BMW 535is or Mercedes 190E 2.3 16V Your Thoughts (SAC)

[Carl Cobb]

Go here http://www.mercedesshop.com/main.htm  to the shop forum and find the high performance/hot rod category.  You should be able to find what you need or put a question out there and get the information you require.

For my two cents I'd take the benz with the cosworth motor and a five speed anyday over a bimmer.  The benz was limited production and that motor is wonderful.  All the parts are available to convert it to a euro spec motor with LOTS more power.  If the car is completely stock (I've seen a lot of these for sale after the boy racer honda civic set have had their way with them...ugh) and it has a clean bill of health AND a documented service history go for it.  I think I'd prefer to find a 86 or 87 (think they made a 87) model; think I read they are a bit more preferable.  Factory probably fixed a few things and tweaked it here and there.

Regards,

Carl

ps:  I'd never buy a bimmer with more than 90k on the clock unless the motor had been rebuilt.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim C. Meritzis 
  To: Quattro at audifans.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 5:35 PM
  Subject: BMW 535is or Mercedes 190E 2.3 16V Your Thoughts (SAC)


  Hello Friends,
       Sorry for lack of Audi content.  I know how some people get upset over this but I know I can always count on all of you for the best advice, even when it comes to other cars that don't compare to our beloved Audis!  I am looking to purchase one of the two cars listed in the subject line.  One of them is a 1984 Mercedes 190E 2.3 16 and the other is a 1988 BMW 535is.  Both cars are 5 speed with about 150,000mi average between the two.  I am an Audi guy and thought I should at least try one of the older competitor's cars.  I ran a carfax on both and they check out clean as a whistle.  I am currently driving (and always will) a 1990 Audi Coupe quattro 20V.  
      What should I look for in these cars?  Both are selling for around $4000.  Is there anything special I should know before I buy one of them?  ISV on the mercedes... Rear Subframe on the BMW.. These are couple things I know.  Is that 4 cylinder mercedes engine any good??  Any help is appreciated.

  Tim Meritzis
  1990 Audi Coupe quattro 20V
  1999 VW Golf Wolfsburg Edition
  1984 Subaru Brat D/L Rally EA81 Powered

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