1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E

Introduction

The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E was a popular entry-level luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, refined handling, and sleek design. It was available with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as a four-cylinder diesel engine. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.

Engine

2.0L Inline-4 (122 hp, 142 lb-ft torque)

• Valve Stem Seals Issue
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace valve stem seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on cold starts
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

2.3L Inline-4 (134 hp, 158 lb-ft torque)

• No Issues Found

2.6L Inline-6 (160 hp, 177 lb-ft torque)

• No Issues Found

3.0L Inline-6 (185 hp, 229 lb-ft torque)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Ring Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, especially from second to third
  • Solution: Replace synchronizer rings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Lock-Up Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping and poor acceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500

Five-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Solenoid Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping and erratic shifting
  • Solution: Replace solenoid valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps and poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering and excessive tire wear
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging and warning light on dash
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car won’t start or intermittent clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking electronically
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Fabric on the headliner begins to droop
  • Solution: Replace headliner fabric
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600

Summary

Overall, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E is a reliable and well-built vehicle, but it does have some common issues to be aware of. The severity and cost of these issues are generally moderate, with most repairs ranging from $200 to $1,000. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent many of these issues from occurring.