190e, the new "e30"?

[Bimmerman325i]

This is how these threads always go:

ask E30 enthusiast site about car X.

get "it ain't no e30" as a response.

[davem]

I love the look of these cars and they seem to drive okay, though I've never driven one. If manual versions were as common as manual e30s I might be in one !

[tjts1]

I like the 16V because it's similar to an E30 M3 (albeit slower) but it's got 4 doors. The US version also got the same dogleg trans (G265/5) that came in the european E30M. I really like doglegs, but I assume the "regular" non-16V 5 speed is a standard pattern.

How reliable are the 2.6s? I will need a daily in the next few months... you never know what'll pop up.

I like the 16v too, I just don't think its worth a whole heck of a lot more than other W201s. But different strokes for different folks.

The 2.6 is very reliable. Imagine an M20 with a timing chain instead of a belt. Mine has 190k miles and I drive it between Seattle and the Bay Area every couple of months. The only issue to look out for is an oil leak from the headgasket at the back of the engine. Stick your hand back there and feel around. If you find oil it'll need a headgasket. Use it as a bargaining tool. Or you can just live with it because the leak is always toward the outside of the engine instead of the combustion chamber, if you don't mind a drip. 100k mile headgasket is considered routine. Its relatively easy. The nice thing about the 2.6 is its identical looking 3.0 cousin if you have to pass California smog check.

[MonkeyMadness]

This is my pic's in my area...:up: $1750

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2681946933.html

This one looks like a manual $1100

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2742647409.html

[Nairb]

tjts1.. you're the man.

[Wh33lhop]

I like the 16V because it's similar to an E30 M3 (albeit slower) but it's got 4 doors. The US version also got the same dogleg trans (G265/5) that came in the european E30M. I really like doglegs, but I assume the "regular" non-16V 5 speed is a standard pattern.

How reliable are the 2.6s? I will need a daily in the next few months... you never know what'll pop up.

[tjts1]

A few things to keep in mind for all the 16v fan boys.

3.0 M104 with about 200hp. Sadly this one still has KEjet


M104 3.2 off an E320 bolts in for 228hp stock 240 without cat. Comes with its own handy dandy EFI.


3.6 M104 from the C36 AMG, ~270hp in stock form, also bolt on


5.0 M119 EFI alloy block motor also bolt in with ~330hp.


And for the 4 banger fans like myself, 2.3 M111 available in both high CR and low (originally supercharger) CR form


If you like that we can get into the many bolt on brake options off the heavier MBs.

http://www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/W124/124_brakes.pdf

Other than collector value I don't see the point in paying a premium for a 16v. Yes its neat, its interesting but its not E30 M3.

[ALYKZANDYR]

Best thing you can do is strip away all the 80's-90's high tech toys, ( auto leveling suspension, electronics, etc and replace with conventional suspension and modern electronics. eliminate 75% or your reliability issues. same goes for E32,W126 W140, and other high end euro cars from mid 80's-mid 90's. Take the old ass outdated electronics off them and suddenly they become cheaper to run and more reliable. but at the expense of upgradign the parts. but in the long run it can pay off.

[Kershaw]

i know what's wrong with that car.... IT'S THE SENSOR.

levent should snag that.

[gp.plus]

Here you go

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2732876496.html

[tjts1]

Ain't sh*t for resources online either!
Do love the bodystyle though!

190rev.net

there are running examples all over my clist for less than that.

Bingo

[Kershaw]

there are running examples all over my clist for less than that.

[j0oftheworld]

There's a clean 16v that had "timing chain" failure on Phx craigslist.. $2300.. Clean chassis!
Wondering if the engine is toast since I don't know anything about them.
Ain't sh*t for resources online either!
Do love the bodystyle though!

[MonkeyMadness]

190E the new E30..... No

But I would jump on buying one givin the chance..

Not a big fan of MB, but would strip one down and toss it all over the road if I could..

[ALYKZANDYR]

Personally if i had a 2.3 or a 2.5 evo and the motor shit its pants i'd just turbo LSX that motherfucker.