Fox McCloud

I have been interrested in a Mercedes Benz 190E or D. I would like to know the pros and cons of both. Also, what are some common problems with this series? How much are Mercedes-Benz parts in comparison with a Toyota? What's it's durability compared to a toyota?

MTI

Which Toyota (and what year) would you like to compare the Mercedes-Benz to? In many cases, Toyota parts can cost more than some MB parts. As for durability . . . how many classic Toyotas do you see on the road?

Fox McCloud

What year? Oh, a 1991 Toyota. Any further input will be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

MTI

A '91 Camry was a 2L twincam I-4 or 2.5L V6 FWD, while the '91 Cressida is a 3L six RWD but oddly enough, they are both in the same price range as a '91 2.3 or 2.6L, in the sub $5K range. Toyota didn't make a diesel sedan, so there's on comparable model. The Toyotas are probably a bit zippier than the 190's, but they don't have the suspension balance that the Mercedes-Benz has. Economy wise, the diesel is the clear long distance winner, with the others probably in the mid 20s average, no real advantage. Routine maintanence over time is going to be more expensive with the Mercedes, more due to labor costs than parts charges.

Fox McCloud

What is the gas mileage like on a '93 190E? Thanks again for the information.

edit: Are the Mercedes 190s rear or front wheel drive?

MTI

The W201 is rear wheel drive. I think the A-Class was the first to be FWD and is the only model that is FWD.

MPG . . . the diesel probably gets into the mid 30's . . . the 2.3L four averages in the mid to high 20's and the 2.6L in the low to mid 20's.

AdamVax

i have a 1990 190 D 5 speed manual for sale (imported from germany) thats why its a 5 speed. there isnt any manuals in the US. The gas mileage on this car is amazing a full tank of diesel can last forevvverrr! its great with the gas prices these day. And the car has never had any major problems

And its a Rear Wheel Drive

Surf Blau

Had my 1984 190D (four-banger, not five as the one posted for sale above) for more than six years and 105.000km - never missed a beat, and I've driven it to it's limits most of the time..

On longer drives I can get more than 900km on one tank (55l) - don't know how much that is in mpg, but it's fairly good I think

Fox McCloud

For a long while I had considered a diesel-Benz, but I was concerned about the pickup and max speed. Someone told me that it wouldn't go much farther past the speed limit, it's 65 MPH or 104 KPH (I think) here. Either way, I'm not a speeder, but I don't want to have problems passing people either. Also, what's the pickup like?

RunInColorado

Having driven a 240D the 190D has amazing pickup that being said, going up a steep hill and merging takes some time. I thought the pick up on the 190D was good for a 93HP diesel. The fuel economy as stated by others here in the forum is stunning. over 30MPG. On long trips the tank out lasts alot of peoples bladders! The car now has around 200k miles on it and takes very little care often running better than some of the newer cars on the road today. I have found the car loves the interstate and can be taken on curvy roads just as easily. Pretty easy to log long highway trip in it. Top speed is around 108mph I believe. Plenty fast to get a speeding ticket and enough to effortlessly cruise around 90-95mph. Never had problems passing people and often was the leader of the pack on the interstate.

Hope that helps

Fox McCloud

I know you've already told me the gase mileage, but I'm not sure exactly the type of car you're referring to. I am referring to a 190E 2.3L 4 banger. Does the age have anything to do with this?

Also, if taken care of really well, what's the expected mileage you can get from a gasoline engine? What about a diesel?

AdamVax

opps i was wrong my car is a 1990 300 D. i dont know why i said it was a 190 my bad

TiMerc

What Toyota are you looking at? MTI mentioned a '91 Toyota Cressida, is this the alternative you were looking at? I drive one of 'em so if you want a comparison I can write one up for you since I nearly replaced it with an 190E. Although the 1.8, not the larger engined 2.3 (which were quite rare here).

The only reason I did'nt buy the benz is because the owner who was going to sell it to me did not end up moving overseas. I'll buy a real car when I have finished studies.

Fox McCloud

I was comparing more to a '91 Toyota Camry. How does a Mercedes-Benz compare to a Lexus?

TiMerc

a '91 Lexus (LS400) and a '91 190E? Totally different cars.

RE: 190E and a Camry, thats a no brainer, 190E every day of the week assuming both are in good condition etc.

Fox McCloud

What's the expected mileage I can get out of a gasoline engine? 200,000? 300,000? Also, what's the gas mileage on a 1990-1993 190E 2.3L, 4-banger?

AdamVax

man i say overall the 190 E is the best way to go no dout about it

TiMerc

This is a pointless question I think. It all depends on the condition of the car. Depending on how much money you are prepared to load into an old car, it will last forever. A W201 or a Camry/Cressida that is cared for should go a LONG way. However, if either car is rooted, it will cost you big time.

This is why its important that a used car does not show signs of rust, as in reality this is what kills a car. Well, in my country anyway, depending on where you are in the US, I guess the elements can destroy a clean car.

Fox McCloud

When I was referring to how long an engine can last I was referring to a 190E 2.3L/2.6L Engine, not a toyota's. The reason I ask, if because I've found several Benzs that have been taken excellent care of, but they might have high mileage, in the 130,000-165,000 range. I just want to know how much more life I can get out of it.

mctwin2kman

I have seen them here at auction with over 250,000 miles on them and still running Strong. With regular maint these babies will last for 300,000+ miles. But make sure you get one that has been serviced. Mine has 165,000 on it now and runs great. But she was poorly taken care of when I got her and had to do a lot of work. She has never let me down and I have had it for 10,000 miles and drive it like I stole it. During the work on process I was driving it as well. It has been my daily driver for almost a year now. Even drove it when I had a third car to drive and drive it everyday even now with my wife off work and the W203 in the garage. I enjoy it that much even if it is not as quick as my C class is.

Fox McCloud

What kind of fuel can the 190E Mercedes use? I saw one that said "Premium uleaded fuel only." is there any ones that can take regular or plus?

Pawsh

Pre-'87 190E 2.3s can

Fox McCloud

ok, thank you.....I'm going to have to just pay the extra price for premium or go with a diesel....and I don't think that'll be an option here.

Deni

If you care alot about consumption, diesel is the way to go. The 190D 2.5L is a great car (not fast though). The 190D 2.5turbo (that's what I drive) is even better if you can find one (though this one being a bit faster is still not that fast).