Much has been written about the BMW M3 from the 1980s, affectionately known to enthusiasts as the E30-era M3. It was one of the first times you could buy a car that was quite literally built for the race track and drive it home, or drive it to work, all before beating the snot out of it again a few days later. While the M3 was certainly the most well known, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth was just as capable – and arguably easier to drive to work on Monday. This 1987 model is offered for sale here on craigslist by the original owner for $50,000.
The 2.3-16 has under 50,000 original miles, and the seller has kept it in spectacular condition. He notes it was a summer-only driver and it was used religiously in this manner for the last 40 years. It’s fairly amazing to see a vehicle still in the hands of the original owner from the late 80s, especially one that is often times found in modified or track-ready condition. The 2.3-16 was a homologation model just like the M3, and produced in limited quantities. While an automatic was optional, most were equipped with the dogleg 5-speed like this car is.
The Cosworth-built head was the real claim to fame, giving the car a generous horsepower boost over the standard 2.3L 190E. Other bits set the model apart, including self-leveling rear suspension, a unique body kit, Recaro seats front and rear, a limited-slip differential, additional gauges in the lower portion of the center stack, and larger wheels and brakes. The “Cossie” came to the forefront of the sports car world when none other than Ayrton Senna piloted one in a field of 2.3-16’s at the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions. The seller’s car presents quite well, with lustrous wood trim, a crack-free dash, and seats that show little in the way of wear-and-tear.
The seller notes he holds maintenance records since Day 1 of his ownership, and the only reason for the sale is that he is now 87 years old and drives infrequently. Cosworth worked their magic on the engine, adding mechanical valve lifters, and lighter, high-RPM pistons, in addition to designing the 16-valve cylinder head. As some of you know, I own one of these cars, and the intake snarl is among the most addictive I’ve ever heard. This car is worth every penny, especially coming from the original owner. It won’t last long. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip.
I’d offer $5k less for not having vacuumed the trash out of the carpet.
This is an amazing find. Original owner, its a stick, a paper trail from day one, garage kept, summer fun driver since new. I honestly don’t know how much these Mercedes are worth, but if you’re in the market for one, you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer one. I would not be surprised if Jeff is on the phone right now with a contractor looking into adding one more bay on his garage!!! Nice one Jeff.
If the price is firm, he’s going to be 97 by the time he sells it!
Yeah it does make you wonder how meticulous the maintenance was when you see the state the interior was left in. Engine looks nice though. I wonder if the self-levelling is working properly, it seems to be riding low at the rear. Or maybe it’s just because the front wheels are cranked to full lock in the pictures? Who does that for pictures???
This may seem like a lot of money, but find another. When the 190 2.3-16 was introduced in the U.S., it was a breath of fresh air, as MBNA was selling almost exclusively Diesels. They took maybe 10 of us journalists to Hockenheim, where we drove the actual cars from that Race of Champions, complete with their names on the sides. I think mine was Denny Hulme’s car.
Have one(1987); original owner also!
And then the journalists were shuttled over to the Ford pit and handed the keys to the 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cossie to see what Mercedes and BMW were up against…
Keep your Bimmers, this is a bucket list car for me.
As a prior owner of a 2.3-16, I can say definitively, without a doubt and for certain, these are one of the most over rated, over hyped enthusiast cars you can hitch your wagon to. The BMW E30 is already highly over rated in terms of it’s outright speed.. add a few hundred pounds to that car and you end up with this: The Mercedes 190E 2.3-16. While it is very well screwed together, it has all the punch of a 1st gen Toyota MR2 without any of that cars fun, playful nature. For the same ask as this car you could have something truly special and a car that beat both the E30 M3 and the Merc 2.3-16 into submission… the 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.