Mercedes 190 review
Discover the timeless classic in our Mercedes 190 review. Experience its robust build, excellent performance, and reliable driving dynamics ideal for daily commute.
Discover the timeless classic in our Mercedes 190 review. Experience its robust build, excellent performance, and reliable driving dynamics ideal for daily commute.
The Mercedes 190E marked the brand's initial foray into smaller sedans, yet this doesn't imply it falls short in any way. It not only provides one of the most cost-effective entry points into owning a classic Mercedes, but it also matches the robustness and durability of models like the W123 or W126. While it's likely to encounter rust since many of these cars are over three decades old, repairs are manageable, and well-maintained vehicles are out there if you search. It appeals to various Mercedes enthusiasts from the basic 190 model to the more feature-rich 2.6, similar to the project car we maintained years ago.
It should be mentioned that there are online tools available to decode Mercedes-Benz VINs. By entering a VIN, you can access the car's original build sheet, detailing factory-installed optional features such as a radio, alloy wheels, a larger fuel tank, or air conditioning. Over the years, many of these cars have received replacement parts or upgrades, so understanding the original specifications can be advantageous when negotiating price. This build sheet can assist in assessing the car's originality, particularly if you're aiming to restore an altered vehicle to its factory condition.
For day-to-day driving, we recommend seeking out a quality 190E 2.0 or a 2.6 if the fuel costs are manageable. Diesel engines offer respectable fuel efficiency, but lower-powered gasoline models aren't well-suited for automatics, and manual Mercedes tend to have less resale appeal. With careful selection, a well-maintained Mercedes 190E could last a lifetime.
The Mercedes-Benz 190E was available with several engine options, beginning with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produced 109hp. For those seeking more performance, there was an option for a 160hp 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine.
The model we tested is equipped with Europe's most favored engine for the 190E—a 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Though uncommon, a low-power carbureted version of the 190 was initially available—note the absence of 'E' for Einspritzung, meaning fuel injection in English. Diesel versions were also released and became well-liked globally.
There are four primary materials to choose from. Cloth is the standard option, with velour being a less common early option. For those in need of durable upholstery, MBTex vinyl is known for its resilience among automotive interiors, while leather is available for those prioritizing luxury.
Models equipped with Sportline, such as the Cosworth versions, feature a distinct cloth material, and Cosworth models also include a specially shaped rear seat. In standard vehicles, leather is viewed as the most desirable choice, especially if considering future resale value. Many models come with grey and cream upholstery, although there are more unique color options available. However, these rarer colors could be challenging to match if any trim needs to be replaced later on.
It's important to note that air conditioning is an infrequently chosen but sought-after feature. It can boost the value of any 190E by 10 to 20 percent if it is installed and operational.
While the 190E is generally very reliable, it's important to conduct thorough research to prevent an impulsive purchase. Pay special attention to potential rust, especially around the jacking points, and lift the carpet to inspect the boot floor. Be aware of any bubbles in the paint, which might not seem serious but could be expensive to repair.
Listen for any whining noises from the differential. If considering an automatic model, ensure it shifts through the gears smoothly. Although the manual gearbox is known to be a bit notchy, this is typical, and gear changes should not require excessive effort.
The coil springs and individual dampers are the same as those in the later, larger W124 model, a car that shares many components beneath the surface with the Mercedes 190E. Similarly, the rear suspension's multilink configuration will be familiar to owners of Mercedes models from the late 1980s and 1990s. There isn't much complexity here, so a quick inspection should suffice. It is important to check for both loose play and excessive stiffness in the steering, as these can signal problems with the steering box that need further examination.
The braking system is straightforward and should not present major issues. It features power-assisted components and discs on all four wheels. Unlike many other Mercedes models, the 190E uses a traditional central lever for the parking brake, which might be more convenient for new Mercedes owners compared to the foot or dashboard-operated brakes found in other models of the same era.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 offers remarkable build quality and durability. It features a solid door latching system and is dimensioned at approximately 14 feet 7 inches in length and 5 feet 6 inches in width, weighing from 1,080 kg. When well-maintained, it handles aging and high mileage excellently. The 1989 model year update improved rear legroom. Its seats, similar to the hard, flat ones of the W123, are the longest-lasting I've encountered. The automatic transmissions are reliable, and the 190 models come with various engine options: the 2.0 carburetor with 90 bhp, the 1.8 injection with 113 bhp, and the 2.0 injection with 122 bhp. Additionally, a 136 bhp 2.3 injection was available in Europe as a left-hand drive only. It offers better construction quality than the succeeding C Class, with many models reaching over 200,000 miles and still in great condition. The Mercedes-Benz signature indicator and lights control stalk is positioned to the right of the steering column. For fair pricing in purchasing and selling, visiting the specialist at www.mtsv.co.uk comes highly recommended.
| Inspection Tips | Details |
| Oil Filler Cap Check | For F or G four-cylinder 190 or 190E models, examine the timing chain under the oil filler cap. Single link indicates simplex, while double link indicates duplex. |
| High Mileage Purchases | Verify service records for 5,000-mile oil changes. |
| Rust Concerns | 190 models older than 10 years may exhibit rust issues. |
| Transmission Issues | Look out for clonking noises. |
| Rear Axle Noise | Be wary of noisy rear axles. |
| Power Steering | Inspect for leaks. |
| Suspension Damage | Uneven tire wear indicates potential kerb damage. |
| Service History | Due to widespread clocking, ensure a full service history with receipts and old MOTs for better validation. |
| Wiper Maintenance | If the single-arm wiper slows down, lubricate the bottom flap with graphite oil. |
| Chain Replacement | The 2.3 Cosworth single chain offers 175bhp, which changes to duplex in the 2.5 version. The simplex chain should be replaced every 70,000 miles. |
According to Mercedes-Benz, the 190E was over-engineered, a claim supported by the substantial 600 million investment in its research and development. This becomes apparent once you're behind the wheel.
In line with Mercedes' usual style, the manual transmission isn't the most seamless, leading us to believe that an automatic might be more appropriate for this car. The gear shifts span quite a distance, and the long gear ratios mean you're reaching for first gear at speeds higher than anticipated.
Initially, the steering feels light and somewhat indistinct, which might deter quick driving maneuvers. Yet, this isn't problematic as the car seems perfectly content to cruise leisurely, while others hurry past.
Nevertheless, should you decide to accelerate, you'll find the car settles down confidently, similar to how old, rear-wheel-drive German executive sedans do, and it offers better handling than its larger counterparts. While it may not rival an E30 BMW in terms of dynamic performance, it's certainly far from uninteresting.
Being a classic Mercedes, any 190E model is susceptible to rust. However, since the rust-prone areas on the Mercedes 190E are well-documented, it is likely that many vehicles have already received treatment. A rust-prone area is located before the front wheel arch, which can lead to corrosion in the wings. Drooping front bumpers might also signal similar issues. If possible, try to feel behind the panel with your hand. The mounts for the rear subframe are also susceptible to rust and should be inspected.
It's important to examine the jacking points, especially in later models that have plastic cladding on their lower sections, as well as the bottoms of the doors. Check the flooring carefully, particularly if there is any underseal present, as water trapped underneath can severely corrode the floors in extreme cases.
Unlike the Mercedes W124, which has the same foundation as the 190E, there is only one body style available. If you're looking for a convertible or an estate, you won't find it, but the sedan version offers stylish design and enough space for a family of four. While most were equipped with steel wheels and plastic covers when new, many have since been upgraded with period-appropriate Mercedes alloy wheels. These vehicles may be more attractive when it comes time to sell.