So this winter, I'm going to do paint and body work to my FJ60 to sell it. I'm thinking about a getting 190E next because I don't have any small quick cars at the moment.

So whats the one to get?

I want a manual trans, and I'd like to get an EVO 16v. What are they going for, and do they out perform the 2.6?

Can you find 2.6s with a 5spd?

Are parts hard to find for the 16v?


Thanks!

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NEVERODDOREVEN

87 300SDL
http://rally-america.com
http://specialstage.com

Not too great a difference in performance between the 16 vlv 2.3L and the 2.6 stick. Good luck finding a true EVO. The 16 vlv's can be found but not to be used as a daily driver (not my comment just an observation from the Rev (190Revolution - website). I owned a 2.6 (automatic) excellent car and lasted me until 311K miles - i bought it with 72K miles or so on the odometer - excellent daily driver.

Hope this helps.

Check out the Rev -used to be very good insight, help and even cars for sale.

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1991 190E 311K [Brilliant Silver/Black MBTEx] -retired
1996 E300 315K [Black/Grey MBTex]

Want to put a tank in the trunk for WVO/SVO in the E300 Need to find a place to store my OIL!
Still procrastinating about the biodiesel/WVO
Made some biodiesel but so afraid to pour it all in - I've added some and think I'll supplement my fuel to see how I make out

Made some biodiesel but the process scares me - methanol fumes are not your friend! Need to do this outside.

We're not dead . . . yet.

The best of any used Mercedes is one that has been maintained by the previous owner(s) and hopelfully has the service history and records to show the work done.

All things being equal (service & mileage), your best bet for a daily driver is a 1993 (last model year) 2.6L model. M103 headgaskets can get leaky after 80K miles, so be aware. There are still 5-speed manuals out there, just fairly rare. The 1993 would also be the only year for the "Limited Edition" model, only 700 marketed in the US, while the 92 and 93 2.6L has the "Sportline" option package (suspension & trim), which was included in the Limited Editions.

Why a 2.6L? Nearly the same performance as the 2.3-16 in a smoother, easier to maintain form. The 2.6L is also the preferred engine bay to drop in a larger displacement motor, like the 3.0L or bigger M104 variants.

And as good as a collective of thought and info - the Rev would be nothing without MTI. Excellent source of info - not a biased owner with limited experience. Good to see you. I've visited recently (the Rev) but my comment was directed more at the collective - is it just a bunch of nuts trying to lower their car as low as it can go so as not to drag the coffee can soldered to the muffler or is there still a good crowd dragging the topic in the right direction.

I miss my 201...

__________________
1991 190E 311K [Brilliant Silver/Black MBTEx] -retired
1996 E300 315K [Black/Grey MBTex]

Want to put a tank in the trunk for WVO/SVO in the E300 Need to find a place to store my OIL!
Still procrastinating about the biodiesel/WVO
Made some biodiesel but so afraid to pour it all in - I've added some and think I'll supplement my fuel to see how I make out

Made some biodiesel but the process scares me - methanol fumes are not your friend! Need to do this outside.

The W201 is the favorite "entry level" used Mercedes, not only for the low market prices, but because it has that classic "diamond cut" styling by Bruno Sacco that took Mercedes from the mid 80's to the late 90's.

So, let's say a present buyer is about 19 or 20, they would have seen the W201 and similar looking W124 on the roads nearly their whole life, possibly set their brain cells about what a Mercedes should look like.

At the same time, they also grew up during the rise of small front wheel drive cars, with their own style of tuning. There's a subtle form of "peer group" assimilation, "east meets west" fusion thing going on. So, it's not unexpected to see these younger owners putting a modern spin on what they want their cars to look like.

Despite that, I've noticed that as they age and stick with the brand, there's a subtle shift in perception of what is proper and what it takes to maintain a classic. It's a good thing Mercedes sold over a million units of this chassis, there'll still be some in stock form for awhile.

I have a w123, w201 and an '08 C350 and would have to say that if you are looking for a tank, the 190E is not the best choice. I actually do have a 1993 2.6L, the immaculate kind with all the stamps in the service booklet etc etc. Car shows quite well; and I love the look. Sacco was a design genius. However I'm constantly breaking things, like the little handle on the air vent directionals, window regs, miscellaneous interior trim pieces. The 190E feels cheap to me. Very low market value for these cars, and the parts cost a fortune. Honestly I'd rather have a w124; that's a real tank, almost as tankish as my w123 which is the definitive Mercedes-Benz in my view. Now THAT'S a tough car! I nailed a deer with that thing at 90mph; car ended up on its right side in the grassy median. Not a scratch on the right side, only damage to the car was from where the animal was struck. no glass, no mirrors were broken in that horrible scary accident. Unbelieveable. Had it fixed and its as solid as ever. Damn what a car. Definitely love the w123 more than the w201. Drivetrain is solid as Benzes go, but the relative lack of sound deadening material and cheap feel of the interior(especially the door panels - WTF??? That's like 80's VW cheesy) compels me to judge it as cheap. Handles like it's on rails with its light weight and near 50/50 weight distribution. My opinion favors a w123 above all; the w201 occupies the least-regarded Mercedes position. Apologies to all w201 fanboys.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

No apologies required. Tastes and experiences differ. While the W123 and W124 may have their "tank like" appeal, some folks prefer not to drive one. When you factor in the price and size differentials, you can appreciate both ends of the spectrum.