1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 review from North America

On one of the Continental tires, the tread started to separate. Replaced tires.

The thermostat housing (made of plastic) broke.

Clutch pedal has excessive travel.

Previous owner replaced (among many other things) the complete exhaust system, and the head was removed and valves ground.

I purchased this car off a friend who had had it special ordered from the factory. He complained of very poor service by MBZ, and spent a fair amount of money on it before I purchased it from him in L.A.

Once I owned it, I replaced the tires and installed quality sheepskin covers on the front chairs. I found the seats, even with power adjustment and pneumatic lumbar support to be borderline uncomfortable. Once the covers were on, it was comfy.

It had regular oil changes and the brake pads were replaced when required. I moved north to Canada and only sold it as it didn't suit the northern climate (namely the winter). Besides, Canadian mechanics seemed as if they equated a MBZ driver with delivering copious bills for repair.

If you can find a good one, get it. They're solid and corner really well. With the 4 cylinder and 5 speed, I had to throttle the car to get it moving, but it never ever balked. Never burned oil either. They're quiet inside too, if you like that. The interior is inviting with real wood and MBTex upholstery is tough.

I think it's a great car for a teener learning to drive. It has an airbag and it's built like a vault.