Technically, this post could be filed under “Motorsports Monday.” The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 was the contemporary of the E30 M3 we saw in Carter’s post earlier today, a darling of the DTM, or German Production Cars Championship, started in 1984. Originally intended for rallying purposes, the Cosworth tuned W201 190E was deemed a bit uncompetitive for such an event by the boffins at Mercedes, so they went to the track with it, instead. As a result, a homologated version was released to the public shortly thereafter. While this particular 190E 2.3-16 for sale in Philadelphia has low miles, it has a number of issues that need to be addressed. Still, the rarity of these special W201s make this a car worth saving.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 on Craigslist Philadelphia
Year: 1986
Model: 190E 2.3-16
Engine: 2.3 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 36,000 mi
Price: $22,500
For sale in my 1986 Mercedes Benz 190E Cosworth with only 36,000 miles. It does have some mechanical and cosmetic issues however, the low miles as well as the rarity of the vehicle is what contributes to the value. The paint presents as strictly driver quality and looks good from 15 yards away. Under close inspection you with notice some chips in the hood, the early stages of sun damage around the sunroof, and some fading on the painted plastic panels on the car. There is evidence that this car was original a beige color and the left rear door has been previously hit in the corner panel. The rubber bumpers and door handles are also starting to show their age but are not difficult to tend to. Once you open the doors, the jams are presentable for the most part, the paint being slightly faded in areas. The rest of the interior shows well with a brand new dash, shifter boot, and knob. The interior pillar trim on the driver side has cracked and has fallen away from the pillar. Mechanically, it needs a variety of items from engine mounts to suspension components. The car has been sitting for a while and currently does no hold an idle, you have to keep it above 1500RPM to keep it running. I have a report from when it was assessed by a mechanic of all the items he noted needed tending to which I can provide per request as well as a complete set of pictures and CARFAX. I am negotiable on the pricing and am more than happy to set up a time to come see the vehicle. Feel free to text, call, or email with any questions.
Considering the issues apparent in this 190E 2.3-16, the asking price is a bit steep. Values for these special 190Es have lagged behind their two-door counterparts from Munich. They weren’t the fastest performance machine of the era, but we’ve seen their popularity increase in the last year or two as enthusiasts shine on to this dark horse of the eighties Mercedes lineup. Today, even performance machines paying tribute to their racing counterparts seem a bit cookie-cutter. Isn’t about time to enjoy something with such a strong connection to their racing pedigree?
-Paul
Wow, optimistic price to say the least. I own one of these, and as much as I’d love it if this price was the new normal, it certainly isn’t.
In fact, I doubt the mileage as presented. The wear on the seat and pedals, not to mention the shift boot having been replaced (usually they’re worn down around 100k miles). The speedometer is easy enough to replace on these, so this one would need to be accompanied by some serious documentation.
And, incidentally, it’d be just as scared if the mileage claim is correct, as it would probably indicate that the car sat in storage for a number of years, which is never good on an old German car!
I could buy a late 90’s SL and then actually have the money for a suspension overhaul.
Cool car, but my money is elsewhere on this example.
That’s outrageous. Prices on these cars are going down, not up. I’d give him $8000 for it with all of the issues it needs correcting.
190E 2.3-16’s have been (deservedly) appreciating, but not to the extent that some people have recently been pulling them out of the woodwork and asking astronomical prices for them. There have been a couple on ebay of late that have sold for high prices (one in particular that “sold” for $22k and has been back up for sale twice since then. (I have seen it in person, and it was worth no where near $22K, though the pictures paint a rosy picture…) That said, FWIW- if I were to find a truly pristine, fully documented, all original, sub 40k mile example, I’d pay $25K…