Mercedes-Benz 190 Series (1983 - 1993) 190D 2.5 4d Auto (1990/H) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Old school, not interested in image. One knows ones stuff about cars, but only likeminded others will give the knowing nod. No longer the 'gangster car' image as they are too old and now a classic car. The Cosworth models are very sought after.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Mixed. Some think it's 'old' but when driven in it always remark how much better the ride is than their 'modern' car. It is really a classic car.
Would you buy this car again and why?
If I had the money I might consider a Cosworth version.
What are you likely to buy next?
Lotus Elise, but I'd keep this Mercedes 190. I'm aiming to cover 300,000 miles in it.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£750
When did you buy the car?
April 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
The seller didn't know what the engine problem was and it had done 153,000 miles. Front OS wing was very rusty. The three engine mounts were shot and replaced for £30 each the engine was fine. A replacement wing from the breakers for £75 and resprayed, looked good as new.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
The W201 '190' is perhaps the most over-engineered car even today. Up to 1982, Mercedes spent £600m on R&D before its launch. Mercedes today still use the suspension geometry first used on the 190. The pre-chamber diesel engines of this time were also good for 500,000 miles and the best one is the OM602 2.5litre 5 cylinder non-turbo. Combined, this is almost the only car one should need in a lifetime.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Seems like it will roll in corners but doesn't - handles like a sports car. The 2.5 litre 93bhp diesel engine revs more like a petrol engine. 0-60 isn't much but good enough, but in-gear 50mph acceleration is pretty good.
What's it like to park?
Taxi drivers loved these cars because the turning circle is very tight. Easy to park.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
It's nearly 25 years old and has now done 172,000 miles. It needs to maintained but at an experienced Mercedes independent the costs are less than the monthly lease of a Ford Ka. So it has had new suspension springs, pump pulley damper, driveshaft bearing, subframe mountings and rear shocks. I expect the auto gearbox to last to about 220-250,000 miles before needing refurbishment. Some suspension parts will need replacing. Zero depreciation though.
What's most practical about your car?
It's simple to work on, very comfortable on the motorway.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
It's too basic, however smart phone and bluetooth provides satnav and music. Still a very usable car in 2014,.
