Sunday, November 10, 2013
Engine Troubles in the 1992 Mercedes C190e
The 1992 C190e is an entry-level four-door sedan produced by Mercedes Benz. It was well engineered, offering reasonable comfort, and cost less to operate than its sibling, the C190. Rear seat and trunk space are limited. However, front seat occupants enjoy plenty of room. Available with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions, the C190e came equipped with a 2.3L four-cylinder engine that produced 130 hp. The car had standard ASR traction control, and returned just over 20 mpg.
What to Watch For
Some automatic transmissions suffered from sluggish shifts, due to a faulty vacuum modulator. On early models the cruise control function was unable to smoothly maintain the desired speed selection, and would often jerk, especially on an incline.
Engine Trouble
While not particularly problematic, the four-cylinder found in the C190e did have some specific recurring issues. An intermittent engine misfire was routinely reported due to fouled or worn-out spark plugs/wires. This would often generate a code, alerting the driver via a check engine light located in the instrument panel. In rare instances, the capacitors inside the vehicles ECU (electronic control unit) would leak slightly, causing a similar behavior. Erratic or drifting idle, is another concern where the engine rpm is unable to stabilize at the correct level. This is usually associated with a faulty idle speed control unit, but can be quickly identified and repaired.
Cost of Ownership
Being a Mercedes, expect a higher average cost for parts than a comparable domestic vehicle. An alternator will run you a cool $440, while a factory air-conditioning compressor costs $1035. However, a radiator comes in at a more reasonable $150, and a new set of brakes is only $190. Most parts can be installed by any licensed mechanic at the same hourly labor rate as other cars. Wherever possible, find aftermarket parts, as these often meet or exceed OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specifications, and ring in at a fraction of the cost. (All prices current as of 2011.)
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