1990 Benz 190E Gas

Mercedes
1990 W201 190E 2.6

I
have owned and driven this car since 2007. It has served well and
relatively trouble-free. It is not a perfect vehicle but it IS a
Benz.

Characteristics:

1.
Straight, rustfree, never hit.

2.
Florida UV has embrittled front and rear plastic valences. Big
pieces have fallen off. Only cosmetic.

3.
Engine runs great but uses a quart of oil every 750. This has been
the case since I bought it. VERY oddly, the oil never gets black. I
have stopped changing it since about 2012, but just add when the
light comes on. Lifters click on starting sometimes. I have a new
set for installation, reportedly a very easy job. It has an odd
habit of going to fast idle every so often, but corrects itself.
Seems to have some blowby so I added an oil vapor recovery device
just after buying. Couple years back had a bout of bad
starting/running. Autobahn fixed it.

4.
Transmission perfect. Long ago disconnected the silly cold-weather
shift lock.

5.
No measurable leaks

6.
Replaced diff several years ago.

7.
Does not consume brake pads. Changed recently due to squeal. Old
ones were still 85%

8.
Bought off Ebay from Tampa with 180,000, now 250,000.

9.
All maintenance records since 2007

10.
Drives perfectly at all speeds. Cruise control NF but I think it is
a trivial cause, probably in the speedo pickup.

11.
Rear tires edge worn, formerly on front, damaged by misadjusted front
end.

12.
Original Becker Europa works but antenna disconnected. Easy repair.

13.
A/C excellent (134A). I didn’t use it for a couple years and it
worked when needed. I recently added half a can refrigerant to make
it perfect. New blower recently. Heater disconnected.

14.
Some pieces dismounted in interior but present. LR window doesn’t
work but I think it is an easy repair. Little cover on wiper arm
missing.

15.
Lights, controls, indicators OK but SRS light comes on occasionally.
I determine cause is dirt on steering wheel slip ring. European
‘park’ lights NF. Probably an easy fix if desired.

16.
Sunroof needs an occasional spritz with silicone. Always closes when
you take your time. Great pleasure to drive open in evenings.

17.
Coolant system great. New radiator and fan bearing last year.

18.
New car cover. Some spare parts. CD workshop manual. Good jack,
spare, wrench.

19.
Quiet, civilized, anonymous little car. Not impossibly complicated
like modern cars. Almost no computers; nothing automatic. You have
control of everything.

20.
Service after sale. I can talk you through any issues you have, for
as long as you own it and when I am in town. I know an awful lot
about W201s.

21.
There certainly are other issues I have omitted, but nothing that
will keep the car in the drive. For this price you will not be
disappointed.

This
is the best car I have ever owned. A close friend has given me his
old Cherokee and even though an inferior car, it is the designated
replacement for this one. I have always said about it, “It is
either ‘anonymous elegance’ or ‘elegant anonymity’.”.