So ive been looking to get another car. I have a 85 300D, its good for long trips but Im really wanting something a bit more peppy.

I love the lines and styling of the 190e 16v, plus the DTM history is pretty cool too. My main question is should I buy one?

What should I be looking at price wise? Are there any major mechanical problems these cars have? Have there been any recalls? ect...

Any info would be great! I want to learn alot about these cars before I venture into buying one.

Thanks,
-Dan

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1985 300D
Clemson Class of 2012
Ceramics and Materials Eng
Go Tigers!

I'll tell you any 190E with a properly sorted suspension will be quite a formidable handler. Near 50/50 weight distribution just like a BMW 3 series. Although known as the 'cheap' Benz, a lot of research & development went into the chassis. I never liked them that much until I got one.
With a 16v, they have the rear SLS which can be very expensive to repair, and is almost always in need of it. The 16v has more power than even the 2.6 straight six. Parts are a bit more for the 16v, and it's rarer which means finding DIY guidance might be more of a challenge.
Don't overpay for one, mine is almost perfect but only worth a couple grand. Best handling car I've ever driven, and I don't even have the Sportline suspension. A late model 2.6 in good nick would probably make you happier than the 16v, cost of parts and ability to DIY considered. If you have your heart set on the 16v make sure its got a manual transmission.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Yes. Buy it.

Only the 2.3-16 was officially sold by MBUSA during the years 1986 and 1987, about 2,229 US models were sold with MSRPs of $35,400 and $40,300 respectively.

Prices range from $4 - 7K for average condition examples. Rarely, you might find a low mileage unmodified example which may may have an asking price of roughly double.

The twincam engine requires slightly higher maintenance cycles. The timing chain is a single row item, so keeping the chain tensioner in good repair is necessary; the valve clearances are set with round metal under bucket shims instead of hydraulic lifters. The engine is also known for being a sleeper at low rpms, so like most twincams, it really starts to come alive at 3500 to 4000 rpm.

While many express concerns about the SLS in the rear, by this age, if not already done, the suspension would be in need of a refresh on any W201 or W124.

There were no specific recalls for the 2.3-16, but there was one for all W201 dealing with the handbrake.