190e Cosworth question?

[Das Benz]

Hey folks.

I have a quick question for some of the w201 pros on the site.
So first long story short, one of my good friends had gotten the benz bug after seeing and being around my 2 w126's. But hes wants to lean towards something more youthful.

Ive helped him narrow down his choices to a w201 car. He really wants a evo 2 but that's not in the cards just yet for him. lol. So I came across a 87 190e cosworth for sale locally, which in my opinon should take the upgrades that he would like to do, and be a very good 2nd summer driving car.

The question I have, and I just want to verify. The cosworth cars never came with the 2.6 correct? just the 2.3 and 2.5's?. This car looks to be a legit cosworth model (the gold coloured model with the full cosworth skirt and fender flares, automatic though.), however it has a 2.6 installed. Im assuming that someone did an engine swap.?
We plan to go down and have a good look at the car on sunday. Any pointers or tips. I know the w126's inside and out, but the w201's are a whole new game for me.

Thanks for any tips

[tjts1]

All cosworths had a 4 cylinder 16v engine be it 2.3 or 2.5. Only the 2.3 was imported to the USA and Canada. If you find a 2.5 its a grey market car. There is no such thing as a Cosworth 2.6. Thats a completely different 6 cylinder engine. I really doubt the 2.6 car you found is a genuine cosworth because the 4cyl and 6cyl cars had completely different radiator support which has to be welded in. The Cosworth also had self leveling rear suspension. Check the vin number. That should tell you exactly what you're looking at.

Cosworth engine looks like this.

[Das Benz]

Yea I figured that the cosworth never had the 2.6.. Those only came out in the later models w201's from what I could research.

Heres some pics from the ad. Let me know what you guys think. We are looking for a project car. Hes thinking to put it on a set of AMG monoblocks. I think that would suit the car very well.
And a few other goodies TBD

These are pics from the ad.

[Frank Reiner]

Right on tjts1, the only thing "Cosworth" about those cars was the engine, in particular the cylinder head. The rest of the car was all MB, albeit with a number of unique, special features. If a car is a 2.6 engined car claiming to be a Cosworth, it is an imposter.

[tjts1]

From the pics it looks like they took the Cosworth body kit and stuck it on a 2.6. The radiator support looks completely stock 2.6. If it also has the 16v interior which was very unique it might be worth owning. I guess it depends on what your friend is looking for. Does he just want the look of a Cosworth or is he looking for the real deal?

Cosworth interior.

[Das Benz]

Yep you guys are right!. My suspicions have been proven. its not a legit cosworth. The interior in this car doesn't have the gauges on the center console im assuming that all the cosworths had them.

My bud really isn't really hooked on having a real cosworth per say... He just likes the look of the ground effects kit on it. For myself, what he has in mind to do to it, and what I will end up having to do for him lol. IMO it would be a shame to modify and change the car if it was a legit cosworth.

Thanks for the info guys, ill let ya know the outcome if we check it out.

[MTI]

Actually, the car pictured for sale is the perfect project car. The six cylinder M103, aside from its headgasket, is a solid motor and is the reason the later 2.5-16 models were not brought to the US.

Then consider that the six cylinder motor has nearly all the proper parts for an upgraded motor, like the M104 twincam.

As for wanting an Evolution II . . . if he's got about $120K he might find one and cover the shipping since the 25 year import ban is over.

[Das Benz]

Originally Posted by MTI

Actually, the car pictured for sale is the perfect project car. The six cylinder M103, aside from its headgasket, is a solid motor and is the reason the later 2.5-16 models were not brought to the US.

Then consider that the six cylinder motor has nearly all the proper parts for an upgraded motor, like the M104 twincam.

Having only been around the v8 benzes, I did recall hearing that the straight 6 was supposed to be a great engine. That why personally I didn't see having that 2.6 in the car an issue down the road. He wants to drive it for 2 years before we begin the transformation.

Originally Posted by MTI

As for wanting an Evolution II . . . if he's got about $120K he might find one and cover the shipping since the 25 year import ban is over.

In Canada we only have a 15 year import ban lol.
Ive been eying a few special euro MB models out there for myself to enjoy, and add to the collection.. I can just see how that silly 25 year ban in the US can just be aggravating. Theres lots of unique cars that fall just before that threshold.
And yes, ultimately he wants to build a evo 2 replica. Within reason though. He still wants it to be street drivable on weekends without knocking his teeth out with race track suspension. lol It should be a fun ride for him. He thinks they look cool, I like the looks as well.

[97 SL320]

Have a look on the 190REV web site. Also consider that some install the later M104 3.2 24 valve inline 6.

[MTI]

Tell your friend that a proper Evo II conversion is going to run at least $10-15K. The bodykit is a beast in fitament with the wheel arches having to be cut and then the bodywork. Next the suspension has to be reworked to get sufficient drop to handle the wheel gap. At the end of the day, he'll still have a FEVO, not an EVO.

http://forum.190rev.net/showthread.php?44779-Project-24

[Das Benz]

Well quick update, for now we are passing on the 190e. He came across a beauty 300ce, that visually has my approval. We should be going down to check it out this week, and ill do my full inspection on it. This car IMO is a very "classy" ride, I haven't seen many coupes. The w124 coupes have a lot of the same features as my personal favourite the 560sec. Just in a smaller package. This one is a Black/grey exterior trim color combo. Same as my 560sel. Its a very formal looking car.
Only down side is the higher milage 350k+KM. But that doesn't scare me too much on these era of cars.

[Das Benz]

Just to finish up the tread. We have found a winner. After trekking thru piles of snow, bearing -30c temperatures, dealing with weird owners, and encountering a lot of beaters. That prev 300ce was nicer in the pics then in person, window was delaminating, and the car has seen some harsh salty winters, we decided to pass.. But We have finally hit the jackpot, and my good bud is super happy.
We found a fantastic shape 91 300e. Car looks great for a vehicle of its age, low milage, just needs a bit of a polish, hasn't been run for about 8 months, prev owner ended up upgrading to a truck.
He still wishes it was a coupe, but this car was too nice to pass up.

Just trailered it back to my shop yesterday, haven't tried to force starting it, going to do a once over before turning it over.. should be able to get into it once the arctic chill blows by.

[tjts1]

Awesome, congrats. Post up some pics when u get a chance