Hi there guys im new to mercs after having driven E30 BMWs since i passed my test. im now looking for a change and considered a late 80's early 90's 190e. What im basically asking is what do i need to look for? Are there any known trouble spots i need to be aware of, with rust and othere things, and what is the best engine to have? Im 20 had my licence since i was 17 3 yrs no claims, and my licence is squeeky clean. Any advice will be welcome guys as i im a total novice at mercs.
thanks in advance

 

I bought a 190E 2.3 brand new in 1987 and kept it until 2002. Only put 110,000 km (68,000 mi)on the clock. It was a great car but was not a speed demon. There is a 2.6 version with more hp. Later cars also acquired body cladding. My car was kept outside for its entire life. The paint was bright and shiny (Anthracite Grey). There was no rust at all but the frame underneath was starting to rust and needed remedial work. The car went through a number of mufflers and did require an engine overall. Lack of daily use and very few highway miles were NOT good for it. Only one replacement battery in 15 years. Replaced the radio for something more modern. MB-Tex (vinyl) seats were unmarked and there were no signs of wear on the interior.
Car was entirely original with no re-paint, no accidents or even door dings. MB dealer sold the car the same day I turned it in as a trade-in for a 2002 C230 Sport Coupe.

 

I had a 93 190e 2.6 (158 hp) before after owning these BMW E30s: 86 325 5 spd, 88 325 auto (aka super eta) 88 Convertible 325i auto, and 89 325ix 5 spd (also had a 85 528e 5 spd and 95 525i 5 spd)
All these models were easy to find performance chips for except for the 88 325e.




Although I liked the styling of the 190e Merc, it lacked the power I was used to in the E30s.
I was happier when I got the 96 C280 (195 hp 2.8 straight six),





but I wanted traction control (ASR), heated seats, and more HP (M119 4.2 V8 275 HP) so now I have a 93 400E




But if you like the older styling of the 190E, I would look for a 190E 2.3 16v Cossie (185 hp euro model, US model is de-tuned to 168 hp) with the 5 spd dogleg tranny

 

cool thanks for the advice. It,ll all help in my search.