Hello Retro Rides.
I come on here every now and again to ask sometimes simple, sometimes stupid questions. Every time I am swamped with super helpful information and learn a great deal. Once again I am back with another question which I hope someone can help me with.
A few years ago I bought a Ford Sierra off of a member on here, I got the car legal and enjoyed using it very often, it was super reliable, the injection pinto was fantastic, wasn't going to win any races but delivered enough performance to keep up with modern motorway traffic and was just great to own. I sold the car to fund the purchase of a Porsche, upon purchasing the Porsche I realised that the Sierra offered a huge amount of practicality which I didn't realise until it was gone. 4 doors, a useable rear seat, a very spacious boot, I was able to take family out in it, take the dog to the coast, load all of my fishing gear in it and many other things. I find myself now lusting after something which is more practical than my 2 seat coupe, however Sierra Sapphires have gone through the roof in value, so I have been considering other options and my reoccurring favourite is the 190E.
I know nothing about the 190E. However the saloon style is a huge seller for me. I drive past a RR members 190E nearly daily and it has certainly planted the seed of want. So much so today my misses pointed it out and said "That's a nice Merc, have you noticed it before" where I mention it so much, I take this as a seal of approval that I can buy one.
What is to look out for on these, ideally I would like a manual model. Are there any areas that are huge water, salt and road grime traps that cause them to rot to pieces? Are there any huge mechanical problems that I need to keep an eye out to avoid? My main intentions with one would be to have a small rolling project, small localised areas needing attention isnt a huge problem, I do not want something that needs to be stripped down to a bare shell and needs extensive welding, I have a mini in the garage for that.
I am primarily after a petrol manual. I have also read a lot about engine conversions, I like the idea of a modern power unit in the older car. Is a M111 2.3 engine conversion a relatively straight forward affair? Is it possible to utilise components from different model Mercs, like brakes and other components? Pretty sure I read the M111 bolts up to the manual 190E gearbox? My Mercedes knowledge is incredibly limited, I had a vito which ended terribly many years ago and I have steered clear ever since.
Ultimately, can anyone offer any advice on the 190E as an occasional, practical retro? Any models to avoid, what to look for, basic buying guidance really. "Steer well clear" is also welcome advice. This whole thing will be done on a budget, if it was to go ahead initial plans would be aesthetics after any essential maintenance, polish, lower, wheels. Followed by the potential of an engine conversion the following year.
Any advice would be fantastic.
I come on here every now and again to ask sometimes simple, sometimes stupid questions. Every time I am swamped with super helpful information and learn a great deal. Once again I am back with another question which I hope someone can help me with.
A few years ago I bought a Ford Sierra off of a member on here, I got the car legal and enjoyed using it very often, it was super reliable, the injection pinto was fantastic, wasn't going to win any races but delivered enough performance to keep up with modern motorway traffic and was just great to own. I sold the car to fund the purchase of a Porsche, upon purchasing the Porsche I realised that the Sierra offered a huge amount of practicality which I didn't realise until it was gone. 4 doors, a useable rear seat, a very spacious boot, I was able to take family out in it, take the dog to the coast, load all of my fishing gear in it and many other things. I find myself now lusting after something which is more practical than my 2 seat coupe, however Sierra Sapphires have gone through the roof in value, so I have been considering other options and my reoccurring favourite is the 190E.
I know nothing about the 190E. However the saloon style is a huge seller for me. I drive past a RR members 190E nearly daily and it has certainly planted the seed of want. So much so today my misses pointed it out and said "That's a nice Merc, have you noticed it before" where I mention it so much, I take this as a seal of approval that I can buy one.
What is to look out for on these, ideally I would like a manual model. Are there any areas that are huge water, salt and road grime traps that cause them to rot to pieces? Are there any huge mechanical problems that I need to keep an eye out to avoid? My main intentions with one would be to have a small rolling project, small localised areas needing attention isnt a huge problem, I do not want something that needs to be stripped down to a bare shell and needs extensive welding, I have a mini in the garage for that.
I am primarily after a petrol manual. I have also read a lot about engine conversions, I like the idea of a modern power unit in the older car. Is a M111 2.3 engine conversion a relatively straight forward affair? Is it possible to utilise components from different model Mercs, like brakes and other components? Pretty sure I read the M111 bolts up to the manual 190E gearbox? My Mercedes knowledge is incredibly limited, I had a vito which ended terribly many years ago and I have steered clear ever since.
Ultimately, can anyone offer any advice on the 190E as an occasional, practical retro? Any models to avoid, what to look for, basic buying guidance really. "Steer well clear" is also welcome advice. This whole thing will be done on a budget, if it was to go ahead initial plans would be aesthetics after any essential maintenance, polish, lower, wheels. Followed by the potential of an engine conversion the following year.
Any advice would be fantastic.
