Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5 16v Cosworth (1988-93)

The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth, produced between 1988 and 1993, is a remarkable car, but like any vehicle, it has its common issues. Here are some of the typical faults you might encounter:

1. **Water Pump Failure**: This can lead to overheating issues.
2. **Faulty Relays**: These can cause poor performance and fuel usage problems.
3. **A/C Problems**: The air conditioning system might blow warm air instead of cold.
4. **Fuel System Breakdowns**: Issues with the fuel pump and injectors are not uncommon.
5. **Electrical Failures**: Problems with the alternator, starter, and battery can occur.
6. **Timing Chain and Guides**: These can wear out, leading to timing issues.
7. **Transmission Issues**: Slippage or total failure of the transmission can happe.
8. **Head Gasket**: Overheating can cause the head gasket to fail.
9. **Brake Fluid Leaks**: This often results in a spongy brake pedal.
10. **Suspension Problems**: Leaking shock absorbers and worn-out ball joints can lead to a bumpy ride and potential suspension collapse.

Despite these issues, the 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth is still highly regarded for its performance and engineering. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate many of these problems.
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Generations
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth had two main generations:

1. **190E 2.3-16V** (1984-1988): This was the first generation, featuring a 2.3-liter, 16-valve engine developed by Cosworth¹².
2. **190E 2.5-16V** (1988-1993): The second generation came with a larger 2.5-liter, 16-valve engine, also tuned by Cosworth³⁴.

Both generations are celebrated for their performance and engineering, making them highly sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors.
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Engines
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth models from 1984 to 1993 featured two main engines:

1. **2.3-16V Engine (1984-1988)**: This engine was a 2.3-liter, 16-valve inline-four, developed in collaboration with Cosworth. It produced around 185 horsepower and was known for its high-revving nature and durability.

2. **2.5-16V Engine (1988-1993)**: The later models were equipped with a 2.5-liter, 16-valve inline-four engine, also developed with Cosworth. This engine offered improved performance, producing around 204 horsepower.

Both engines were celebrated for their engineering excellence and played a significant role in the car's success in motorsport, particularly in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) racing series.
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Body Styles
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth models produced between 1983 and 1993 were exclusively available in a **four-door sedan** body style. This design choice was consistent across both the 2.3-16V and 2.5-16V versions, emphasizing a balance between performance and practicality.
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Spares
Finding spare parts for a Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth (1984-1993) in the UK or Ireland can be a bit challenging, but there are several reliable sources you can explore:

1. **eBay UK**: A great place to find a variety of parts, both new and used.
2. **Mercedes-Benz Forums**: Websites like the Mercedes-Benz Forum and MBClub UK often have members selling parts or can direct you to reputable suppliers.
3. **Specialist Suppliers**: Companies like DENT Sport Garage (DSG) have extensive experience with Cosworth engines and can source specific components.
4. **Classic Car Parts Dealers**: There are several dealers specializing in classic Mercedes parts, such as Classic Mercedes Parts and Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
5. **Local Breakers and Salvage Yards**: Sometimes, you can find rare parts at local breakers or salvage yards.

It's always a good idea to join online communities and forums dedicated to classic Mercedes-Benz models, as they can provide valuable advice and recommendations.
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Specialists
Here are a few specialists in the UK and Ireland where you can find services and parts for your Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth:
1. Hofmann’s of Henley
o Address: Newtown Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1HG, UK
o Contact: +44 1491 848800
o Website: hofmanns.co.uk1
2. White’s Bodyworks
o Address: Unit 1, The Old Dairy, Lewes Road, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5QE, UK
o Contact: +44 1273 933633
o Website: whitesbodyworks.com2
3. TM Motors (Tony Montalbano)
Unit 8, 24 Central Avenue, West Molesey, KT8 2QH
Contact: 0208 9414044
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Racing
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth did race and has a notable history in motorsport. Initially developed for rallying, it found its true calling in touring car racing. Here are some highlights:

1. **DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft)**: The 190E 2.3-16 made its debut in the German Touring Car Championship in 1986. It won two races in its first year and continued to compete successfully, often battling with the BMW E30 M3.

2. **Nürburgring Race**: In 1984, a special race was held to celebrate the opening of the new Grand Prix circuit at the Nürburgring. This race featured identical 190E 2.3-16 cars driven by legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna, Niki Lauda, and Alain Prost. Ayrton Senna won this race, which helped to showcase his talent to the world.

3. **Endurance Records**: Before its racing career, the 190E 2.3-16 set several long-distance world records at the Nardo circuit in Italy, demonstrating its durability and performance.
In 1983, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 achieved remarkable feats at the Nardo circuit in Italy. The car set several long-distance world records, including:

1. **50,000 km in 201 hours, 39 minutes, and 43 seconds**: This was accomplished at an average speed of nearly 155 mph (247.9 km/h).
2. **25,000 km and 25,000 miles**: These distances were also covered, showcasing the car's durability and performance.

These records highlighted the 190E Cosworth's reliability and engineering excellence, solidifying its reputation as a high-performance vehicle.

The 190E Cosworth's racing pedigree has made it a beloved classic among car enthusiasts.