Highlights

One of only 5,743 examples produced
Interesting provenance: originally exported to Japan, imported to the UK in 2016, now registered in Germany
Fresh German TÜV valid until August 2028
Registered as a historic vehicle in Germany

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is one of the most celebrated sports saloons of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Developed with input from Cosworth Engineering, the 2.5-litre 16-valve engine transformed the compact W201 into a genuine performance machine, and with only 5,743 examples built, it remains a highly sought-after modern classic.

This 1991 example in Smoke Silver (Rauchsilber) has led a notably sheltered life. Originally ordered in Germany for export to Japan, it remained there until 2016 when a British collector imported it to the UK, where it was kept in professional storage and never registered. The current seller acquired it earlier this year and has since registered it as a historic vehicle in Germany, where it passed its TÜV inspection.

The vendor describes the bodywork as being in very good condition with no accident history, and reports the underside is clean. Recent mechanical attention has included a service and a rear brake overhaul, while the lap time clock and outside temperature gauge have been refurbished with new LCD displays. Freshly refurbished wheels with new tyres complete the picture of a well-maintained Cosworth that is ready to be enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: around 105,550 km indicated
Country of registration: Germany (originally exported to Japan; imported to the UK in 2016; now registered in Germany)
Technical inspection status: German TÜV valid until August 2028
Technical specs: 2.5-litre Cosworth-developed M102 DOHC 16-valve inline-four, paired with a four-speed automatic and an electronic Anti-Slip Differential (ASD) driving the rear wheels
Paperwork: Japanese export documentation including export declaration and technical check for shipping; German registration documents
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The Detail

Service completed including all filters, oil change, and new spark plugs
Rear brakes overhauled with new discs, pads, and handbrake shoes
The vendor states the engine starts first time and runs very smoothly
Rims refurbished and fitted with new tyres
Lap time clock and outside temperature gauge refurbished with new LCD displays to replace burned-out originals
Some areas of the original Smoke Silver paint professionally repainted for aesthetic reasons
The vendor reports no scratches or dents, except very minor scratches on the black bumper corner visible only up close
The vendor states the underside is clean
All shut lines reported to be correct with no accident history
Additional floor mats placed over the original carpets, preserving them in reportedly new-looking condition
Front sport seat leather in very good condition with very minor wear on the driver's seat edge
Equipped with electric adjusting leather sport seats, sunroof, air conditioning, rear headrests, four electric windows, and front seat heaters
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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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