1993 Mercedes-Benz 190: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz 190

  21.1% All 1993 cars

  12.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz 190

  11.9% All 1993 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.5% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sub-frame4.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz 190

  7.4% All 1993 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Corroded fuel pipes4.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz 190

  6.2% All 1993 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz 190

  5.7% All 1993 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  33% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?