merc 190E

[STUNO]

I have put a 1985 merc.190E on my watchlist. car is described as excellent condition and NO rust ( I would not expect any on a car of this age in NZ) Power is 1900cc man trans. 350,000 KM.does anyone know what to watch for on these? There is nothing about service history in the ad and I haven't asked seller anything as the auction runs to May 1st so the current $400 may take off.Just don't tell me you hate them

[ashmicro]

These cars have very few problems. BTW are you sure it's not a 2 litre? There's a 1797cc and a 1996cc.Anyway, check for the correct operation of the windscreen wiper - it has a peculiar uppy-downy movement. If it appears to be faulty, it may simply be that the piston in the wiper mechanism merely needs cleaned.Check drivers electric window for correct operation - slow movement may indicate a motor on it's way out.Poor driveability is frequently down to a faulty fuel pump RELAY, not the pump itself.IF the car is an auto, the kickdown function may be erratic if the fuel pump relay is faulty.That's about all I can think of - the cars are pretty much bombproof in my experience, hugely over-engineered.Good Luck!

[Rocket88]

Last of the decent Mercs, as mentioned above, pretty much bombproof. Steering boxes can get a bit vague, and the manuals are a bit agricultural You'll struggle to wear one out south of 200,000 miles, as long as you change the oil and filters as per schedule

[bigstraight6]

Superb cars these Merc 190's, the build quality is excellent being from the era before Mercedes started cutting costs in manufacturing its cars and thus hugely compromising build quality. They are capable of covering huge mileage if well looked after and offer a very pleasant driving experience, they don't really have any particular foes

[STUNO]

Thanks to all of you I will keep a watch on it and hope the high mileage keps it cheap.Sounds like not too much to worry about.

[alfetta]

Great cars, no rattles on my 20 year old example. If i can be picky though the bootlid seems a bit tinny and detracts from the overall tank like build :Danother problem you might find is poor cold starting, this is often due to a failed or oxidised OVP relay - this is the thing that powers the electronics on the KE-jetronic injection (behind a plastic cover rear of battery)

[STUNO]

Thanks again for the tips. Some pics.

Looks tidy and from a good home! And the colour is almost perfect

[Timewaster]

My boss had a 190 new in 1989.Brilliantly built, and on my "shite to buy "list but be aware that the seats are germanicly rock hard and the manual gear boxes are nasty. I'd try and drive it before you buy.Oh,and it helps if you were born with offset legs! The throttle is as far to the right as they could possibly put it. Sure you would get used to it though.Incidently, she traded it years later for a K reg 2.6 auto that broke down on an alarmingly regular basis!

[garethj]

I have no useful comment to make, other than I went in one that was a taxi in Paris, and my better half told the taxi driver we were in a hurry 170km/h is just over 100mph I think?

[alfetta]

Manual's aren't that bad, shifts OK but can be a bit snatchy even when new, (particuarly the 2.3 16) hinged throttle pedal isn't to everyones taste either..

[bones96]

i want the cosworth 190e i think they look fabuloushttp://www.classiccarfair.com/m.htmfifth one down lol

[Ross_K]

Don't those Cossie 190's need an engine rebuild every two weeks? Or am I thinking of something else?Good for seeing off photocopier salesmen in the 318's though...

[STUNO]

Auction ended today top bid $1660. offered now at $1700 which is 16 pounds more than top bid. Why didn't they take it ? I will sleep on it tonight as 1 I don't NEED it and 2 it's cash I need in the bank right now!