The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. It’s a name that rolls off the tongue, evoking images of a golden era of homologation specials. In a decade brimming with iconic performance cars, the 190E 2.3-16 often finds itself playing the role of the underdog, especially when pitted against its Bavarian rival, the BMW M3. While its styling might be considered more subtle, many enthusiasts argue that its performance actually surpasses that of the M3. This 16-valve Cosworth-powered Mercedes was, in fact, the very benchmark BMW aimed to exceed when developing their E30 into the first M3. There’s a unique pedigree to this Mercedes that simply cannot be replicated.
It might seem peculiar that the BMW M3 is so often lauded as the king of this era. After all, in the racing world, dominance was far from singular. Audi, Ford, and Mercedes all secured championships during this period, demonstrating a competitive landscape rather than BMW’s unchallenged reign. Could it be the absence of overtly aggressive box flares that relegates the 190E 2.3-16 to the shadows? Or perhaps BMW’s earlier DTM championship win? For those in the know, the 190E’s relative obscurity is a blessing, keeping prices considerably lower than those of comparable M3s, making it a more accessible classic gem.
Automotive journalist and YouTube personality, Jason Cammisa, is among those who deeply appreciate the 190E 2.3-16. He owns what many consider to be an exceptional example: a 1985 Smoke Silver European-spec model. This car boasts the higher-output 185 horsepower engine, manual windows, and distinctive plaid Recaro seats both in the front and rear. Imported directly from Germany, it was meticulously sourced from its original owner and remains in showroom-fresh condition. It is, to put it mildly, a remarkable car. Cammisa shared his expert insights on why his Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 stands out, even against formidable competition.
Jason Cammisa’s Affinity for the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16
Patrick Stevenson: Jason, with your extensive experience driving a vast array of vehicles, what drew you specifically to the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16?
Jason Cammisa: My appreciation for the W201 chassis began years ago when I daily-drove a standard model. The 16-valve version always held a particular allure. For fifteen years, I actively searched for the “perfect” example – a European specification, high-compression engine, lightweight configuration, finished in Smoke Silver with the plaid cloth interior, adhering to Bruno Sacco’s design vision. In the interim, I owned a US-spec model with remarkably low mileage, but ultimately sold it in anticipation of a move. Then, in 2011, during a conversation with a fellow Mercedes enthusiast, I mentioned considering a less-than-perfect US-spec 2.3-16 to satisfy my W201 craving. He dissuaded me, knowing my penchant for pristine Mercedes. I resigned myself to waiting for the right car to surface, to which he replied, “It just did – check your email.” He had just sent me a link to an advertisement on a German automotive website, mobile.de, featuring this very car.
The following week, en route to the press launch of the F10 BMW M5 in Germany, I made a detour to inspect the 190E 2.3-16. During my test drive, the odometer clicked over to 78,000 kilometers (approximately 48,469 miles). I thoroughly examined the car, reviewed its documentation, and decided to purchase it. While in Germany, I took the opportunity to experience it on the Autobahn, even reaching its top speed of 143 mph for a stretch. After shipping it home, I dedicated countless hours to detailing and cleaning it, and have been enjoying it immensely ever since.
PS: That sounds like an ideal way to acquire a new car – combining work with the pleasure of driving on the Autobahn. A sub-50,000-mile car of this vintage is indeed a rare find. What is the story behind its history?
JC: It was originally purchased by a woman named Klara from Floethütte, a small town near Cologne. She took delivery on her 36th birthday, mirroring my own age when I acquired it! I bought it through a broker, but the car was still registered in her name. I managed to find her phone number and spoke with her, curious as to why she had chosen such a comparatively expensive, no-frills car when she could have opted for a base S-Class for less. Her immediate response was, “Weil der so süß aussah!” – “Because it looked so cute!” [Laughs]
When I inquired about the comprehensive original documentation, including the dealer price list, transport receipts, license plate receipt, and even break-in instructions, yet no service records from a dealer, she explained that “it never went to the dealer.” She owned a service station and had oil changes performed there, but no other work was ever necessary. No repairs meant no repair receipts, I suppose!
PS: So, the cliché of finding a classic car from a little old lady who only drove it sparingly does sometimes hold true – especially if she’s German and appreciates its charm! It seems you found an exceptional car, even if the acquisition process was more involved than a typical domestic purchase. What makes the 190E 2.3-16 so significant to you?
JC: The W201 Mercedes-Benz 190E fundamentally reshaped the automotive landscape. It was the original ultra-premium compact sedan, and even by today’s standards, it would be considered a small car. Despite its size, it possesses a substantial presence and drives with the composure of a much larger, heavier luxury vehicle. The 2.3-16 model’s backstory is almost unbelievable: initially conceived to conquer the World Rally Championship, the project was derailed when Audi’s Quattro system emerged as a dominant force. Undeterred, Mercedes engineers secretly repurposed it as a “sport model,” developing it for the then-nascent DTM racing series. Its subsequent success directly spurred BMW to create the M3 three years later, igniting the horsepower race that continues to this day. Love your M3? C63 AMG? ATS-V? Giulia Quadrifoglio? IS-F? RS4? You owe a nod to the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16.
PS: Performance and racing pedigree are undeniably exciting aspects, but what are your thoughts on the styling and design of the 2.3-16? Knowing you also own an E30 Touring, how does the Mercedes compare in terms of aesthetics and practicality?
JC: I consider the W201 to be the most exquisitely proportioned and designed compact sedan ever created. Robert Cumberford, a notoriously discerning automotive critic from Automobile Magazine, shared this sentiment, adding only the qualifier “post-war.” My appreciation goes beyond mere surface appeal. I admire every facet, from the four Recaro bucket seats to the dogleg five-speed manual transmission, the sophisticated five-link rear hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension, and the unparalleled build quality. Speaking of which, it features floor mats atop inch-thick removable carpeting secured with snaps. Beneath this, there’s a Swiss-cheese-like plastic false floor, neatly concealing all wiring and hoses within elegant conduits. Only beneath that lies the asphalt-coated steel floor pan. This meticulous construction is a key reason for its S-Class-like quietness. Despite this robust build, it’s not overly heavy; mine weighs 17 lbs less than my E30, tipping the scales at 2,845 lbs with a full tank of fuel in its massive homologation-sized fuel tank.
PS: You paint a compelling picture. The engineering and development Mercedes invested in the chassis were truly remarkable. If you had to pinpoint one aspect of the car as your absolute favorite, what would it be?
JC: Without a doubt, it’s that magnificent engine. The BMW S14B23 engine often receives more acclaim, but in my opinion, it pales in comparison to the M102.983 in terms of sound, smoothness, and power delivery. It’s a big-bore, short-stroke design (95.5 x 80.25 mm!) with a high 10.5:1 compression ratio, producing a dyno-verified 185 horsepower in a remarkably flat plateau from 5,500 rpm all the way to its 7,100 rpm fuel cut-off. Horsepower plateau, mind you, not torque. I’ve never encountered a dyno plot quite like this car’s, and I suspect you haven’t either.
Modern four-cylinder engines often require balance shafts and active engine mounts to mitigate vibrations and noise. Thanks to its inherent design, this larger four-cylinder engine needs neither, achieving a smoothness comparable to a six-cylinder. The exhaust note is intentionally subdued (perhaps to avoid sounding like a typical four-cylinder), but the Cosworth-developed induction roar is gloriously uninhibited. In racing configuration, these engines could rev to 10,000 rpm. My only minor critique of the street version is that the 7,100 rpm rev limit curtails the fun somewhat prematurely.
PS: When you push the engine to its limits, how does the chassis respond?
JC: I used to call my previous standard W201 “Irene.” Her persona was that of a demure librarian, seemingly unassuming. Similarly, looking at the 190E 2.3-16, or “Klara” as I call this one, you might underestimate its capabilities. It projects an image of understated elegance, but beneath the surface lies a surprisingly capable and engaging performance car.
There are a few Mercedes-specific traits to adapt to in the 2.3-16. The gear shifter requires deliberate action, particularly during high-speed cornering. The Recaro seats, despite their prominent bolsters, don’t offer quite the lateral support you might expect. And it exhibits more body roll than you’d find at a Jenny Craig convention, necessitating a more measured approach to turn-in.
However, cornering grip is thoroughly modern. Remarkably, the 2.3-16 achieves near-perfect neutrality at its limit, almost giving the impression of electronic stability control intervention, despite its absence. A hint of mid-corner understeer transitions seamlessly into controllable power oversteer, modulated precisely by the accelerator pedal. Whatever degree of drift angle you desire is readily accessible, and it all unfolds in a predictable, almost slow-motion manner. The body roll and tire sidewall flex soften the sharpness of its responses. In terms of cornering balance and stability, the Mercedes surpasses the E30 M3. It’s worth remembering that Mercedes invested as much in developing the W201’s rear suspension as BMW did in the entire E30 project.
PS: It is astonishing how meticulously Mercedes designed and built cars even into that era. Their chassis were engineered for longevity, often intended to last a decade or more before a replacement model was even considered. So, is the 190E 2.3-16 the unsung hero that not only pushed racing boundaries but also indirectly gave us the E30 M3? Does it live up to the DTM legend?
JC: No, it utterly surpasses it.
PS: Thank you so much for sharing your remarkable 190E 2.3-16 with us.
JC: My pleasure. Thank you for indulging my enthusiasm for all things Mercedes 190E.
