Bangernomics - Mercedes 190E ?

[Somnophore]

Anyone ran one of these as a bangernomics car, how do they fare? Manual or auto? Which engine? What do they drive like?

[davepoth]

Diesel, obviously.

They're still widely used as taxis all over the world, it's one of the last proper mercs.

[Jw Vw]

one of my dads mates had a 2.5 diesel 190E with 144k on it. Took it to 180K without problems before it was written off. Fantastic reliable cars. It was also with an auto box.

[MondeoMan1981]

Pretty sure the diesel will run on veg oil too....

[Garlick]

Ran a 2.0 for a year. Was cheap enough, quiet and smooth. Finding a decent specialist will help, but be quick as prices seem to be on the up.

[carl_w]

If it goes wrong though, parts are expensive. I ran a 1.8 manual for a while, and the exhaust was blowing in a section that only Mercedes appeared able to provide.

[omgus]

I bought one for the ex, it is fantastic, 2.0 auto, eats up the motorways, handles well, was a hoot to drive in the snow (sidways everywhere), 147k and still strong. Considering it was purchased for £300 less than SOTW money i am more upset that she took that car and left me the MR2 than that she left me.

Just buy one, it makes sense.

[Jw Vw]

omgus said:

Considering it was purchased for £300 less than SOTW money i am more upset that she took that car and left me the MR2 than that she left me.

They really are great reliable cars aren't they!

[Engineer1]

I suspect they are on the cusp of going classic, especially as they are the last of the lust after Mercs.

[boredofmyoldname]

I tried to buy one just before Christmas for £1500 it sold before I could get there. It was the 2.0 petrol but was in awesome condition.

[podwin]

My Mum won't give hers up for anything.

Bought it in 1993 and still has it today.

Its a 2.5d auto, its been great, and has yet to reach 40k miles.

I should take a pic

[omgus]

podwin said:

My Mum won't give hers up for anything.

Bought it in 1993 and still has it today.

Its a 2.5d auto, its been great, and has yet to reach 40k miles.

I should take a pic

fk that, you should sell it to me.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Don't buy a manual.

[carl_w]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Don't buy a manual.

Agreed. On the other hand, it is the same gearbox as in the 2.5 Evo Cosworth.

[aitch2]

There are still plenty running around here in Portugal, mostly basic spec diesels. My neighbour has one with with over 800k (kms) on the clock and still going strong. Mind you he does drive everywhere at 20 MPH.

[greggy50]

Mate picked this up for £800 on ebay is a 2.0 sport line automatic can't remember mileage of top of my head but it was not silly and it is in superb condition and still pulled very well for an old car. They do seem a lot of car in the middle and I found it hard to contemplate that my old fiesta had cost me more afterwards :/

[Nath88n]

carl_w said:

greed. On the other hand, it is the same gearbox as in the 2.5 Evo Cosworth.

No, normal gearbox. Only valvers have the Getrag 'dogleg' box.

[carl_w]

Nath88n said:

No, normal gearbox. Only valvers have the Getrag 'dogleg' box.

Oh yes, I forgot the 16Vs were doglegs. Anyway the standard Merc manual is hateful.

[Parrot of Doom]

Don't get the manual, and don't get the diesel. 0-60 in hours isn't something you want to consider.

Oh and despite what people will tell you, they rust.

[andy43]

Lovely things. My favourite atm is this - not cheap at 3 grand, but looks a proper Merc. I'd be thinking just petrol and auto too.