Dan Crouch BlogMotoring Enthusiast and Web Services Manager

It's been a while since I've posted an update on other rides for sale that I post elsewhere. Here's a recap from the past couple weeks.

• 1985 Ruf BTR For Sale: The Ultimate Tuner Porsche 930? - The yellow 930 Ruf is the most infamous, but how cool would a Ruf tuned 930 be in black?
• 1991 BMW e30 325iT Wagon For Sale in Calgary - The dog car we've always wanted but will probably never be able to get.
• 1995 Honda RVF400 NC35 For Sale in San Diego - Such a sexy bike and comes with a title!
• Well Maintained 1985 Yamaha RZ500 For Sale in Seattle - Another two stroke beauty right here in the PNW!
• A Pair of Low Mileage Porsche 968’s For Sale - Don't see many low mileage 968 coupes at affordable prices too often.
• Super Low Miles BMW e30 M3 For Sale - Not the e30 M3 bubble car, but close!
• 2 Laverda Formula’s For Sale Right Now - Interesting and rare finds that aren't really that expensive.
• 1991 Honda NSR 250 MC21 with 4k Miles - Great looking prospect with a title!
• 1991 BMW e34 M5 For Sale in Red with 47k Miles - Love the mileage and color on this e34 M5.
• 1978 BMW e21 320i with 3.2L Big Six Swap: Is This Really the Second Car Dinan Ever Built? - Perhaps one of the first cars Steve Dinan ever built.
• Two Great Mercedes 500E cars For Sale: One for $26k and one for $9k - Two 500E Porsche assist engineered cars for sale; at either ends of the spectrum.
• 1990 Suzuki GSX-R 750 For Sale in Red, White, Black - Another great original survivor for sale!
• 1989 Suzuki Katana 750GSX: Oh the Memories! - Paul once had one that looked EXACTLY like this one. What a flashback!

I hope you enjoyed the summary and thanks for reading!

dc

Matt emailed me tonight to give me the heads up that his Merc 190 2.3-16 was for sale. Naturally I had spotted it on eBay earlier today and had it bookmarked to blog tonight. It seemed like deja vu, and it turns out it was as this car was listed earlier this year on dancrouchblog.com, and he was the high bidder.

To be honest, I've clicked back on my own post a number of times thinking to myself, "that was a damn good deal on really good looking car. Why didn't I buy that?!" Maybe you've been thinking that too, and now you have your chance too.

I've got his car posted over at one of my new blogs, GermanCarsForSaleBlog.com

Good luck with the sale Matt!

dc

Update 6.19.08 - Still for sale, price down to $21850.

Blair recently posted one of these while I was on vacation, and this model has been on my mind ever since -- Especially if in the market for a modern classic German tourer, I don't see how you could look past a good example of a Mercedes w124 500E. I suspect maintenance and parts are just as expensive as that of the S4, otherwise known as the price of admission. But the presence of this car is still really striking in person, not to mention the pedigree of these cars speak for themselves.

1993 Mercedes Benz 500E in Portland, Oregon on Craigslist for $22850

1993 Mercedes/ Porsche 500E *Very Rare/ Numbered!
Only 72k miles.
All service history.. Clean title, clean carfax, no wrecks. Babied & garaged.. the nicest 500E you will ever find!
18" Chrome AMG wheels etc...

The 500E was a limited edition sports sedan developed in conjunction with Porsche. The Mercedes 500E was based on the popular 300E model which had been released in 1986. Each 500E was transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen during assembly and hand built, taking a full 18 days to complete each model. It was produced between 1992-94 in which time approximately 7200 cars were built, with only 1505 total cars imported to the U.S.

Besides a totally new engine, the 500E was also equipped with a hydraulic self-leveling suspension, 11.8 inch vented discs in the front and 10.9 inchers in the back, wider wheels and tires and shorter and stiffer springs which lowered the 500E nearly an inch over the 300E. While the resulting slalom time is nothing to boast about (61 mph), the 500E still manages a healthy 0.84g on the skidpad and a sports-car-like 116 ft stopping distance. The engine was the same unit used in the 500SL but with a Bosch LH Jetronic fuel injection replacing the KE Jetronic and a redesigned intake manifold with longer runners that resulted in an additional 22 lb-ft of torque over that powerplant.

With 322HP and 354 lb-ft of torque on tap combined with 2.82 gearing caused 60 to come in less than 6 seconds and the car was electronically limited to 155. The W124 chassis was fortified with Porsche's help to ensure this car performed flawlessly in all aspects. Adaptive rear shocks and subtly flared fenders conceal the 225/55/16 Z-rated rubber on newly added 18" AMG wheels. Virtually every possible option available on a W124 is standard. Four bolstered sport seats replace the conventional 2 front 3 rear configuration of other E-class cars. This is perhaps the most desirable and collectable Mercedes of the last 20 years.

I quoted the entire ad because the seller does a good job of describing what makes the 500E special. And I think he may be right that the 500E could be the most desirable and collectable car of the last 20 years -- in the United States. In the world, I think you'd have to consider the 190E 2.3-16 Evolution models and other homogolation specials.

$23k probably sounds like a lot for a car of this vintage. Actually, check that, it is a lot. But I've seen examples even higher than this. If it's as nice as he describes, has full documentation, serviced air ride suspension and had the wiring harness replaced... It's probably worth it for someone who's been looking for a good one.

dc

As regular readers know, I'm a fan of the 2.3-16. Usually I don't post high mileage examples, but this car looks tight and well maintained. And it's no reserve:

1987 Mercedes-Benz 190-Series 190e 2.3-16 on eBayMotors (156k miles, California)

quote from eBay listing:

153,400 Miles
Registration good till Jan of 09
Completly Stock
Original Everything
Complete Everything
I just completed the 60K service at Hoehn Mercedes here in San diego since I was nearing 160K Miles. I asked them to go through the whole car and replace anything that needs replacing.
I had them replace any and all fluids in the car. Coolant, rear diff, trans, engine, brake, clutch, sls, etc...
They also replaced the rear SLS system with new parts.
After the work they gave the car a thumbs up for sale. I am going to miss this car, while it was at Hoehn the service tech told me they had a Mclaren in for service and many people were more interested in my car due to the rarity and condition of it. Made me smile.
I do have a copy of the Vehicle Master Inquiry too as well as the service paper work I just did.

Not my favorite color, but this car could be a great value if it checks out. I'll update when the auction ends.

dc

This car may have 100k+ miles, but it has extensive history and maintenance, including what the listing describes as the last 2.3-16 motor in MB inventory!

1987 Mercedes 190 2.3-16 on eBay (Wisconsin):

This rare model is in Excellent condition. First owner to 1997 78000 miles from Dallas TX. Second owner and winter stored,was from Greendale WI. Also second owner was a officer in the local Merceedes club and searched the country to find a near perfect 190E 16V before finding this car for sale in Dallas.

He spent close to $20,000 in his ownership to keep it like new and buy many spare NOS maintainence parts that are in boxes included in the sale along with a complete set of factory service manuals. The interior retains the original material and the paint is also as factory applied in 1987 and has been invited to and shown regurlarly ( from 2000 untill 2006 ) at local concours shows as it is still excellent with no inclement weather use.

This car is currently bid at $15k and the buy-it-now was $16k. Good money for this well looked after example and still a remarkable value compared to it's main competitor, the BMW e30 M3. Considering good examples are moving for $8-12k, this looks like a good buy for a car that will need nothing for years to come.

dc

Jim Meager sent me this great looking Smoke Silver 190 2.3-16 that he has for sale (U.K., £8,000):

This beautiful 1988 Mercedes has a full provenance and has been in
the hands of a single owner from new. It has the advantage of a
complete and unbroken service history and is maintained to a high
standard. Garaged throughout its life, it has been lovingly cared for and
carefully driven with only 119,000 miles on the clock.

The condition, appearance and performance of the vehicle demand a
sale price of £8,000 and this will be a cash only sale.
Please contact us at jmeager@waitrose.com to register your interest or
make further enquiries which are most welcome. We shall endeavour to
respond to all emails within 24 hours. We are in Bedfordshire, UK and
prospective purchasers will need to come to us to see the vehicle
strictly by appointment only.

Download a .pdf with all the details and 6 high resolution images of this Mercedes 190E 2.3-16. [3.6 mb]

If you have a car worthy of listing on dancrouchblog.com, please contact me!

Good luck with the sale Jim!

dc

Update: This listing is very out of date. Why not check out one of these Mercedes 190 2.3-16's on eBay right now:

Mercedes-Benz : 190-Series MERCEDES 1987 190E 2.3-16 W/ HALTECH 48MM ITB 16V !!!!!

US $3,000.00 (6 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Sep-14-2010 18:40:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $8,750.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 190E 190 2.3-16v 2.3-16 Cosworth SLS Parts Lot

US $259.99 End Date: Saturday Sep-11-2010 7:56:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $259.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes W201 Body Side Fender 190E 190 2.3 16-V Valve

US $175.00 End Date: Monday Oct-04-2010 15:09:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $175.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 201 190 E 2.3, 2.3 16 V Starter Motor FREESHIP

US $65.00 End Date: Sunday Sep-12-2010 12:14:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $65.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

== Mercedes 190 E 2.3 + 16-Valve Starter FREE SHIP ==

US $59.00 End Date: Wednesday Oct-06-2010 8:31:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 190E 190 E D 2.3-16 Window Regulator Motor 201

US $39.99 End Date: Tuesday Sep-14-2010 17:40:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes 190 DE 2.3, 2.3 16-Valve Air Condition Relay

US $39.00 End Date: Monday Oct-04-2010 13:37:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Mercedes W201 Fan Serpentine Belt 190 190E 2.3 * 2.3-16

US $22.50 End Date: Monday Sep-13-2010 19:03:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

NEW SERPENTINE BELT MERCEDES BENZ 190E 2.3 190 2.3-16

US $19.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Sep-15-2010 11:16:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

BOSCH IGNITION ROTOR MERCEDES 190E 190 E 2.3 & 16V 16 V

US $14.95 End Date: Sunday Sep-26-2010 18:18:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $14.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

This looks like a really well looked after and enthusiast owned 190 2.3-16 for sale in New York on eBay:

If you want a reliable, fast, fun, and economical car (amazing to get all that in one car!), this Mercedes 16v is the car for you. The car drives and sounds like a stock Mercedes 16v, except power delivery is smoother, the idle is better, it is more reliable than stock, and it has more power! In all my years of ownership, the car has never left me stranded and has always started up and driven smoothly.

If this car runs and well as the owner reports and has the receipts to back up the work, this could be a really fun car and a serious consideration if you're shopping for an e30 M3 for sale! While I think the $13.5k buy-it-now might be a tad on the high side for a car with extensive mods and moderate miles, but the owner states his reserve is at $7500. Currently at $3150 with 5 days remaining.

Update 2.25.2008: Reserve was lowered and winning bid was only $7100! The pictures and description certainly suggested it was worth more.

dc

Check out this beauty! A 1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 with only 41k miles and a buy-it-now of $11250:

Considering the ridiculous prices that e30 M3's currently command, the value of this car, it's nearest competitor, looks very good!

Take a look at the other 190 2.3-16 for sale cars I have posted on dancrouchblog.com

dc

Check out this very low mileage 2.3-16 that the owner sent me to post here:

UPDATE: It has a manual transmission.

UPDATE 2: Links Added

UPDATE 1.23.08: Now on eBay with a buy-it-now of $14.5k

Would you kindly list on your site, I have more pictures if you would like. Thanks Andrew Patrick O'Rourke New York

City 646-744-5757

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer...Could you please share with your members a unique opportunity to own probably the lowest mileage Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 this side of the Mercedes Museum. What I have for sale is a 1986 109e 2.3-16 with 8,080 original
miles. This car has been in stored for 21 years. Original owner died in 1989, and left car to relatives. Runs and drives like an 8,000 mile Mercedes should. The exterior is Gunmetal Gray and all the unique 2.3-16 parts are as new, but then so is the whole car, Some minor scratches from extended storage. It is missing the Radiator Silver Star. Full Black all electric, Leather Sport seats front and rear that are immaculate. all options avail, ac, Becker Grand Prix, cruse, power windows, mirrors and sunroof, Original wheels are unmarked and still carry the Factory installed Pirelli P-6 tires that look new. Original Factory mats, as new. Untouched engine that still has factory inspection stickers on Cosworth head and door jams. Not a stitch out of place on this Timeless example of the 80's Mercedes Hot Rod, Less that 2,000 were made of this wonderful Supercar Classic. And I would say this is one of the best. Original Sticker of $42,387 tells you why few were sold. Originally sold and serviced at Mercedes Of Manhattan. This is the real thing I will give the VIN so you can CarFax and see it was last serviced in 2/89 at MBM and hasn't seen the light of day since. Rare opportunity for an equally rare car. Vin #WDBA34D7GF163893 production date 10/85. Mercedes and Cosworth that sayes it all, but you guys know more than I do. This Car is located in New York , White Plains,10607, Price is $16,500 , Call (646) 744-5757,with question or for additional pictures, and with any trades or offers up or down, Lotus Elise-Super-7, MR-2, Acura NSX, Porsche Boxster, RV's, Exotic Dune Buggies or very old VW's, especially convertibles.

Thanks,

Andy in New York.

I'd love to hear what a first hand account has to reveal about this incredible low mileage and low priced example. Good luck Andy!

Links
Previous Mercedes Cars for sale and 2.3-16 190's on TJRubley.com

dc

1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 2.3-16 on Autotrader.com

This particular example has high mileage at over 100k, but this isn't unusual for a used Mercedes. Many are proudly driven and maintained to high standards. This car would appear to be one of them, which was originally special ordered in Germany. Also has euro-spec lamps and what appear to be Evolution (or aftermarket copies) rims.

This post on the Vortex asking for help looking for a 190 2.3-16 inspired me to take a peek myself. A little bit of research doesn't yield many examples, and most are definitely not of this quality. $16.8k may well be a bit high, but could be reasonable for what may be the nicest example for sale right now. Although when compared to what e30 M3 are fetching, maybe not out of line at all. But I'll keep looking this week for a nicer one and include what I can find.

Quick Facts

Here's some quick facts on the legendary Mercedes 190 2.3-16 "Costworth" from Wikipedia:

• Cosworth racing was charged with tuning this motorsports motor, which is widely considered the centerpiece of the car. Modifications included a brand new cylinder head, 16 valves instead of 8, and constructed from lightweight alloy.
• The 2.3-16 was originally developed for rallying, but turbo Audi Quattro's made them uncompetitive. The 2.3-16's motorsports intentions were turned to DTM racing where it did battle with the e30 M3.
• Standard features included a dog-leg style transmission (european model), standard limited slip differential, and special body cladding that reduced drag.

Mercedes 190 2.3-16 Links

Check out other 2.3-16 for sale links on this blog

190Revolution.com
Mercedes-Benz 190 forum
Mercedes W201 16V Club e.V
MercedesForum.com
MBWorld.org
benzworld.org
Mercedesshop.com

Mercedes 190 2.3-16 Wallpaper/Images/Video

2.3-16 Wallpapers on NetCarShow.com
2.3-16 Videos on Youtube.com

dc