1986 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth (W201) Review

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1986 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth (W201) Review
Designed by Bruno Sacco, the Mercedes Benz 190E W201 is the predecessor to the modern day C Class. It was Mercedes Benz's entry into the compact car segment. Battling the BMW E30 3 Series, the W201 is a more agile and budget friendly addition to the bulletproof reliability era lineup of Mercedes Benz alongside the W124, and W126
In the 1980s, long before the Mercedes Benz-AMG merger, Mercedes Benz wanted to enter rallying and had their tiny nimble little new compact car, the W201 in mind as their best bet. Unfortunately, their W201 weren't exactly homegrown to enter the racing scene, and so they had to enlist the help of British automotive engineering company Cosworth to develop an engine for them. Cosworth took the block of the Mercedes Benz M102 engine, and made a new head for it, this time with 4 valves per cylinder, making a grand total of 16 valves. In addition to this, some modifications were also made to the suspension of the stock W201, and a mechanical LSD was also fitted. And just like that, the Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth was born.
Based on the 8V M102 (same block. Head by Cosworth)
2.3L DOHC M102 I4 16V (KE-Jetronic)
185PS, 235Nm torque (169PS, 220Nm torque USV)
7000RPM redline (6500RPM USV)
0-100: ~8s
230km/h top speed
1360kg
Compared to other 190Es:
Quicker steering ratio
Smaller steering wheel
Dog-leg 5 speed manual (4 speed 722.4 optional by 1985)
LSD
Oil cooler
Bigger tank at 70L vs 55L
Lower and stiffer suspension, quicker dampers, larger anti-roll bars, harder bushings and hydraulic Self-Leveling Suspension for the rear (SLS)
4 seater only
Oil temperature gauge, stopwatch and voltmeter
Only 2 colours: Blue-Black metallic (Pearl Black USV), and Smoke Silver
19,487 units of the 2.3-16 made
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[@adriandelosreyes122]

One of Bruno Sacco's masterpiece. The beauty of simplicity. Another superb review, btw love that 80's vibe intro at 0:23 that's the best one you've done so far.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! Hoping I’d be able to do more fun intros haha

[@shielachua8497]

190 E 2.3 16, 1986 model, this mercs is sick, was made ahead of its time. Until now it's still a head turner that can still burn rubbers. A testament to German technology. Good review kyle. You're beginning to be a mercs boy. 🤗🐫🙏

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! I have looooong been a Merc boi hahaha! Old Mercs built my channel, and I have my beloved W140 still with me :D

[@shielachua8497]

@@KyleLiongCars Good choices in life. 👍😄

[@KyleLiongCars]

Never regretted hehe

[@aldeflorio5500]

Owned an '86 and an '87 2.3-16. On this reviewed car, most of the wood on the dash andall the wood on the doors is aftermarket. The unusual shift pattern was to facilitate shifts between 2nd and 3rd gears as the car was intended for a Eutopean racing series. Fabulous car. Cost was much higher than a standard 190E.

[@KyleLiongCars]

I love the dogleg shift pattern hehe

[@jerro95]

Awesome car review of this beautiful classic German, digging the 80's vibe with that intro! It was giving me a very 80's cop show cinematic feel and loved it! I liked your car review Kyle, like I always do. Keep up the great work, and have fun with more car reviews! I always look forward to watching your new content!

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! Glad people appreciated the intro haha that needed a lot of work

[@etets444]

you can tell this man puts so much effort into his videos. please give him all the recognition he deserves! amazing video man. wow. thinking about the fact that this car is so old it still looks to be in great condition. i do like the w124 more though, the 190e seems to be too small for me i like big tanks still own one W210 which is great. next whip has got to be the W140. keep it going man

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks for appreciating the videos. A lot if work is put into each indeed haha! The 190E was too small for me…. At least until I tried it. Not that far off from a 124 tbh

[@whlawson5812]

The 40 year old mechanics who are repairing this car, in 2000, would now be over 60 years old by now. 🤔🤔🤔 It is about time some do a video about them, especially those good ones, and their workshops and their apprentices, if any.

[@KyleLiongCars]

I wish I could haha

[@YusufEbr]

​@@KyleLiongCarswith all due respect, if you wanted to, you could. You could go above and beyond but this is that you generation mentality.

[@StevanJoksimovic]

at 4:53 when he revs it there's someone in background saying stop 🤣

[@KyleLiongCars]

:D

[@TheVescana]

Great video! i also have a 2.3-16v in Norway, and i love it! And i intend to keep it till the day i die!

[@KyleLiongCars]

They’ll only increase in value hehe

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Nice vid. Love the old mercs. Still waiting for the W222 S460 review

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! Soon on that

[@JohnAgustinScuderia458595]

"Martin Brundle said this had one of the best chassis ever fitted to a four-door saloon.” -Accdg. to James May, 2010

[@KyleLiongCars]

This is a beautiful chassis for sure

[@germanbeer2466]

Great video dude

[@KyleLiongCars]

Glad you enjoyed it :D

[@catfishcorner7116]

Great review Kyle I also have a 201 chassis 190e! I just became a supporter of your channel!🐟

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed

[@marcokrauss5320]

I had a mono windshield whiper on my first car, a w202 C-Class and it was extraordinary expensive to replace. But it did a very good job.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Yep as with most Merc parts haha

[@michealmessam884]

I remember, that the old school Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) for a lot of more Supercars in the World.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Still no sense man. Sorry

[@michealmessam884]

@@KyleLiongCars Maybe you're right. I'm impressed with the old school Mercedes-Benz 190E for a luxurious cars in the World.

[@KyleLiongCars]

What??

[@chonky2275]

One of the best chassis , great review kyle

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks and I do agree about the chassis

[@vincemolin8645]

Nostalgic! My Aunt used to own one.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Nice

[@brioblancaflor3662]

dream car!! always wanted one of these

[@KyleLiongCars]

Hope we all get one someday

[@classiccarssp]

Masterpiece of a sportcar

[@KyleLiongCars]

Ok not too sure about the sports car part but yeah a masterpiece nonetheless hehe

[@watanabeisamu1461]

BENZ W201 190E2.3-16V good 👍💯🎉 エンジンがCosworth 製で素晴らしい造りの車です 私も190E2.3-16Vを所有しています♪エンジン音が最高ですね、素敵な動画を見て嬉しい😊有難うございます♪JAPAN👍💯🎉🥰🇯🇵

[@JamesJones-qu4xv]

Hi Kyle!! Brilliant review!! Do you know what springs is the 16v is using? OEM or other? Thanks

[@KyleLiongCars]

Not sure

[@StarsStripes-vh7kw]

Nice car and nice review. But doing almost 100 KPH in a residential zone is totally unsafe and stupid.

[@adrleo]

Superb review and effort Kyle! Where r u based in? (is it The Phillipines based on the car plate) This is one truly gem to be treasured and am glad that it is so well kept! Enjoy your work and stay safe!

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. Yes, I’m based in the Philippines

[@sneekens]

try to drive the euro version. shifter bushings are shot, maybe? They have a bit of “crisp” feel. longer throw shifts are maybe the preference of the owner, u can adjust linkages for a shorter throw. even with the w201’s classy demeanor, the 190e16v still came out on top during dtm.ph revival races

[@KyleLiongCars]

Not sure I can find a Euro version here, but if I do, I sure will give it a try. Yes, it's also possible that the bushing are dead shot haha

[@antoniosprocati5050]

ne ho una uguale, tra un mese fa 40 anni ed è ancora un gioiello ! auto meravigliosa

[@KyleLiongCars]

Congrats!

[@abdielmaguigad4325]

Beautiful example of a beautiful car!

[@KyleLiongCars]

Indeed it is

[@andrewlee88]

Enthusiast car done well with this review

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thank you

[@Mobilenckreader]

You are wrong . the first gear is like the reverse with a light tap

[@KyleLiongCars]

What? It's really HARD to get it

[@mohammedojobarobakare7506]

I love this car.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Same

[@faveadams85]

19,487 in the entire world..? & does this figure also include automatics produced.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Yes

[@utotinongtino4826]

DTM Legend

[@KyleLiongCars]

😍😍

[@angxiang3186]

It is a beautiful car n well maintained.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Very

[@angxiang3186]

@@KyleLiongCars Keep up the good videos-cheers man.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks

[@PercyDaDev]

add this in ssb2

[@doca8792]

Kiddo. The U.S. model was the detuned “169 HP”. The ROW made 185 HP.

[@user-bb4bz5cp5v]

I also own a Mercedes 190D 2.5 turbo, I stumbled upon the clip by chance I am from Morocco 🇲🇦🙋‍♂️😁 I don't know if you know this country🙄

[@KyleLiongCars]

I know :)

[@muhammedrasheed4190]

It is great

[@ottson]

Do 225/45 R16 rub in the front?

[@KyleLiongCars]

They were rubbing bad

[@ottson]

@@KyleLiongCars Yeah the Evo 1 which has those wheels stock also has bigger wheel arches to accomodate them

[@KyleLiongCars]

It really does need those bigger arches haha

[@ottson]

@@KyleLiongCars Yeah. The tires are actually 225/45 right?

[@KyleLiongCars]

Kinda forgot the specs tbh haha but they are 16s for sure

[@antonandres5115]

Meanwhile, I’d be totally content with a 190D. All in all 201s are fantastic. As for the 190D: 0-100 km/h? Pwede naman

[@KyleLiongCars]

How about a 190D 2.3?

[@Legalbug]

Do you sell your Merc?

[@KyleLiongCars]

No

[@arvsreyes]

Nice car. Some comments: 16"rims in the Evo 1 is standard, not upgrade. There is no 190d 2.3, only 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 2.5 turbo

[@KyleLiongCars]

Sorry I meant 190D 2.5 😊😊 This isn’t an Evo1 though so the 16s are an upgrade right?

[@user-kc5sj5pv9k]

@@KyleLiongCars No, the 15 spokes 16 inches wheels came standard with 2.3-16v same with Evo1. Also, Evo 2 came standard with 6 spokes 17 inches wheels.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Thanks for the info. The owner says he upgraded from 15s though….

[@user-kc5sj5pv9k]

@@KyleLiongCars15 inch is for standard model. 16v always comes with 16 inches. You can check the code located in engine bay. If it said 201.034 then it's factory 2.3-16v, if not then it's an engine and body part swap car.

[@KyleLiongCars]

I’ll check it out next time I see the car. Thanks

[@timevscars]

No way! This car is a legendary. How did u manage to get it?

[@KyleLiongCars]

Friend introduced me to the owner :)

[@timevscars]

@@KyleLiongCars it’s super rare in Thailand

[@KyleLiongCars]

There’s 2 that I know of in the PH. Saw both in person already

[@timevscars]

@@KyleLiongCars the options are pretty good though all the options but just the rear headrests

[@timevscars]

@@KyleLiongCars no wayyyyyy,!!!!

[@carlitoscruz1153]

Wow! Meron Pala dito

[@KyleLiongCars]

Yes buti nlng

[@carlitoscruz1153]

@@KyleLiongCars where did the owner import it from?

[@KyleLiongCars]

That I’m not sure

[@muhammedrasheed4190]

🎉🎉🎉

[@evilboxing1]

That’s an US spec car… in the Philippines… cool!

[@KyleLiongCars]

We have a lot of US spec cars here. A lot of old Mercs here are USVs too

[@evilboxing1]

@@KyleLiongCars oh thats pretty cool. I didn't know that. I would imagine it would be cheaper to import from other countries that are closer. Plus you would get the slightly more powerful engines. I actually own both an e30 M3 and a 16v (both US spec) but I've owned them for a long time before prices went insane. Anyways good work on your video, I agree with everything you said.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Oddly they sometimes even command a premium haha! Thanks and I’m glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@wishtone885]

Wooow cosworth engine its for sale?

[@KyleLiongCars]

No

[@wishtone885]

@@KyleLiongCars dream car e190 evo 1 and evo 2

[@khaichunsiow]

GT2 on 10:32

[@KyleLiongCars]

Zoooom

[@williamleecarlee554]

This car selling?

[@KyleLiongCars]

No

[@evanbarr9270]

its called a power band.

[@doca8792]

1996?

[@KyleLiongCars]

86

[@dawnnadir]

This is a N. American version 16V.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Yes

[@MiguelRuiz-db6xu]

190E Cosworth > any modern (compact) sedan imo

[@KyleLiongCars]

Yes same thoughts

[@edbiernot4852]

No mention of Ricaro bucket seats, barely a pass by the Cosworth motor, clueless presentation

[@donalfonsocruziii9808]

Papi! alam mo yang 190E (W201) ganyan ang Bridal Car noong 1999 kasal ng Mama't Papa ko noon kulay puti sa kanila eto iba kulay, kulay yan ay Dark Gray Metallic

[@KyleLiongCars]

Nice choice pero medj masikip ata backseat for bridal gown? Hahaha cute tho :)

[@donalfonsocruziii9808]

@@KyleLiongCars kaya nga pero napanood ko yung Full Video kasal ng Mama't Papa ko noon sa VHS pero hindi naman masyado malaki yung gown noon maiksi lang Papi Hehehehe.........

[@KyleLiongCars]

Dalas ko rin yan ginawa sa wedding tape ng papa mama ko hahaha VHS rin!! W140 naman sa kanila. Baka kaya mahal ko rin W140. Kung wala yun, baka wala ako sa mundo HAHAHA

[@donalfonsocruziii9808]

@@KyleLiongCars Tama! Hahahaha....... napala yung kapatid ng Great Grandfather at Brother in law ng Great Grandmother ko, nung 2017 Birthday ng Granduncle ko bahay nila may Swimming Pool mismong likod ng Quezon Ave. kompleto mga Mercedes na luma nakita ko sayang yung W123, W116, at W140 mismo syempre sariwa yung 220 SE Coupe na Crystal Pearl White at W201 napansin ko colleksyon yung Great Granduncle ko pero siya si Felipe Francisco Cruz Sr. (FF Cruz) Construction Magnate ng EDSA Flyover

[@KyleLiongCars]

May binebenta ba? Bigyan ko offer sana iilan dun kung meron hahaha

[@luisbueso29]

Cosworth did the head, not the whole engine

[@user-lz5je9zn5j]

ヘタレ

[@KyleLiongCars]

ヘタレはあんただ

[@cooksey187]

Slower than my one legged dog, had absolute zero performance..

[@KyleLiongCars]

Are you comparing it to modern cars?

[@cooksey187]

@@KyleLiongCars nope, back on the days early 90's where I'm from was people used to have performance cars used as taxi's, we had Ford rs cosworths, there was one 2.3 Mercedes cosworths which was also used as a taxi. The 2.5 was a v slight improvement but nothing to write home about. Awful to drive in manual form. Now if your talking about the evo 1 and 2's then that's a whole different ball game. 8-)

[@KyleLiongCars]

Where are you from and why are taxis there so nice haha

[@cooksey187]

@@KyleLiongCars, Bradford, Yorkshire over in the UK, these were in the mid 80's early 90's, will have pictures lying around somewhere. Cars that where used were faster than the local police cars lol(which they didn't like at the time). If I remeber right there was one merc cosworth in the next town over but when it came to a busy weekend at work it would be not so fast at picking and dropping customers off as they all drove like the devil was chasing them. On a weekend in Bradford the taxi scene was like the Canon ball run. Lol

[@KyleLiongCars]

How can taxi owners afford the gas prices of performance cars and still make a profit hahaha

[@cobrakaimyagi4573]

Psh......junk. American muscle all day.

[@KyleLiongCars]

Funny

[@cobrakaimyagi4573]

@@KyleLiongCars Truth hurts, eh?