1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 E review from Australia and New Zealand
"Amazing car - among the best Mercedes have ever built"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A/C needs recharging.
Very slight oil leak from front of cylinder head - 1 litre of oil every 3,500 kms.
Needs new tyres - the ones that are on it are old and hard.
General comments?
A fantastic car. Drives brilliantly - it feels like new. My 16 year old son asked "is it a sports car or a luxury car?" when we took it for a test drive, and that sums up its dual character perfectly. It is as quick as our Honda Prelude, but it has 4 doors and all of the creature comforts, along with a much smoother ride.
It doesn't go around corners like our Prelude, but then, that's not what it's for. In fact - while looking very similar on paper in terms of performance, you couldn't get 2 cars with greater differences in the way that they deliver that performance. Both are absolutely brilliant in their own way, but the Prelude is a pure sports car, and the 190E is a sports saloon. That said, it does handle incredibly well. It just needs better tyres to make the most of the potential.
The interior is in amazing condition for its age - I have been in 2 and 3 year old cars which show more wear. Mercedes really did build these things properly.
We took it to our local Mercedes specialist for a service soon after we bought it - we have been taking our cars there for the last 10 years - and he said that it was basically a new car, to all intents and purposes. The slight oil leak is VERY common on this model, and we have been assured by our mechanic that it is absolutely nothing to worry about.
To sum it up - what a car! Everyone who rides in it comments on its performance, ride, comfort and looks. What more could you ask?
Recommended reviews
| 1988 - 190 E Sport 2.0 8v gas 4-cylinder Built like a bomb shelter. And surprise! It handles great! |
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| An incredible bargin |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1989 |
| Year of manufacture | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.6 6 cylinder petrol Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 165000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 178500 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz W115 |
| Date of Entry | 4th September, 2008 |