[lito]

Hello all,

In my quest to continue learning about this cars until I am ready to buy one. I wanted your comments about repairs and costs.

I know that MBs are reliable, and do not expect anyone to say otherwise. However, even in the MB world their must be lemons. Particularly when looking at older - high-milage vehicles as I am (on a budget).

So, the next obvious question is how do repair costs compare to other vehicles. For example, if you do something on the lines of regular maintenance such as brake work, is it any more expensive than on any other "import" (I am in Canada).

Then again, do the 190s need work less frequently when looked after (serviced regularly)?

Trying to get something started here... Come on, don't be afraid to tell us how much you spend on your baby in a year. We can all compare notes and learn something.

Thank you in advance for your contributions!

 

[mercmadness]

reply

My 190e was not maintained at the dealer before I purchased it. Everything in the front end started going out around 100k miles. I do all my own work, so labor was cheap. In fact, parts are cheap too. But, expect ball joints, wheel bearings, struts and shocks and tie rod ends. The engine is extremely reliable. Change the oil and filter every 3000 miles. Use 20w50 fossil fuel oil. Stay away from synthetics. Actually common, inexpensive oil is all you need. They are great cars. I have 106k miles. I expect to get at least 100k more. We drive it every day. It's our third Mercedes and we'll probably NEVER buy another make. Happy hunting. If you can find a dealer maintained "granny" car, you won't go wrong. You might even pay a little extra...

 

[BenZ190D]

what's the disadvantage of synthetics?

Mine has over 270,000 miles, at 44mpg. I changed from non-syn to 15W-50 Mibil-1 Full Syn last week, I did it on my way in a rest area, and noticed the difference immediately.

 

[lito]

So how much...

Ok, ok... Before we go into synthetic vs. regular oil; in average, how much do you think you spend in maintenance per year?

 

[MBUSER]

Question for Mercmadness, I need to replace the strut of my Merc 1990 190 2.6.

I am mechanic inclined with basic tools

a) Do i need a special tool or equipment to remove the strut,
b) It is really difficult
c) could you give me a few steps or precaution to follow
d) I only need to replace one ( Driver side). will be good idea to replace both at once.

the strut is the top rubber part, do you recommend to replace other part at the same time. i see there is like a rubber under the strut and some other part. those are cheap as well.

Thanks in advance