Hey there everyone -

I've been in the market for a 190E 2.3 - 16, but a 190E 2.6 has just come onto the horizon, and I'm highly considering it. However, every search that I've done seem to recommend the 1990-1993 190E models, but I don't ever see any mention of why the earlier years aren't recommended?

The vehicle in question is a 1987, single owner with 170k miles. Anything in particular I should be looking out for at that mileage, or for those eariler years in particular?

Thanks in advance!

 

I own an '89, 1/89 build date 2.6. Pre 3/89 build date 2.6's suffer from a poorer CAM and rocker design and oil dripper for the camshaft. You can replace the cam and valve train. I've done it by swapping in a JY find from a lower mileage '90 engine for something like $50.

Pre-89 will not have the updated body cladding. So depends if that is important to you.

Pre-90 will not have the smog pump and EGR valve. I personally prefer the car without them as that is extra complication for minimum benefit for emissions. You can delete them I suppose if you are not in CA, but that is also extra work.

Pre-90 will have longer lasting interior door cards. After-89 will need the door cards separation at the arm rest dealt with.

Pre-90 will have cracked dashboard no matter how well they were kept. Unless they were covered or never left the garage. Mine got cracked at year 20 or so, I replaced with a 90-93 dash which never cracks (from a JY)
Also center console design lasts better on 90-93 (Easy to swap, so I swapped mine)

So they all have their pro-s and con-s. If you can find a low mileage one, I do not think it matters, most parts are replaceable easily.
All in all a 90-93 is probably preferable (not by much), followed by an '89 (first year in updated look), followed by earlier models.

Mechanically, all MY are all the same except the cam and rocker design I mentioned as far as I know.

At 170K miles, if the dripper was not dealt with really early I suspect the rocker and cam maybe on its last legs. Mine had to be replaced at 170K miles, 5 years ago.
At that mileage and age, you will be doing some suspension work. Perfect time to upgrade to a Sportline Suspension coils, shocks, anti-roll bar, etc.

At 170K miles, you are probably also looking for a cylinder head rebuild if not done already.

If you are into cars, I would recommend a manual transmission, the auto's life will be limited after 200K miles depending on maintenance, and that is a large ticket item. It is hard to find manual transmission 2.6's in North America. At least most 16V's came with manual transmission.

- Cheers