unkel wrote: » Do you like mine then? '87 190E 2.6 petrol auto
tc20 wrote: » @ Dades - great cars, but as with all youngtimers, it's a matter of getting a good 'un to begin with - sure you know that yourself already I had a '92 auto for a couple of years, ran as a daily driver. Irish car from new, c.120K on the clock when I got it. I'd have another one in a shot. Comfy compact cruiser, with that re-assuring 'thunk' when you close the door. If you can get one with MB-Tex or leather, its a nice place to be. Interiors can be Spartan unless you go high up the food chain. Engines & transmissions are fairly robust, bodywork & trim can give you issues. They can rust on the wings, but also boot wheel wells, and around the rear screen. Mine didn't have a sunroof, but it should of course be checked along with the drain points. Jacking points can rust too, bonus if the car comes with the plastic cover caps - I like to think that if these are present it gives you an idea that the car has been minded Subframe mounts are another area to check - sure you can drive it into the ground, but I get the feeling you're after something more longterm. Suspension front & rear - check for the usual clonks. Doorcards, particularly on the rear, can lift and look ungainly - can be fixed - hell, I did it on mine, so it can't be to difficult! The MB190 club is a great source of help (www.mercedes-190.co.uk ) this site is also worth checking - the guy specialises in MBs, particularly low mile W201 & W124s - prices are high, but quality baby - ( www.mtsv.co.uk )
quenching wrote: » I've had my 1984 2.0E automatic for 7 years now and I'd say you'll easily cover annual maintenance with €800 per year, probably a lot less in fact. But only if you buy a good one to start with, and good ones are not common and not cheap. You'll see some for sale for €1000, they're VERY unlikely to be in good condition. My annual service is usually less than €200, I use Lichtenberg Classics whom I can highly recommend. I've replaced some ancillaries over the years before they're failed - alternator, wiper motor, window regulators. Good quality parts are surprisingly cheap so use them, don't buy cheap parts from GSF etc. Mine is just back from its annual service which this time cost €600 as it included brake lines, anti-roll bar bushing and new engine mounts. Biggest bill I've ever had for it but known beforehand and mostly for parts that needed replacing due to age. Some other costs...Full set of Michelin tyres, about €500, but these will last many years. Don't buy cheap tyres, ever! New battery last week, €106, previous one lasted 6 years. Insurance is about €150 with First Ireland, based on 2000 miles but they do higher mileage policies. Tax is €56 as mine is 1984 NCT costs whatever it costs, I'm happy to pay it as I see it as a cheap safety check. Depreciation is zero, if you buy a good one! If you can find a rust free one its worth getting it professionally undersealed, but only if rust free. I had mine done just after buying it and its still sound despite the best efforts of the NCT man and his rubber hammer. I use mine as my daily driver in the winter and at weekends for the rest of the year and its never failed to start or let me down. It lives in the driveway under a cover the rest of the time (only buy a good quality cover). In city centre stop/start traffic I get early 20's MPG, probably bettered by modern cars but not by much if you compare a 2.0 petrol automatic. I bought mine in the UK with 34k miles and it now has 45k miles, all trouble free. It's extremely reliable, comfortable, and surprisingly nippy if you want it to be! Oh, and I've just replaced the radio with a Sony unit with Bluetooth that enables hands-free calling and music streaming. Sounds like you're looking for my car :eek: More photos here if you want to waste a few minutes:Mercedes 190E Photos Photos are from a few years ago but its still the same apart from the plates are now silver on black pressed metal. Good luck with your search and PM me or ask here if you need any more info on living with a 190E.
Dades wrote: » If I was to consider one, it would be with a view to not having it up on ramp following every NCT.
unkel wrote: » Sweet! Hefty VRT and motor tax bills though if you bring in a '89. Not yet using my W201 as a daily driver, but it's modern enough to do so without suffering. Electronic ignition, fuel injection, automatic gear box, power steering, electric windows, even ABS. And the things that go wrong? Just the one thing: rust. My car has an incredible service history with massive bills. Last owner a UK Doctor who owned it for 17 years. Car had just passed the MOT in the UK, with an advisory on the brake lines. NCT begged to differ :cool: The car has jus undergone 19 hours of welding earlier this week and at the moment pretty much all brake lines are being replaced. Retest will be booked as soon as that is done.
Peew wrote: » What was the issue that required that amount of welding. How far back did the brake lines have to go.
