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1990 190e 2.5-16 Auto - Just Bought; Advice and Chat
Topic Started: Tue Jun 11, 2013 7:52 pm (3,608 Views)
hsdhingrauk
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Hi Everyone!

Well I finally bit the bullet and got myself a Cossie. 1990 2.5-16, Auto, Blk Leather, 157k on the clock. Everything works and has been well cared for by a Mercedes employee for the last 10 years. He did quite a bit to the car including:

- new brakes
- new gaskets
- removed rear wheel arches and cut out rust
- new tyres (Uniroyals)
- new exhaust (front to back)
- new SLS
- new front springs (15mm lower for better handling) - which I am thinking about replacing back to original (not a big fan of any mods at all).

Car runs great and I am keen to put some miles on it and see what the craze is all about. I have been stalking this model since 1990 and finally was able to find one in good shape.

Any suggestions or recos are very welcome. It has an after-marketing Alpine stereo with single CD in dash. Not crazy about it but at least I can play CDs. What I am after is the original Becker found in the later models that had a 6-disc in the boot. Any idea where I can get a hold of one?

Also the Tatcham 1 alarm is bit intrusive (not the nice subtle red light found in others). It looks a bit more bulky so I want to try and replace that.

Lastly, as I have kids, I want to get a pair of black booster seats that will find nicely in the rear Recaros. Would hate to have any imprints on the seats but I know this is a bit out there and I might not find anyone who found a good fitting booster seat.

I look forward to being on this site more often now that I am an owner. I take delivery within a week. I am new to the UK (from the US - but don't hold that against me please). Since I am only on Full UK licence for 1 year and 3 months, classic car insurers don't want to know me (yet). So, I found Aviva to be the best price. £493 for full comp with £550 excess and 3000 miles a year (I am only using the car for fun). In a year, I can get on Peter Best classic car insurance for £240 full comp and lower access.

Thanks for reading. Gibpetrol - your ex car is what really got me stirring about getting one asap. It is a real beaut!!
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stwat
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Hello and welcome.

It sounds like you have bought a good un. Throw some pictures on when you get a chance.


Stu
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Louie
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Pictures please :)
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aemt
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Welcome to the forum
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Cosworth
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Hi mate, welcome to the forum, congrats on your new purchase. I have a few cosworths myself.
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hsdhingrauk
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Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Will get some pictures by this weekend. Just sorting out insurance now. Breezed through MOT last week.

Last thing I forgot to mention. It has a Nokia phone installed which I want to unscrew/snip and hide wiring under the dash. Then put black hole covers to cover the screw holes discreetly.

It does have an ipod cable in the glove box which is a nice touch. I would really love a Becker 1432 radio to install with a 6-disc changer in the boot. anyone done that? This particular Becker is offered with an AUX input as well (put in tape mode and when your ipod is plugged into it, it plays. Otherwise the tape will play (I know - what is a tape you ask??).
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Paulossie
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Potato

Hello and welcome, I also have a silver 2.5 auto 1989
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PARI
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Addicted
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Welcome to the forum.

Where are you based in London. Nice to see more London folk joining.
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rockerted
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hi, and welcome to the forum,enjoy the car and the site..ted :driver:
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gibpetrolhead
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Hello and welcome. :)
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hsdhingrauk
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PARI - I am west of London - near Slough but work in London. Gibpetrolhead - love your ex-Cossie.
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gibpetrolhead
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hsdhingrauk
Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:39 pm
PARI - I am west of London - near Slough but work in London. Gibpetrolhead - love your ex-Cossie.
Thanks, I do miss her but the V8 is nice. ;)
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dj2909
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Hello & welcome too...... I'm in Uxbridge...just down the road from Slough.
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hsdhingrauk
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Hi DJ. Not far at all. Well I finally sorted out classic car insurance for the 2.5-16. Since I have only had a full UK for 1 year and 3 months, most insurers either don't want to know me or want to charge me a fortune to insure the car - even though I have been driving in the US for 25 years! The cheapest I was getting was with Aviva for traditional insurance, with the car under my wife's name. But once I put her NCD to zero (since we have another car that the NCD applies to), the price shot up in the £1000+ range. On a fluke, I googled and found Classicline Insurance (www.classiclineinsurance.co.uk). Having the car under my name so I can start getting some credit too :-), full comp, breakdown cover, homestart cover, 3000 miles/year, and 3 named drivers put me at £270/year. I was well impressed.
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E190KS
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Hello there and congratulations on your purchase!

I am not too far from you, over in White Waltham! I too have just picked up a 2.5 within the last few weeks and would be really interested in meeting with you to compare and share the experience. :driver:

I injured my ankle playing Football (soccer!) a few days back and at the moment cannot walk, let alone drive which is majorly depressing to be honest, All I can think about is not being able to drive my new beauty! I am gutted. :crying:

Drop me a line if you'd be interested in a meet and compare over the next few months, a few members have been in contact and have been great help with advice and sourcing parts thus far! rockon
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hsdhingrauk
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E190KS
Fri Jun 14, 2013 4:00 pm
Hello there and congratulations on your purchase!

I am not too far from you, over in White Waltham! I too have just picked up a 2.5 within the last few weeks and would be really interested in meeting with you to compare and share the experience. :driver:

I injured my ankle playing Football (soccer!) a few days back and at the moment cannot walk, let alone drive which is majorly depressing to be honest, All I can think about is not being able to drive my new beauty! I am gutted. :crying:

Drop me a line if you'd be interested in a meet and compare over the next few months, a few members have been in contact and have been great help with advice and sourcing parts thus far! rockon
Hi E190KS. Sorry to hear about your ankle. Is your Cossie a manual? If so, I feel for you with the injury. I would love to meet up and exchange experiences. Can you PM and I will give you my contact info. I am picking up the car in a few hours actually.
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Cosworth
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hsdhingrauk
Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:39 pm
PARI - I am west of London - near Slough but work in London. Gibpetrolhead - love your ex-Cossie.
I'm in west London near Heathrow airport.
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hsdhingrauk
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Ha - I am 10 mins from Heathrow. I am actually going there to meeting someone for 30 mins. Are you free around 11:30-12:00? If so, I can meet you for a quick chat.

So, I picked up the car today. Great ride!!!!!!!!!!

A few things I want to address with it before too long, if I can:

- Instrumental cluster and gauges near lap timer do not light up when headlamps are on. Since all are dark, I suspect a blown fuse? 8A White as per the manual. Any ideas?
- The headlamp aim dial is not working. Perhaps this is related to the possible blown fuse?
- MOT inspection report said emissions failed. Is this something I should worry about of is this expected of a car of this age?
- MOT inspection report also said nearside (NS) headlamp has weak aim. Is this a simple bulb replacement?
- I want to get a new spare wheel - car has a set of new Uniroyals on it now. Hard to find this brand now. Wondering if I should just get a Dunlop or Conti spare and then match it up with same brand when the time comes (might be years) as I am not using this car daily.
- Driver's seat headrest does not go up or down. Springs on seat also make a noise whenever you sit down. Wondering if I should just try and source a new seat.
- Power antenna goes up but not down. I can hear the motor driving to bring it down but no joy. Probably easier to just replace the antenna?


Otherwise she is a real joy!
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hsdhingrauk
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hsdhingrauk
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hsdhingrauk
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hsdhingrauk
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hsdhingrauk
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Cosworth
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hsdhingrauk
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:10 pm
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Hi mate

Nice care, congrats on purchase, one of your back light looks different, it seems to be from USA spec car.
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gibpetrolhead
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Gauges lights, right hand knob on the dash push in and turn to turn the dimmer up.
Headlamp height is run by the vacuum pump which drives the central locking, there will be a pipe that has come off the back of the headlight.
Emissions you need to have the fuel mixture set using a O2 meter to pass the test.
Spare tyre if you phone around you might be able to get a Uniroyal your looking for.
Is the headrest electric that could be a fuse noisy spring will be difficult to fix.
Aerial just drowned it in WD-40 and let it soak in then see if it goes up and down.
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stwat
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gibpetrolhead
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:17 pm
Gauges lights, right hand knob on the dash push in and turn to turn the dimmer up.
No need to push it in to adjust the dimmer. Also it's the left hand knob ;) :D
Edited by stwat, Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:25 pm.
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gibpetrolhead
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stwat
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:22 pm
gibpetrolhead
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:17 pm
Gauges lights, right hand knob on the dash push in and turn to turn the dimmer up.
No need to push it in to adjust the dimmer.Also it's the left hand knob ;) :D
Sorry Stu, I don't have a 190 to play with anymore! :lol:
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hsdhingrauk
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I tried the left hand gauge knob. No joy. The outside temperature gauge is not working - could not explain why it is not controlling the gauges anymore?

I have just about all the paperwork from this car - original owner took delivery in UK (Bargate MB). I will take better pictures of back lights - don't think this is USA spec car.

The last extension of antenna is loose - I can move it up and down easily. So something tells me the antenna is shot? I will try the WD40 trick.

Many thanks for the tips Stu and Gib. I will poke around tomorrow when it is light.

Lastly (yeah right), the springs seems to be 15mm lower than original spec. Previous owner told me he did this for better handling. Is it fairly easy and cheap to restore to original springs for standard height?
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Neil
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hsdhingrauk
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:49 pm
don't think this is USA spec car.
Me neither. The definitive clue is cunningly hidden somewhere in this picture.

Posted Image

:lol:

Nice motor, welcome to the forum. Hope you get any niggles sorted and enjoy it :)
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Michael
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hsdhingrauk
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:49 pm
I tried the left hand gauge knob. No joy. The outside temperature gauge is not working - could not explain why it is not controlling the gauges anymore?

I have just about all the paperwork from this car - original owner took delivery in UK (Bargate MB). I will take better pictures of back lights - don't think this is USA spec car.

The last extension of antenna is loose - I can move it up and down easily. So something tells me the antenna is shot? I will try the WD40 trick.

Many thanks for the tips Stu and Gib. I will poke around tomorrow when it is light.

Lastly (yeah right), the springs seems to be 15mm lower than original spec. Previous owner told me he did this for better handling. Is it fairly easy and cheap to restore to original springs for standard height?
That's a nice original looking 2.5-16 Auto.
If the cluster doesn't light up at all, before you do anything, and just in case there's a bad connection, give it a firm tap with your closed fist. If that doesn't work, ease out the cluster and check the bulbs.
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stwat
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It sounds like the plastic internal of the mast has broken so it won't bring the aerial back down. If it's an original Hirchman you can buy parts to restore them.

The suspension, does it still have the SLS system fitted? If not it's going to bee fairly pricey to replace.

Check the fuses. If you don't have the manual, the fuse location and function for each fuse is on top of the fuse box lid. To fully remove the lid, which makes checking the fuses much easier, click the front clip up then with a flat bladed screwdriver, pop the front of the rear clip up. Then squeeze the two sides of the clip together and lift the lid off.

The car looks to be in fantastic condition B)
Edited by stwat, Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:18 am.
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Michael
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Neil
Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:01 am
hsdhingrauk
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:49 pm
don't think this is USA spec car.
Me neither. The definitive clue is cunningly hidden somewhere in this picture.

Posted Image

:lol:

Nice motor, welcome to the forum. Hope you get any niggles sorted and enjoy it :)
Fahrenheit. :ermm: :D
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Cosworth
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The car doesn't look like a USA car but the rear light on the near side has a red portion of yellow indicator.
So the rear lights of the car are different.
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Neil
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Just to make it crystal clear, the 2.5-16 was never sold in the US. At all.
The likelihood (as I see it) is that an owner somewhere along the line has sourced a pair of 'USDM' rear clusters in order to stamp some individuality on the car.
Worth reversing tbh, mainly because the US used a really **insert swear word here**y weak shade of orange for MB indicators. Makes them look old and faded. Euro spec is way nicer.
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hsdhingrauk
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Neil
Sat Jun 15, 2013 7:06 am
Just to make it crystal clear, the 2.5-16 was never sold in the US. At all.
The likelihood (as I see it) is that an owner somewhere along the line has sourced a pair of 'USDM' rear clusters in order to stamp some individuality on the car.
Worth reversing tbh, mainly because the US used a really **insert swear word here**y weak shade of orange for MB indicators. Makes them look old and faded. Euro spec is way nicer.
Thank you for the observation. To me it was just original rear set of lights - Anyone got a good source for replacement?

I can confirm the antenna is not the Hirschmann mast (no mushroom tip rather a simple tin can shape tip). Motor is working but neither UP or DOWN -so me thinks its a replacement to be done.

Wheel turns fine - amazingly small turn ratio. However, when I turn all the way to the RIGHT, noisy and shaky in that last few bits to the hard right. Does not happen when I do all the way to the left however.

Followup on instrumental cluster. Thank you guys, the dimmer switch did turn on the voltmeter and middle console gauges. However, instrumental cluster is STILL dark. Is this fuse? or something requiring more work? :-)

Pari - eager to meet up so let me know when mate.

Stu - SLS has been fitted and from what I have been told, it was totally redone by MB. Not sure how I can tell if exists.

Off to get this puppy washed and cleaned up a little.

I am thoroughly impressed how this car is after 23 years. True testament to Mercedes of yesteryear. I don't think there is a new MB that can touch the quality and solid workmanship of these older models. Maybe the only MB that still is built solid is the G-Wagons.
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hsdhingrauk
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Sorted out instrumental cluster lights - thanks for the fist bump recommendation - actually worked.
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hsdhingrauk
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I know I have seen a thread on this someplace on this site but cannot locate it now. I think it was Gareth's thread on his new 190E. I have "smudge" (only way I can describe it) on the inside of the back window. It does not come off with Windolene. Any idea how I can remove this so the windows looks clean and new again?

Also, I noticed there is a stone chip on front windscreen. Small now but I now how this story ends if I don't get it addressed. Question is, has anyone had an insurance-approved glass repairer work on their car? Will they be able to put everything back as is?l

Antenna needs replacing but its not a Hirschmann. Does that mean I cannot use a Hirschmann (is it an easy replacment)?

Lastly (for now), the engine pressure goes all the way up on the instrument panel gauge...is this normal? Just want to be sure the gauge is working. When the engine is off but the ignition is ON, it does go down and then back on when the car is started.

Thanks for the updates and knowledge. It is much appreciated.
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hsdhingrauk
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Any recos on brand and viscosity of engine oil to use? I have read somewhere that MB recommends Mobil 1? I figured people who drive and maintain their 16V's know best.
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gibpetrolhead
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On the rear screen I used an old bottle of T-cut that hadn't made it into the bin for it has no other use, there were other recommendations but I can't remember what they were. I've never changed a front screen and there are mixed messages on the quality of work and finish from some members who have had it done so do you homework. You can fit any antenna you wish the Hirschmann is the original mast and the pressure gauge should read 3 bar as soon as you turn the engine and it fires the needle should flick up to 3 bar and stay there.
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stwat
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As above. But if it goes straight up to 3 with only the ignition on(engine not running) then the pressure sender is faulty.

Use a good quality semi synth 10/40 oil like Mobil 2000 or Shell Helix.
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