Hi All

Well, good news. I just got a tech job in Mountainview, CA. Add another to the millions of software engineers in silicon valley. So, I'm moving from Toronto.

The 190 2.6 is going to stay here with a close friend. I am open to suggestions as to what to work on to future-proof it somewhat. Timing chain comes to mind.

Here's the big question: What car should I get? Parameters in DECREASING order of importance:


Budget - $3K, willing to go upto 4K, maybe, possibly
MANUAL TRANSMISSION - I'm sick of the slushbox
Inline-6 engine, will settle for a V6 or a 16V 4 cyl. Would also consider a diesel
Rear wheel drive
Preferably German




So, it appears that I'm only in the market for a 190E/300E 2.6 5-speed with 120K miles+. Anyone know one for sale?

How about an E36 325i? Are they as easy to work on as 190s? As (un) reliable? As smooth?

Any other ideas? Japanese cars? I don't want to buy American.... yet....

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'88 190E 2.6

BMW E28 5 series can be found cheap and rust free and are easy to maintain and work on.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes

How are they, in terms of ride and handling? Compared to a MB 190/300 of similar vintage?

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'88 190E 2.6

I'm looking for an apartment within 10 miles of work. The problem is finding one that'll allow me to work on my car

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'88 190E 2.6

The highway commuting on 101 between San Jose-Mt.View/Sunnvyale-Redwood can be awful, they have car pool lanes for a reason, I'd at least think about automatic transmission

(However, Higway 280 is sweet, that is is real temptation and one of the most beautiful places to drive for the pure joy of it - just watch for the CHP!
It's heavily enforced

How about a nice 86-87 300e? Or an 82-85 300 turboDiesel? Unfortunately Hondas and Toyotas, 3k-4k won't get you too much, you will find that these models are too "precious" and overpriced in the SF bay area, everyone seems to want one. They make good transportation, reliable and boring.

The SF bay area has Autotrader, Craigslist and local papers, Oakland Trubune San Jose Mercury News, www.sfgate.com (SF Chron) to check out once you've an idea of what you want.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

What about a W126 like a 300SD or SDL,even 380SE?

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1998 S500
2006 E320 CDI
1963 220S
1994 S500
1995 S500
2005 BMW 545i sport
2007 GL320 CDI
2007 ML320 CDI
1991 Toyota Previa White over Blue
2000 Lexus RX300 White over Beige
2008 Audi Q7 Black Opal over Grey
1993 Toyota T-100 Silver over Grey
2002 Chevy 2500 Express White over Grey

They are a blast to drive with better handling and brakes, but the interiors are not the quality of MB. The seats are comfortable but I dont think anything has the wear properties of MB tex. Test drive one, everytime I drive mine it puts a smile on my face. The 528e is an economy 6 that can get 30mpg. The 535I is the big 6 and tops at 25mpg. The big 6 has a chain, the small 6 a belt with 75,000 mile change interval. Tune ups are easy on both.

__________________
1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes