1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 E review from North America

Leaking oil gasket from around the engine block, replaced recently.

Radiator leak. Replaced last year.

Heater core failure. Will be replaced shortly.

Electrical short causing car to stall out, fixed last year.

Emergency brake failure, replaced recently.

Rear brakes and rotors replaced.

The 190E has been a pleasure to own despite the rather long list of repairs listed above. For the most part it is an extremely reliable car and with 165,000 miles clocked on, it still runs incredibly smooth. I quite frequently drive it for three hours at a time on the weekends and it always brings me safely home without anything to worry about. A wonderfully constructed car!

The car is quick and peppy, although not as fast as my old Mazda Miata. It accelerates smoothly and has enough power for getting out of any tight spots. The gears are firm and the first up shift will definitely get your attention if you've been driving American cars for a long time.

It handles through just about anything and I doubt you could do anything to lose control of the car. It is responsive in the corners, a very stable ride and feels very reassuring to drive.

I have to say, it's built like a bomb shelter and when the door closes you feel like you are driving something very safe. You know that if anything were to go wrong, the car will definitely take care of you. It has excellent safety restraints and even has an airbag for the drivers side.

I've driven the car non-stop since finding it in October of 1999 and I must say it is the safest, most reliable, and most confident driving car I have ever had the pleasure of owning.