I recently traveled this same road helping along a somewhat negleted 190e euro 2.3 16v with a stick,its been a fun project ,a real experience in 80s style fueling systems and the end results was a fun little car that revs sooo sweetly.Well ,its happened again but an automatic has crossed my path ,and yes ,fueling issues abound. Looking over the vehicle it is in overall great condition ,one detail is that the trunk has a new head gasket in its wrapper ,I will check the oil stick and resorvior next visit since It didnt click to a problemed headgasket as the reason for its state. It brings me to one very important question ,what value would you put on an 87 190e 2.3 16v auto w/ 87k orig. miles one owner ,lady owned,since new.

So much depends on the service records and current condition of the various systems, including the SLS, valve train, diff and cosmetics. Low mileage value can be easily negated by neglected maintenance. Without any further description other than "overall great condition" without knowing about cylinder compression numbers, repair costs and other inspections, I would say it's likely in the $5K range to start.

Its only valuable to a very, very small group of enthusiasts. To the general masses, it is a small, poorly running 25 year old car.

Any clean, running car is worth a thousand dollars, so start there. Dont get too out of hand with pricing, I doubt the line will be very long with people ready to pay that kind of cash for such an old car.

Edit: If its running like crap, and/or has head gasket issues, start lower.

__________________
Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2

Yes, and a E30 M3 is only interesting to a small group of enthusiasts too. I think you'd be surprised at the attention the 190E 2.3-16 is getting these days.

E30 BMW M3: Most Overhyped Classic? - AFTER/DRIVE - YouTube
M3 vs 190e 2.3 16v ,what makes the bmw go for large coin.

New surprise ,a newly arrived twin ,proud papa photos to come soon.The 87 2.3 16 v with auto arrived late last night ,after a final shake on the wrecker carrier the horn bleeped alittle as it was lowered down to the nursery floor,it looks nice and right ,heres the goody list ,16" pentas with new rubber,boston acostic subs and mids done nicely with eclipse deck ,cd ,yahhoo.Interior is correct with only a few blemishes ,windows good,dash items all work ,87k on the odo and records as a one owner car from Cali transplanted to Houston is at the top of the list.Ok ,before I get ahead of myself it does have a soft spot ,generaly I catch items before a purchase goes down ,this one got passed me ,headgasket, the oil is clear the reservior clear ,but upon viewing the inside of the topend through the oil cap it appears darkend but cam lobes are clean ,not rust ,just not nice and clean like my 85 ,Ive heard of an easy test to be sure ,any test you recommend would be appreciated.
The fuel system was pulled for replacement of fuel pumps and filter,so the go for a start will wait until parts are bought AND headgasket replaced if needed.
Follow up ,seems the oil type might play a part in what they call bronzing of the top of the motor ,not sludge ,just a light browning of the metal were my other cossie is like an operating room .Good news .