COE Mercedes 190E 1.8 - Any Comments?

[Lyons]

Hi Guys,

 

Is there any Merc car club's website in SG? Thanks :)

[Vit4wd]

Khang's specialises in recond gear boxes.

 

Starting from S$2K for Civic recond auto gearbox.

[Rangie]

Try 190E special (122 bhp) or W124 200E (same engine, same horsepower).

 

My first Merc was 190 (carburettor), 1990 model. I bought it in 2000 with a new COE. I thought it was fuel injection (the dealer tricked me), and later found to be carburetor. It produced 105bhp.

 

Car is a bit sluggish, starts at 2nd gear which is quite irritating, but body very solid and handling very well. Beats a brand new Altis or Sunny anytime. Maintanence averages about $2-3k per year, inclusive of tyres, wear and tear.

 

Then I changed to a 1992 W124 200E, 122 bhp. Although the W124 is heavier than 190, its more powerful due to the fuel injection. If you get a 190E special with fuel injection, it would even be faster.

 

I have driven a 190E 1.8, very underpowered, don't get it.

 

For the same price, I suggest you get the W124 200E, which also depreciates about 3k per year, just like the 190E. After driven both models, the W124 is more stable, more comfortable and rides across bumps better. It also cheaper to maintain as there are a lot of parts from the scrap yards (yes, my W124 parts are cheaper than 190E)

 

But if you are single or small family, 190E is faster than W124 and also corners better due to shorter wheelbase.

 

Either way, both cars are great. Quite reliable, so far all my small wear and tear replacement are done on the same day, seldom the car is overnight in the workshop.

 

W124 after 1991 have gear starts at 1st instead of 2nd, thats why it is faster than my old 190.

[Decibel]

Thanks bro for that informative reply. So the 2.0 EFI 190Es were built only in 93 and badged as Specials? The W124 is definitely out for me, bit too ah pek for someone my age

Edited January 23, 2006 by Decibel

[Decibel]

Cheers

[Rangie]

Actually you could get 190E (fuel injection) before 1993.

 

Since the 190 series came out in the early 80s, they have 2 version:

 

1) 190E (fuel injection) with about 122 bhp

2) 190 (carburettor) with about 105 bhp

 

Then around 1990, they replaced the 190 (which is 2 litre carburettor) with 190E 1.8, with similar bhp but lower torque due to only 1.8 litre.

 

The 190E (2 litre fuel injection) still goes on.

 

in 1993, it is rebadged as "special" because of ABS brakes, I think.

 

Some of the earlier 190E are imported from UK pre-owned car.

 

So, you could still get the fuel injection 190E 2 litre before 1993, but without ABS brakes.

 

I also thought W124 is ah pek looking, but after owning W124 , replacing my 190, I like the W124 for the size, space and comfort. I even prefer keeping my W124 than buying a new C180 Kompressor because of the comfort and space. My ideal car would be the E200 Kompressor, but thats too expensive for now.

[Decibel]

I do like the W124 as well, but I'm just 21 this year, think you get the picture haha.. Can the 190 run on 95 Octane petrol?

[Lyons]

I thinking of getting the 1992 W124(8V) from one of the seller. The car is in the progress of inspection before transfer car ownership. The seller told me that this car is the last batch of 8V version before 16V version comes out on 1993.

What's the different?

 

He also mentioned to me that his car is made in Germany with vechicle ID start with WBDXXXXXXXX. What's good about Germany made compare with South Africa and India?

 

Thanks!

[Decibel]

Sorry no idea man, gotta wait for the more knowledgeable forumers to answer your question. All I know is that the 16V engine is better than the 8 valver, and German-made is definitely the best

Edited January 23, 2006 by Decibel

[Lyons]

By the way, this car comes with SRS and ABS.

[Spas]

What are your needs? What are you expecting from a potential car buy?

 

Well, i personally find buying used cars pretty hazardous as no amount of pre-purchase inspections/checking/observations could prevent breakdowns or other complications.

 

Problems may arise only weeks from buying the car. Replacements and parts may be another headache too.

 

Do consider carefully. Perhaps the latest low COE prices could be a motivating factor to get a new ride instead?

[Decibel]

This will be my 2nd car, just scrapped my first, which was a used car too and didn't give me any problems at all. As I mentioned earlier, not interested in new cars as I'll only be in SG for a few years more, hence a COE car makes more financial sense.

 

Am leaning more towards Jap cars atm, being much cheaper, but the 190E is the one conti I'm considering, only if I can find a good specimen though, which could make me overlook the high road tax and possible problems. A major factor that is holding me back though is that most of them are autos, which I quite hate

Edited January 23, 2006 by Decibel

[Rangie]

Mine is also 1992 model, 8valve, SBV license plate.

 

The last 8 valve model has the gear starts in 1st if you step at the accelerator hard when taking off. The earlier model l will start at 2nd and kickdown to 1st, very irritating and slower.

 

The interior for this last model is a bit better, I think more wood panelling.

 

16v has slightly more complicated in maintainence. That is the first engine for 16 valve, and may have some problems, whereas the one we have are the last engine for 8valve, more reliable.

 

Germany made Merc have better quality than South Africa. There were some 1997 W124 E220 from south africa, but I think most have been scrapped due to high scrap value. If you compare the interior of the new E200 Kompressor (Germany) vs the new C180 Kompressor (S Africa), there is quality difference. Of course even the Germany C180 quality is not as good as the Germany E200 Kompressor.

 

To answer the other question on petrol, 190 maybe able to use 95 octane, but it was too sluggish for me.

[Vit4wd]

I always thiought so long as the min RON requirement is fulfilled, it is OK.

 

I thought high RON does NOT mean more power?

[Evow123]

have a Merc club, but a bit quiet, due to its in Delphi

 

currently looking for people to help me in setting up the proper website.

[So_nice]

Saw this 2L 190E for sale on sgcarmart..1989 model. any review on this? Does it comes wif ABS and air bag?

Edited February 2, 2015 by So_nice