As many of you know, I saved a junked Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth from the junkyard just about two years ago, now. I promise you, we’ll have some new content soon; I’ve recently cleared a few projects out, so there should be smooth sailing moving forward. In the meantime, let’s check out this European-market model that was recently imported to the United States, a desirable 2.5-16 edition. The European-spec cars got better power and a very trick suspension, and given they’re importable under the 25 year rule, they’ve been increasingly showing up for sale stateside. Find it here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $36,000.

The U.S.-spec model, the 2.3-16, was a lovely performance car when new, and a formidable opponent to the E30 M3 of the same era. But enthusiasts undoubtedly knew the domestic model was robbed of a few horsepower when it arrived here, along with the adjustable suspension that came on higher-end models. While most web references to the 2.5-16 will leapfrog examples like this to show you the six-figure Evolution II model, with its wild bodywork and inches-off-the-ground stance, examples like this are a relative bargain in comparison. They made more power than the 2.3-16 and got the adjustable suspension – for a hell of a lot less than an Evolution II.

Of course, the other standard Cosworth features were still there, including the full Recaro interior, dogleg-style manual shift transmission, and rear bucket seats. The European models also got away with far less fiddly HVAC controls and a non-airbag steering wheel. The original 2.3-16 offering in the states also only came in two colors, silver or a blue-black metallic scheme, whereas the 2.5-16s were offered in a more diverse palette, should color selection matter to you. The seller notes that this 2.5-16 has just 44,000 miles, so the interior remains in excellent condition.

The 2.5-16, of course, doesn’t come with a catalytic converter and there’s no CARB sticker to be found, so California buyers will have a hard time making this one work. Those of us living in more relaxed states shouldn’t have much of a problem, and I’ve actually seen three of these 2.5-16s in the last few months, two with Rhode Island plates and another one registered in New Hampshire. While you’re going to spend far more for one of these compared to a basketcase like mine, truly exceptional 2.3-16s are in the mid-to-high 20s at the moment, making the cost of importing a genuine 2.5-16 a compelling alternative if you’ve got the extra scratch.