When Mercedes Was on Top of the World
The 190E Cosworth 2.3-16
STORY & Photography | Vijay Sankar Anil
The world was treated to some of the finest driver’s cars of a generation during the 1980s and ‘90s, when Mercedes-Benz and BMW went head-to-head in the fierce arena of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racing. Enter the 190E Cosworth 2.3-16 (chassis code W201). Hailing from an era of Mercedes when taglines like “Engineered like no other car in the world” meant business, the 190E exudes the highest levels of build quality, four decades on. This relentless philosophy of engineering excellence, although not the most profitable in the short term, forged the brand identity of Mercedes we are presented with today.
The origins of the 190E trace back to the 1970s, when U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards emerged in response to the global oil crisis. Automakers were under pressure to produce more efficient vehicles to improve their fleet-wide MPG figures. Enter the ‘Baby Benz’ — a bold new direction for Mercedes-Benz, as Bruno Sacco led the charge and steered the brand away from its traditional product strategy.
Although much smaller in footprint and more efficient, the W201 still needed to hit the standards set by Mercedes’ full-size cars — lead in safety, innovation, durability, and luxury. It debuted the industry-first multilink rear suspension — a five-link setup that gave the benefits of double wishbone but with more control over geometry and handling. With technological leaps in aero and chassis, the 190E already had the underpinnings for racing, but the eight-valve engine lacked adequate punch.
To spice things up, Mercedes commissioned Cosworth to develop a 16-valve head that moved more air and generated 183 horsepower in Europe and 167 in the U.S. This was years before high performance manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche debuted four-valve engines. The array of upgrades in the sportier version included bodywork to lower the drag coefficient and lift, a dogleg five-speed manual, a limited-slip differential, larger sway bars, and stiffer springs and dampers. The 190E 2.3-16 debuted in 1983, eventually compelling BMW to develop the E30 M3, thus kicking off the most iconic duel in DTM championship history, symbolically ending with the Mercedes triumph in 1992 by Klaus Ludwig behind the wheel of a 2.5-16 Evo II.
Six examples of the 190E gathered in Northern California for this Avants exclusive story, and the owners shared their experience with their cars over the years.
CHRIS ROBLES: A FAMILY HEIRLOOM
The W201 was special to Chris even before he learned its backstory. He fondly recalls rides as a child with his dad, who bought this 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth in 1998. “As a kid, it felt like the coolest car — black leather sport seats, a manual transmission, and it felt so fast!” In 2015, his father passed it down to him. “The Cosworth engine, with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, loves high revs and makes great noises. The dogleg shift pattern makes second-to-third transitions quick and smooth.” He also proudly shows off the hood’s upright service position — perfect for maintenance.
Chris regularly exercises the car at the monthly Breakfast Club Rally in Northern California. “The 16V isn’t the fastest, but it shines in corners. It never understeers — it’s perfectly balanced. With just 170 horsepower, it’s about wringing everything out of the car. My plan is to keep enjoying it as much as possible.”
ALESSANDRO ZAGNI: LEARNING TO WRENCH
Alessandro bought his first W201 — a 1992 190E five-speed in Arctic White — to learn DIY maintenance. He then found a 1986 2.3-16 automatic through a connection made from the first car. Despite initial hesitation about the auto, it exceeded his expectations.
“These cars have incredible build quality — no creaks even on long trips. The 16V engine loves to rev, and the auto gives a strong, linear feel. It’s very reliable with proper upkeep.” He plans to swap in a five-speed, install coilovers, and prepare it for spirited drives, autocross, and track days. “I’ve wanted a Cosworth since high school. It’s my daily, my weekend car, and my community-builder.”
RAMIN DEHGHANI: A DTM TRIBUTE
Ramin owns a rare 1993 190E 2.6 Sportline with an Evo I wing — a tribute to the DTM race cars. One of about 700 sold in the U.S., it features Recaro seats and 15-inch wheels. Though an automatic, he plans a manual swap and has referenced the 1984 Nürburgring Race of Champions in the build.
“I fell in love with Mercedes as a kid in Iran. My dad was a car guy, and I wish I could’ve shown this car to him.” Ramin calls the 2.6 bulletproof, comfortable, and sporty. The car has been tracked at Sonoma and earned third place in the modified class at Legends of the Autobahn in 2021 and 2022. He plans further cosmetic upgrades, including a full DTM-style kit.
REGINALD RAMIREZ: ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES
After a two-year search, Reginald found his ideal 2.3-16: five-speed, Pearl Black Metallic, in Santa Barbara. Initially set on a Euro model, he opted for a U.S. version for practicality. He compares the Cosworth engine to a German K-series with a high-flow head and praises the racing-derived dogleg manual.
“I took the car on a family road trip from the Bay Area to Ventura in June 2024 for a 190E gathering. Even with issues, it was a memorable adventure.” Reginald values the analog driving experience and plans to sort out the mechanics, hit 300k miles, and enjoy more road trips. “It’s not fast by today’s standards, but it’s a unique and rewarding car to drive.”
CALVIN WAN: GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING CAR
A fan of late-‘80s DTM, Calvin owned an E30 M3 before switching to a more practical car post-kids. In 2017, he bought a 190E 2.3-16 in Pearl Black after a year-long search. Originally an automatic, it now has a swapped-in dogleg gearbox and 16V engine. “I’ve drifted it at Thunderhill, tracked it at Streets of Willow, and driven it daily with my kids. It’s rare, practical, and delivers a perfect analog feel.” The car has appeared at RADwood, Legends of the Autobahn, and GridLife Laguna Seca. Calvin wants to keep it street-friendly while upgrading over time. “It’s fun, forgiving, and ready for anything — from school runs to canyon roads.”
CHRISTIAN ROTTER: THE PURIST DREAM
Christian’s first car was a BMW E30 325is, and though he once aspired to own an E30 M3, rising prices led him to the 190E 2.3- 16 instead. Purchased in 2020, the car had previously been featured on Doug De-Muro’s YouTube channel. “I’m a purist — no plans to modify. I love learning how things work and fixing them myself.” He appreciates the raw, connected feel of the hydraulic steering, the rev-happy nature of the engine, and the absence of modern driver aids. “It’s not fast by today’s standards, but it’s engaging and built with thoughtful engineering.”
