Anyone on here knows 190e?

[Mercury[BKM]]

190e and e30.. like rivals from yester year, both great machines

[Charley]

I had a 318i (M42) before getting 2 190s. A 92 2.6 manual and a 93 2.3 auto. They are both very easy to work on but as previously mentioned KE-jet is a stupid electro-mechanical bitch. This was the last car in the world to use a version of Kjet in 1993. Thats why I converted both to Megasquirt :p EFI makes a huge difference on these cars.

Other than the engine management, everything else on the car is dead reliable. The interior quality, sound insulation and seats are much better than the E30. The one thing I really don't like on the interior is the angle of the steering column. Its too low for tall people and not adjustable. I'm working on a solution. In that respect the E30 has better ergonomics. The body is more rigid but the stock suspension is much softer than any E30 I've ever experienced. Excellent for a comfortable ride but with lots of body roll. Parts off the heavier W124 like LSD, brakes, springs, swaybars etc can be swapped for a cheap upgrade. It doesn't have rack and pinion steering unfortunately. If you're buying one, find the newest best condition example you can afford. They are all dirt cheap at this point. I bought both of mine for less than $1000. Like most old cars, rust is an issue in cold climates.
good luck

I wouldn't mind megasquirt..But I'd rather keep it stock if it works. By
huge difference do you mean reliability or performance (both MPG/speed)

Also a good "afordable" around seems to cost between 1500(if lucky) and
3000$

Parts interchangeability is a big + to me.

I don't really care about performance... I dd a corolla these days.

Buy another e30!

None are worth it as winter DD around here, they sell for a lot
even in crappy conditions around here. a 190e seems to be a better
option for me right now.

basically the electrical aspect is a total nightmare and if you ever pull of the dash good luck getting it all back under there

As much as I hate electrical work, I can manage. I'm patient with this
kind of things.


Thanks for the input guys. Anyone else? Maybe someone local.

Charley

[nick526]

Not exactly what you're looking for, but great read none the less:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4916224-The-Archive-E30-M3-Evo-vs.-190E-2.5-16

[kingston]

I'm looking for a 190e for my wife...the Yin to my (and my E30's) Yang. Can't find a decent one anywhere near here :( Even though it's going to be her car, it still has to be a manual, for when I want to drive it. :p