Quote:
B300FO - 7/31/2004 2:17 AM
All---we're thinking about an early 90s 190E as a project car with my son. Any particular areas I should look out for as we shop? Are they as inexpensive to work on as my 20yr old W123?
Thanks, Jeff
'00 ML430
'84 300D |
Hello and welcome to the forum!
I dug through the archives and found an old favorite of mine...
As always "not saying anyone is right or wrong" just adding my .02 cents to the equation...
THE 190E/D CLASS MERCEDES 1987-1993 is a fine example of German Engineering. Quality engines and transmissions that
"if" well maintained blew the competition away in service and reliability...
In an indepedent article the Mercedes engines were referred to as high tech...
PURCHASING A GOOD USED MERCEDES BENZ 190E/D The important things to do when purchasing any used vehicle is to check it out thoroughly:
A previous post listed a $300 dollar vehicle inspection check at a service center...
strongly recommended for any vehicle purchase/investment beyond $5,000 USD...
For the do-it-yourself-er keep that money where it belongs [in the pocket book]...
Initial vehicle inspection
1. Visually inspect car. Look for cracked windows, worn out tires, car not setting straight, soiled interior, cracked/broken lights, hanging/sagging exhaust systems,doors windows and sunroof open and close correctly, undesireable paint finish...
2. Visually inspect trunk- rusted, excessive moisture, spare tire present, changing jack and tools, clean and free of debris...
3. Visually inspect engine compartment- look for excessive oil on any thing, including hood/bonnet, check oil- is it clear and full, free of water or grayness, check radiator- is it full with appropriate non-corrosion antifreeze, no oil film or foaming, inspect wires hoses, no chopped or "master rigging" present, battery condition is it clean or looks like neglect...
4. Start engine- does it start easy or require lots of cranking and accelerater pedal manipulating? Do the gauges operate correctly?
5. With the engine running again look and listen under the hood. A good Mercedes engine will hum with no clicking, clacking or vibrating sounds.
Politely decline purchase of any vehicle if engine is loud/noisey. Check the transmission fluid. Is it red in color? Does it smell old or burnt? Transmission fluid level full with no foaming?
6. Test drive car- does it shake or shimmy? Pull to one side or the other? Are the brakes firm and quiet? Does the transmission shift properly?
Politely decline purchase of vehicle if transmission does not shift properly
7.Is the air conditioning functioning properly?
OPTIONAL CHECKS OPTION #1. Go to a car wash, wash car. Does the car run/start/idle as previously? Does the trunk or interior have any water leaks? Does the electrical system work the same after being exposed to high pressure water?
OPTION #2. Pay for an oil change. Tell the mechanic while under the car to look for any problems with the underside of car. And to also let you know the condition of the oil and to check for leaks. Sneak a peak under the car if you can, or ask if the mechanic to point out any problems to you.
"After the oil change is the car engine as quiet as it was previously?" OPTION #3. Pay for a compression test, and engine/transmission inspection...
"strongly recommended if puchase price exceeds $5,000 USD... better safe than sorry theory..."
Tell the seller you need to think about it [the sale/purchase] overnight if you have any doubts as to the reliability or safeness of the vehicle you are buying.
As in all purchases/contracts understand and know the terms
"caveat emptor"...