OK rookie question here...how do you tell if a 190e 2.3 has a 16v or 8v engine, or does the 2.3 imply 8v? Also what is the difference? I assume 16v is more desirable? thanks.......

Easiest way is to open the hood and the valve cover will tell you all you need to know. It will say "MERCEDES 2.3-16" very clearly. Otherwise, any other 2.3 is the 8 valve.

The 16V is highly desirable as a performance sedan and as an interesting part of Mercedes history. It does have its quirks, like the SLS rear suspension, dog legged Gertag 5 speed, parts costs and making most of its power closer to redline.

190E made only in 1987 and 1988?

I saw one of these the other day in my rear view mirror and he came up fast on me. It was black on black with clear corners. It looked sharp.

Here is a nice one that is up for auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2414201377&category=6328

__________________
Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

The Cosworth head 16V was first introduced in Europe in 1983 when it not only set endurance records, but also won the Sedan Racing Series in Germany (Senna's first championship). Production for export vehicles was '84-'88 for the 2.3-16. Later, when MB really wanted to chase after BMW, they upped the displacement to the max allowed under the rules to 2.5, but only the Europeans got those.