Hello, all.

I have a great running 92 sedan that looks beautiful in and out. It runs great. I bought it from a little old lady a couple of years ago and have enjoyed driving it and maintaining it carefully. It is an automatic with now about 109K. It is a great car.

However, the desire for a 5 speed still nags at me, as well as the driver's side rear quarter panel which was re-skinned because of an accident sometime in the 1990s. There is some evidence of rust developing on the weld seam on an otherwise rust-free California car. This really worries me...

Well, today I looked at an almost equally beautiful 89 sedan with a 5 speed and 133K miles. It is the original owner and has all paperwork. The car has been garaged almost every night since 1988 and never hit or painted. Looks good and drives great. I'm strongly considering buying it and selling the 92. Any comments?

I know I lose ABS and the airbag, but some would argue that that is just more complication.

Is it true that the 89 has legitimate problems (ECU), or is that just anecdotal? If there is a real problemthere, what is the extent of the problem and how might it be fixed - at what cost?

Thank you for your comments as I consider moving my ownership back into the 1980s.

Regards,
-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 98K)) ((1992 244, 109K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego

The 1989 does in fact have the troublesome fuel computer. I'm assuming this one is OK, since the car is in fact running. You will want to verify the number on the case once you get it.
The problem unit has -561 as it's last 3 digits. The upgrade, direct replacement is -951. There are also REMAN -561 units, apparently factory rebuilt by Bosch, that seem to be just fine. If you don't see a REMAN sticker on a 561, assume it's trouble and locate a newer one soon to prevent failure.

I'd also do the other typical preventive things on this car: replace the fuel pump relay, and the crank sensor before they make the car quit. It's young enough in miles to possibly not have been replaced. Cheap insurance- either will cost less than a tow to get you home.

Otherwise it ought to be a great car, and you know the suspension can be upgraded to make it more fun. Personally it would be a tossup for me- I really like the latemodel car's ABS brakes as a safety feature. But I'll bet you don't encounter too much snow and ice....
Good luck with your choice.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 234K, '82 245T/M46-182K, '89 244DL/AW70- 212K Not too distant past: 86 244DL 215K, 87 244DL 239K, 88 744GLE 233K, 88 244GL 147K, 91 244 183K

Thanks for the advice. You're thoughts mirror mine. Good to know about the ECU. I've certainly got a good thing going with the 92, but that replacement panel worries me and the quest for a 5 is strong.

Regards,
-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 98K)) ((1992 244, 109K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego

I too am keeping my eyes open for a nice 240 with manual transmission. I suspect if it is priced right and you let it get away, you will forever be kicking yourself in the rear end. ( I passed up great deal on a Porsche 944 this summer because I didn't know what a deal it was -- I still have footprints on the back of my pants.)

You only live once, and none of us get any younger --- Buy it. Keep the '92 for a while and make a final decision later. You may decide since these cars are getting more and more scarce that having the both of them is a good idea. The '92 can be your daily driver and the '89 your weekend car. (Or the other way around if you prefer.)

BUY IT!!!

Dan

P.S. Which cam are you plannng on installing in it?

thanks for the suggestions. I can only keep two cars - so I've got ot make a decision here.

Best,
-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 98K)) ((1992 244, 109K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego