1988 Mercedes-Benz

DTM 1988 season participant

Original AMG chassis number

Driven by Thomas von Löwis

Fully restored by Mercedes-Benz Gstaad

Verifiable restoration costs of €100,000

Group A regulations

Extensive racing history

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 DTM Group A

The 1988 German Touring Car Championship was the fifth season of the still young DTM and marked an important step in the development of the Group A era. A total of 24 races were held in Germany, Belgium, Austria and, for the first time, in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. The season began on 3 April 1988 in Zolder and ended on 16 October in Hockenheim. From a technical and strategic point of view, 1988 was particularly important for Mercedes-Benz. They competed with the 190 E 2.3-16, a vehicle that had originally been developed as the sporty top model of the 201 compact series. In the series version, the 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with four-valve technology produced 170 hp at 5,800 rpm and reached a top speed of 220 km/h. It was characterised by the four-valve cylinder head, the mechanical electronic injection system and the consistent design for high engine speeds.

The DTM was run according to the Group A regulations. This stipulated a close proximity to the production car. The engine block, basic architecture and body structure had to correspond to the production vehicle. This was precisely the strength of the 190E 2.3-16. The model had already been designed for high load capacity and precise handling during series development. The 190 model series had a modern space frame rear axle in conjunction with a damper leg front axle. This chassis concept was considered particularly advanced and combined high driving stability with good-natured limit behaviour, making it an ideal basis for racing. The 190 was also ahead of its time in terms of aerodynamics. The compact, streamlined body shape reduced driving noise and improved high-speed stability. The 190E 2.3-16 also differed visually from the base model with additional aerodynamic measures and its own tyre format. In series production, it rolled on 205/55 R15 tyres, a dimension that also enabled a wider track and more mechanical grip in racing. Safety and technical features such as ABS (standard on the 2.3-16) and the robust body structure with a rigid passenger cell emphasised the technical standards of the model series. In addition, there were regulated three-way catalytic converters with lambda sensors, which were introduced as standard even before they were legally required, an indication of Daimler-Benz's consistent technological orientation in the environment as well.

In the 1988 DTM season, Mercedes relied on customer teams such as AMG, Snobeck and Marko. Several drivers, including Johnny Cecotto, Kurt Thiim and Roland Asch, competed in the 190 E 2.3-16. Although it was not enough to win the title in 1988, individual race victories, for example by Cecotto or Thiim, showed the potential of the car. The 1988 season was therefore a learning and development phase. The 190 E 2.3-16 proved that a consistently developed production basis was competitive under Group A conditions. Technical solidity, balanced chassis geometry and a high-revving 16-valve engine laid the foundations for the later Evo models and the increasingly successful Mercedes DTM history of the early 1990s.

About the vehicle offered here

This Group A racing car was manufactured by AMG in 1988 for the DTM season of the same year, including the AMG chassis number. Based on the production car, many modifications were made for racing use. These included an increased engine output of up to 300 hp, considerable weight savings to less than 1,000 kg, racing shock absorbers, stiffer springs, wide slick tyres, magnesium wheels and adjustable suspension geometry. A radical interior with roll cage, bucket seat, removable steering wheel, a fire extinguishing system and special controls completed the Group A version. This vehicle started the 1988 DTM season in the hands of Thomas von Löwis of Menar, with whom we are in direct contact. He drove for the Visa Santander International Schwaben Motorsport Team and told us that he used this car for the entire season. During this DTM season, he drove the car on the following circuits: Avus, Autodromo Brno, Hockenheimring, Hungaroring, Mainz-Finthen Flugplatz, Norisring, Nürburgring, Wunstorf Flugplatz and Zolder. At the end of the season, starting number 17 finished in midfield overall. According to the ACS car passport, the vehicle was entered in a total of 35 further races over the following decades, which were spread throughout Central Europe. A full restoration from 2023 to 2024 by Mercedes-Benz Gstaad brought the DTM racing car back to the splendour of the 1988 season. Our sales staff will be happy to answer any detailed questions you may have. Please note that vehicle viewings are only possible by prior appointment.