[kdadi]

Originally Posted by GTO

Congrats! The 190 is timeless and yours seems to be in immaculate shape. Hard to believe that she's 25 years old. The Mercs of yesteryear were truly built to last.

Curious to know why you bought this over an Indian W124? E220s go cheap, are newer, bigger, RHD, cleaner paperwork (having been made here) and available with an MT. Plus, the W124 is also an 'oldschool' Mercedes.

Have fun with her. This one's a keeper.

Thanks GTO! I went for this model mainly because
- It was then Mercedes answer to the 3 series (the E30's). So there is some strong history associated with it
- The W124 is a bit too big for my garage
- I was not interested in any diesel models
- The LHD increased the drool factor
- More importantly, The W124 the petrol variant that was available in India wasn't sufficiently powerful, for such a large body. the 190E 2.6 with its sikly smooth 6 cylinder engine can do 0-100 in 8.3 secs (manual), about a second more for the auto - and in a relatively light shell (kerb weight stands at 1200 kgs). She definitely handles way better than a W124.

Thought it was all worth the pain, which hasnt fully gone yet

Originally Posted by ajmat

Actually there are 3

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/vinta...ml#post1301745 (Vintage & Classic Mercedes Benz Cars in India)

Owned by sunilgee

There was a ka05 one in Bangalore Turquoise coloured. I pondered and decided on a Skoda RS instead. Guess which would have been less troublesome.

I spotted one in OLX for sale in Delhi, the condition might have been questionable though.

That's nice to know Ajmat. Another one from the same year, and imported from the US as well.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by kdadi

I took a few months to sort out the hot start issue. So its literally been just 2-3 months since its ready for daily use

There is a slight rubber-band effect to the auto-tranny. It definitely misses a 5th cog. The performance of the Linea MJD has been talked about quite a bit on the forums. And being a manual, we cannot compare it to the Merc's auto. But being race-chip'ed, my Linea goes pretty well I should say.

The fuel accumulator can give some trouble. Check out the cold start valve too, if it is leaking, it can cause problems during hot starts as well.

If it is overly lethargic and not shifting up on time or too early, get the transmission modulator checked out. Alternatively, if everything is fine and you're finding that you're using kick-down a lot in city traffic, slot the car into D3 for the city runs, won't shift up to 4th, and you'll have constant power on tap.

EDIT — Congratulations on your buy! Wish you many happy miles.

[kdadi]

Originally Posted by Viraat13

The fuel accumulator can give some trouble. Check out the cold start valve too, if it is leaking, it can cause problems during hot starts as well.

If it is overly lethargic and not shifting up on time or too early, get the transmission modulator checked out. Alternatively, if everything is fine and you're finding that you're using kick-down a lot in city traffic, slot the car into D3 for the city runs, won't shift up to 4th, and you'll have constant power on tap.

EDIT — Congratulations on your buy! Wish you many happy miles.

Thanks. Will keep those tips in mind. Right now its purring well.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by kdadi

Thanks. Will keep those tips in mind. Right now its purring well.

I'll be glad to help out whenever I can. I have some (a lot) of experience with the K-Jetronic system your car has due to my 300E, and some experience with the Benz automatic transmissions of that era due to my automatic E250D.

In the mean while, check out the EZL setting in your car, if it is on N, use normal fuel, if you plan on using 93 or 97 octane, turn it up to S.

[Mpower]

She's a beauty my friend.

Also quite rare because the cars that are imported in India are usually the lower power variants. Its always a treat to drive a small car with big engine.

[ayushagarwal26]

Congratulations! That's one heck of a looker. And a 170hp 2.6l 6-cyl in a w201? That sounds FAST. And with robust old school merc underpinnings, she'll last you forever! I'm sure she's a hoot to drive... I wish I could come down to KA just to take a look

[smsrini]

Wonderful! I had seen this in the classifieds and shied away due to the LHD factor. Otherwise she is in the best condition.

I'm in the lookout for a 190D, and will come across 'the' one someday!

[iceman1]

Congratulations!! She is indeed a beauty. Look after her well and she will serve you for years to come.

[Ramanjit]

Please accept my congratulations for being brave enough to indulge in your dream machine.Owning an import in this country is an expensive affair ( I should know as I am getting my 1971 super beetle restored ).More over you were confidant enough to pick up the car without actually seeing it,speaks volumes about the kind of faith and trust the members of this forum share.Happy motoring.

[1100D]

Originally Posted by kdadi

Thanks GTO! I went for this model mainly because
- It was then Mercedes answer to the 3 series (the E30's). So there is some strong history associated with it
- The W124 is a bit too big for my garage
- I was not interested in any diesel models
- The LHD increased the drool factor
- More importantly, The W124 the petrol variant that was available in India wasn't sufficiently powerful, for such a large body. the 190E 2.6 with its sikly smooth 6 cylinder engine can do 0-100 in 8.3 secs (manual), about a second more for the auto - and in a relatively light shell (kerb weight stands at 1200 kgs). She definitely handles way better than a W124.

Besides the biggest differentiating factor is the "Made in Germany" factor. Your car looks as supremely understated as stately Mercs (albeit the size) should look like.

Envious of you!! Have countless miles on it and dont part ways with it.

However, having driven both, a 2.6 US spec 6 cyl car vs a 2.5 4 cyl car (although a manual), I wont say much, but if you get a chance drive a 2.5-16 and rev it, you'll be floored. However nothing beats the low-mid-range of the 2.6 in-line-6 that this shared with the early W124's (in US).

[kdadi]

Originally Posted by 1100D

Besides the biggest differentiating factor is the "Made in Germany" factor. Your car looks as supremely understated as stately Mercs (albeit the size) should look like.

Envious of you!! Have countless miles on it and dont part ways with it.

However, having driven both, a 2.6 US spec 6 cyl car vs a 2.5 4 cyl car (although a manual), I wont say much, but if you get a chance drive a 2.5-16 and rev it, you'll be floored. However nothing beats the low-mid-range of the 2.6 in-line-6 that this shared with the early W124's (in US).

The Evo versions with the 2.5 were a hoot to drive - they were Mercedes' response to the BMW M cars then. Truly rare finds. Wish I could get my hands on one

[1100D]

Originally Posted by kdadi

The Evo versions with the 2.5 were a hoot to drive - they were Mercedes' response to the BMW M cars then. Truly rare finds. Wish I could get my hands on one

On the contrary, it was the non-evo once, with a simple 2.5-16 badging and everything else pretty much standard that was the real wolf in sheep clothing. The Evo though screamed high performance right from the way it looked!!

[kdadi]

Some more snaps from the car. Am planning to take it out on a spin over the weekend to capture some nice images with a good landscape

1) Airbag Warning
2) The Engine Bay
3) The Auto-box
4) The Arm-chair
5) Cruise Control (25 years ago!)
6) The view that matters
7) The Center Console (note the after-market audio. The original Becker wasnt working and couldnt be repaired)
The woodwork on the center console has kept up well - it has retained the shine, unfortunately its not perfect. There are a few battle scars. I am trying to see if I can source some zebrano ones for that

[kdadi]

Originally Posted by kdadi

Some more snaps from the car. Am planning to take it out on a spin over the weekend to capture some nice images with a good landscape

1) Airbag Warning
2) The Engine Bay
3) The Auto-box
4) The Arm-chair
5) Cruise Control (25 years ago!)
6) The view that matters
7) The Center Console (note the after-market audio. The original Becker wasnt working and couldnt be repaired)
The woodwork on the center console has kept up well - it has retained the shine, unfortunately its not perfect. There are a few battle scars. I am trying to see if I can source some zebrano ones for that

Oops. I have a (0) item in there as well - the VIN of the car.

[lemedico]

consider me your half-brother as I too (my dad actually) have this glorious car in a royal shade of blue! We have had a 190E 1.8 petrol MT (RHD, family bought in the UK and then shipped to india after reverse migration) since 1992. Oh what a machine! Its a pleasure to see fellow bhpians sharing similar like for this model and it brings a sense of joy to my heart.