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replacing my 190e; what model merc to replace it??
Topic Started: Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:32 pm (862 Views)
julian
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I've had my1993 K 190E 2.0 for 8 years now, and it has been the best car i've ever purchased. Unfortunately it's getting a bit tatty, I've worn through the edge of the drivers seat getting in and out. Acquired a few dints, hardly any rust, although when windscreen was replaced recently, the frame was severely corroded. The dashboard lights have gone dim, don't know why. and the lugs that secure the sun visor have broken either side. Not major stuff but time consuming and pricy to put right. It still runs like a dream though, and could keep it for years, only done 144000 miles. But i'm thinking of the C class as a replacement. However a rep who visits us regularily had one for three years, and slagged the thing off, saying it was nothing but trouble. Also i believe the build quality of Mercs sinse the 190E has fallen, am i right? If anyone has experience of the c class, or can offer what they reckon would be the best Mercedes option to replace my beloved 190E i would be interested to know. would spend up to 6 grand. The reason i'm asking is i would like to stick with a merc. But my brother has a VW passatt which i'm extremely impressed with, having borrowed it on numerous occasions. I believe it's almost the same as an Audi. In fact someone told me it was except for the badge, weather it true i'm unsure. My brother's had it for around 5 years, and it is as bullett proof as my 190E, in fact he's spent less in maintenance and repairs than me, and done more mileage. It's a V reg, not sure of the year, but goes like Shit off a shovel, and handles far better than the 190 Also many extras with the VW air con being the main one, which my 190E lacks. Better stereo equip, and so on. It's petrol, but i would like either a Merc or VW and consider the diesel option as i'm in for some high mileage in the coming 2 years. Anyway any opinions will be welcome and replied to.
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Neil
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The Passat sounds good, i like the new ones.

The W202 C-Class has a bad rep especially from older MB mechanics.
Serious wiring-harness issues (expensive to fix) and a Harmonic Balancer (?) recall
didn't help their case.
Many i see look more tired than most 190s, the accountants had dug their
heels in by 1996.
A late W124 (1993-1996) would be lovely but i get the feeling you want a smaller, more
nimble car.

If it were me, i'd be seeing how much BMW 3-Series i could get for my dough ;)
Good luck
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cossie connoisseur
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there can be only one ;-)
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How about a decent Audi S4 :)
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Neil
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this thread should be in the 190 room, methinks...
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dave_irl
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If I had 6 grand to spend on a car it would go straight into my 190. Much more unique than a Passat!

Why not upgrade the suspension on the 190, they have one of the best handling chassis of many cars when set up properly. And fix the few niggles she has, it will be cheaper and easier than you may think, and you could get a second love for your car. ;)

Thats just me though.
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Neil
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£6k = nice 2.5-16...
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smugla
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i whould go for a honda ledgend


my father bought a E240 elegance from new r reg

and i whould avoid unless you have a big budget nice car but if anyhing goes wrong mega bucks also merc decided to use WATER base paint on these cars and so alot have rust although they will change any rust problems


if it has to be a merc id go for the C220 sport cheep at the moment
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julian
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Thanks people for the quick response. Apologies 190Evoluzione New to the site, and a bit confused, navigating, i'll get used to it though, promise. :) Some good advice cheers. Hi Smugla, I do like the Honda legends, i'll take a look cheers, didn't think they would be in the price range. Hi cossie connoisseur i'll take a look at this Audi S4 do like Audi, but seem pricy. The passatt is a good motor, and tepmting. But i'm now already put off the C class, with your comments and others I've heard, think I'll give them a miss. With regard to BMW most over rated car ever produced, all models new or old and ludicrously overpriced.

I think dave_irl may have the solution stick with what i know best. The 190E I have is pretty basic though, plastic wheel covers, no air con, no electric rear windows/sunroof has ABS though. I'm thinking now of getting a real good condition 190E They seem hard to find though, like to have nice alloys; air con; really like the rear boot spoiler too, dramatically improves the look of a 190 only problem is the 190's I've seen are mostly Auto, and I hate Aotumatics almost as much as BMW's
Does the190E 2.5-16...I assume valve; come with all this, can't seem to find one anywhere. I have noticed ThankThelord's dads lovely car, but i have to insist on a manual box. Anyway people thanks a bunch for your replies. Great website, will be here for a long time I hope.

Kind Regards to you all.












dave_irl :mellow: :huh: :huh: :huh: <_< <_< <_< :) :)
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merc190uk
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The Godfather

plenty of 16vs out there with manual boxes
and aircon etc but i have to say they can be expensive to look after properly.

the other choice is the 2.6 6cyl model
maybe a sportsline one but getting thin on the ground now.

only 165 bhp but very smooth engines and a lot of the 2.6s came with highish spec.

just another option.


6k though and high miles in the future i would go for the passat. good work horses if a bit dull.


p.s turn your trip reset button to the right

thats your dimmer swith for the dash lights :D
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JensonGB
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Have a look in the classified section, in the ebay bit there is a 2.5 16v manual for sale and there alway cars popping up in there that members of the forum find and pass on and some of which they have actually viewed so their comments are invaluable

Good luck with your search
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pentoman
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The passat is similar to the Audi A4 underneath. It has loads of interior space and the biggest boot I've ever seen in saloon form.

My parents currently have 2. On one (1.8 20v) the steering is ridiculously sharp for some reason, it requires real concentration not to dart off the road! Common problems are squeaky front suspension requiring replacement, keep an eye out for that.

Have to disagree with you on the handling, its totally b*llocks in my opinion! It does feel sharper and less 'old man' though. I used to love VWs but find the passat very boring, but as boring modern cars go they are very attractive for size/refinement/equipment and so on, and are a more modern drive than a 190E. A C-class is a good balance between the two types of car. It's the V6s that have the harmonic balancer failure problem which is not the end of the world. The interior quality is naff but if you can get past that, the engineering underneath isn't too bad if not as strong as the 190E.
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julian
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merc190uk
Jan 17 2007, 09:54 PM
plenty of 16vs out there with manual boxes
and aircon etc but i have to say they can be expensive to look after properly.

the other choice is the 2.6 6cyl model
maybe a sportsline one but getting thin on the ground now.

only 165 bhp but very smooth engines and a lot of the 2.6s came with highish spec.

just another option.


6k though and high miles in the future i would go for the passat. good work horses if a bit dull.


p.s turn your trip reset button to the right

thats your dimmer swith for the dash lights :D

Hi merc190uk thanks for your advice, although i could be doing some higher mileage, i've definitely decided to stick with a 190e, really fancy a 2.6 too, been having a look around on the net, but not found anything in superb nick. Thanks a lot also with regard to trip reset button, i'm amazed having had this car for near 8 years, not knowing that, have trawlled the hand book too, maybe i missed something. Just got home, so will try this tomorrow.

Brilliant cheers
Julian
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julian
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pentoman
Jan 18 2007, 11:14 AM
The passat is similar to the Audi A4 underneath. It has loads of interior space and the biggest boot I've ever seen in saloon form.

My parents currently have 2. On one (1.8 20v) the steering is ridiculously sharp for some reason, it requires real concentration not to dart off the road! Common problems are squeaky front suspension requiring replacement, keep an eye out for that.

Have to disagree with you on the handling, its totally b*llocks in my opinion! It does feel sharper and less 'old man' though. I used to love VWs but find the passat very boring, but as boring modern cars go they are very attractive for size/refinement/equipment and so on, and are a more modern drive than a 190E. A C-class is a good balance between the two types of car. It's the V6s that have the harmonic balancer failure problem which is not the end of the world. The interior quality is naff but if you can get past that, the engineering underneath isn't too bad if not as strong as the 190E.

Hi pentoman thanks for all that info. Ironically i was looking aroung my brothers passatt today, although I think this is a good car, after the response on this site, i've realised that sticking with a 190E has to be my best option. After all owning this car for nearly 8 years with very little going wrong with it, has to say something about the quality of this motor. My Bro also had a good look around my 190 and reminded my that at 14 yo and 144000 miles, this was in incredible condition, you won't see many cars on the road looking this good with that history, which on reflection i have to totally agree. Not often i agree with little Bro :P
Cheers pentoman
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julian
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JensonGB
Jan 17 2007, 09:55 PM
Have a look in the classified section, in the ebay bit there is a 2.5 16v manual for sale and there alway cars popping up in there that members of the forum find and pass on and some of which they have actually viewed so their comments are invaluable

Good luck with your search

Hi Jensongb thanks for that, i have had a look on e-bay I'll look again for this 2.6. I may have seen it but not liked something. I really do want to find a 190 in superb condition though, i really did look after my 190, but the past couple of years has been so busy running my business I'ts been a bit neglected. I'm going to bide my time with this one though, i really do want to get a top notch 190e after all I've got one already that's doing it's job admirably so there's no rush.
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Waynec1980
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Well heres my opinion.

I loved my 190 and never thought I could feel better about a car than I did about that one.
I decided to start looking for a worthy replacement.
I always slagged off C Class's as the build quality was poor. Having driven loads my opinion never changed until.........
......I drove the C36.
I wanted one from the moment I sat in it. It just feels so much better built than the standard C Class.
Maybe its because of the AMG. ;)
I then decided to buy a C43 AMG as my opinion was the same and there is not a lot of difference between the 2.

You can pick up a very smart C36 for under 6k and that is what I would go for.

Good luck.

Wayne
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