1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 D 2.5 2.5 diesel from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Substance exemplified: a bare bones diesel rocket, inspires total confidence

Faults:

Replaced old shock absorbers and various worn suspension bushes and rubbers etc. when purchased.

Fitted new water pump when purchased.

There is a minor leak in the automatic transmission, from a sensor plug, which unfortunately cannot be rectified without removing and dissembling the transmission to access the plug housing.

There is a sensor on the fan belt that disables the air conditioning when maximum power is required, and if belt slip is detected. The sensor malfunctioned, and required rectification.

General Comments:

This car is marvellous; at its best on the highway.

A beautiful drive. After 22 years and 275,000 kilometres, and a few dings and scrapes, there is not a single rattle.

It might be old technology to go without a turbo, but the 2.5 makes an excellent argument: at around 7 litres/100kms, clockwork reliability, and plenty of torque.

Not much glamour; all substance.

I strongly recommend picking one up!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2007

11th Feb 2009, 10:44

A turbo adds stress to engine and excess heat... Turbodiesels require more effort to keep running... must change oil more often for turbo to last.. also cooling issues are greater..

I own a 85 190D with 2.2... Slow as hell.

30th Nov 2009, 07:00

I have a 1988 190d. It's done close on 400,000 and still does just under 8 litres to 100km. An absolutely wonderful car.

30th Nov 2009, 13:40

Hi I'm twenty and am the proud owner of a 91 E300 with the 3.0 liter inline six. I love my car, but what could be done to increase power as it is very slow. I don't race my cars and drive slower than most people, but I also have a 98' Crown Vic and the difference is night and day. I know the Benz will never be as fast as my V8 Vic, but I would at least like a little more power. Please help. Thanks!

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 190E 2.0 from Nigeria

Summary:

Fabulous

Faults:

Bought the Car with a faulty Distributor Head. (Previous owner intimated me about the problem)

Got it fixed $180.

Started to Rattle a little bit which is expected in a Car this old.

Power Steering fluid leaking, Replaced.

Front shocks are a bit dodgy... will get around to it later.

General Comments:

I absolutely love this car. It's got Character. A distinct personality of it's own. The seats feel like Baby car seats Practically hugs you.

The single wipers makes Honda's envious

Handles like a Dream.

The clutch has got what I call a "jump off".

The A/C will give you frost bites in the Scorching Nigerian sun

And oh my God, you should have seen the look of utter bewilderment on the face of some Dude in a 2004 BMW 5 series when I did the Michael Shumacher on him on the motorway. He had to pick is jaw off the floor.

When it's Washed and waxed it Blings.

And...Yeah Mercedes stopped making Mercedes. Thank God I have one of the Classics.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2005

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Best value overall for the money I spent

Faults:

Belt tensioner was replaced. Flex disc on drive axle replaced. Power steering unit leaks, but still works well. Electrical system sometimes acts up. (wipers and radio turn on by them selves with the car off) Seems to shift harder than other models.

General Comments:

Lack of power.

Very comfortable for a tall person.

Handles well.

Hard to find parts.

The southern sun has worn out the paint on the hood, roof and trunk only.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2004

20th Oct 2005, 00:17

The funny thing with 40MPG 190D's is that when you manually shift the Automatic transmission from #2 to Drive at about 35MPH give or take, the car is a HECK of a lot faster than in just putting it in plain Drive no matter what, weird huh! It's been like that with 3 different 190D's.

TIP: To those who drive 190D's and other diesel vehicles, it's OK to put the diesel petal to the floor all the time because it won't hurt the engine (it's a diesel!), as long as the engine is warmed up of course. My 190D has about 500,000 miles on the engine.