[V8] now with NAC! 1989 mercedes 190E

[Dave Saad]

It is a 2.6L. 
BTW, I was not even looking to buy a car - this one just fell into my lap and it seemed like a good deal on a safe car for a 16 year old.

I have had a little time to look at it now here is the list so far:
-> Agreed on the seats/seating.  That is also my gripe with most japanese cars. I don't like to sit on the floor - and I am only 5'7".

-> It seems to run smooth - but it is a little hard to start. You have to work the gas pedal as if it had a carb.
-> leaks a little trans fluid.  It was about a quart down when I had it but it is not likely it has been checked for several years. It was owned by another teenager. He is a very responsible kid - just not a "gear head" if you know what I mean.  The car is an appliance.

-> steering has quite a bit of play.  It drives nice and straight but I suspect the steering gear is sloppy.
-> nice tires
-> goofy stereo. wish it still had the Becker. this POS actually has NO off switch!! Roger - you would love it.  It is constantly flashing and trying desperately to catch your attention.  If I get the car, I predict it will stop working :-)

-> door panels are starting to separate from the vinyl.
-> the whole interior is vinyl. What is up with that? It is otherwise in pretty good shape except for a few small issues on the drivers seat.
-> needs front brakes and rotors. (indicator light on)
-> the body is in very good shape - but it is not pristine.

The bottom line is that for $800 you don't get much.  It is a nice driving car and apparently as safe as anything out there in the size.  Especially for the money.
In order for the deal to go through there are two other cars to swap around among some teenagers ('94 lincoln and a ?? jeep cherokee).  If it all works out I will probably bite on it.  It might be fun to work on something besides an Audi.

Did I mention I spent the evening trying to glue the headliner fabric back onto the sunroof panels of my V8?  That of course means pulling the whole sun roof out - which means going through that whole system to get it back up to snuff. 
If it aint sumpthin - it's sumpthin else...

Dave


On Aug 13, 2012, at 7:28 PM, Tony and Lillie wrote:

> Real Mercedes, absolutely by my accounts of working on them through the years. Very strong, safe cars. Well built in the traditional German sense. Onto the rest........
> 
> You don't state if yours is a 2.6 (6-cyl) or a 2.3 (4-cyl). Most of my experience is with the 2.6 cars, though I've worked on a few 2.3 and 2.3-16 cars. If I were buying, I'd be looking for a 2.3 car. More room in the engine bay for repairs.
> 
> My Dad bought one about two or three years ago, and I don't like the car at all. The seats are too low to the ground (It's just as dificult to get out of/into as my 944 Turbo). The cap/rotor went bad, was about $400 in parts and labor at MB. Get a new Relay for behind the battery (don't recall what it was called, but do a bit of searching and you will find it). Intermediate relay or something of the sort. If it hasn't fialed yet, it's just a matter of time. Thankfully he recently found a good independent MB mechanic, so at least he can get good advise and reasonable labor on the car.
> 
> The idler for the engine driven fan just fell apart, necessitating pulling the front end apart (nowhere as easy as an Audi, IMO).
> 
> The complicated single wiper motor/gearbox has a plastic gearbox and that fell apart. about $1200 from teh dealer, IIRC, and no, they don't sell it in parts, only complete. However, if you have the Bosch, odometergears.com has a new gear for about $100, IIRC. Certainly a much better alternative.
> 
> Most of the other parts have been available at a salvage yard (every wiper assy had a broken gear), so no big deal. At the end of the day, I'd pick a Volvo 240/740 or a lot of other alternatives over the 190E
> 
> Of course, this is just my .02, worth every bit of what you paid for it.
> 
> Tony
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <dsaad at icehouse.net>
> To: <v8 at audifans.com>
> Sent: Friday, August 10, 2012 12:05 PM
> Subject: [V8] NAC 1989 mercedes 190E
> 
> 
>> It looks like I am going to get one for $800 in dealer maintained
>> condition. it has around 150K miles, body is great, interior great,
>> mechanical assumed to be great as well. I have not driven it yet.  It is
>> for my son.  All I know for sure is the A/C "will freeze your butt off".
>> Any comments?  Are these real Mercedes or just a cheap imitation?
>> 
>> Dave 
> 
>