Newbie Help! 190e 2.6

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Newbie Help! 190e 2.6
Topic Started: Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:39 am (135 Views)
pajohns6	Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:39 am Post #1
Newbie Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #4,680 Joined: September 26, 2009	Hi guys. Great site and my first post. Looking for a bit of advice really. I'm looking at a 1992 190e 2.6 today. It's done just shy of 62000 (confirmed by HPI check) but according to the trader it had the odometer changed 10 years ago due to a speedo fault - i.e. the job lot was replaced. The odometer now reads 20k less than the recorded mileage. It's very honest of him to tell me this over the phone and is it something I should be concerned about? Apparently, everything is documented and as I mentioned the mileage is verified by the HPI check. The only other quibble I have is that the number plate was changed in 1995 - HPI report. Cheers an advance for any help. Regards, Pete



sportline_stu	Sat Sep 26, 2009 9:59 am Post #2
Member Posts: 1,004 Group: Members Member #2,447 Joined: March 23, 2008	Hi there, The 2.6 is a lovely lovely car. Smoother and quicker than the 1.8 or 2.0 and less harsh than the valvers. Its a quick cruiser but not a stormer. Many 190's had speedo faults so I wouldn't worry so long as its documented. Its really easy to change so I'm sure there are a few dodgy un-documented ones out there anyway. Change of reg could simply be a private plate. Dont forget when they were a few years old the 190 was a pricey car and the kind of car a private plate would be put one either because the owner was well off or wanted to hide the age of their prize Merc! Very low mileage for a 2.6. Mine has 124k and drives perfectly well. They will go to the moon and back if well serviced. On the 2.6 check the oil changes has been done as required and the 2.6 tends to leak a little oil from the gasket anyway. Dont be fussed about this. If the service history is Mercedes be aware the gearbox service is every 36K so that will come up soon and it really is not worth quibbling over a few quid to not get it done. Its the second heart of the car so treat it well. Stu



sportline_stu	Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:01 am Post #3
Member Posts: 1,004 Group: Members Member #2,447 Joined: March 23, 2008	Have you checked the buying guide pinned at the top of this section : "Mercedes-benz W201 Buyers Guide" ? Stu



pajohns6	Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:25 am Post #4
Newbie Posts: 2 Group: Members Member #4,680 Joined: September 26, 2009	Hi Stu. Thanks for the quick and informative reply. You've put my mind at ease! Just heard from the seller and you were right about the plate change. The gentleman who bought the car originally had it registered with a private plate. This was changed when he sold it. You're 2.6 looks beautiful. I've been looking for a good one for a while now. I just hope this one is ok. Just out of interest, would it be possible to have the odometer changed so that it displayed the actual mileage, or would it be better to leave it as it is so that in future, it is clear what has been done? Cheers, Pete



sportline_stu	Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:04 am Post #5
Member Posts: 1,004 Group: Members Member #2,447 Joined: March 23, 2008	The photo hides a multitude of sins! I would leave the odometer as is. Unless you want to source on with the exact mileage you need or remove yours and forward it on to the correct mileage. But the change is documented and is part of the cars history. Check the car for rust under and around the rear window seal, the four jacking points, inside the boot after the liners have been removed/pulled back, get your head in the boot and look up under the parcel shelf. The wings do go rusty as the car ages and if they have gone then replacement is the best option but it will cost a few quid as genuine MB wings are not cheap. Stu



sportline_stu	Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:05 am Post #6
Member Posts: 1,004 Group: Members Member #2,447 Joined: March 23, 2008	Oh yes....... check the cars ride height as the springs go after time and its not uncommon for people to think the 2.6 has the same springs as the 2.0 which results in a nose heavy look with front springs waiting to crack under the strain! Stu.



stwat	Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:18 pm Post #7
Moderator Posts: 12,382 Group: Moderator Member #28 Joined: November 11, 2005	Hello and welcome Stu



twopointsix	Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:37 pm Post #8
Member Posts: 517 Group: Members Member #1,732 Joined: September 26, 2007	If you're at all in doubt, even after all the free advice you receive here (and elsewhere ) ask the trader if he's prepared to meet at least 50% (if not 100%) of the cost of an independent specialist check. I did that when I bought my first 2.6 as it was located 300 miles away, as the trader advertised on his website that every he sold car came with an independent report - so I insisted on it. If the trader is genuine, he should go along with that. As I'd already owned a 190, I knew which specific additional areas needed checking, so I asked for them to be included. I got a fully detailed independent written report listing the few very minor faults and only then did I make the 600 mile round trip. Having the report also enabled me to haggle the price down a bit and both the trader and I walked away happy - which is always the sign of a good deal. 60,000 miles and three years later, I still have the car and it still makes me smile every time I drive it. Leave the speedo alone. As long as the change is documented and the mileage ties in with the service history and MOTs, you've got no worries. Good luck!



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