Mercedes 190E

[Maxtek]

Just curious what everyone thinks of 190e's?
What's the build quality like compared to E30's, these seem like the closet alternative to an E30.

[ross_jsy]

They are very well built and nice turds. Not as happening as an e30 but I would love a Cosworth

[Maxtek]

They are very well built and nice turds. Not as happening as an e30 but I would love a Cosworth

Yeah I really like the Cosworth's and the body kit that comes with them, however still no contest for an E30 in my eyes.

[Bristol_Jer]

What are the 2.6 190's like? I know someone who had a 2.0 one, but don't know much about the 2.6's

[S38B38]

These W201 are unbeliveble good cars,, a lot better vs E30,, but 325 vs 190E 2.6 is always a win for E30 as a faster more responce quicker etc,,, but as a daily regular car the 190 is a better option IMO

[Maxtek]

Hmm, I would have thought that the 2.6 190E would have spanked a 325i in a race (going off wiki info) and a typical 190E looks a lot more basic interior wise than a mid-spec E30, interesting.

[bab-91]

They are very well built and nice turds. Not as happening as an e30 but I would love a Cosworth

+1


The fact that 190 cosworth's aren't as much of a cult car, you can still get one at reasonable money.


Compare e30 M3 prices to 190 Cosworth prices


I'd pick one up if it crossed my path at the right time. The only thing I will say, this side of the water, parts are a nightmare to get!

[dickster]

What are the 2.6 190's like? I know someone who had a 2.0 one, but don't know much about the 2.6's

Thirsty but oh my, smoother than Roger Moore in a cashmere cod-piece standing in a barrel of Molyslip, superbly smooth! I had a Lexus LS400 soon after and I think the Merc was smoother, actually wish I hadn't sold it, I never really liked the 190 but my 2.6 completely changed my opinion of them.

[capri_rob]

Bodywork better than an E30, engines strong but dull and not a patch on Bmw.
I quite like them but not enough to Buy one. The "cosworth" is alright but it's no M3 and I'd take a blue oval Cosworth in a heartbeat over one of these.

[e30topless]

I have had many 190's I love them, steer clear of Manual cars mercs have crap boxes unless auto, the 1.8 is gutless and greedy the 4 pot 2.0 auto is a great car and the 6 pot 2.6 esp a sportline is awesome I have had a few cossies but I would rather a 2.6 sportline any day

Headgaskets can be weak, they rot around the arches/wing's inner sills, Door membrane's always let water in leading to rotten door cards/carpets and electric window drama's

Bushes and ABS parts are horrid expensive jobs and chances are it will have a noisy heater fan (that's if it still spins) again a nasty job and replacements are expensive/hard to find !

One day I may treat myself to a late 93' 2.0 auto LE in almondine or the 2.6 in Pete's passage if he will let it go !

[mabz]

my 2.3-16




nice cars can be pretty problematic though especially bodywork, this is my second cosworth bought it off a guy in his 70's who had it since 1989. its genuine 86k car all invoices mot's service books etc. its stored at the minute will be selling at somepoint when I can be bothered to put an advert together and brace myself to deal with idiots.

[RetroAde]

Friend of mine had a 2.6 Carat Duchatelet, great car! They're more cruisers, like most Mercs. Comfy, but not as engaging as an E30. Bulletproof build if they're anything like the two W124's I've owned.

[cheffy]

I've had 2 190 E's, and they are built like tanks, thick gauge steel, and very well put together, my 1st one was a manual 1.8 - and although it was no race car, it was a really great car, it was silver, a 92 K reg, and immaculate, I bought it from its 2nd owner, (about 13 / 14 years ago) who had 2 sets of wheels & tyres for it, 8 hole alloys for the summer, and steelies (with hub caps) for the winter, I had it for 3 1/2 years, got a C class 200 sport auto, hated it, then an E36 318, (loved that) then my 2nd 190 E which was a 2.0 auto in smoke silver, (also a 92 K reg) had AMG alloys and rear spoiler, had 105,000 miles on it when I bought it, with FSH, it was AMAZINGLY immaculate in every way, I only kept it for 18 months, but sold it for only £50 quid less than it cost me ! including the £700 I spent on it, got wheels refurbed, major service and new brakes all round - so, to answer your Q, they are built very well, and there are some good ones out there, 2.6 is great, but the 2.0 L is still a good car, but the one to go for has to be the Cossie, earlier ones were 2.3, later ones 2.5

[cheffy]

Hi maxtek, had a look last night on ebay, there's a few really nice late (the last of) 190E's inc 2 LE's, a couple of 2.6's and a really nice Cossie 2.5, if I didn't already have too many cars I'd be tempted, especially for the Cossie or the 2.6, but both the LE's are really nice.
Look at Classic cars on ebay, then click on Mercedes (of-course!)