One of the hardest moments as a car enthusiast is getting deep into a project and then seeing an example that looks like a potentially better deal. This has happened a few times over the years to me, and fortunately, I’ve often found the car that gives me pause has some other tragic flaw that makes it no better than the one I own. This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth listed here on craigslist has been through the ringer, both mechanically and cosmetically, and also has some poor modifications to resolve as well. The seller is asking $7,500 for this Cossie with the engine in pieces in the trunk and visible body damage.
Long-time readers are tired of hearing me wax poetic about my junkyard-find ’86 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16, and I’m truly sorry for not bringing that project to a close. Still, seeing this car reminds me how much values for these cars have changed, as I bought mine with the engine intact and plenty of rust for $800 in 2018. Now, with auction prices hovering between $30,000 and $50,000 for pristine examples, it stands to reason that a car like this one deserves quite a bit more than what I paid the wrecking yard. Some other things worth calling out on this Mercedes includes collapsed rear SLS suspension, incorrect OEM alloys, missing body kit panels on the fender, and an aftermarket exhaust system.
The tricky thing with these cars is you can make a bunch of money on them as parts cars. The dogleg-style manual transmission, DOHC Cosworth engine, limited-slip differential, full Recaro interior, and auxiliary gauges all bring very real money, which can tip a needy car into the column of being better suited for stripping. This was a very real concern with my car, especially in 2018 when they were worth far less. And even today, while cars like the BMW E30 M3 – the 190E Cosworth’s primary competitor – are worth $20,000 as a project-car basketcase, the 190E isn’t quite at that level (yet).
Woof – that’s a messy trunk. And mind you, this engine isn’t just in need of re-assembly – the seller notes that the timing chain was re-installed with a few teeth off from factory recommendations and it caused this interference motor to fail catastrophically. The seller notes that the shop performing the work got the head rebuilt but that no progress has been made since, and interested parties will need to load up this Mercedes with a laundry list of issues to resolve. Whatever you do, be sure to lose those awful aftermarket headlights and old window tint to make this project Cosworth look instantly better. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Socott for the find.
I’d guess the reincarnation of this one will exceed it’s net worth. BTW, If you lived where I do you would leave the tint on the glass.
I don’t get it. A wrecked Mercedes with a bunch of cladding tacked on with an engine like a jigsaw puzzle could actually possibly fetch this much money. Running, the things are ugly enough and overpriced.
But it’s a Mercedes 😂😂😂
Actually a Mercedes BENDS! 😅 🤣 😂 This Boat has been torpedoed and sinking fast.
If you really want one of these cars and can’t afford the $30k -$50k buy in for a nice one here’s your project. But you better be able to do all the work yourself and not put any value on your time if you don’t want to get buried financially.
When you see the word “project”, be afraid, very afraid, and run!
And what he means is run forest run!!!!
I know it’s been said here before but why have an interior shot with all kinds of junk laying on the seats? One too many zero’s anyway.
Two too many zeroes.
I wonder if the body damage happened while it was having the head repaired, I could see fixing the mechanicals as a start and then it ended up damaged.
As a follower of these pages for years, I just bet you squirm a little when you saw this come across your page. Conflicted on whether to get it or not, but better judgment probably will prevail..
i think a writer here (Scott0?) had a 190 Coz project. Smart tho, it was in better shape.
If you’ve done engine assembly U can C Y it was a tooth off, but I dont think any of us would install it that way. May B his degree wheel was off? Doubtful,
never go dot to dot, all ways zero it in.
Prts too expensive. Hafta sell it when done (few mo.s of free car 1st?)
You’re right. I’ve only changed a few timing belts, but I’ve always turned the motor over through MANY revolutions to see if it binds up before even thinking about firing it up.
Nobody in their right mind would try and start one of these engines without first rotating it by hand, which would have locked, and if they did they deserved everything that they got!
IMO, from some experience and personal preference, Nobody in his (or her) right mind would buy ANY Mercedes. 👎
Yes, by hand is what I forgot to add. Thanks!!
Yikes!! Repair or restore or part out. The third option is the best. I was offered one of these in 1988 for about the same price. It was in better shape than this one and needed a crankshaft. When I priced the parts to repair it, I quickly declined the offer. Parts prices were 10 times the price of Ford or Chevy parts. No thank you. Pass on this one.
Actually a Mercedes BENDS! 😅 🤣 😂 This Boat has been torpedoed and sinking fast.
They accidentally added two extra zeros. It should be $75.
I recall when these were darlings of the road test mags. Someone should have taken better care of this potential parts car.
It’ll take a LOT of cash to bring this wreck back to life, and all you’d be left with is a money pit! This was an entry-level car to begin with, and it’s been thoroughly hammered. Why bother? If you’re determined to get one of these cars, get a nice one. This thing belongs in a wrecking yard!
There’s a typo. Somebody wrote in a ‘7’.