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

[Albert Ng]

Hi guys,

humm... no offense here, but if I ever have to consider buying one of those
"Homologation Specials", I would consider e30 M3 instead of MB's 190E
2.3-16v anytime. Parts and maintenance wise, I think the e30 M3 would a bit
cheaper than MB; not to mention performance parts are readily available.
Performance and handling wise, I don't think I need to say more (the
winningest touring car title says it all)  : P

Now back to the 535i.... from what I learned on my e30, I think you might
want to check the front lower control arms and their bushings, flex disk
(not guibo), engine will probably need valves adjustment (in your case, ask
about the last timing belt and tensioner replacement), the shifter and the
linkage bushings probably need to rebuild, and rubber in-take boot need to
check for crack....... Lastly, if you know how to take care and fix your
Audi well (especially if you owned a type 44 before), the 535i should not be
a problem for you.

HTH

Albert Ng
'87 5kcst
'88 e30 m3

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl Cobb" <c123666 at earthlink.net>
To: "Tim C. Meritzis" <kzildjian at home.com>; <Quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2001 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: BMW 535is or Mercedes 190E 2.3 16V Your Thoughts (SAC)


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