Hello May Become an owner of a 190E
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 147
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From: Bay Area
c230k
Hello May Become an owner of a 190E
Im going to go look at a 1985 190E after work later today.
Just wanted some input on what things I should look for, the ad says the control arm is pretty much broken. So im guessing thats about 100-150 to buy a new one.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thnx
Just wanted some input on what things I should look for, the ad says the control arm is pretty much broken. So im guessing thats about 100-150 to buy a new one.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thnx
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
The '85 is the earliest model year to consider, since there are so many unique parts to the pre-'85 cars. At nearly 22 years old, you have to be careful and hope the previous owner(s) did the right maintenance at the right time.
By now, it should have had the the O2 sensor replaced, the valve stem seals replaced and it's likely on it's second radiator, t-stat and serpentine belt. It might still have to original timing chain tensioner, but that should probably be ready to be replaced.
The biggest non-powerplant worries will be the suspension pieces needing to be refreshed. A front end rebuild can run $1K alone. The air conditioning system should have been switched from R12 to R134A by now too.
Check for rust under the trunk carpets and in the extreme corners of the car, both front and back. Rust is also typical around the jackholes and, if the water vapor barrier in the doors have been compromised, at the very bottom edges of the doors, especially the fronts, since the rubber weather seals for the glass tend to wear out faster on the front doors due to use.
By now, it should have had the the O2 sensor replaced, the valve stem seals replaced and it's likely on it's second radiator, t-stat and serpentine belt. It might still have to original timing chain tensioner, but that should probably be ready to be replaced.
The biggest non-powerplant worries will be the suspension pieces needing to be refreshed. A front end rebuild can run $1K alone. The air conditioning system should have been switched from R12 to R134A by now too.
Check for rust under the trunk carpets and in the extreme corners of the car, both front and back. Rust is also typical around the jackholes and, if the water vapor barrier in the doors have been compromised, at the very bottom edges of the doors, especially the fronts, since the rubber weather seals for the glass tend to wear out faster on the front doors due to use.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
c230k
Sooooooooo last night around 12 my friend calls me and goes hey come outside... i go outside and see a tow truck with a 190E on it. My friends pitched in together and bought me a 190E for 300 bucks.
The thing doesnt run though and interior is all messed up, ill take pics this weekend to post them up.
Was so random, its a 1985 190E 2.3L automatic
What kind of engine swaps are common with this car?
The thing doesnt run though and interior is all messed up, ill take pics this weekend to post them up.
Was so random, its a 1985 190E 2.3L automatic
What kind of engine swaps are common with this car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,719
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Engine swap . . . how much do you have in the bank and a line of credit?
The 2.3L chassis, without modification, is pretty much limited to other inline 4 cylinders, either from Mercedes or from other RWD donors, such as Nissan and Toyota. The later group would also require modifications to the firewall and driveline. The obvious swap would be to source the twincam 2.3-16 and all the related engine management, cooling system, and a/c.
If your pals had gotten you a 2.6L inline six, the different flavors of M103 and M104 motors would be available, since the car has a different radiator support system to accomodate the longer block.
The 2.3L chassis, without modification, is pretty much limited to other inline 4 cylinders, either from Mercedes or from other RWD donors, such as Nissan and Toyota. The later group would also require modifications to the firewall and driveline. The obvious swap would be to source the twincam 2.3-16 and all the related engine management, cooling system, and a/c.
If your pals had gotten you a 2.6L inline six, the different flavors of M103 and M104 motors would be available, since the car has a different radiator support system to accomodate the longer block.
