190E startup after a few years
Discussion
It drives!
I bought a 2.5-16 a while after that conversation (September 2005), and I only sold it last year. That too, was exceptionally solid particularly for a performance car. My only complaint was that back then when I dreamt about these cars they were still quite quick. But by 2014 a BMW 320d was able to keep up with you and the dream wasn't quite the reality any more. The same is true of all performance cars from that era, though - E30 M3, Cosworth, Integrale. The 190 2.5-16 is a great all-round and everyday car, though.
Since you're involved with 190s - what do you think I should do with this black 2.0? Problem is I have no space for it. And the exterior has picked up some good scuffs and scratches from its time parked up.
And yes, "pleasingly invisible". Indeed that does not describe a Vantage. It's completely different to own although that itself is worth it for the curiosity. But you can't park in the street, you can't use it all the time (why? well partly because I average 18.4MPG), it's difficult in town. It's very firm on the road, you can't see anything out of it, it's very wide. Shall I go on?
I can't keep this car, I just don't have the space. I just need to get it to the ideal condition for moving it on - whatever that is. e.g.:
1 - ebay it and say "requires some TLC and an MOT" (I don't want to do this as I fear some fool will break it for spares!)
2 - Give it TLC and MOT then sell it as is
3 - Full restoration (not at all likely)
V12 AMG said:
Nice one!
Can't believe you still have that car!!
I had a 2.6 and a 2.3-16v and we spoke a little through the 190 forum about the differences between the standard cars and the cosworth engined versions. That must have been back in 2004ish...
Howdy. This conversation certainly rings a bell. Oh wait, just checked your profile, yes of course I remember you. How's it going?! What are you driving now and are you still involved with Mercman?Can't believe you still have that car!!
I had a 2.6 and a 2.3-16v and we spoke a little through the 190 forum about the differences between the standard cars and the cosworth engined versions. That must have been back in 2004ish...
I bought a 2.5-16 a while after that conversation (September 2005), and I only sold it last year. That too, was exceptionally solid particularly for a performance car. My only complaint was that back then when I dreamt about these cars they were still quite quick. But by 2014 a BMW 320d was able to keep up with you and the dream wasn't quite the reality any more. The same is true of all performance cars from that era, though - E30 M3, Cosworth, Integrale. The 190 2.5-16 is a great all-round and everyday car, though.
Since you're involved with 190s - what do you think I should do with this black 2.0? Problem is I have no space for it. And the exterior has picked up some good scuffs and scratches from its time parked up.
r129sl said:
I have a beige carb model with keep fit windows (but it does have the automatic transmission) 
and it astonishes me how good a car it is for the reasons you describe. It is very light (about 1,200kg), narrow (both absolutely and, more importantly, relative to its wheelbase) and feels agile and eager to go. It is an extremely satisfying tool to use for daily driving. I was hesitant about buying a carb model but have been very pleasantly surprised by how sprightly it is: it's very willing from the off and sufficiently accelerative at legal speeds. I noted that the carb model develops its torque at much lower revs than the E (about 122lb/ft at 2,500rpm as against 131lb/ft at 3,500rpm). It is also pleasingly invisible (in a way that I should imagine an Aston Martin Vantage absolutely is not). Of all the cars I have owned and driven, my basic 190 is my favourite.
It doesn't surprise me a bit that your car has sprung back into life without any significant trouble.
Edit: and you should keep it, that car is part of you.
That's an interesting read and I completely agree. They are easy to drive with the size, weight, visibility and power delivery. As for the carb issue, they way I understand it I don't think the carb version is massively inferior to the injected version except for fuel economy. But condition is more important than fuel delivery or spec isn't it. and it astonishes me how good a car it is for the reasons you describe. It is very light (about 1,200kg), narrow (both absolutely and, more importantly, relative to its wheelbase) and feels agile and eager to go. It is an extremely satisfying tool to use for daily driving. I was hesitant about buying a carb model but have been very pleasantly surprised by how sprightly it is: it's very willing from the off and sufficiently accelerative at legal speeds. I noted that the carb model develops its torque at much lower revs than the E (about 122lb/ft at 2,500rpm as against 131lb/ft at 3,500rpm). It is also pleasingly invisible (in a way that I should imagine an Aston Martin Vantage absolutely is not). Of all the cars I have owned and driven, my basic 190 is my favourite.It doesn't surprise me a bit that your car has sprung back into life without any significant trouble.
Edit: and you should keep it, that car is part of you.
And yes, "pleasingly invisible". Indeed that does not describe a Vantage. It's completely different to own although that itself is worth it for the curiosity. But you can't park in the street, you can't use it all the time (why? well partly because I average 18.4MPG), it's difficult in town. It's very firm on the road, you can't see anything out of it, it's very wide. Shall I go on?
I can't keep this car, I just don't have the space. I just need to get it to the ideal condition for moving it on - whatever that is. e.g.:
1 - ebay it and say "requires some TLC and an MOT" (I don't want to do this as I fear some fool will break it for spares!)
2 - Give it TLC and MOT then sell it as is
3 - Full restoration (not at all likely)
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