Tim's Enthusiast Garage episode 4: Mercedes Benz 2.3 16v Cosworth intro and overview

Episode 4 gets into a bit of the history on the 2.3 16 and why you NEED to buy one now. These are great cars but finding the right one can be tricky. Miles are less important than good service history and insuring all the really hard to find bits are there and in good nick. From it's cosworth engine to it's very low drag coefficient this is a car that you will be proud to own as you relive some of DTM's greatest moments from the drivers seat.

[@rcevans80]

I love the senna tribute. Very cool.

[@roadwarrior144]

I want one badly!

[@adamgoodman3422]

Great channel. You are a true connoisseur .

[@flat6enthusiast619]

Another nice video! Thanks Tim!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Flat6enthusiast thanks so much for watching !!

[@latinlabel]

What a beauty you have there. Great video and Senna was most definitely the man!

[@wanazami7667]

Great review. I love mine, a 1989 2.5-16 manual. Best car l've ever owned and that included a BMW E36 M3 Evo and Lancer Evo 7. Today l'm more into Land Rovers but the Cosworth stays forever with me. It is difficult to describe why in a short sentence but l guess to sum it up, soulmate is what it is to me.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Soulmate is a great summation. Thanks for watching!

[@JamieBainbridge]

You're right on the money with these wheels, they just look so 👌 they could have been a factory option or tuning house addition from back in the day. Period correct style at modern size and hence modern tyre selection. Best of both worlds. Beautiful video.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Cheers! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment

[@fixyourautomobile]

Up here in Framingham, MA. Restoring my 1986 2.3-16V with 266k and loving every minute of it!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

That is awesome. They are WORTH saving. I had a few before this one that were quite rusty. Happy to have found this one. It’s still so special. I love it to bits. Thanks for watching. Would be honored if you would subscribe. Cheers!

[@mariopuente3783]

Great video. Awesome car. Cheers!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for watching! I really appreciate your comment . More videos to come so please subscribe if you like. Cheers!

[@farley202]

Looks amazing

[@oboitsheponakoepa568]

I just love this car sooooooo much it makes me crazy with a 5.4l V8 with twin oval exhausts at the rear with deleted resenators and mufflers with no cats at all having that cold air intake man I love it you should came see it would have blown your mind I am telling you. You would have also loved it so much.

[@paxanrus]

I love those wheels. They look perfect on the the 190 2.3 16. They match the cars body kit really well imo. Great looking car!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Couldn't agree more. Some cars I am constantly swapping wheels but man, these are perfect for this car. Thanks for watching!

[@karlopuma170]

What kind of rims are those,? wouldnt mind finding a pair for my 16v

[@automotiveaffairsshorts]

This is on my wish list to drive someday!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Just having a big service done on this car to keep it in top order. I love it. It has so much character

[@doca8792]

I love the car. And here’s what’s crazy. Me, you and Jason Cammisa all have the same Sciroccos AND 190e 2.3-16!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Really? That’s amazing! My youngest son spent two days driving the scirocco this week. He loves it! Cheers and thanks for watching !

[@oboitsheponakoepa568]

That's my dream car as I am teenage. My God that rocks my world.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Very cool! Thanks for watching. Dreams come true!!

[@oboitsheponakoepa568]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage Thank you very much man I high appreciate it man!😃

[@sheldonm3535]

I really like these. I also own a e90 M3 lci and a 1988 560SL euro converted. Yes short bumpers and square headlights.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Oh man. Euro spec exterior updated 560's are soooooo good. Nice combo you got there

[@marcuslarsson4207]

Great video

[@benstone5038]

Great vid :) I live in the UK and have a UK spec 2.3-16 and its an amazing car. I have gone for the full stock look to retain originality, but those wheels do look good.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I occasionally swap back to the stock wheels. Thanks for watching !

[@mightym9394]

Makes me wanna buy one. I started repairing my 190e 2.6 on my Channel. I subbed to watch more reviews.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

These cars have a special charm and charisma that leaves me kind of beside myself that they are still so undervalued relative to the E30. Great drive and great presence. I will check your channel out right now as I love to watch tech content . Thanks for subbing!!

[@85corolla]

Great car. I have one myself even in the same color in euro trim.

[@MrGregarious7]

Nice shots

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Cheers Greg, That means a lot!

[@chuckcribbs3398]

That’s my dream car. They rule. OMG those wheels are exactly what I would put on mine!!!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Chuck Cribbs thanks man. I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. I love the car. It has so much presence. Find one before they are crazy expensive ! Cheers

[@chuckcribbs3398]

What exhaust do you have? Sounds great and very fitting for a four cylinder.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Chuck Cribbs it’s a custom set up, deleted center resonator and factory rear muffler

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks !!

[@sheldonm3535]

Such a cool between this and the 500E I think both of them are 2 is the best from MB. These cars were made to last.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Michael Broski I would Love to have a 500E. Those are amazing as well. Hard to find not priced to the moon.

[@filipebatista1096]

I own one of these, and it's an amazing car

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Congrats! I love mine, it’s a classic. Thanks for watching

[@yo-landivisser7653]

The sound of this car 😱😱😱😁

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

thanks. For a sec I thought this was the real yo-landi and I was like , YEAH she is into cars. Whoever you are . CHEERS

[@MrValiante84]

Certainly regred selling mine after seeing this.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

MrValiante84 oh man. Sad to hear you sold yours. They are fantastic cars. Still a great value. Maybe find another sometime soon!

[@MrValiante84]

I guess I'm a car guy. 3 collectibles sold before their time so far according to my dad. And they're sold because of family practicality. Time to keep 'em :) Manta A and Manta B before that. Used Borbet A on the Mercedes, and Italspeed on the Mantas I remember. Except for the A-Manta. Had some kind of Rally spokes.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

MrValiante84 family first! A man can make no better choice than to choose his family when it is the choice at hand. I had all sorts of cars I wished I could have kept but for everything there is a time. I feel so fortunate to have the Collection I find myself with. I don’t take that for granted. Sounds like you have had some pretty stellar motors as well. Borbet made some pretty special alloys in the 80/90’s. Cheers and thanks for watching

[@MrValiante84]

Word! That's the truth for anyone old enough to experience it. Thanks for the video, brings back great nostalgia. I will bring it back to my kin too. My hope is they will experience the same passion for it. Time given. :) Better to have experienced it than to never have had it. I'll make sure they'll be able to experience the same. That's a legacy to live by

[@vasilegarage2606]

I suscribe to u my brother, love you, I love your talking

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for the sub my man. Hoping to get together with you this spring. Cheers!

[@RC-fe9py]

Always loved the 2.3 16! See if you can find the Evolution version!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Rob Clark man those are rare here in the states. I got to see a couple of them last year and they are truly something special. Cheers! Thanks for watching and for your comment. Please subscribe! More to come.

[@RC-fe9py]

Tim's Enthusiast Garage Bro trust me I subscribed back when we hooked up on FB brotha! Top notch show!

[@Spiro808]

Awesome review Tim! I own one as well, and I couldn't put it better myself! Especially the Senna back story that not many know. What exhaust is on there? Certainly can not be stock, sounds great!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Stock headers, deleted resonator, stock rear muffler no cat. Thanks for your comment, I will be featuring the car in other short form videos this year and it will get another full episode in season 2. Cheers and subscribe if you would be so kind.

[@tokenride04]

glad i have mine! well 2, but 1 is getting parted...

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I would love to get a second just for spares. They are getting more and more scarce as half decent cars are getting gutted to make the perfect cars more perfect.

[@eldodieseltuneauto8163]

what a sweet car

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

eldo dieseltune auto thanks man! I love it to pieces

[@eldodieseltuneauto8163]

i have one too, but the 2.0 manual, keeping it clean in Kenya Africa is very hard...but i love it n yrs..cheers

[@eldodieseltuneauto8163]

i have one too, 2.0 manual..keeping it clean here in kenya, africa is hard..parts hard to come by..but keeping it mint is all about retro...they awesome..love ur vid n ur car..

[@yoyocoolness]

Any issues with rubbing with those wheels? Looking to get a set for mine as well

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

No Rubbing and can still turn the wheel lock to lock without rub as well. Cheers!

[@MrInfiniti2008]

...oh may I ask you a question . What exhaust or end muffler do you have on it? Love that sound😲!!!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Resonator deleted and small magnaflow At the rear !

[@casperholm592]

Nice video i have had 4 of theese cars,, now on no 5 -what to by after this ??? Kind regardss Casper Holm

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Casper Holm this was my third. The others were rusty and not very good overall. Sounds like you have quite the collection. They are appreciating so you are a very lucky man whether you keep or sell. Cheers!

[@kenxiong6830]

I had the chance to buy one of these back in the early 2000s for cheap. Regret til this day having passed on it smh

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

There are always more deals out there. Keep believing ! Cheers and thanks for watching

[@kenxiong6830]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage there are but it’s like finding a needle in a hay stack. Back on the 2000s it was just an old car. Nowadays it’s considered a classic so it’s priced accordingly

[@vtbimmer]

Nice video! What suspension are you running?

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Bilstein Dampers and Euro 2.5 springs by a company called INTRAX which I believe is no longer making them. I have considered coil overs but honestly it rides very nice and has the perfect spring rate and retains some of the body roll which very stiff springs alleviate . I like that it handles much like it was intended. That being said I recently drove one that had much stiffer overall set up including strut tie bars and that was a bit of a revelation. I rarely leave well enough alone :-)

[@harkatdz]

Best c class ever

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I H amen. I totally agree!

[@czerdafrank149]

Is that the stock exhaust or do you have an aftermarket one installed?

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Stock rear section with the center resonator deleted

[@czerdafrank149]

Sounds great! Think my dad and I will consider that while restoring our cos

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

+Czerda Frank keep me posted on the resto over on Instagram . Cheers!

[@blainestreeter5483]

Good companion car to the W124 500E

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Blaine Streeter they are both classics. For me this one has just a bit more importance with the Senna connection, DTM heritage, etc. thanks for watching!

[@kensyre]

my god

[@treeskier802]

You mention your Mercedes has 160k miles on the odometer. The car is in fantastic shape. Is the condition the main factor for value and the ability to sell at a high price? Or does the odometer reading have a major impact?

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

It would appear that with cars like this (e30 m3 for example) condition and maintenance are much bigger considerations . For a car to be crazy money it has to have 5-10k miles and never be driven but for the cars with real mileage be it 70k or 180k they seem to be very close

[@treeskier802]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage There is a SLK230 in my area for only $3000. The body and interior looks to be in great shape. However it is an automatic and I really want a manual. Also it has 190,000 miles on it. It just seems like an awful lot of miles. But it’s a cool car being a hard too convertible and you don’t see them much. And it’s little money. I’m wondering if it’s the kind of car I could buy low on, drive a year or two and then flip for a tad more money. Just concerned about the high mileage. Not sure exactly where to get the car service too. Btw I really like your videos. You fill a really specific niche and do a fantastic job.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

@@treeskier802 first off, thanks for the compliment. I’m about to release some more videos and it’s really a labor of love. It’s a challenge because the KZbin algorithm rewards weekly upload and that has never been my thing. The SLK isn’t quite as special as a car like this and so it will be limited by big miles. That being said , manuals are more rare and thus hampered less. I would also add that the manual is a pretty special car. I had a silver one with red interior 15 years ago when they were still relatively newish. Lovely car and a bit under rated . Lots of room inside for a small car. Thanks again! Pop by if ever you have a question !

[@bluehatch04]

What are the specs for the wheels?

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

17x8 I believe et 35 but will need to check. Fifteen52 has them on their website or if you call them and reference the car they will know straight away.

[@MrInfiniti2008]

I think Euro version is phenomenal with pepitte cloth/leather interior crank windows 20 more hp, more torque no cats, and reving up to 7200 rpm vs 6500 usa version, but maybe my opinion is bias since i own 1985 Euro version.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I’m not sure if I mentioned it in this video but my car has the European engine and ECU swapped in !

[@classiccarssp]

Nice car but very low profile tires doesn't look very cool on this classic icon.. not period correct in some way! Much better the 16" SL that you spoke before with 225/45/16 Yoko Advans Neovas Semi for example 😉

[@MrThiranjaya]

can i know the color of this car?

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

The colour is called Smoke Silver . Cheers !

[@tkosho24v1]

Great video... awesome car, which I own my self, you asked....hideous wheels. Just wrong on a classic 16v. Just wrong.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I did ask :) I appreciate the honesty. Cheers

[@tkosho24v1]

your car is a stunner.... it is lovely, and I love mine also.... these non EVO version will reach 100,000 USD with in 15 years. These are my and trusted associate predictions. The E30 M3 has reached 150,000 USD for a pristine example as of today, but in Germany. The Sierra Cosworth RS500 made 212,000 USD just this year.... The 16v W201 is in the same sphere.

[@antoniopereira5909]

go back the old rims

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I still have em. As well as a set of 16" SL wheels, cheers!

[@panths81]

the rims are great.but i prefer the oz racing rally....but yours are nice too......

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

panths thanks for watching. They give the car real presence. I love the OZ rally wheels on Escort Cossies but prefer either these or compomotive wheels on 190 cosworths. Cheers!

[@alexcantlow2920]

You mentioned cosworth and not a ford as one of its rivals but mentioned a m3 come on son

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

alex cantlow in the states we never got that car ( the xr4ti was a mild version). Of cars directly sold here in the US the M3 was the one. The V8 Quattro faced off against the later 2.5 EVO version so also not a direct competitor to these early w201 and e30. Thanks for watching ! I really appreciate the comment and you passion for the Sierra cossie.

[@mohmoudfarah1897]

I agree with you what you said about Senna; however, I think the original wheels look better than yours. Other than that, I think you did a great job with this clip. Bravo!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for watching mate! I love how it looks on the OEM wheels as well. I alternate between the two sets. Cheers and thanks for watching !

[@WillEhmannDesign]

I'D BUY THAT FOR A DOLLAR

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Crap, now I have to go watch Robocop

[@silversmoke06]

not a fan of the wheels at all.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I love them on the car but I totally get that it is a taste thing. Worry not I still have six of the original wheels all in as new condition and a set of SL500 wheels which are pretty popular on this model as well. Thanks for watching and for enduring any suffering these wheels caused you :-) Cheers!

[@dhatchbernier]

I agree, but they're easy to change and the rest of the car is fantastic.