_Dirty_

Hi All,

I just sold my 66 250se and I'm now relishing in my own grief, so I am back in the market for another Mercedes however this time a little newer. I understand posting this question in this forum may lead to bias advice, which is fine so I also have posted the same question in the other forum.

I'm looking at a 190e and a w204 c300. I have found one of each both in manual transmission, the color I like and decent mileage. My issue is that I go back in forth one which one to purchase. Love the looks of both, 190e with the late 80s early 90s boxy look and the c300 with the more sleek design. Performance isn't a large issue for me but the experience and fun nature of the drive is.

If you had the option to buy a c300 or an 190e which would you purchase and why? (Cost isn't so much of a decision factor as I know they are both in different ball parks unless I go with a 2.6-16 which I'm not).

Thanks for your opinion and advice

javelin68

Both models are nice little sedans. The 190e is more on the classic side and is far less seen on the road these days. Many people out there are familiar with MB cars but most probably haven't seen a 190e before. The 190e is definitely a head turner - when people look, I look away so that they can feast on it : )

The 190e, given it's over 20+years old, maybe more demanding in terms of maintenance...but then again, most 20+years-old cars do anyway. But if you find one that has all the major or common issues repaired, that's a bonus. The 190e has a solid body which I like; when I close the doors, there's a very solid "thuud" that goes with it. Engine is not all that powerful at low-end but that little sucker pulls at mid-range rpm and it just go.

The C300 is more modern and classy, imo.You didn't tell what year it is but I'd probably see more of these C-class models on the road today than a 190e.

I would think you choose based on your taste in model or body style and your tolerance for maintenance.

Attached is my 190e; sorry for the humble brag but thought I'd share a pic to help you decide. But which ever you choose, you'll win either way... ; )

insame1

I have owned a few 190e's and a few more modern MB also recently I was in the market for a new car and looked at a few c300s and e350s. I can tell you that i was not impressed by either. I bought a clk55 and am currently in talks to purchase another 190e. In addition to that I own 92 sportline 2.6. I have yet to find a non AMG MB that I would pay the MB premium for built after 2002.

_Dirty_

You nailed my dilemma, I love the look of the older styling with the straight lines and boxy look. Additionally, as you stated they are rarely seen and for me at least when I do, I stop and stare. What are the common issues with these? Water pump, timing chain/belt?

The c300 is an 08 with a little over 100K, however the price is 4x the 190e which I know I said cost isn't a huge determining factor but it always is. Also I noted I found a manual trans for the 190e however they for me have been very difficult to find, are the autos still fun to drive?

Plans for either car, OEM+ styling, suspension, wheels, exhaust.

Pics for attention:









Very nice, what didn't you like about the c300? Performance, handling, all of it?

insame1

Double post somehow.

insame1

The 08 is the first year of that body style and has some issues. The interior is very cheep feeling and the car is down right slow. For being so much older the 190e 2.6 is only .8 second slower 0-60. In all reality, daily driving, you wouldn't even notice. Also the parts are still cheep and plentiful for the 190 so there is no issue there.

javelin68

Common issues reported by 190e owners are the over-protection relay(OVP), idle control valve(ICV), fuel pressure regulator, ignition coil, and alternator regulator. These things are simple to replace but sometimes tricky to troubleshoot.

For comparison, I replaced the following on my car(not complete list):
ICV
OVP
Valve cover gasket
Fuel filter and fuel pump
Fuel pressure regulator
Fan belt and tensioner assembly
Water pump
Flex disk
Control arm bushings
Front/rear shocks
Alternator regulator
Starter
Distributor cap and rotor
Fuel injectors and seal
Rebuild the distributor
Upgraded my ignition system with MSD StreetFire and Blaster Ignition Coil
Iridium spark plugs
0-40w full synt oil


The car is only 96K miles so far. It starts well in hot/cold weather and runs pretty well. My next project is to replace the brake caliper using taller/bigger rotors.

I'd like to own an S-class AMG one day...like maybe 4 years from now : )

_Dirty_

Alright, thanks for the replies guys! Looks like I can safely say the better buy is the 190e. Now to add a curveball, someone on another forum said that the w124 was an "upgrade" from the 190e. I thought the 190e had a stiffer suspension and more tuning parts compared to the w124 that was built to be an entry level luxury sedan for its time. Am I wrong with that statement, or does that only apply to the 2.6-16 190e.

I know the w124 300e are only 5ft longer and for the most part have the same engine (2.3,2.6), correct?

javelin68

As most people say the 190E was an over-engineered sedan...nothing wrong with that. : )

Following are borrowed statements from Wikipedia. : )

"The Mercedes-Benz W201 was the first compact executive car from German automaker Mercedes-Benz. It was introduced in 1982, positioned below
the E-Class and marketed under variants of the Mercedes-Benz 190 nameplate.

The W201 featured a patented rear 5-link suspension, subsequently used in E and C class models, front and rear anti-roll bars, anti-dive and anti-squat
geometry—as well as available airbags, ABS brakes and seatbelt pretensioners."

"W124 is the Mercedes-Benz internal chassis-designation for the 1984 to 1995/96 version of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as the first generation
to be officially referred to as E-Class. The W124 models replaced the W123 models after 1984 and were succeeded by the W210 E-Class after 1995.

The W124 was also offered as a long wheelbase targeted for taxi companies, but more luxury equipped version was also used as a limousine."

I also read somewhere the engine on W124(300E) and W201(190E) are similar. Almost every part on these models are interchangeable.

insame1

From what I have seen the 124 is basically a scaled up version of the 190e. I like the size of the 190 much better.

Side note. You should just start buying rubber bits for the 190. If they haven't been changed they need to be. I normally start with fluids then vacuum lines. its a sub $100 tune up that will surprise you with the results.

_Dirty_

thanks guys, yea at the moment I'm trying to find a decent manual transmission (have found one) but they seem to be a unicorn unless you want to fork out 20+K on the cosworth 2.6-16.

insame1 - definitely first thing is first, maintenance - it is truly paramount. thanks for the call out on the rubber though.

insame1

Just fyi the 16v came in 2.3 and 2.5. The 2.6 is a inline 6.

_Dirty_

ok, so here's a question. I found another 5 speed manual, however it has 30K more for mileage and is 1500 more (asking price) compared to the auto trans i found.

Is it worth the potential extra $1500 for manual trans with an extra 30K miles? Both 91 190e

_Dirty_

Alright went and did something yesterday... Found a unicorn. Booked flight to Philly, checked her out and then drove her back 7hrs to VT. She needs work and is ghetto but I can see the potential. '91 5-speed 2.6

insame1

Looks nice. It looks to have been lowered.

_Dirty_

yea guy lowered it 2.5inches. not sure if he cut springs or put in lowering springs but that will change. With what the PO had done to it i need to go through everything.

javelin68

Very nice. Interior still looks good; looks like no rips or tears. How's the trans working, clutch still clamps good?

_Dirty_

yea, no signs of slipping, the suspension is sloppy though so I'm sure all the rubber needs to be replaced. The steering has a little play also, not sure what's needs to fix that