The model that saved Stuttgart from recession is a great buy, especially in Cosworth-tweaked form
WORDS MALCOLM MCKAY PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES MANN
Responding to the 1980s downturn, the Mercedes-Benz answer to the BMW 3 Series cleverly integrated the look and feel of the W123 into a smaller shell, with almost as much space inside and a low drag coefficient (lower, in fact, than the similarly-sized Ford Sierra). All-new five-link rear suspension incorporated anti-squat technology, while the front boasted gas-filled struts and anti-dive geometry, giving an excellent ride/handling compromise that trounced the opposition. Boasting a high level of refinement and noise insulation, the 190 (carb) and 190E (injection) were effective mile-eaters and, being high-geared, could be economical, too. Other innovations included asymmetrical door mirrors.
Impressively light for its size and quality, the 190 didn’t compromise on structural integrity but became prone to rust in old age, as thinner steel in low-stress areas could be penetrated more rapidly – despite strategic zinc-plating and wax-injected box-sections.
The addition of the homologation-special 2.3-16 marked a sea change for the traditionally conservative Mercedes, which still held back from adding badges to mark the involvement of tuning guru Cosworth. Though expensive, most sold before they were built. Comprehensively re-engineered, including hydropneumatic rear suspension to reduce squat under acceleration, its 16-valve twin-cam head and electronic ignition were matched by a close-ratio Getrag five-speed ’box, limited-slip diff and vented front discs. Though not staggeringly fast, its handling was outstanding while retaining a supple ride. The only major criticism concerned price: it was £2500 more than the quicker BMW M535i.
The fact that top 3 Series had straight-six engines forced Mercedes’ hand, leading to the 190E 2.6. Finally it could compete on power, smoothness and sophistication, while retaining reasonable fuel economy. Apart from the performance models, most customers chose the excellent Mercedes automatic gearbox and the few manuals tend to be poorly equipped. Early examples will soon be tax-exempt in the UK, which is likely to boost values.
The homologation cars were built in smaller quantities and are priced accordingly: there were 17,037 2.3-16s built from 1983-’88, followed by 4784 of the 2.5-16 to ’93. In a different league are the Evo Is and II
