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.
For leaks in boot check channels in sunroof, I have same model and same problem. Channels should be cleaned from time to time.
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