88 190e 2.3 fairly reliable? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benhogan · #1 10-04-2011, 01:01 PM

I will be looking at one today. Everything is supposed to work, new paint.

They are asking $1900.

Seems motivated to sell.

I am getting this for my kid who will be driving soon. I would rather get him a decent 190 than a Civic.

General question- are the 4 cylinder gas 2.3 engines fairly reliable? I have never owned a gas MB before.

crs82 · #2 10-04-2011, 03:21 PM

Had one for 3 years. Is it a stick or auto? Auto, 2.3 will be slow. Stick, much better, but still no rocket. Perfect for a kid. Fuel economy is not the greatest for a 4 banger, but not terrible. I got 23-25 city, 25-29 hwy. Others may vary. Still screwed together like a Benz. Quality materials. AC was hit or miss. My aux fans failed which made a big difference. The car itself was extremely reliable. Never stranded me. I think the maintenance is the same across the Benz line. Pricey parts, but once fixed...they stay fixed.
I wish my folks had bought me a Benz when I turned 16.

I think, though, that $1900 is pretty high for that model. AC should work, and work well.
No emissions, though, in GA. That's nice.

benhogan · #3 10-04-2011, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crs82

Had one for 3 years. Is it a stick or auto? Auto, 2.3 will be slow. Stick, much better, but still no rocket. Perfect for a kid. Fuel economy is not the greatest for a 4 banger, but not terrible. I got 23-25 city, 25-29 hwy. Others may vary. Still screwed together like a Benz. Quality materials. AC was hit or miss. My aux fans failed which made a big difference. The car itself was extremely reliable. Never stranded me. I think the maintenance is the same across the Benz line. Pricey parts, but once fixed...they stay fixed.
I wish my folks had bought me a Benz when I turned 16.

I think, though, that $1900 is pretty high for that model. AC should work, and work well.
No emissions, though, in GA. That's nice.

yeah i agree 1900 is high. he says the a/c works 'sometimes' whatever than means.

if the car is decent, I will lowball it. I can afford to walk. my kid does not need it until the spring anyway.

crs82 · #4 10-04-2011, 06:51 PM

It will probably "work" this January at 4am. "Sure, blows real cold!"

benhogan · #5 10-04-2011, 07:00 PM

I passed on it. It looked better on pictures.

The motor was barely running.

The owner was not an MB enthusiast.

tjts1 · #6 10-04-2011, 08:16 PM

Too late for that particular example but when inspecting the M102 8 valve with the engine COLD, stick your hand underneath the 4th exhaust runner where the cyl head and block meet. If you find oil here it needs a head gasket. I talked down a $2000 asking price to $1000 when I found the leak. 93 2.3 auto 105k miles 3 bought years ago. First head gasket job I've ever done and it was well worth the effort.
Good luck with the car search. I wish I had a 190e when I was 16.

pawoSD · #7 10-04-2011, 10:04 PM

We got my sister's for $1500 with a freshly re-done headgasket, water pump, full set of brakes and other stuff. It has had some issues with the fuel system but we're workin' on it.....overall pretty reliable, and a very solid/sporty car. The 2.3 auto is not slow at all, if you mash the pedal that little motor can really move the car considering how heavy it is. Feels WAY faster than for example, a 300D.