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Mercedes Cosworth 2.5

Mileage: 116,000 Top Speed: 146 Year: 1989 0 - 60: 7.5 MOT Expiry: May 15 BHP: 197 Tax Expiry: Expired Transmission: 5 speed manual Exterior Colour: Astral Silver Engine Capacity: 2497cc Interior Colour: Black Engine Configuration: Inline 4

Mercedes Cosworth 2.5 | £11,995

Mileage: 116,000

Model History

The Mercedes Benz 190 model name was first introduced in 1953 and has taken many different disguises until its final replacement in the form of the C series in 1993. The final incarnation of the 190 was the W201 chassis. £600 million was rumoured to have been spent developing the model, enough to have seriously damaged Mercedes Benz reputation and financial position had the car been a failure. Luckily this was not the case and Mercedes went on to sell approximately 1.8 million units worldwide.

 

The introduction of the special edition 2.3-16v model in 1983 came from Mercedes Benz desire to re-enter motorsport with a direct factory team after their retirement following the tragic events at the 1955 Le Mans race. Enlisting the help of the British engineering firm Cosworth Mercedes had plans to take the 190 to the rally circuit, however the project suddenly became unrealistic when Audi released the turbo charged, 4 wheel drive Quattro, in effect beating the 190 before the race had even started! Mercedes not wanting to lose their financial investment in development ditched plans for the rally circuit and turned their attention to the German touring car championship.

 

The Cosworth engine was based on the 2.3 litre 8 valve already fitted to models in the range. Cosworth added an alloy head with twin overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder boosting power to 185bhp and 174lb-ft. The car proved incredibly robust, with three cars only cosmetically altered completing a 50,000 km endurance test at the Nardo testing facility averaging 154.06mph and earning Mercedes three world records and nine international endurance records.

 

A larger 2.5 litre engine replaced the 2.3 in 1988. The 2.5 utilised a double valve timing chain to fix the problem of the single chains snapping on the 2.3. The increase in capacity took power to 204bhp in the non catalyst car.

 

Both the 2.3 and 2.5 16v Cosworths featured a body kit that reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32 one of the lowest figures for a four door saloon at the time. The steering wheel was smaller and steering ratio quicker than other 190s. The Getrag 5 speed manual ‘dog-leg' box was standard with the option of an automatic box along with a full leather interior. A limited slip differential was standard on the 2.3-16v, with the option of Mercedes ASD system that was standard fit on the 2.5-16v. ASD is an electronic system that hydraulically controls the amount of lock in the diff ranging from the standard 15% lock right up to 100%!

 

Shortly after the release of the 2.3 16v the brand new Nurburgring circuit hosted an opening of its new layout, a relaxed affair to raise awareness for the track, they invited past and present F1 driver to compete in a race. Mercedes supplied the cars for the event resulting in a complete grid made up of nothing but identical near road spec 2.3 16v Cosworths! It was a relatively unknown Ayrton Senna looking to make an impression amongst his peers who actually won the race. Viewing highly recommended! Click Here

Equipment

Electric sunroof, Heated rear screen, Blaupunkt sound system, Front and rear electric windows, Spare wheel and Jack, First-aid kit, Lockable glove box, Spare key.

Exterior

This Cosworth is finished in the timeless Astral silver paintwork. Under the glare of our studio lights the paint still shows a beautiful deep shine from all panels. On close inspection there are a few light stone chips to be found on the bonnet, however nothing unexpected for a car of this vintage. Looking closely all the panels are straight with perfect shut-lines and free from any dents or major scratches. The gleaming bodywork is showing no signs of corrosion or bubbling whatsoever and both bumpers are in good order with no unsightly scuffs to be found.

Interior

Opening the door to the Cosworth you are presented with crisp half leather/checked cloth seats throughout. The leather remains in excellent condition with only the slightest wrinkling to the drivers bolster. The cloth inserts are also in fantastic condition still feeling firm with no wear or sagging whatsoever. With only the lightest of use over the years the rear seats are in particularly notable condition. Cast an eye over the dashboard and you'll notice a deep texture remains, unworn with no cracks or sun-damage to be found. Pleasingly, the original Blaupunkt cassette player and speakers are still in place. Other details such as the centre console lacquered wood trim are in perfect condition as well as the steering wheel and switchgear showing minimal wear. The carpet is protected in all foot-wells with black Mercedes over-mats and the boot area is clean and tidy, free from any damp and still houses the spare wheel and jack.

Engine & Transmission

Often these cars suffer from cold start problems but on this example the 2.5 litre engine fires into life with the first turn of the key and ticks over smoothly. It has recently been serviced by Mercedes-Benz Stratford using Mercedes premium oil. The 190 is equipped with the desirable 5-speed dogleg gearbox. In operation it pulls through the gears as it should, handling the engines power perfectly.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

Sitting in the wheel arches are the original 15" Mercedes alloy wheels which have all recently been refurbished, as such they are in perfect unmarked condition. The wheels are shod in a matching set of Fulda tyres, all of which have plenty of tread remaining. The brake fluid was replaced during the most recent service by Mercedes-Benz Stratford. The brakes feel capable and strong having just all been replaced, pulling the car up in a smooth straight line.

History File

The Mercedes 190 Cosworth was first registered in August 1989 and sold through the supplying dealer Maloney & Rhodes Ltd to the first keeper, who owned the car for the next seven and a half years until 47k miles. The second keeper then pampered the car for the next 13 years until the current owner purchased it in 2010. 22 stamps can be found in the service booklet, the last service being undertaken by Mercedes Stratford at 114k miles in 2013. In the history file, every MOT certificate has been kept since 1997 to help verify the mileage, as well as many invoices for service work and replacement parts also dating back to 1997.

 

The Mercedes document holder is still present, containing all the owner's manuals and booklets and the original sales brochure can also still be found. All in all this Cosworth comes with a very comprehensive paper trail, a testament to how well the car has been kept throughout its life.