Faults:

Nothing in my ownership, but was bought cheaply knowing it needed 2 rear wheel bearings and clutch replacement.

Nothing else has gone wrong; a tribute to the quality build of these cars.

Other work done has included standard servicing items; oil and filter change etc. I've also converted it to run on waste vegetable oil which makes running costs very cheap.

General Comments:

Excellent car generally; although being non-turbo overtaking needs to be planned.

Car handles well for a big saloon.

Good fuel economy on a run 45 mpg plus.

Comfortable, but feels somewhat old fashioned given it's now 16 years old.

Apart from 2-3 small surface rust spots the paintwork/bodywork is excellent.

Faults:

The boot has rust creeping through the lock barrel, due to age. Having it repaired soon. The passengers heated seat only works on one setting (Switch needs replacing). Airbag needs replacing (past its use by date, no fault of the car).

General Comments:

The car is quick once you have it revving (same problem as my old 16V GTI).

Its more a cruiser than an out and out hot rod.

The handling is fantastic my car is lowered with larger wheels and tyres, but have been told the 2.5 handles well in stock form.

As well is the steering with the quicker ratio steering rack it allows you to feel the car in the corners.

My car comes with the leather heated seats which are very comfortable, but the seat bases could do with been position a little higher (common problem on all 190 models).

Also the position of the steering wheel is a little low (you catch your knees on it when getting in or out)

Faults:

Recently the thermostat cover cracked. I replaced it with a genuine Mercedes part for a very reasonable £14.

The battery fitted turned out to be incorrect so that has been replaced with the correct item. (not the cars fault)

General Comments:

This is the first Mercedes I have owned. She may be old, but she is in excellent condition with no rust whatsoever. The engine pulls nicely with no smoke on startup and every service item is easy to get too. I was pleasantly surprised at the price of parts, actually cheaper to run than my old Nissan 200SX turbo and the Mercedes is so much more car for the money. I can safely say I will never buy another make of car.

Faults:

Differential failed at 145,000 miles.

Engine completely rebuilt at 145,000 miles by Crewe engines, at cost of £3800. Highly recommended engine company, car now goes like new. :)

Electric window switches failed at 150,000 miles.

Electric sunroof failed at 150,000 miles.

Thermostat replaced at 150,000 miles due overheating.

General Comments:

Not as quick as my previous E30 M3, and doesn't handle quite as well, but really is a very 'together' car to drive.

A lot much more refined than the BM, works very well as an inconspicuous town car / cruiser, but if provoked can still deliver a serious thrill.

MUST be serviced by a specialist as most Mercedes dealers don't seem to know about checking the cam chain tension every 15,000 miles and also have a tendency to use standard Mercedes fluids rather than the higher spec'd ones required for this car.