Chance to buy a 16V...

[BlueBabyBenz]

So why am I posting on the diesel board?

I just recently bought my 190D from an American friend who also has a 16V.

I've put some money into it, mostly forced by importing it into the province and having to comply with the inspection, but generally I'm happy with the expenditures and love the car itself.

Now my friend calls me and proposes that we trade. He needs to raise some money.

Down the road I was looking at buying a 300E as an additional car anyways, so I'm thinking of keeping the 190D for winter, which, by the way here is not at all severe. If it goes below freezing its at most for 3 or 4 days per year, so snow is only on the roads 3 to 4 days. For that period I can keep the both cars parked.

I think I can buy this 16V for less than a 300E. Should I tell him to sell me the car and buy a beater? Or should I not be swayed from my original plan?

Thoughts?

If it was me personally, I would consider the 190E 2.3-16, but I would have it checked out. They can be expensive to repair. What I have read about them, the valve train is one area of concern, and another area is the suspension. If you decided to buy it, also make sure that it has the 5 speed manual transmission.

I own both cars, so here's my $.02.

It really depends on what kind of driving you do and what you want out of the car. If you like the tossability of a smaller car, then go with the 16 valve. If you want something a little bigger, or if you do a lot of rush hour driving, go with the 300- E since it has an automatic. BTW, all 190 16 valves come with a manual transmissioin only.

The 16 valve is truley a great driving car! It handles like dream and the exhaust note is unbelievable!! I find myself turning off the radio often and opening the windows simply to enjoy the sound of this car. Yes, having a fifteen year old car has some pitfalls, but if you take care of the big stuff (like I've done with mine), most parts are easy to find that are common between the 16 valve and 8 valves. If I were you, I'd try to find a 16 valve where you live and drive it before making a decision. Comparing the 300's drivability to a regular 190 won't suffice. The Recaro seats and leather interior are excellent. The self-levelling suspension won't let the car complain in any turn. There's also something special about owing such a unique car. Only about 2,000 were imported into the states; and this car still holds the world endurance record. If I remember correctly, it was driven something like 55,000 miles nonstop!! That speaks for one durable engine! And when all is said and done, from my experience, the 16 valve four is actually faster off the line than the 24 valve six. (Or maybe it just feels that way). Both cars always have more power when demanded.

Hope this helps. Good luck! You really can't lose either way.

[BlueBabyBenz]

Ok, this is getting me more interested. Just to clarify, though, I have driven this 16V.

Since he is my friend, he has given me a few chances to drive it, so I know exactly how it handles and performs.

BTW, they did make automatic 16V's because I test drove one. It seemed no where near as fast as this one, which is a 5-speed.

What does draw me to the car is the uniqueness.

And you are definitely correct about the exhaust note.

Do I feel myself leaning?

Yup, you're leaning! I didn't know there were any automatics out there. Half the fun is having the 5 speed!! And yeah, it is a really unique car.

[BlueBabyBenz]

Hey, wait a second here, Sflori!

It looks like you have yours up for sale.

What gives?

And, how much, btw?

What I have read about 16v's, is that they all came from the factory with the 5-speed manual, but many owners had the automatic put in either at the dealership, or from their independant shops. I have also heard that the automatics have problems in the 16v.

Originally posted by BlueBabyBenz
Hey, wait a second here, Sflori!

It looks like you have yours up for sale.

What gives?

And, how much, btw?

Yup! Check the classifieds section. I put it up there a few days ago. I didn't mention it to you (except via my signature) because you're so far away. But that makes no difference to me, I just flew down to Georgia a month ago had a VERY pleasurable road trip back home in my "new" E-320.

Check the classifieds for details. If it works right, there's a link to a website where I've posted several pictures of the car. It really is a beauty! If interested, email me privately. The asking price is $8500 OBO. I would really like this car to go to someone on the Forum so it will be well taken care of.

PS If you've got time for idle curiosity, also go to the general discussion area and check out the "What to buy for around $15,000" thread. That's the one about the E-320 that I bought.