Comments: 1-15, 16-17
New SRS controller. Got used part saved 1,000 dollars.
Tail Lights were wired incorrectly causing fuses to blow. Easy and cheap fix.
This car is a phenomenal value for the money. When you drive one of these cars you would think that it's only 4 or 5 years old, when in actuality, it is 14 years old.
When you push this car to it's operating limits, it responds to your every command. Aim the 3 Point Star on the hood where you want, and the car WILL follow.
Built solid as a rock! Doors still close with a thunk. Cabin is air-tight. Seats are ultra-comfortable. Climate Control works like a charm. Not one squeak or rattle.
The 103 engine is remarkable smooth. Transmission Shifts are punchy, and crisp. When started in 1st gear the acceleration is incredible (almost impossible given the price). During normal driving car starts off in 2nd gear, leading some to think the car has poor performance. (Little do they know!)
To sum it up. If you can get one at a good price, RUN don't walk. and pick up a 190E 2.6 today.
Well, if we all were so lucky with our Mercedes Benz 190E 2.6...because I'm definately not. Along with 169,500 miles, my rear windows don't work, air conditioner is broken, center vents don't work for the heat, I get about 5 days on a full tank of Premium gas, it constantly needs oil, the alarm had to be disconnected after an embarassing malfunctioning, having to warm up my car for 10 minutes on winter mornings so it drives somewhat decently on my way to school, and the worst part yet-the rough idle! That whenever I'm stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake all it does is shake... hows that for comfort? well consider yourself lucky if you consider your 14 year old car wonderful. and yes I'm only 18 years old also. Wanna trade cars?
Hmm.
Sounds like you need to Maintain your car. Any car needs maintenance and it sounds like you don't have money to fix it.
To correct the shaking in idle, read this link: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1176588&posts=7&fid=14.
Good luck!
Heat does not flow through the center vents. its designed so that old cold air flows through there. My 190 2.6 gets 22mpg. which depending on how much you drive would very well equal 5 days. the car only has a 14 gallon tank. if you join a forum you'll find most of the problem you are having are easily fixed.
I had recently bought a 89 Mercedes Benz 190E a month ago. I had a minor transmission leak but fixed that.
I have finally been able to drive the car for the first time today. I went 35 miles with no problems. No jerking. Shifting was fine. No shaking, nor any other problems until I had come to a red light and stopped. When the light turned green I stepped on the gas; the engine revved, but the car did not go forward. Now it would go in reverse. If I got the engine to get to about 4-5000 RPM, the car would creep forward. Now I hope that the transmission is not shot, and that it is just a problem with the shifting gears, but there were no warning signs to help me determine what the actual problem is.
If anyone has an idea of what it is, or what it could be, other than the tranny is broke, please email me at mrcutchens@gmail.com
How is the Auto fluid level?
Sounds like it could be low...
Best car I ever owned as far as handling, braking and steering. Unfortunately repairs can be expensive.
I bought a 1989 U.S. 190e 2.6 which was the least problematic year. After 12 thousand miles I have spent about 4 grand on mechanical repairs. Maintenance is high on a Mercedes; I should have bought a Honda Civic. Though I smile every time I cruise the highway in this beauty. Excellent handling.
I am considering myself a happy camper!!! I am buying my first 190e 2.6 tomorrow 1989. She is grey with lighter grey on the bottom half... runs like a top and feels so smooth to drive... can't wait to insure it!
One problem I noticed is that the rear door panels the leather is coming off... does anyone know a quick fix for this problem???
I own a 1989 2.6 W201 Mercedes Benz. The first time it landed in my garage I was so disappointed knowing the car was out of tune! It couldn't even run after a 1000cc car. I made some PMS, replaced some under-chassis parts and tuned the car to its tiptop condition. Now what? After spending 60 grant, oh my! The pretty girl turns into lovely lady! Making remarkable turns and speed was really great!
Take note that 2.6 W201 will not give you the power and reliability if not well maintained and not taken cared for.
Just got a 89 190E, and I'm curious to what my rpms should be at while doing 60 m.p.h.? I think that its about 3000 rpm. Seems too high to me. Am I wrong?
Hi.
I would like to know what fuse is what, I have a 190e, but the fuse-box is marked in German. I don't understand the language, can anyone tell me which fuse is for the rear windows?
I bought a 1989 190E for 2400. I asked the dealer to replace what was needed and they did most of it for 200 extra.
The flex disc, fan belt, repacked the wheel bearings and changed the oil. Later I found out I needed to replace the front wheel bearing on one side. And also I paid 600+ at a great shop to fix and replace the A/C compressor.
After all that, and one front end part and alignment and new tires, she's the best car and the most fun to drive. It's 20 years old, but people are right here, it's pretty impressive on the highway and around town driving.
I bought it with 118, and it had 126 now. I didn't drive it much for a year but drive it often now.
I bought a 2004 320 e wagon, and the 190 is more fun to drive.
It gets about 22-23 on the highway, and it's worth the effort to keep it going.
I paid 2400, and think I've added 2400 and it may need some work in the future. The fan motor for the heater has been squeaking since I've owned it and maybe a heater core. Both are big repair jobs, but if I can find a good shop to do it.. it's worth it.
Mike
mikeault@verizon.net
Just bought a 1990 or 91 2.6 with 67 000. Paid 4600$ with taxes, at a local Mercedes used car dealer.
I drove it, loved it for its power and punchy yet secure shifts of the tranny (AT). I also let my mom drive it, and she drives slower, so she complained about the transmission shifting hard and jerking.
So I took the car around the block, like an hour later, and I drove slow like her, the tranny did really kick into second very hard... but 3rd came very smooth and soon I was doing 50 mph on 30 limit... so I slowed down and thought nothing is wrong. Is this model known for having tranny problems, and if so at what mileage, and under what conditions.
I just learned how to check the tranny oil, but it is raining and I will do it tomorrow. Any ideas or suggestions to what should I do if the tranny is really shifting hard into 2nd. Consider it has 67k miles. Thanks and enjoy the Mercedes Benz, if you have one, and maintain it.
P.S. I'm thinking of flushing the tranny oil and adding new, after changing the filter.
Teo.
August 7th 2009
I have a 1989 190E 2.6. This car drives great.
I bought it when it was well maintained. The only problem with my car is lots of minor leaks, but I love it. The engine is well tuned, but now I need to change the radiator, it has a slow leak, steering fluid leak is leaking, but I keep on adding fluid... the heater is leaking badly, so it seems as if I will be in danger in winter because if I put the blower on the car overheats..
But other than that, the car engine is great. I have 109K miles, I bought it when it was at 63k miles and the engine is great! My plan is to fix it slowly. Nothing really mechanical, only leaks.. if not the heater, which can be expensive to fix..
Hey yall.
I've had my 190E for 4 years now and it has 322,000+ miles on it (ya I know it's crazy) and was running like a charm.
Recently it has not been charming at all by mode stalling out when not moving, but I fixed that.
Also, the next day it will not switch into any gears other than reverse. Just before this happened it was very lurchy and made some horrendous grinding noses (about 4 -5 times). Now I have no more grinding noise, but when I start and step on the gas it just revs up REALLY high and never hits any gears. It's an automatic, and I'm going to get some tranny fluid. Will update later.
If you have comments e-mail me mik3y.nc@live.com
kthanksbye.