The later MB models with remote trunk release have a trunk lock that is vacuum controlled. Your W201 190 has a trunk lock that is mechanical controlled (pushing the lock is pushing a metal tumbler while pushing the later MB locks is pushing an electrical button that activates a vacuum pump to blow the trunk lock open).
If you so want to change that, you might want to contact a German guy who did something similar with his 190.
You can visit his home page:
http://www.car-gallery.de/ and you can find his mail address there (his name is Andy).
There is absolutely no gain to get out of a strutbrace. I know quiet sure that you will not experience any difference while cornering the car!
greetingz,