Somebody please, snap me out of it - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 04-15-2003, 11:09 AM

Well, back again in the old hot-rod forum, still on the search for possible 190E replacements.

Today I drove a... wait for it... 2000 BMW 323i (2.5 170hp) auto. By far the best version of '3' I've driven, and really a lot of fun on the twisties, though performance is not great. I Prefer the auto to the manual.

In fact I enjoyed the short drive so much, I am somewhat tempted by one (or a 328i).
Now is where, hopefully, someone tells me a 500E or 190E-16v is just as much or more fun on twistyish roads at speed...

please?

Russ

Glen · #2 04-15-2003, 11:36 AM

Russ,
If you're ONLY asking which would be the most fun I'd say the 3-series BMW is the right choice. The 16V would be close but the BMW is light years ahead in creature comforts and refinement. And, as great as the 500E is, it will definitely feel ponderous compared to either a 16V or 3-series. Not that it isn't capable of keeping up, it just won't be as tossable.

Holson Adi · #3 04-15-2003, 11:51 AM

You really prefer the Auto? Maybe the engine's different I have two friends who own E46's. One has a 2000 323Ci (auto) and one has a 2001 325Ci (manual) and the 325Ci feels much faster in the city.

Honestly these cars are FUN cars to drive!

I doubt that a 500E is as tossable. However I think the 500E is MUCH more comfortable to sit in on long journeys. My back hurts when I go to NYC in the 323's...

BTW, The W203's (MB) don't feel nowhere near as nice in my opinion.

pentoman · #4 04-15-2003, 08:13 PM

I definitely prefer the auto, the car is fairly refined and I think it just suits, except 1st is a little high geared. It's very quiet (engine too quiet IMO) too. By the way, the 2001 325 has 20bhp extra, which may account for the difference in speed.

Sorry to go on, but.. took the 190E along the exact same roads later in the day, and it surprised me. It dealt with the turns just as well, went at about the same speeds, and would keep up with one fine if driven well(n.b. I'm on new 205/55/15 Goodyear Eagle NCT 3s).

However, it rolls more and thus requires greater concentration, and the steering is slower (much too slow) and has much less feel.. IMO, these are the main factors in the lack of 'fun'. It also struck me that I was moving along a little too.. smoothly. Felt connected to every crest and lump in the BM, and detached from them in the Merc, which is good and bad.

190 wins back on only one point. At the limit, the BMW would only understeer straight on if coming out of a corner on the power (with ASC off - with it on it subtly gets you round in no fuss, was quite impressed), while on the exact same turns the 190 would push the tail wide and power oversteer out

. - Laugh ye not, though I have only 1997 cc's and grippy tyres, the road was dusty

.

I guess my answer will come when I drive a 16v - hopefully the steering is much quicker and has better feel.

n2lw · #5 04-16-2003, 08:48 PM

You could convert your 190 to a sportline.....lower, stiffer springs and konis. That was a limited production model in early 90s.
Asearch on this site will give details.