Daily driver 190 2.3 16 vs 230CE

[christiandk]

Hi Guys,

I have a bit of a "problem". My daily driver is a very nice original low milage W124 230CE in excellent condition. It serves as the family transporter. For "fun" I have my little 912E.

However, I have bin bitten by the bug of a 190 2.3 16V.

I am considering a 16V to replace my 230CE as a daily driver. But.....a 16V will probably cost twice as much as my 230CE before everything is set and I guess that it maintenance wise will cost much more than my current DD.

I test drove a 84 16V yesterday...the car is awesome. Has a fantastic sound, and I just love the dog leg Geträg box. The car had a lot of rust though, and that is my main problem......how many salty winters will a non rusty piece hold before showing the sign of the brown stuff?

The body of the 16V seems to be a lot more more prone to get bitten by rust than the W124 does.

Also there is less room in the 190.......but what a classic ride!

Here is a link to a car that could be interesting. I would buy one from Spain so salt has probably not been an issue.

MIL ANUNCIOS.COM - Mercedes Benz 190 2,5 16V 204CV PIEL

Cheers,

Christian

[onewhippedpuppy]

I vote 16V all day long. I've always loved those cars.

[christiandk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I vote 16V all day long. I've always loved those cars.

Hmmm, probably me to. Now it just boils down to the ? of $$$$$$

[beepbeep]

190 2.3 16V = Mercedes answer to BMW M3 E30. That means similar rules as M3 E30 apply: fun car but quite pricey for what you get.

[Jrboulder]

Wow it's been a while since I've even seen a rusty car.

I think the question of how long a clean one will last before becoming rusty depends on how much of an undercarriage washing zealot you are. If you just leave salt all over it, any kind of moisture from rain to condensation will destroy the car.