1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 190E review from UK and Ireland

Replaced radiator at 10 years old.

Leak in boot that couldn't be traced even after replacing boot seal.

Small rust patch inside door frame next to door strap - acceptable for a 10 year old car.

Electric sunroof stuck open - needed a new switch. Luckily you can wind it in manually using a winder in the boot.

W201 - one of the last of the proper "engineered" Mercedes, before the accountants at Daimler Chrysler took over.

1.8 engine is a bit slow, get the 2.0 for extra zip in acceleration. However the 1.8 will cruise comfortably all day long on the motorway once up to speed.

Manual gearbox a bit notchy, not as fluid and light as a Ford. Most 190s come with autoboxes for this reason. You should pay less for a manual.

Good mpg from the 1.8 manual, performance benefitted greatly from using Super unleaded petrol

Quality wise this car couldn't be faulted, first class materials throughout designed to last. A colleague bought one of the first C Class' and you could see straight away where savings had been made, and that's just the interior. My car still looked factory fresh at 10 years old.

I had very few faults with my 190E, I put this down to the FMBSH it had. Speaking of servicing it was a bit of a pain having to get the oil dropped out every 6k, but I made a cost saving by using a fast fit outfit for this and only using a main agent for the major 12k service - competitive at the time for around £149.