Mercedes Benz (W201) 190E 2.3-16 was produced from 1983 to 1987
Before we share some used car information on the very rare 190E 2.3-16 valve Cosworth version, lets look closer at the basic 190E.
The Mercedes Benz W201 or more popular known as the 190E Benz was introduced in 1982 at the Paris Motor Show, as the company’s baby Benz and it was also the company’s first compact model.
Production ended in 1993 with a total of 1,879,629 units of the standard version delivered across the globe. It was designed to be a direct rival to the BMW E30 sedan.
Designed by Bruno Sacco, head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, it had an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.33.
As all of the Mercedes Benz’s cars of the time, the W201 was heavily over-engineered, and it introduced for the first time the independent five-link rear suspension.
Other innovations were the airbags, ABS, and seat belts pre-tensioning system. In order to compete to motorsports, Mercedes Benz introduced at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 190E 2.3-16 as a homologation special model.
Its engine based on the M102 four-cylinder unit, tuned by the English tuning company “Cosworth Engineering”. Cosworth developed the cylinder head, with double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder.
In road going version, the 16-valve, 2,299cc engine produced 185PS at 6,200rpm and 235Nm at 4,500rpm.
Power transmitted to the rear wheels through a five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission and a limited slip differential.
The manual gearbox was supplied by Getrag and featured a dog leg change pattern (shifting left and down for first). Suspension was lower and stiffer compared to the other showroom W201 versions.
The steering ratio was quicker and brakes were upgraded. Standard tyre size was 205/55 R15. Outside, the body kit reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32 and the rear wing created downforce to reduce lift at high speed.
It was available in only two colours, Blue-Black metallic and Smoke Silver.
Inside, there are four sports seats (yes the rear seating was for 2 adults only) and three extra dials which is an oil temperature gauge, stopwatch and voltmeter and all three were included in the center console.
The 190E dimensions were as follows. Its length was only 4,430mm, the width was 1,706mm, its height was 1,383mm and it had a wheelbase of just 2,665mm. Yes, it was a compact sedan.
It weighed in at 1,220kg which gave it a possible top speed of 230km/h and it could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds (which was impressive at the time).
Interestingly, its direct rival was the BMW E30 M3 which was powered by a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine that produced 192bhp which allowed it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 228km/h. A BMW E30 M3 will sell in the used market for between RM190k to RM250k.
Used 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth for sale now at RM99k. There is a well maintained version on sale online and here are the details. This following example is finished with one of the 3 original factory colour choices, Almandine Red Metallic (512u).
Brand new plush leather interior along with the iconic checkered door cards. Original bucket seats for front and rear.
Just spent tens of thousands on some mechanical repairs recently. All bills are available. This high spec car comes with many extras such as auto cruise, electric seat, power windows, sunroof and the list goes on.
Above all, it comes with an extremely valuable number plate bearing the chassis number WB 190 E. The original EVO II wheels are optional depending on the buyer.
Selling due to time constrain and downsizing personal collection to make way for other incoming cars.
Serious enthusiasts who appreciate this beauty may contact the seller directly. PRICE : RM99,999 Or BEST OFFER SECURES…. LOCATION : AYER KEROH, MELAKA. MALAYSIA CONTACT : 016-9580649 / 016-4444404.
Please take note that just a year ago the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth (the 2.5-16 is a faster and newer version) was being traded in Malaysia for DOUBLE this above asking price.
