I was wondering if any of you E30 M3 drivers also considered getting a Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 valve when you were purchasing your car. Did anyone drive them back to back, or do any other comparisons between the two? I would assume Car and Driver or some other car magazine did a comparison between the two; does anyone know which issue, or (even better) have links to scans?

Thanks for any experiences/info you can share.

well, I did some more searching on s14.net, and pretty much answered my own question; it seems like the ~$7,000 price difference is justified. I'd still be interested if anyone else would like to add their personal experiences though, particularly with a modified 190E.

http://www.motoyen.com/articles/80/

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=880&highlight=190e

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=733&highlight=190e

http://www.s14.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10952&highlight=190e

I do not own either - but have been looking for a nice, none abused E30 for a while - In addition to test driving several M3s, I had a chance to drive a couple of 2.3-16s as well - nice cars - but not in the same class, imho.

The M3 is possibly the only "modern" sedan that is close in feel to a classic sport car like my '93 Miata. Light, direct steering, good feedback and tossable. Another car that suprised me in feel was the '91 318i/318is - I would personally take one of these over a 190E 2.3-16.

I do not own either - but have been looking for a nice, none abused E30 for a while - In addition to test driving several M3s, I had a chance to drive a couple of 2.3-16s as well - nice cars - but not in the same class, imho.

The M3 is possibly the only "modern" sedan that is close in feel to a classic sport car like my '93 Miata. Light, direct steering, good feedback and tossable. Another car that suprised me in feel was the '91 318i/318is - I would personally take one of these over a 190E 2.3-16.

Hey rloewy.

I've had 3 NA Miatas ('90, '95 r-pack, and current '91 Italia). Completely agree about the e30 vs. Miata comparisons. Also agree that the later M42 engined e30s are prtty neat.

The e30 M3 is a fantastic car, of that there is no doubt. But given the cost and after some research, I decided on an e30 325is. I paid about 1/3 of what I would have paid for an e30 M3, maybe 1/4th if I could have even found a M3 in the same condition as my 325is (my car is a one-owner, 75K mile example). And while I am perfectly willing to acknowledge that the M3 is a far superior car, it just was not 3x the car to me. (FWIW, Road & Track in 1988 agreed on some level, you can download the article here (http://www.osirisx.addr.com/bimmerphile/generalinfo.htm).)

Anyway, just something to consider. Not tryin' to sway your opinion if you are set on an e30 M3, but if you haven't driven an e30 325is you are selling yourself a little short, IMO.

Anyway, just something to consider. Not tryin' to sway your opinion if you are set on an e30 M3, but if you haven't driven an e30 325is you are selling yourself a little short, IMO.

I never had a chance to drive one I really liked - maybe because all of those I tried were tired dogs.

I will keep my eyes open, thanks for the tip.

Only reason I would stay away from the mb 16v is MB CANT make manual transmissions, my buddy is a 190 guy and all the manuals they have had are always messed up, www.190revolution.net I think is his board, there is a getrag that many people do make fit on the 16v though, dont recall the specifics.

Yes, I remember vividly, and I think I still have that issue, Road and Track did comparisons between MB E190 Evolution II, BMW E30 Evolution I, and Audi S2 coupe. I kept that issue because it was very informative. Both the E190 and the E30 were rated high, and E30 had an cockpit adjustable suspension. I would love to get my hands on one of those. Don't get me wrong, all 3 vehicles are superb, but my love for the E30 M3 was and is a profound one. The MB Evolution II had a wide body kit, with an F40 like wing. It looked very distinctive, very musclar. Audi S2 looked very blend -typical Audi- but it produced some potent robust power.
Well, happy motoring..
Eli
I have some parts from my old 95 E36 M3 that I am trying to get rid of. Check out the classified.