1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.3-16 review from North America
"Mercedes saloon with an attitude"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Zinc plated studs for the valve cover have stripped out.
The Magnesium valve cover has been slowly flaking.
Dashboard is cracking.
Hat rack is warping.
Engine occasionally stops in hot, humid weather when letting off the throttle abruptly due to faults in the Bosch KE-Jetronic mfi system.
Master cylinder is leaking into the cockpit.
After 20 years, all the rubber begins to need replacing. This includes brake lines, suspension bushings, weatherstripping, and water hoses.
Alternator died.
The stopwatch LCD screen is bleeding.
General comments?
All in all this is a fairly well developed automobile. For a twenty year old, high performance sports sedan it is very reliable despite the large list of failures I have recorded. The car is very comfortable yet it likes to get up and go when you ask it to and can even handle better than many modern cars. I would have to say that the biggest disappointment is the lack in power. This engine, if outfitted with electronic fuel injection would be much more powerful and fuel efficient. 2.3-16 is a definite future collector's item with a rich racing pedigree. If you don't mind the high price of upkeep and the necessity of having a garage, then this would be a great piece of automotive history to own.
Recommended reviews
| Overall the 190E 2.3 is an inexpensive, yet reliable and entertaining vehicle |
|
| 300,000 miles and still going strong |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | m102.983 2.3 litre 16v Cosworth head Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 137000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 155000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Bonneville |
| Date of Entry | 10th August, 2006 |