Hello, I have my father's '86 190E and could use a little guidance. A little history on the car is that my dad bought a ton of parts for it, some documentation of work done to it, and it was his baby. He had it slammed so it's a low low 190. Last thing I remember is that one of the teeth on the timing chain sprockets was missing, so it did not run. He bought the parts that were needed. It has never been in any accident that I know of.

Sadly in late 2010 he unexpectedly passed away. In his passing my uncle worked on it but to no avail. I took ownership of it as of 2011 with the hope that one day we could afford to get it running. Working 2 jobs and saving up for my wedding the reality hit that this was not an option. So, instead of letting the car deteriorate I am looking for guidance, to sell or what to do. I know we want it to go to someone that will appreciate what it is.

So with all that said here is what I know about the car. It has a brand new alternator, when being jumped it's starting to kick over, just does not fire. My uncle timed it correctly, so it almost sounds like a fuel or spark problem. The body has some rust, so hence some of the new parts he bought. The odometer shows 131,817. The drive-train was solid last time I rode in it with him. I have both front fenders new and painted, 2 new corner lights, 2 front grills, 2 new taillights, a wing, new suspension parts and a set of wheels new in box.

In a perfect world I could sell all of this including the car to someone who could continue what my dad was trying to do. At the same time I understand that this is a long shot. So if any 190E lovers on this site can give me any guidance or if you are interested please contact me. I have pictures of everything listed above.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this,
Chris

 

Wow, nice project you have there. You may want to post on 190Rev.net as that is 190E specific and may get more looks. If you are interested in selling any of the parts separately as well. Mileage and overall condition (exterior) seem to be better than mine so I think people will want and appreciate it.

Sorry to hear about your Dad too. I'm sure a 190Revver would do it proud

 

Thank you and thanks for some insight. It's kind of funny, I posted this in here and the same in my local Craigslist and already have gotten 3 offers for the car alone. I feel as if I really didn't know much about it and how rare it might be. I want to honor my father as much as possible but not looking to rip anyone off. I'd be a lot happier to see it go to someone who will do right with it.

 

Where are you located? As much as I want it, if that's a 5 speed 2.3-16v for the love of god don't sell it, a shell, no engine or trans goes for 3500$+ running, or close to it is $7000+ even for the auto version.

 

I am in Dayton Ohio, about 50 miles north of Cincinnati. I had a feeling it was worth more than 1000 or 1500. When one guy said he work at a local Merc dealer and asked specifics like does it have amber in the taillights, raised my suspicion, which yes it does.

 

That means it is unadulterated. A lot of people put clear lenses in to modernize the look. But decreasing value.. Don't let that car go it is a soon to be classic and collectors item that if cared for would be at home in a Barrett Jackson car auction.

 

HUGE update! I met with this genuine awesome guy this week and he was a echo of everything I have read from you all on this forum in person. We went out and he was amazed as how clean the 190 was. From the straight lines, original headlights to original tools in the trunk. He could not stop complimenting on this car that one time I saw a rough and seen better days car. I have completely found a new respect for this car and why my father chose it to begin with.

After thoroughly checking as much as he could we opened the hood. Had it sit with cables on it for awhile and then tried.... nothing. A little bit later he said to try it again and after cranking for a bit, it started to putter. I played with the gas and it actually fired and started!!! The 190 ran on it's own! Overcome with emotion a true tear was shed and nothing but happiness in my heart. When it was running there wasn't any horrible sounds coming from the engine. There were some trace sounds, possibly loose timing chain to low oil pressure, could be a multitude of things, he said. The huge part of this is the fact that this car finally ran in over 4 years of not.

At this point I am taking that away from it and now I have to decide if I want to keep it or make sure it goes to someone who will continue to keep this alive and cherish it like it should be. Oh and to add my fiance is completely backing up either decision I decide lol.

I wanted to thank everyone again and give an update that is nothing but amazing! I will try posting some pictures later tonight or this week.

 

They arent cheap to have, but have a ton of character and are fun to drive. If you have the cash or time, I would suggest you keep it and at least get it in proper running order. Drive it and enjoy

 

Don't use jumpers or a charger while the battery is hooked into the car! You will fry the ovp relay!

 

Fuel system may need a full tank of good 91+ fuel, fuel injector cleaner, and a new fuel, air, and oil filter. Check the spark plugs and wires too.