1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 review from UK and Ireland

General wear and tear, eg exhaust, sensors for coolant and screenwash.

Recurrent carburettor trouble (see below).

Leak at rear window into boot - fixed using silicone sealant around rubber seal.

Lock for boot and ignition switch.

The 190 has the best seats I have ever had in a car. Sadly, the rear legroom is limited.

The boot is enormous.

It is extremely easy to drive and park, and has a tiny turning circle.

It feels very well put together, it runs quietly and smoothly, like a much larger car, and generally is a delight to own and use.

There has been one niggling problem, though. Some early 190s had a Pierburg carburettor. This requires a lot of expert adjustment, and needs to be kept topped up with oil if the car is to run properly. Not all mechanics, even those specializing in Mercs, seem able to adjust them correctly. If you can find one who knows (and cares) what he's doing, the car will run like a dream, otherwise, it will seem strangely underpowered. Significantly, Mercedes switched to fuel injection early on in the 190's history, and also used an alternative carburettor, the Stromberg.

I avoid the franchised dealers, as they are expensive, and use independent Merc specialists who, apart from apparent unfamiliarity with the Pierburg carburettor at one, have been excellent.

The number of old 190s and 190Es on the roads suggests that these are very robust, good value cars.