BMW E30 vs MB 190E 2.3-16V?

[G-Man]

We all know that E30 M3's are selling for more than 20K+ but does anyone know why the chief competition to the M3, the MB 190E 2.3-16V is selling for far less than the M3? Here's an example

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/4228778560.html

You can't say the M3 is overvalued because the asking price is what buyers are paying. Maybe the MB 2.3-16V is a sleeper (undervalued) car but it received great reviews when it was released.

G-Man
I still like my 91 E30 318i with the M42 motor, it puts a grin on my face every time I drive it.

[Lance Racing]

Wasn't branded properly. "2.3-16v" just doesn't roll off the tongue like M3, which has been now cultivated over 4 generations of M3.

[ZM Blue Devil]

Wasn't branded properly. "2.3-16v" just doesn't roll off the tongue like M3, which has been now cultivated over 4 generations of M3.

This plus in the current market the availability of aftermarket parts is 10 to 1 compared to the BMW. Its a shame as it is a tight car when suspension and fuel injection are taken care of.

[mkcman17]

Who wants to buy my 87 smoke silver 2.3-16 dogleg?

I have too many bullshit projects.

[dougie30]

Because chariot of the gods

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[Freakshow]

Good question. I always wanted a 190 but decided to get a 325i instead and dont regret it one bit. Maybe later will pick one up down the road but i have too many plans for the e30 so dont know when thats going to be.

[R3Z3N]

The US version is also quite a dog....slow, but still very cool.

[CabbE30]

It's no e30..

[redsubdivisions]

I would definitely go for a 190E if I had some spare change laying around. It's nice to have a driveway full of German machines.

[blunttech]

I would love to have one well sorted version of each

[JinormusJ]

BMW E30 vs MB 190E 2.3-16V?

I wouldn't mind a 190e

I've always liked both spectrum of the DTM rivals

e30 weekend mobber
190e daily beater

[reelizmpro]

There are a number of reasons..but here.are a few. Came in only 2 colors in the US, 167hp detuned engine, 4 door luxury sports car?, automatic and 5 speed, older, almost non existent aftermarket support, mechanical fuel injection, subtle styling not drastically different enough to command attention, terrible branding, etc. The car is more rare, older, very nice, yet due to many reasons like the ones I listed, they aren't commanding M3 money. I believe, they are only now gaining popularity because it was a direct competitor to the m3 and m3's have tripled in price, so people have missed the boat and are looking at the next best thing to take off. However, I think only the best examples will. The 190 is also an honorable mention in many e30 m3 articles which renews interests.

I just read the cl ad and it is very clever of him to bring up the M3, educate potential buyers and point out they could own a competitor for a fraction of the price. Sounds like a used car salesman.

[apm]

BMW carried over the M3 badge so it has more market brand awareness. Mercedes stopped making 190E a long time ago. Forgotten in time.

E30 M3 has more sports allure to it with aggressive styling and fender flares and more sporty and the dual rounded headlights is timeless. While Mercedes is typically seen as an old man's car.

But on the positive side, 190E 16V Cosworth is more affordable even almost at par the price of E30 "is" models. Better get yours if you can get a good clean one.

I've been a proud 190E Cosworth owner for about 8 yrs now. I bought it for $2.2k and it has tons of rare parts. It's pretty reliable if you keep with regular maintenance.

Believe it or not, it's a fun car to drive and that little Cosworth head is no slouch either. For the price, it's well worth it.

Here's a pic of my beloved 190E..

[ST1G]

That's a great looking car.

[jalopi]

Because the M3 is an icon, regardless of how gangster the 190's look like in evo form.

That and market preference really... people are funny in what they're willing and not willing to pay for. Think the mustang vs. camaro deal... imo the mustang is the definitive muscle car, but the camaros tend to bring higher price for whatever reason.