Compact Mercedes 190E appeared in 1982 as an economical and compact model, designed to compete with BMW 3er (E30) in the compact cars segment. The first fast version 2.3–16 was introduced in 1983.
The engine was prepared by Cosworth, and as a result the engine got a new cylinder head and 185 hp and 235Nm of performance. Torque passed through the Getrag gearbox and limited slip differential to the wheels and car accelerated to 100 km\h in 7.5 seconds. The top speed was 230 km \ h. The interior was developed by Recaro, moreover they had designed the rear row of seats as well there were 4 seats with improved lateral support.
In 1988 the engine volume was increased to 2.5 liters and the car received a new designation — 2.5–16. It was rumored that this engine was prepared without Cosworth by German engineers, however the result was great — the motor was 7 horsepower more powerful, and the maximum speed increased by 5 kilometers per hour.
Steve Howson from the UK tested the fast version of 190E in 2002, when his chief sold the Mercedes 190E 2.5–16 to Stephen, buying himself a Lamborghini Diablo. The first impression of the new owner — a natural shock on the quality of the machine and its power.
Then Steve crashed his first 2.5–16 at the Nurburgring. It was brought home, then a donor was found and a new car was build. After 190E reincarnation Steven tried a few different vehicles, until he realized that the 190E 2.5–16 — is his car of the life.
In 2009, he decided to return to this model and to build the best car ever to get everything working and looking as «excellent» in the one style.
The radio is the only thing that stands out from the whole oldschool picture — it is not similar to popular models of the 90s, but it maintains the overall square style. Also the Recaro bucket with Schroth belts falls from the general outline, but at least the owner has remained the manufacturer of the interior. The rest of the interior remains stock and has been carefully given in the order. As for the exterior, there are also minimum changes — the bonnet locks, yellow fog lights and custom air vents in the bumper. OZ Racing Futura wheels hide an eight-piston WP Pro calipers in the front and two-piston brake E36 AMG in the rear. Naturally, the brakes have ventilated and perforated rotors.
Suspension is chosen taking in consider everyday driving and the possibility to push the gas during the track days — SPAX adjustable dampers and springs. Transmission remained stock, practically without improvements — short shifter and 70% differential lock. And the most important — the engine. Under the hood there are almost no changes. Wait, where's the KE-Jetronic — mechanical injection usual for 80's — early 90's? Steve decided to replace it with two horizontal twin Weber carbs, which are able to provide the required amount of fuel, they are much easier to set up and maintain, and they are consistent with the style of the 80s. The bottom and the head of the engine have been modified, but without serious tuning — all parts were balanced, polished, aligned and assembled into an outstanding regulated and configured unit.
In general, the idea of saving the rare car was successfully completed — the style is not broken with any vinyl or screaming body kit, minimal additions were made to make it a bit more comfortable for the owner, without violating the integrity of the original product.
Steve Howson’s Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5–16
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2.5-litre DOHC 16V inline-four, knife-edged and lightened crank, rods & pistons, flywheel &clutch, rebuilt head with new guides and seats.
Intake: twin Weber 48DCOE carbs with homemade sealed airbox & K&N air filter
Ignition: Megajolt distributorless ignition
Approx output — 200 hp.
Gearbox: Getrag manual 5-speed
Differential: LSD with 70% blocking
Suspension: SPAX adjustable shock/springs, homemade adjustable rear camber arms, self levelling rear suspension deleted
Brakes front: WP Pro 8-piston with 330mm cross-drilled discs
Brakes rear: E36 AMG vented rear discs and larger 2-piston rear callipers, ABS deleted
Wheels/Tyres: OZ Futura wheels, 17×8-inch +25mm spacer in the front, and +3mm spacer in the rear
Interior: Recaro SPG drivers seat, Schroth harness, Momo steering wheel
