RE: 200q/w purchase

[Peter Henriksen <peterhe@microsoft.com>]

[snip]
>89-91 10v/20v 200q/200qw series. Is there much difference between the 
>wagon and the sedan (beyond the obvious appearance/interior space issues)
>
>For 91, nope. The sedans came with a phone standard until AoA ran out and the
>stereo is different (more speakers in the sedan in different places).
>
>[snip]
>Other than stock 217 HP & fender flares, why is the 20v superior 
>to the 10v? Reliability? (I know the 20v has less boost lag and
>larger tires will fit, but for half the money...)
>
>Well, more torque. Also, reportedly there were some improvements to the body,
>although I have never verified exactly what. It's supposedly a stiffer
>platform than the pre-91 models.
> 
>  Were the UFO brakes only on the 20v 200q, or not? I have heard from an 
>Audi mechanic that they were on the 1990 200 10v's too, but don't 
>believe he was correct.
>
>He's full of it. They were stock on the 91 200q (not the non-q) and the 90
>and 91 V8 (there may have been some midyear change for the V8 - I don't
>know). Some cars have been modified by reverting to the non-q front
>suspension, rotors and calipers (10.9", I believe). Contrary to what some
>people think, they don't all warp all the time. Also, frequently warped
>rotors can be straightened by a day's track use or by a few *very* hard stops
>from about 80-0mph.
>
>  What about general reliability over the 89-91 cars, both 10v & 20v?
>
>Can't really say. The 91s I know of all have little (or not so little)
>problems, but that doesn't seem out of line with the pre-91 cars.
>
>[snip]
>  Looking between the 89 10v (I'd like an airbag) to 91 20v, which car will 
>give the most bang for the buck and spend the least amount of time and 
>money in the shop?
>
>As you say, right out of the box the 20v will give you more bang, but a
>modified 10v will give you much more bang for the buck. Sorry, can't help you
>with shoptime...
>
>Any good advice and/or leads to good examples would be 
>much appreciated.
>
>Don't know where you're at in the world, but there's a nice looking 89 200q
>for sale at BMW of Bellevue here in Washington state.
>
>Good luck.
- peter, peterhe@microsoft.com, issaquah, wa, usa
  91 200qw
  94 acura legend gs
  80 mazda 626
>