190E (W201) 1982-1993: 190E 2.3, 190E 2.6, 190E 2.3-16, 190E 2.5-16, 190 D 2.2, 190 D 2.5, 190 D 2.5 TURBO, 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I, 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II

Does this look like a 15k engine?

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Old Jun 4, 2021 | 03:50 PM
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2016 E63S
Does this look like a 15k engine?


Hey guys, first post. Looking at a 190e. Always wanted one. Seller claims it only has 15k miles and was garage kept but seems strange to me. Thoughts?
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Old Jun 5, 2021 | 03:28 PM
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1991 190E 2.3
Which model W201 is it supposed to be? It doesn't look like the engine for my 2.3 and I'm not sure it's 2.6 either as they have a more crammed in look.
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Old Jun 6, 2021 | 02:29 PM
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2016 E63S
seller says its a 1993 2.6. im assuming its only cosmetic and can be cleaned up but this guy is claiming garage kept and 15k miles. my engine has never looked like that on any car/truck ive owned.
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Old Jun 6, 2021 | 05:07 PM
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At a high level, it looks nearly the same as the 190E 2.6 on cargurus. The oil fill cap on yours is different, looks aftermarket to me.

The engine looks like it could have been rebuilt and not original. How many miles on it is hard or impossible to say with certainty.

The exhaust maniold has a rust patina. The other components (aluminum) do not. Aluminum gets an oxidation patina over time, not related to usage or "corrosion". It gets that way from oxidizing in place. The 2.6 on cargurus seems to have some patina on the aluminum components.

Be wary.
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Old Jun 7, 2021 | 11:59 AM
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1991 190E 2.3
Originally Posted by jgordon72
seller says its a 1993 2.6. im assuming its only cosmetic and can be cleaned up but this guy is claiming garage kept and 15k miles. my engine has never looked like that on any car/truck ive owned.
I would suggest you get the Vin # and call it in to the MB Classic Center in CA. They'll be able to tell you what it is. It doesn't look like a 2.6 engine to me. Does the seller have any documentation for the car?
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Old Jun 9, 2021 | 04:30 AM
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Mini Electric
Originally Posted by 190Efan
I would suggest you get the Vin # and call it in to the MB Classic Center in CA. They'll be able to tell you what it is. It doesn't look like a 2.6 engine to me. Does the seller have any documentation for the car?
That is exactly what the M103 looks like. Here is a pic from the net

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Old Jun 9, 2021 | 12:35 PM
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1991 190E 2.3
I would suggest you have the car inspected by someone who is an expert in older MBs. If the seller refuses to allow the inspection then walk away. Such PPI's have saved people much heartache and avoided many expensive repairs so they're worth the cost. I would also request any paper documentation on the car that the seller has.
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Old Jun 10, 2021 | 01:42 PM
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'03 s350
Oh how I'm in love with this engine, so good to see her again. Had a '88 190 2.6 customer amg with a 103 bored, 190mph car! Stolen unfortunately. As for the first pic, I would say it is possible that it really is a 15k engine bay. The yellow sticker on the air filter housing earns points at shows. Firewall cover shows use over time eventually, not the case here. There is still some white on the exhaust manifold although I would want to see more white with 15k miles, but not a deal breaker. I recently bought a '03 s350 super neat bay and also a garage kept car, so they do exist (well kept cars loved by owner).
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