190E was a huge step UP!
Not for sale, will drive it until it drops, will write another review in for the next 300,000 miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th January, 2003
8th Mar 2009, 20:38
I have the same car, Mercedes Benz 190E 5-Speed, just purchased it today, for $900. Except for some interior troubles, and a few exterior bugs, the thing runs awesome, needs a tune-up for sure, but once that's done, it will run nicely.
The owner told me he replaced the thermostat when he bought it, and hasn't had a problem at all during summer driving.
Overall, this car looks and rides good, the clutch is beautiful, and handles well, but I think the car was made for smaller people, it's a tight squeeze between me, the wheel and the shifter.
7th Jun 2004, 15:14
I had a similar problem with my 380 SEL as far as the engine temp. I am not sure what kind of thermostat you have in your car, but if it has a aluminum pin with an arm all you need to do is to cut off the pin. It works! no more overheating!