If you’re in the market for a great classic Mercedes, this 1989 Mercedes 190e 2.6 will not disappoint you.
I purchased this car from the original owner, and it has spent most of its life in Arizona. This is not a restored piece of junk, but a well maintained, regularly driven automobile. I first spied it behind the owner’s business; only the grille, headlights and bumper were visible under its cover. I noticed it again about a year later and approached the owner. He told me his wife had bought it brand new, but was now too old to drive. He said he’d start it up and take it around the block occasionally.
Original window sticker included with car!
The exterior of the car has a properly done clearcoat paint job, I’m not sure how long ago it was painted. It has almost no chips, no scratches and shines up well when waxed. The front bumper and headlamps had some sun damage, so I repainted the original matte grey bumpers and cladding to match the body color. The headlamps were also replaced with euro look lamps since the original plastic was dried and yellowed.
There is absolutely no rust of any kind on this car.
The interior is original and in very good condition. It has had floor mats its entire life, and the original carpeting underneath looks like new. The original MB tex upholstery and seat padding are in very good condition, with minimal wear on the driver’s seat where the seat belt rubs on it. The dash, steering wheel and console are all in very good condition,
A compression test showed 160psi in all cylinders evenly and equally. I replaced the valve cover gasket due to seepage, and I have a photo of the valvetrain in like-new condition. This is a high quality car ready for its next ¼ million miles.
The fuel distributor has been rebuilt, injectors and injector seals replaced with OEM Bosch parts. Throttle position sensor and fuel pressure regulator were replaced along with all new OEM rubber boots and molded hoses. The cold start valve and cold start injector test as good.
The distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and wires have been replaced with Bosch parts. I also replaced the radiator, thermostat, coolant, coolant recovery tank and cap. The car was previously converted to R134 refrigerant. The A/C will almost freeze you.
The motor and trans mounts have been replaced with OE equivalent items, along with the drive shaft flex joints and center carrier bearing assembly. The oxygen sensor, catalytic converter and muffler have been replaced as well. The car is quiet and smooth, yet still sounds muscular.
Trans and rear axle fluids replaced.
Wheels have been upgraded with 17 inch (7.5 front/8.5 rear) from a 2011 C300 Sport and have Michelin tires with plenty of tread. There is virtually no tire rub. The original wheels will be included as well.
All 4 shocks, all front control arms and steering parts have been replaced with OE equivalents; the front brakes have new OEM pads and rotors, the rear brakes measure as nearly new. This car runs, drives, steers and stops like a new car.
Stereo has been upgraded to a Bluetooth phone/audio unit with CD, this was done by the original owner, so I don’t have the factory unit. Speakers work well, but if booming music is what you’re after, a speaker upgrade might be in your future. The electric antenna works when tested, but must not be hooked up at the radio.
All functions of the power seats (driver and passenger front) and all power windows work as designed. The sunroof opens and closes smoothly; central locking system works properly as well. Climate control and fan work well; as do the interior, trunk and exterior lighting. Glass, door latches, weatherstrips are all in great shape.
Wheel alignment recently done at Mercedes dealership with no negative comments on inspection report. All mechanical adjustments and tuning performed at Schulte Automotive Services, the premier repair facility in Phoenix for this year of Mercedes.