The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 is a model that has lurked in the shadows of the iconic BMW E30 M3 for years, and sadly, it appears destined to continue doing so. As the owner of a 1986 example that I rescued out of a junkyard, I clearly am hopelessly infatuated by this peak-80s performance sedan, but these days, prices are still surprisingly low considering how much the overall market for performance cars from this era has shot up. This 1986 190E 2.3-16 is listed here on eBay in Staten Island, New York with bids to almost $9,000 and the reserve unmet.
Now, if you want to buy the best of the best, you will pay $35,000 or better, which is certainly an improvement over what they used to trade hands for. And really, it’s just the direct comparison to the stratospheric rise of the E30 M3 that causes the perception that the Cosworth is falling behind. Sure, the M3 blew up over the last few years, but the Cosworth also ticked up significantly relative to where it was starting from. The seller’s car checks many of the necessary boxes in terms of completeness, with the Cosworth factory body kit intact and thankfully, no major modifications.
The interior features the factory Recaro seats, which are quite supportive but come with wonky power controls. The Cosworth had subtle differences between this and the standard 190, so even though the door panels look similar, the 2.3-16 had unique components. The steering wheel was smaller as well, even though it otherwise looked identical to the one found in the non-racy models. The manual transmission features a close-ratio, dogleg design, and the seller notes that it shifts smoothly – and that’s important, because repairing a defective unit will prove difficult given the shortage of spare parts.
And now – here’s where mine presently sits. The Cosworth in my possession came from a salvage yard, and after many years, the bodywork is done. We’re still sorting out some running issues involving the CIS-E injection system, and there’s some interior work yet to be done. For the time that it ran before the bodywork phase commenced, it was easily one of the most joyous automotive experiences I’ve had, hearing that glorious twin cam snarl through the rev range with one of the best intake noises known to man. I can’t wait to drive the doors off of mine. If that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is!
One of the interesting cars I’d like to own,but probably
never will,as we’re up to four vehicles,plus our Granddaughter’s
’85 Celica that sits in the driveway with a blown head gasket.
There’s also a modified ’80 Fiesta that I’m in the process of
purchasing.The price was right,& it’s a roller,so I’ll need to
source an engine,or the parts to repair the stock engine.
Jeff – left a couple of messages,but still no answer
Marc Montoni – Can’t find your contact info,& I’m (still)
waiting for authorization to get on the Fiesta site.
Greats cars Jeff and I’m glad you saved yours from the crusher. Build during the period of Mercedes was “engineered like no other car” I arrived late to owning classic Mercedes. What hidden gems these cars are. My favorites being V8 powered W124 and R129 cars.