1986 Mercedes-Benz 190 - E 2.3-16

Number of cylinders: 4

Service history: Present

Mercedes-Benz 190-Serie E 2.3-16, 1986. 177,524 km, service books from new.

When the conversation turns to compact sporting saloons with a rich motorsport heritage, there is simply no getting around the Mercedes-Benz 190 series. Known internally as the W201, this model marked a revolutionary step for Mercedes-Benz in 1982. It was the first compact Mercedes ever, developed with an unprecedented focus on safety, aerodynamics and driving dynamics.

The absolute crowning glory of the 190 series was, without a doubt, the 190 E 2.3-16. This version was developed in collaboration with Cosworth and made its debut in 1984. The goal: homologation for touring car racing. The 2.3-16 boasted a 16-valve cylinder head, good for around 185 bhp (in European specification), paired with a manual 5-speed gearbox featuring a sporting dogleg shift.

The 190 E 2.3-16 earned worldwide fame during the legendary opening race of the new Nürburgring GP circuit in 1984, where none other than Ayrton Senna crossed the finish line first in an identical 190 E 2.3-16. With this, Mercedes-Benz firmly cemented its name in modern touring car history.

Technically, the 2.3-16 was well ahead of its time:

- Self-levelling hydropneumatic rear axle

- Reinforced chassis

- Larger brakes

- Functional aerodynamic bodykit with rear spoiler

All of this made the Mercedes 190 E 2.3-16 one of the most well-balanced sports saloons of the 1980s, a direct rival to the BMW M3 E30.

This Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 from May 1986 is an exceptionally original and carefully preserved example.

The story continues on our website, where the full file is kept as well. 67 photographs. The service history, scanned in full. The Carfax report. Paint thickness measured panel by panel. The original factory brochure to page through.

Every car here follows the same route: first pre-market, then the showroom, and finally the live auction on our own site. What changes is the way you buy, not the location — once a car has arrived, it stays with us in Katwijk. This one is in the showroom and you are welcome to come and see it, no appointment needed. You buy it here at a fixed price: no bidding, no waiting. Our showroom in Katwijk, 30 km from Amsterdam Schiphol, is open Mon–Fri 9–18 and Sat 10–17. Call ahead and it will be standing ready, with someone free for you.

Within the EU no customs duty arises on this purchase. Registration tax and registration costs in your own country are not included. We supply the export documents and assist with the registration. The price shown is the full price for collection in Katwijk. We arrange insured door-to-door transport worldwide, cost quoted per destination beforehand.

Prefer a different colour or specification than this example? Tell us what you are looking for — another Mercedes-Benz we can often find through our network of marque specialists and collectors, outside the listings. Have one of your own: we buy exceptional cars outright, classic or modern.

Our showroom measures 6,000 m², with over 150 cars under one roof. You are just as welcome if you are not buying — walk around, take your time and enjoy the cars; sharing the enthusiasm is half of it.