Nearly four decades have passed since we first put the then-new Mercedes 190e 2.3-16 to the test. This model marked the inception of Mercedes-Benz’s now-legendary lineage of performance-oriented sedans. Back then, we were captivated by Mercedes’ knack for harmonizing velocity, practicality, and luxury. Little did we anticipate that the 190e would ignite a thrilling heritage of sports sedans adorned with the iconic three-pointed star. But how does this classic saloon, often admired for its coupe-like styling, fare in today’s automotive landscape? Roger Mecca embarked on a journey to rediscover its charm.
ROGER MECCA: In the 1980s, prior to Mercedes-Benz becoming synonymous with the high-performance AMG sub-brand, the German automaker was primarily recognized for producing luxurious, albeit somewhat conservative, sedans. However, this didn’t imply a complacency to let other marques dominate the performance arena.
Occasionally, Mercedes would shed its conventional image to craft truly exceptional vehicles, such as the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. Yet, even they might not have foreseen the impact of the 190e 2.3-16 valve upon its debut.
Jatinder Sehmi, the proud owner of this 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190e 2.3 16V, recounts being captivated by the model at the tender age of eight. From that moment, he resolved to own one. Upon finally acquiring the keys to his own, he was irrevocably enamored.
JATINDER SEHMI: I’ll never part with it. It’s simply… it’s incredibly enjoyable to drive. Every time I get behind the wheel, it brings a smile to my face, especially when I keep the revs between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. It’s just pure fun.
ROGER MECCA: The enduring smile stems from what vintage performance cars like the 2.3-16 offer—a genuine driver engagement that even some of today’s hypercars struggle to replicate.
JATINDER SEHMI: It’s a different breed of automobile. They offer a level of enjoyment that modern cars often miss. You feel connected to these vehicles. They’re analog machines. Newer cars, laden with electronic aids, can feel somewhat detached. This is a key reason why cars from the 80s and 90s, like this one, elicit such joy. You become one with the car; the connection is palpable.
ROGER MECCA: This immersive sensation is no coincidence when considering the 2.3-16’s inception. Mercedes selected the compact and unassuming 190e as the foundation for its new rally entrant, succeeding the 450 SLC. Initial plans involved outsourcing engine tuning to achieve a staggering 320 horsepower—a monumental figure in the early 80s. However, before Mercedes could even venture onto rally stages, Audi unleashed the groundbreaking four-wheel-drive Quattro. Recognizing that their rear-wheel-drive sedan couldn’t compete, Mercedes leadership considered abandoning the project. Yet, engineers, recognizing the car’s latent racing potential, persuaded executives to enter it into the prestigious DTM German Touring Car Championship. This proved remarkably successful, and crucially, DTM regulations mandated Mercedes to offer the 2.3-16 to the public.
Now, one might wonder about AMG’s role in this narrative. For the past four decades, AMG has been synonymous with high-performance Mercedes vehicles. However, in the early 1980s, AMG was still an independent tuning house, separate from Mercedes-Benz. Therefore, when Mercedes sought to collaborate with the best in engine tuning, they turned to Cosworth.
The collaboration with Cosworth was relatively brief, with AMG taking over tuning duties for the 2.3-16’s successor, the 2.5-liter variant, which boasted even greater power and further enhancements. While the 0-60 mph time of nearly 9 seconds might seem modest by today’s standards, outright acceleration was never the 1986 Mercedes Coupe’s primary focus. The 16-valve inline-four engine thrives at higher revs, and once it reaches its stride, speed and exhilaration arrive swiftly.
The engine’s power band features a delightful sweet spot between approximately 4,000 and 7,000 rpm, where the Cosworth-engineered powerplant truly awakens, urging you to push harder and drive faster. Fortunately, Mercedes ensured the chassis was more than capable of handling this performance.
Indeed, in our original 1986 review, we lauded the ride quality as “firm yet never harsh,” declaring it the “most nimble Mercedes we’ve ever driven.” Mercedes implemented an advanced suspension system for the era, featuring a five-link rear setup with self-leveling shock absorbers, while stiffening components throughout, from the shocks to the stabilizer bars. Aerodynamic enhancements, including a rear wing, side skirts, wheel arch flares, and front splitters and air dam, were incorporated to enhance stability. Large ventilated ABS brakes provided impressive stopping power. Inside, the cabin featured a dog-leg five-speed shifter with longer throws, perfectly suited to aggressive gear changes. The rear seats mirrored the bolstering of the front seats, confirming this four-door sedan as a strict four-seater, reinforcing its sporty coupe aspirations.
Our 1986 assessment concluded that the 2.3-16V established a new performance benchmark for Mercedes-Benz. Today, this performance and the thrill it delivers continue to evoke smiles, proving that when it comes to driving enjoyment, age is truly just a number for this iconic 1986 Mercedes coupe.
