The Zohan

It looks cheap, would have thought a mint one would be around 6K

Usually thrasheed check for dealer/specialist service history, must be full, suspect it isn't at that price.
Pimp/drug dealer image - usually with chomed wheel arches

Cosworth 'did the head' believe the block is std mercedes 2.3 4cyl.
Engines reliable and robust, go for 180K without even the head off.

Some parts dear - genmuine exhausts for instanace could set ya back 700 notes, not sure on insurance.

Sevice hisyttory is everything, oif it has been skimped on the WALK AWAY!

Nice cars thou'



[Edited by Paul Habgood - 10/2/2002 9:13:49 AM]

MarkCSC

Is it in Essex by any chance?

Look for FSH and the cam chain done at about 100,000. This can cost anywhere between £700 - £2000...ouch!

Worn bushes can cause suspension damage and uneven tyre wear so check tyres. Also the handling should be spot-on. If it feels woolly their is something wrong.

As said below exhaust are 'king expensive but last ages. SS replacements are popular as they are cheaper than OE parts.

Great cars, with regular servicing they will last for ever. Nearly bought one but money had to go elsewhere


Mark

Some owner views here
http://www.carsurvey.org/model_Mercedes-Benz_190.html





[Edited by Mark Champion - 10/2/2002 4:30:34 PM]

uxg

My old man had one of these and he would let me borrow it from time to time. Very nice cars for there day. As pointed out earlier the image maybe a bit too pimp daddy these days but in the 80's it was the claas. Half leather seats, very strong dog leg gearbox and a nice engine. Came in a 2.3 16v or later one's were a 2.5. I'd agree with most comments as above.

Most parts are shared with the 190 Merc so these are cheap enough but some of the parts exclusive to the car like the exhaust and the gearbox are very expensive to replace. It was a very nice car to drive with nice RWD **** out action and solid feeling build quality. I would also agree that most are thrashed so check service history and make sure the timing belt has been changed. If not you can look forward to a very expensive engine rebuild.

I still have very fond memories of this car so at that price if the car is genuine go for it. Just get it checked out first.

The Zohan

UXG - didn't realise they did a 2.5, you live and learn.

Now you come to mention it i seem to remember the gearbox is made by Getrag, German company making quality transmissions and industral type drivetrains for just about anything, oh and some rally cars as well - not cheap!

uxg

Yep later models were a 2.5 with a few more ponnies under the bonnet. Your right the gearbox was a Getrag dogleg box (i.e first gear was down instead of up). I don't know the specifics but I think alot of high power Skylines etc use this kind of gearbox as they are very strong (due to not using a normal synchromesh I think) and can take extra power and lots of abuse. Quite a special unit but you are right in that if it goes pop you are looking at £££'s to replace\repair. The funny gear positions do take a bit of getting used to but the gearchange action was very sweet.

Also 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds and on to about 160mph so it was quite a rapid beast and handling was fun at least in the dry. In the wet it could be a bit of a beast. Might need to find a specialist to service and look after it too as normal Merc dealers don't always know how to look after them properly and put the wrong engine or gearbox oil in etc.

Flat 4x4

Evo did a used feature on the 190 Cos. Worth getting a reprint as they're full of useful stuff and stories