MB 190E W201 questions...

[tanatej]

Hi, I'm interested (yet again) in getting this as a daily driver, while looking through some examples, I have a few questions that hopefully I can get non-biased answers from (mahirap nang magtanong sa seller)

1. I noticed some have power windows while some don't. For power windows, I noticed some had controls at the door while some have theirs at the center console. So what was the OEM setup of these cars? Did they really have power windows at all?

2. Some of these cars have wood trim, other's didn't and only featured black plastic. May wood trim ba talaga yung dash niya?

3. Any specific thing to look out for when buying one of these cars?

Thanks for your help

[ronw123w124]

Hi, I'm interested (yet again) in getting this as a daily driver, while looking through some examples, I have a few questions that hopefully I can get non-biased answers from (mahirap nang magtanong sa seller)

1. I noticed some have power windows while some don't. For power windows, I noticed some had controls at the door while some have theirs at the center console. So what was the OEM setup of these cars? Did they really have power windows at all?

2. Some of these cars have wood trim, other's didn't and only featured black plastic. May wood trim ba talaga yung dash niya?

3. Any specific thing to look out for when buying one of these cars?

Thanks for your help

1. Power windows are optional on the European versions but is standard on US versions. The OEM set up for the switches is that the front doors have the switches on the center console, there are either 2 switches only or 4 switches if all 4 doors are power windows. For the rear doors, the switch is mounted on the door panels.

2. Again, the US versions got the wood trim as standard while it is optional on the Euro versions.

3. As for the specifics, I'm not that familiar with 190E's since I never owned one. The sought after models are the 2.3-16, 2.5-16 and the 2.6

[tanatej]

Thanks bro that was really very helpful. Nasanay ako kasi sa fixed options ng Japanese cars na nakalimutan ko puwede mo palang i-customize ang auto mo sa US/Europe according to your taste (also known as dealer options).

[lowslowbenz]

If it were me ....

I'd look for a euro version ... less things to break down = less worries.

Last tip ..... Mileage is irrelevant ... CONDITION is PRIORITY!

[ptk675]

hi guys, can you please recommend a good electrician that can me? im trying to revive my w201 thats been on storage for a few years already. sabi sa akin ng mekaniko, electrical daw ang problem kaya ayaw mag idle or mag tulot tuloy ang andar nya. the engine itself is in good shape.

he mentioned a few parts that need to be checked like fuel distributor, ecu, etc.

btw mine is an '85 2.3 USV

[afrasay]

try Etoy - +639166816177

[ptk675]

try Etoy - +639166816177

thanks sir. my uncle referred Ronnie. he said the fuel governor and fuel accumulator need to be replaced. off to parts hunt now..

[absinthe]

*TS, look for a 190E 2.3-16v version...sarap gamitin

[tanatej]

I'm on the verge of buying one of these models now, but I need to do a bit of homework on it first.

I've gathered that the most expensive part to fix on fuel injected engines would be the fuel distributor? Is the fuel distributor for this car hard to find?

Any specific engine type to avoid on the W201?

Also, what's the best-looking OEM wheel for the W201?

[ronw123w124]

Also, what's the best-looking OEM wheel for the W201?

15' Benz 2 wheels.

[lowslowbenz]

RE: Fuel Distributor

Yes and No

Yes, the fuel distributor is a bit expensive, and No its not that hard to procure. You must however practice due diligence in sourcing "surplus" parts. The variant that is harder to find is the one used for the W123 230E, which is an older version of the ones (upgraded) for the W201 .. And these two are non-interchangeable .. IMHO .. I just dunno if somebody has had success in doing transplants ...

RE: What engine type to avoid (none really) ... BUT ..

Avoid engines that were not run for a very long time. A dried up fuel system will sooner or later come up with a lot of expensive problems. However, if the model you're planning to buy is equipped with an M102 Stromberg carb, then IMHO .. thats the most trouble-free model for me. Cheaply upgradable to LPG too if you want.

RE: Wheel ... + 1 on what Ron said.


Question: What W201 are you planning to buy?

[tanatej]

190E 2.3 US version sana, kasi mas madaming magandang example... pero yung concern ko dito is the Tempmatic climate control. Puro vacuum valves kasi baka sirain siya as opposed sa euro-style manual a/c. Is it "sirain"?

[ronw123w124]

190E 2.3 US version sana, kasi mas madaming magandang example... pero yung concern ko dito is the Tempmatic climate control. Puro vacuum valves kasi baka sirain siya as opposed sa euro-style manual a/c. Is it "sirain"?

Not really sirain as long as it was well taken cared of, yung sa w124 (US Version) ko 18 years na, wala naman naging problema.

[lowslowbenz]

190E 2.3 US version sana, kasi mas madaming magandang example... pero yung concern ko dito is the Tempmatic climate control. Puro vacuum valves kasi baka sirain siya as opposed sa euro-style manual a/c. Is it "sirain"?

The AC system should be trouble free (as what Ron said) if and when the previous owner was having it serviced and repaired at a "proper" MB repairshop or technician. When looking over prospective vehicles, try to get as much information from the owner/seller regarding repairs and maintenance scheds.

I had a W201 2.3MT USV before ... (already sold it) .. I had a hard time sorting out the ac system since the previous owner had it converted "japanese style" complete with generic fan switch knob and thermostat control.. (hay, long story). But it ran good, (had a 5 speed manual Getrag tranny) ..

Sunroof was leaking though .. (another long story) ..

[tanatej]

How about the keys to this MB? From the owner's manual it says na yung master key is yung Square head, yung valet is yung round head, at yung "flat" key para sa wallet mo. Paano kung wala na yung master key? Should I walk away from such a car?

Also, is MBTEX > cloth seats?

[mbeige]

How about the keys to this MB? From the owner's manual it says na yung master key is yung Square head, yung valet is yung round head, at yung "flat" key para sa wallet mo. Paano kung wala na yung master key? Should I walk away from such a car?

Also, is MBTEX > cloth seats?

You can get a NEW key (square head). Buti kasama pa yung flat key - those are the ones easily lost by the owners.

MB-Tex = leatherette/fake leather/vinyl upholstery.

I'm enjoying our little 190E after sorting out the bugs (no AC, stalling/namamatayan, bad speakers, replaced windshield, replaced headlights, new tires, drivetrain repairs, exhaust repairs, injector seals, fuel distributor, etc).

~225k miles and counting.

[lowslowbenz]

The flat one is supposed to be similar to the master key (right?) .. Am not sure on this one though.

MB Tex .. is a vinyl material that's used to simulate leather. Very tough, and easy to clean and maintain.

Cloth seats should be "Velour" .. IIRC

[mbeige]

The flat one is supposed to be similar to the master key (right?) .. Am not sure on this one though.

MB Tex .. is a vinyl material that's used to simulate leather. Very tough, and easy to clean and maintain.

Cloth seats should be "Velour" .. IIRC

Cloth is different from velour.

Cloth is just plain flat cloth material.

Velour has some tufting material (like very low rise carpet).

[toopay]

i`m planning to buy a 190e 2.0 euro version, ok ba 2ng model na to? medyo mabagal lang mag accelerate pag galing sa drive.thanks

[lowslowbenz]

i`m planning to buy a 190e 2.0 euro version, ok ba 2ng model na to? medyo mabagal lang mag accelerate pag galing sa drive.thanks

That's a very subjective question. Considering the age of the car you would like to acquire, it would be wise to see several examples for sale, before coming up with a shortlist. Bring an MB mechanic along if you can too.

The W201 range is a robust and durable MB. One of the last "over-engineered" MB line-ups. Good luck on your MB search.