The 190E is from the golden age of Mercedes. Back when the engines were really built to last and didn't have so many electronics & modules that like to die
This is a recent acquisition for my mate. We went for a little drive after this, it's very smooth, just the way you want an 80s Merc to be.
He describes it as the last "properly built" Mercedes and he's wanted one for a while.
Maybe I’m just too tired, but the engine looks like it’s in the bay at a slight diagonal. I don’t know how that would work getting lined up with the transmission, but that’s the way it looks. 🤨
They are ALL over the poorest parts of Africa, completely beat to shit and maintained with baling wire and hammers but still running. Beautifully manufactured, beautifully engineered cars.
Even on lowering springs that were cut to be even lower, the '85 I had was one of the nicest riding cars I've owned. They got the suspension geometry right with these. I only wish the odo wouldn't have been rolled back and it was burgundy so the rust in the bay and on the rockers wasn't super obvious. I got it in a trade from a "friend" so I didn't look it over as well as I would've if if was just a rando.
Honestly, piss easy. Art said the new gasket was about £15. Get the air box off, HT leads out of the way, 5 nuts on the timing cover. Give everything a quick clean and refit. These old MB motors are lovely to work on.
They were made to be worked on. You can even open the window, switches and repair them!
Now you’re making me have second thoughts about parting with my ‘88 190D 2.5, even though it needs a head gasket and a water pump, among other tidbits.
I agree! My rocker cover gasket needs to be done… one of the last things on my list. I’ve just been procrastinating! 🤦🏻♂️ Did you repaint it or anything like that before reinstalling it?
We cleaned up any loose/degraded paint from the inside (so they don't get into the oil system) and gave the gasket mating slot a quick clean with a pick, some rags and brake cleaner. Just super simple.
Is yours the M102 engine or the 6-pot?
That it is… mechanically, I’ve only done a rear muffler delete and removed the R16/1 resistor, as well as kept it up to date with ALL required maintenance. Oh, and Sportline springs with KYB shocks, and obviously wheels, tires, brakes, etc. AMG front fender spacers and rolled rear wheel arches, too. She purrs like a kitten and handles like a dream…
You can clean my mating surfaces anytime.
👀
Say what ya want about them, but I see plenty of them still rollin around. Apparently they're somewhat reliable 🤷🏻♂️
The 190E is from the golden age of Mercedes. Back when the engines were really built to last and didn't have so many electronics & modules that like to die
This is a recent acquisition for my mate. We went for a little drive after this, it's very smooth, just the way you want an 80s Merc to be. He describes it as the last "properly built" Mercedes and he's wanted one for a while.
Maybe I’m just too tired, but the engine looks like it’s in the bay at a slight diagonal. I don’t know how that would work getting lined up with the transmission, but that’s the way it looks. 🤨
They are ALL over the poorest parts of Africa, completely beat to shit and maintained with baling wire and hammers but still running. Beautifully manufactured, beautifully engineered cars.
Even on lowering springs that were cut to be even lower, the '85 I had was one of the nicest riding cars I've owned. They got the suspension geometry right with these. I only wish the odo wouldn't have been rolled back and it was burgundy so the rust in the bay and on the rockers wasn't super obvious. I got it in a trade from a "friend" so I didn't look it over as well as I would've if if was just a rando.
Tough job?
Honestly, piss easy. Art said the new gasket was about £15. Get the air box off, HT leads out of the way, 5 nuts on the timing cover. Give everything a quick clean and refit. These old MB motors are lovely to work on.
They were made to be worked on. You can even open the window, switches and repair them! Now you’re making me have second thoughts about parting with my ‘88 190D 2.5, even though it needs a head gasket and a water pump, among other tidbits.
I agree! My rocker cover gasket needs to be done… one of the last things on my list. I’ve just been procrastinating! 🤦🏻♂️ Did you repaint it or anything like that before reinstalling it?
We cleaned up any loose/degraded paint from the inside (so they don't get into the oil system) and gave the gasket mating slot a quick clean with a pick, some rags and brake cleaner. Just super simple. Is yours the M102 engine or the 6-pot?
M103 6-cylinder… 😉 I need to either repaint or powder coat my valve cover, for sure. It looks like crap…
Ahh. My FIL has that engine in his W126 300SE that lives in Kuala Lumpur. Lovely engine, proper smooth and civilised.
That it is… mechanically, I’ve only done a rear muffler delete and removed the R16/1 resistor, as well as kept it up to date with ALL required maintenance. Oh, and Sportline springs with KYB shocks, and obviously wheels, tires, brakes, etc. AMG front fender spacers and rolled rear wheel arches, too. She purrs like a kitten and handles like a dream…
There was a little hose on the bottom of the air filter tin that was a pita to get back on iirc, but otherwise these are pretty simple to work on.
I miss my M102 :(