I ran a 1989 190e auto for 21 years, Assuming a similar bowden cable arrangement as the diesel, mine was adjustable so that I could fine tune the way the transmission changed up. Worst aspect of the 4 speed transmission was that 1st gear was so low that it started in 2nd and was effectively a 3 speed for 99.99 percent of the time which was rather a waste. A ridiculously low 1st gear was an MB trait that continued all the way to my current MB.
1985 MB 190D 2.2
- Thread starter JHZR2
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I ran a 1989 190e auto for 21 years, Assuming a similar bowden cable arrangement as the diesel, mine was adjustable so that I could fine tune the way the transmission changed up. Worst aspect of the 4 speed transmission was that 1st gear was so low that it started in 2nd and was effectively a 3 speed for 99.99 percent of the time which was rather a waste. A ridiculously low 1st gear was an MB trait that continued all the way to my current MB.
JHZR2
Staff member
Yeah, not my first trip to the rodeo with the vacuum modulated MB diesel transmissions. Pretty straightforward to adjust once you understand them.
Sam_Julier
$50 Site Donor 2024
Beautiful car!
We just love our 92 300D 2.5 turbo. The vacuum system and bowden cable will get a thorough review by a MB specialist in the Spring after winter storage. It’s not something I understand at this point.
We just love our 92 300D 2.5 turbo. The vacuum system and bowden cable will get a thorough review by a MB specialist in the Spring after winter storage. It’s not something I understand at this point.
JHZR2
Staff member
Yeah that era is a nice mix of more modern design with the older quality and robustness. Just be aware that the engine is mixed metal and can have HG issues. And yours has a computer controlled wastegate. No computer authorization, no boost. Consider changing to a pressure actuated wastegate. Pretty straightforward.
My little 72 hp monster has no turbo. But my 1991 300D has that…
My little one is currently undergoing surgery..... Since the 2.2 was only sold in the states for 2 years, there was nothing in my area as a proper replacement. On the plus side I did have a Volvo aq131 engine and Volvo 240 trans just laying around.
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she's showing her delicates!
For $50 a night, including taxes, the bedbugs are tossed in free.
Yup, courtesy of Valvoline. Last time the oil was changed I ended up bringing it in due to the fact that both the garage at my house and the garage at my stepfather's (where the car is currently sitting) were Frozen shut. 1,475 miles in to a 6000 oci, she let loose at cylinder number 3. What little oil that was left in the base after trailering the car home had the consistency of 5w20.... Valvoline's response? They essentially told me to pound sand saying that "we put 7 quarts of 15w40 in" and "it's a 38 Year old car what makes you think it's our fault?"
In that 1,475 miles, I had to add 1.5 quarts (only other time it would consume oil that quickly was when I used store brand 5w-40 during the summer for a short oci when I first registered it, the car had set for a decade prior to my ownership)
Also, I would check fluid levels at every fuel stop (I usually fill up at a half tank so roughly every 220 miles)
JHZR2
Staff member
Wow threw a rod?!? Yikes. I would have dropped a 2.5L, ideally turbo in there. We know they fit.
The only Mercedes diesels around in my area are the old om617s, anything that would be in the om60x family is either already blown up or pulled before I have a chance to grab it. That and going from 72 horsepower to 120 with a solid drivetrain that was just taking up space seems like a no-brainer to me. I also have another b230 that at the very least is a rebuildable core, that one will end up being refreshed and having the head decked for a high compression build some point down the road.
JHZR2
Staff member
Your location is ny. There are plenty of wretcked or rusty w124 cars with the 2.5 turbo. I know of a beautiful one that was totaled due to a rear end accident in central Jersey.
All good though. A fun project regardless of the engine. It’s just that the w201 2.5turbo would be a quick little car. The 1987 w124 with the 603 was faster than a Camaro z28 of the same year. The lighter w201 with a 2.5 (the NA version was used in the 190D) we know is doable.
Enjoy yours!
Sam_Julier
$50 Site Donor 2024
I just love your 190D. Can’t stop looking at it!
Now I’m on the hunt for the same car.
Now I’m on the hunt for the same car.
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JHZR2
Staff member
There’s one I saw on FB marketplace around here recently.I just love your 190D. Can’t stop looking at it!
Now I’m on the hunt for the same car.
I have a 190E 2.3 gasoline engine sedan from 1988 parked out in the field. “Ran when parked”! 
. It really did, when I parked it back in 2005…
I toy with dragging it up to the garage and sorting it all out to put back in the road. It was a solid little car that was all Mercedes quality, and a blast to drive even with the low horsepower from that 4 cylinder.
. It really did, when I parked it back in 2005…I toy with dragging it up to the garage and sorting it all out to put back in the road. It was a solid little car that was all Mercedes quality, and a blast to drive even with the low horsepower from that 4 cylinder.
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