Evan C

Ive only owned BMW's in my lifetime but im in need for a new daily driver and i just love the classic looks of the 190E. But I dont really know anything about them. I would love as much info as possible on these cars. How are the mechanically?? pretty reliable?? what are the known problems?? Are high miles a problem?? performance figures?? any benefit of the 2.3 or 2.6 over the other??

Any and all help is appreciated, feel free to hit me up on AIM of so inclined.

-Thanks

crapbuster

I don't know too much about the mechanics of my 190E, but I have over 108,000 miles on my 1984 190E 2.3. It's been running great as my daily driver.

mctwin2kman

I have 160,000 miles on my 1986 190E 2.3 8 Valve. If you want a little more power I would look for a 2.6 I-6 one as they have more power and of course more tourque. They were available since 1987 model year. A 16V would be nice and that is my ultimate goal to get one but in the US they were only made for 1986 and 1987, with some black market ones in 1984 and 1985 I believe. I do all my own work on my 1986 and bought it for 800 bucks, added Euro Headlights for $300 to improve the look. I have put maybe $200-300 in parts in it to get it back to proper tune as it was negelected before I got it. She is my daily driver and has been for the last 7-8 months with no issues. Some of those parts were ones I broke or that were deteriorated from 18 years of use. That was for ball joints, tranny mount, some worn steering parts, full tune-up(cap, rotor, wires, plugs), and some sensors that were bad. Actually parts are very affordable and pretty easy to put on, if you look in the right place. I also have the W201 MB Maint CD to help me along, same CD the Dealers use.....

190shadetree

Have an '88 190E 2.3 8v. 132000 miles. Very reliable. Runs good. Good gas mileage. I have a Haynes repair manual and do all my own repairs. The car is very easy to work on and parts are surprisingly affordable if you buy online, not from the dealer. Try to buy one from someone who took care of it. Mine had four previous owners and was neglected. I put a lot of greasy finger marks on that Haynes manual, but it was fun.

This forum and 190revolution.net have a wealth of information and helpful folks.