I've got a 1988 190E with 105000 miles- it recently failed emissions test- I took it to a mechanic who's quoted $3000 to replace burnt valve (valve has hole in it). There's a little white smoke, but overall it drives ok-just a little more like a diesel. I can't decide whether to repair or sell. Although the car is a real peach- I don't think it is a classic, but I think there's plenty more life there.
Has anyone experienced this or used an additive to improve performance and pass inspection?

 

My opinion the 190 was a mistake by mercedes,,,just like the vega for chevy,,,

GET RID IOF IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK

 

What engine do you have in the 190? The quoted $3.000 sound almost like complete overhaul of the engine. How could the mechanic identify the hole in a valve?????
Normally if the valves gets burnt that bad, it's the end of the engine since temperatures go way to high in the cam shaft housing and take their toll there. If you considering to keep the car, get a real experienced mechanic to do a reliable diag and then find out what makes the most sense for you.
Normally such a major damage does not appear at 100.000mls. So I would expect this problem is less severe than the guy told you.
White smoke could be water evaporating due to burnt gaskets in the cylinder head. Oil losses, which would support the valve failure are generally blueish rather than white, and you notice the oil losses, since you need to refill between the oil change intervals.
Let's hope for the best.

 

I had a burnt valve in my 190 11 years ago, it cost 1300 dollars to repair. i still have the car with 300,000 miles on it, its a gas engine, its still strong engine wise, comprision is still with in specs. Transmission was repaired at 274.000 miles, it has been a very good car, the 190 was not a mistake, its a tough little car compaired to what everybody else was making back then, the car design is 20 years old. If everything is in good order and it has been maintained fix it and keep it, but not for the price quoted it seems to high. To compare the 190 to a vega is a stupid statement.

 

You are in for a topend overhaul, Head, Valves, gaskets, etc. Bottom end is most likely OK. There is no additive that will fix your car. Have it repaired immediatly before it causes other damage. In its present condition value is about zip.

 

First thing I'd do it find another mechanic. See what is really going on. If you really have a hole in the valve, then maybe you could pull the head and do a top end job. But then you'll be set on your engine for a long time. My first Benz was a 190e 2.6. It was a great car. In fact I should have kept it instead of getting my c280. I feel that the 190e was made much better. I've heard to stay away from the 2.3 models, but I've seen those go well over 200k miles as well. I'd take it somewhere else and ask them to tell you what is wrong. It could just be stem seals, or who knows? If you have to do a head job on the thing you'll have many years of fun driving ahead. Good luck whatever you choose to do.