| Welcome to Mercedes-190.co.uk We are the Mercedes 190 owners forum, the place to be for all owners and fans of the Mercedes 190E, 190 and 190D cars. Including Cosworth (2.3 16v and 2.5 16v), EVO 1 and EVO 2 models. Modified and concourse, track cars and daily drivers, all are welcome. This free UK based forum was started back in November 2005 to serve the Mercedes 190 W201 community and now has over 9000 members from all around the world and 600,000 + posts. The members welcome you and encourage you to stay a while and have a look around. We offer you friendly chat and access to some very useful information as well as tutorials with photos and videos for many common repair and maintenance jobs. Whatever your needs there is a good chance you will be able to find what your looking for. Such as our Mercedes 190 buyers guide Sign up to gain access to all areas including for sale / classified areas and country wide meetings and events. Many forum features and sections are only available once you sign up. Join our forum at mercedes-190.co.uk! If you're already a member please log in to your account: **New members signing up** please check your junk mail for the email authorization email otherwise we cannot verify your new account. I have noticed a lot of unauthorized accounts in the system. Regards Admin |
| Newbie...:)Buying Advice needed 190e 2.3 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:46 am (1,573 Views) | |
| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:46 am Post #1 |
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Newbie
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Greetings All... Being a noob and about to buy a 93, 190e 2.3(which is apparently a Cosworth) tomorrow morn, i need some advice please... This car has the sunroof and Recaro leather seats in the front but comes with a 4 speed gearbox...???It also does not appear to have the 3 extra gauges in the centre console. From what iv been reading, the 2.3 16v Cosworth came with the gauges and a Getrag 5 Speed box and the 3 gauges... Radiator needs to be replaced, both front windows arent working and the V belt needs to be replaced too. It does have FSH from the agents until 201k km and is now at 207k km. Price wise it seems quite reasonable but being a uni student, i dont wanna end up buying a DUD.. All and any advice would be most appreciated...:) |
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| stwat | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:55 am Post #2 |
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Hi, i replied to your PM but just to reiterate, do not buy this car until you know what it exactly is!!!! Where is the car advertised? Can you post a link so we can see the car? Is it a 4 speed manual or automatic? All manual 16v cars have a 5 speed getrag box. If it is a 93 2.3 it must be an 8v M102 engine and certainly not 16 valve 'cosworth' !! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR THINKING IT IS A COSWORTH because it simply isn't. |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:59 am Post #3 |
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I have this picture which the guy sent...Its taken from his mobile phone so the quality is weak...O by the way he says it has a "Slip Clutch".. What should i look out for? Any distinguishing features which will make this a 2.3 -16? And were Recaro only fitted as standard on the Cosworths? |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:00 am Post #4 |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:09 am Post #5 |
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Hi, Im located in South Africa if that helps... He says it a 4 speed manual...Im based in another city and iv emailed a friend who sort of knows cars the buying Guide i downloaded from the site so that he may have a form of reference when viewing it tomorrow morning. This guy is sort of desperate to sell and has other buyers but i thought id make super sure i know what im getting rather then getting my fingers burnt... Price wise, its cheap... abt, 22kZAR which is a lil under 1k sterling...Not really an ideal comparison cos iv been checking ebay and tons of excellent W201s for that price and less in the UK...In SA, ud pay between 40 to 50K ZAR for a decent 1...4k-5k Sterling So i thought, if service history is up till 201k and car is not smoking, and i spend abt ZAR7k which is a little less than 700 sterling, iv got a decent car.... |
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| stwat | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:18 am Post #6 |
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Loving this ![]() Well. The 2.3-16 was only made uo until 1988. And all manual boxes were the Getrag dogleg 5 speed. Looking at the pics it is just a 2.3 8 valve and has nothing whatsoever to do with Cosworth Engineering Get him to take a picture of the engine. A genuine one will look like this!!!!!!
Edited by stwat, Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:19 am.
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:24 am Post #7 |
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Thanks for that... If its a 8v M102, does that mean it still has a 2.3 Engine? And did those come with Recaro seats standard..Is that a good car to buy or should i just hold out until i come across a 2.3 Sportline? Really appreciate all the advice given...:) |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:34 am Post #8 |
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1 more thing, Not having driven the car, the seller has indicated the clutch is quite hard because he says it has L S D...But if its not a cossie, then i guess thats a prob....
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| stwat | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:39 am Post #9 |
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The full Recaro interior was only fitted to the cosworths as standard. The sportline models came in a few different guises. Some had only the sportline chassis, some had only the sportline interior which was the same as the cosworth 4 seat sports interior but not in leather. Some came with both the sportline chassis and the sportline 4 seat interior!! BUT! You could order just about any different individual spec of 190 that you wanted back in the day!! Just about every 190 out there is totally individual!! And just to add to the confusion, each country got different specs and options!!! America and mainland Europe had some very snazzy options whereas the UK got mostly plain options. So god only knows what type of options you had down there!!!!!!!!! Sorry if that only goes to confuse you more
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:47 am Post #10 |
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Well, all this info has definitely assisted... ![]() Il keep the forum updated as to what eventually transpires... |
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| stwat | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:56 am Post #11 |
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LSD has no effect on the clutch at all!!! The LSD is in the diff so doesn't have any direct contact with the clutch whatsoever! Id be vary careful about this car mate i really would. It sounds like the seller is making it up as he goes along
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| alogaparaloga | Sat Oct 9, 2010 2:58 am Post #12 |
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crazy mind
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You can ask the seller for the VIN number then it can be checked if its genuine or not. |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 8:26 am Post #13 |
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Hi the VIN Number he gave me was 201028g055962 |
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| CrysAk | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:29 am Post #14 |
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Moar Bass!
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not a cosworth and seller sounds like he either has no clue about cars (always a bad sign) or making stuff up again a bad sign) so unless your buying it for the same price as a 1.8 / 2.0 8v, i would steer clear saying that the 2.3 8v arnt a bad car so if the price is right and the cars in good condition it may be worth a look |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:45 am Post #15 |
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Its a 2.3 8v...A friend of mine went out to have a look at the car. He says its in rough nick. Leather seats and dash are in good condition. sunroof works but some dash lights are not working, most of the bottom exterior panels are falling off. Medium dent on boot lid which has some rust due to paintwork on the dent being bare. He says the engine has loads of loose wires and that the car started after about 4 turns of the key. Idle is fine but he says . "i couldnt get her into 1st gear for the life of me" Engines sounds clunky too, a sort of knocking noise he says...If the guy is willing to reduce his price by, say another 10k, will it make a good project car? |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:50 am Post #16 |
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Too Far Gone To Help
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Loads of 2.3 8V's in SA , although q rare here . He says he will reduce the price by 10K , how much is that ? Jeremy |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:52 am Post #17 |
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Too Far Gone To Help
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OK just done the converter , it's about £915 reduction. TBH we wouldn't even pay £915 for the car ..... How much does he want for it ? Jeremy |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:54 am Post #18 |
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Too Far Gone To Help
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BTW If it's an auto , you need to have the brake pedal pushed down to get it out of P or N Jeremy |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:58 am Post #19 |
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Hi Jeremy, Best u strap yourself into the chair before you read below. cos you probably going to fall off it... 25k ZAR at todays xchange rate.... Live rates at 2010.10.09 08:57:00 UTC 25,000.00 ZAR = 2,289.38 GBP[/b] "before"
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 10:00 am Post #20 |
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But i guess its not a fair comparison unless i import one into SA.... |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 10:08 am Post #21 |
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He has just sent me some more pics....![]() Uploaded with ImageShack.us ![]() ![]()
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| viffer | Sat Oct 9, 2010 11:27 am Post #22 |
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V4 Power
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Not an expert but that's got Sportline badges on the wings and a missing badge from the gear lever. Wasn't there an imported S.A 2.3 Sportline for sale recently on here but can't remember the price it was offered for by comparision. Nice looking car though but if it's got issues.... HTH |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 11:39 am Post #23 |
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Too Far Gone To Help
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Defo an 8V , but with sportline suspension it makes it quite desirable . TBH nice ones are really good cars . Can you get it fixed up at a good rate ? The gearbox problem MIGHT just be a selector bush has dropped out , which takes minutes to fix , and the part is pennies . For here that car would be overvalued . But the economics are very different in SA of course . Jeremy |
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| aemt | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:02 pm Post #24 |
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Serial 190E Owner
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Morning and welcome to the forum. Looks to me like a 2.3 8valve Manual Sportline - Assemble in SA Standard 4 speed box as opposed to optional 5 speed. Leather interior again an option. Should have air con and unlikely to have sun roof. Sump guard could well be steel as opposed to the more fragile plasticated thing we get here. Great engine. Car bodywork should realy be in rust free condition unless it spent alot of its life on the coast. Check out the air con and do not accept the excuse "it just needs a re gassing." It will be very uncomfortanle without working air con. LSD sounds right too. For general buying advice check the pinned guide for newbies. To be honest if you find a good one buy it. Preferably with the five speed box if you are goingto be traveling any distance. It makes a huge difference both on fuel and driving comfort. It is an insane car to drive in the manual version and great fun; without the potential expense of the 2.3 16 valve. In short you have chosen the right model; bur not necessarilly the right car. Heres some piccies of a genuine SA 2.3 8valve sportline. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Andy Edited by aemt, Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:09 pm.
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:23 pm Post #25 |
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Thanks for all the feedback... This is the current scenario.... *It does have a sunroof which sort of works.. *It does have an Aircon which apparently works...( iv yet to see this car in the flesh as im abt 600kms away..) In bed with the flu at that otherwise would have made the trip *Seller says it has a 4 speed box, my friend who went to see the car says its possibly a 5 speed... "before" Iv made an offer of abt 1400kSterling which he baulked at but iv been pushing him to think about it...It will cost me abt 1500K Sterling to get back into high spec... There is no rust as such but it has a rusty ding on the bootlid... ![]() ![]() Uploaded with ImageShack.us Well, i told him to take off the AMG rims which are currently fitted and replace them with the std Sportline ones and thus drop the price...Keeping fingers crossed, his currently thinking.... Failing which, perhaps i should import a190e Sportline from the UK. If any one has sent one to SA, im all ears... |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:38 pm Post #26 |
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And a picture of Andy's car that even he hasn't seen ...... winter frost ! ![]() Jeremy |
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| jeremy | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:40 pm Post #27 |
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You can use any 190 bootlid and the sacco panel is easy to replace too . Jeremy |
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:48 pm Post #28 |
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That is a sweet looking car...Finding one is SA in that nick is terribly difficult...Those who have keep, and those who want, well, write on forums asking for advice on how to get them ... Awesome Awesome Site guys, so glad i found it...Now if only this guy accepts my offer, i can start with the technical questions...
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:52 pm Post #29 |
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Btw, This is what iv just sold....and need to find a suitable replacement for....![]() ![]() Uploaded with ImageShack.us |
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| matth190 | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:12 pm Post #30 |
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190 squirt
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Nice MG mate. About the 190..I see that the left headlamp is full of water/rust. Seems nice and tatty in the same time! If your not in a rush, look for something else. Andy, did you sell your 2.3 8v? |
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| viffer | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:17 pm Post #31 |
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V4 Power
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Nice MG, what is it? 68/69. Damask red just like mine, a lovely rich colour. Since you're familiar with old motors, sorting out stuff is part of the fun! Good luck with the Sportline Edited by viffer, Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:20 pm.
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| viffer | Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:18 pm Post #32 |
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V4 Power
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Ooops, double post
Edited by viffer, Sat Oct 9, 2010 1:19 pm.
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| Benz_za | Sat Oct 9, 2010 9:56 pm Post #33 |
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@Matth190, Thanks Mate... Yeah, i agree, a confusing decision indeed...Iv told him to take of the Mag wheels and he seems adamant but lets see how this one pans out... I was thinking the same thing about looking for another, maybe i should let this one pass and wait to see what else i can find.. Il keep u guys posted...:) @viffer, She is a 67..Damask red indeed, i was a lil undecided whether i liked the colour when i first bought her, (blind buy if there ever was one, online shopping is for perfumes def not cars) but she grew on me...Almost made me take my hair out at times, but i guess that what marriage does to one... A screw diver and spanner set purchase and tons of research later signalled the start of a beautiful relationship... She misbehaved, i took her apart, welll lets just say she performed well after that... Yeah, i don't mind spending time and getting some grease under the nails to get the car sorted, its a far more rewarding experience...:) Say, if i happen to go the import route and source a 190e on Ebay, Gumtree etc etc, are there places i could send her to in the UK who will conduct a test, at my cost of course...I dont think my heart can take these blind buys any longer....
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| matth190 | Sat Oct 9, 2010 10:01 pm Post #34 |
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190 squirt
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Basically, the least you can do is locate the car, and ask someone who is near the location to go and have a look. If Andy's car is still not sold, I would suggest to have a great chat with him. Seriously you can trust the person on the car. She is so immaculate! |
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| aemt | Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:07 am Post #35 |
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Serial 190E Owner
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I would try and source a 2.3 or 2.6 in SA. They are more likely to be rust free and have a better spec. Air con and LSD are only specced on the higher end cars here but seem to be standard out there. Get the one you are looking at checked over and cost the work that needs doing Heres another in Cape Town so they are around. http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehicles-Motorbikes-Parts-cars-R35K-MERCEDES-BENZ-190E-SPORTLINE-2-3-F-HOUSE-TO-SWAP-FOR-SMALL-CAR-W0QQAdIdZ232619434. Good luck with your search |
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| Benz_za | Sun Oct 10, 2010 11:50 am Post #36 |
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@aemt...Thanks for that...Will check if its still available... |
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| Benz_za | Sun Oct 10, 2010 3:30 pm Post #37 |
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Hey guys, UPDATE We have managed to drop the price as we getting along so purchasing option is getting more attractive, as this will mean I can spend more to get her upto spec without over capitalising. However, She has the 4 speed manual box, would i be able to put a 5 speed box into her? |
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but she grew on me...Almost made me take my hair out at times, but i guess that what marriage does to one...
3:46 PM Jul 11