3 Series E30 vs 190 W201: which is better?
BMW 3 Series E30 (1982–1994) vs Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 (1982–1993): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series E30
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201Specifications
| BMW 3 Series E30 | Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1982–1994 | 1982–1993 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.8 (318i) | 2.0 (190E) |
| Power, up to | 113 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | 162 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 325 mm | 4 420 mm |
| Width | 1 645 mm | 1 678 mm |
| Height | 1 380 mm | 1 390 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 570 mm | 2 665 mm |
| Fuel tank | 55 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 15 075 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series E30
Pros
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1994, condition is everything
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 1993, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- 3 Series E30 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- 190 W201 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series E30 or 190 W201?
3 Series E30: up to 113 hp, 190 W201: up to 122 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series E30 — about 15 075 ₸, 190 W201 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
Other comparisons
3 Series vs E-ClassBMW 3 Series E30 / Mercedes-Benz E-Class W1243 Series vs 5 SeriesBMW 3 Series E30 / BMW 5 Series E283 Series vs 100BMW 3 Series E30 / Audi 100 C33 Series vs 626BMW 3 Series E30 / Mazda 626 II (GC)190 vs E-ClassMercedes-Benz 190 W201 / Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124190 vs 5 SeriesMercedes-Benz 190 W201 / BMW 5 Series E28190 vs 626Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 / Mazda 626 II (GC)