To demonstrate the reliability of the new four-valve engine, this Mercedes-Benz 190 E.3-16 covered 50,000 kilometres (31,075 miles) in nine days at an average speed of 154.1 mph in Nardò, Italy – with stops only for refuelling and driver changes. The record run was staged immediately before the 1983 Frankfurt International Motor Show at which Mercedes-Benz presented the production version of the car with sixteen-valve engine.