Hey everyone, I normally spend my time in the w123 forum, as I have an 83 300D. However, its starting to have a number of problems that I cant keep up with, and honestly, as much as I've gotten used to the mellow drive, and sturdy tone of the diesel, I think I need something a little newer, and a little faster and more nimble.
So I found a few newer 190 2.3's and I just was wondering, how quick are they, I'm not looking for a sports car, just something that can pickup decently. If its been taken care of how reliable are they?
What things should I look into if I buy it (ie: timing chain, ect...)
well coming from a 300D, it could be like night and day lol. i love the way the 123's look like, wish i could buy one, but i have 2 cars right now that need to get on the road lol
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Oh how did I do it, I got right in, it was like liquid fluid.
Yeah, I love the way the car looks, but I dont need something as large as the 300D, I'm pretty short. Anyways one of my best friends is a huge VDUB fan, he has two himself a 2005 GTI I think an older GLI. I was considering a volkswagon, but I cant leave the MB family, loved em since 4th grade.
yea i know how you feel, my dad has been being mercedes since he started to make money, he still has all of them and recently bought a new R 320 CDI, i also wanted a mercedes, but my neighbor was selling a 85 golf which i wanted since i was in middle school, and thats when it all started. lol
IMO: check rust points, engine starting cold at once, test driving at hottest temperature, watch for shakes, no diesel sound, electrics in order, suspension check, smoke at the pipe, interior condition, cluster warnings, climate control. I wish I could have that option (I've restored almost the whole car... no money here, just got a lemon and revived it). Good luck!
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Mercedes 190 E 2.0 (1983) 102.961 engine
"In giving advice, seek to help, not please your friend." - Solon (638-559 BC) Greek lawgiver & politician.
Wish I was able to give the W201 a rating of 10/10 for low cost of ownership, but unfortunately that wouldn't be honest. There are a lot of problems to look out for, such as:
1. Cracked oil pan (it's the lowest point on the car, and the engine has to be pulled to replace it)
2. Loads of oil leaks from the front and rear of engine
3. Timing chain/tensioner problems
4. Climate control/vacuum system problems (really hard to debug)
5. Electric windows that stop working
6. Cold start problems
7. Slow pickup from a stop
8. Sunroof problems
9. A/C issues
I've owned 3 190E's, loved them all, but I decided that the cost of maintaining a 20 year old car (I was spending about $500 a month on my last 190E) is more than I was willing to pay. Now, I don't mean to say that the 190E is a bad car. On the contrary, it's actually a great car, but I just want to make sure that you know what you're getting in to.
As far as speed is concerned on the 2.3, they're really not that fast. I recommend buying a 2.6L, or a 2.3-16 valve if you really want to get up and go. A decent one shouldn't cost more than $2500-$3000 (it'll need some work), but you'll have fun working on it and you'll probably really enjoy owning it.
Thanks everyone. I can never find a 190e 2.6 for a good price. Otherwise I'd be all over it. Once again, I'm not looking for extreme performance, just something that can pull me through well. Its faster than a 93 Explorer right?
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