get it - great car. cheep repair - runs far on a gallon

it must be a 2.0D 4 cyl or 2.5D 5 cyl you are thinking of?

Interesting thread, but nobody's answering the query. I have a 1984 190D 2.2
five speed (192,000 miles). I love it. A lot of pluses and minuses will
depend on how well it has been maintained.

First the minuses:
I have replaced the ac compressor twice and it's the most expensive of the
mb compressors, plus an expensive relay.
You have to disassemble the entire car to replace a bulb in the dash.
The previous owner replaced the water pump at least twice. (I've had it for
six years and the water pump is fine)
I can't think of any other major issues. Of course, there have been minor
things recently (after all it's got 192m miles) Replaced motor and
transmission mounts, one wheel bearing, timing chain tensioner shock, belt
tensioner, and I'm about to replace blower motor.

Good things:
At 192m miles it doesn't use more than a quarter quart of oil between oil
changes.
I haven't done a compression check, but the oil pressure gauge is always at
max except during idle, starts within a millisecond of crank--I'm convinced
engine will run another 200m miles without major repair
Fifth gear is an overdrive (at 50mph) so highway mileage (with air
conditioner off) is about 40mpg.
Very comfortable to drive -just the right size (I'm 6'2) I tend to think a
big MB would be too big.
Paint has held up for 20 years (it's been garauged) and when cleaned up
looks like new.
It's an 84 but looks like a 93 (the last year for that chassis).

I could go on . . . unfortunately, according to Kelley Blue Book, it doesn't
have much resale value. If you can get it for Kelley's estimate - grab it.