Considering a 190E 2.3 16V. Advice?
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Considering a 190E 2.3 16V. Advice?
I'm considering the 190E 2.3 16V. Any owners or former owners have any tips about what to look for or watch out for when buying? I'd appreciate it!
#2
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'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
1) Don't trust CarFax or other VIN reporting systems for cars built before 1990.
2) Most 16 valves, if they're in the hands of 2nd or more owners, have been driven pretty hard and there's a good chance that they didn't do the somewhat expensive maintenance on the high revv'r, like valve adjustment or taking care of the the hydraulic suspension.
3) Service records would be a good thing.
4) Have the car examined by an experienced Mercedes mechanic,hopefully one familiar with the 16 valve. The car really should go up on a lift to check out the suspension, front and rear.
2) Most 16 valves, if they're in the hands of 2nd or more owners, have been driven pretty hard and there's a good chance that they didn't do the somewhat expensive maintenance on the high revv'r, like valve adjustment or taking care of the the hydraulic suspension.
3) Service records would be a good thing.
4) Have the car examined by an experienced Mercedes mechanic,hopefully one familiar with the 16 valve. The car really should go up on a lift to check out the suspension, front and rear.
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2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
Originally Posted by MTI
1) Don't trust CarFax or other VIN reporting systems for cars built before 1990.
2) Most 16 valves, if they're in the hands of 2nd or more owners, have been driven pretty hard and there's a good chance that they didn't do the somewhat expensive maintenance on the high revv'r, like valve adjustment or taking care of the the hydraulic suspension.
3) Service records would be a good thing.
4) Have the car examined by an experienced Mercedes mechanic,hopefully one familiar with the 16 valve. The car really should go up on a lift to check out the suspension, front and rear.
2) Most 16 valves, if they're in the hands of 2nd or more owners, have been driven pretty hard and there's a good chance that they didn't do the somewhat expensive maintenance on the high revv'r, like valve adjustment or taking care of the the hydraulic suspension.
3) Service records would be a good thing.
4) Have the car examined by an experienced Mercedes mechanic,hopefully one familiar with the 16 valve. The car really should go up on a lift to check out the suspension, front and rear.
That's the problem with older German cars -- owners with caviar tastes but tuna fish budgets eventually scoop 'em up and can't afford to maintain so they slide south pretty quickly once they hit 6-7 years old. Cars like this don't take well to lack of maintenance, I fear.