Highlights

Confirmed by Oettinger certificate as 1 of only 15 Mercedes W201 190 models fitted with the 2.4-litre 8-valve engine
The vendor believes this to be the only example currently available for sale worldwide
Unrestored barn find, deliberately preserved in as-found condition with mechanical work prioritised
Comprehensive recent mechanical recommissioning including new fuel pump, alternator, spark plugs, ignition cables and front shock absorbers
Registered and based in Poland

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz W201 190E needs little introduction — it is one of the most respected compact saloons of its era and a cornerstone of the modern classic scene. What may need a little more introduction, however, is the work of German tuner Oettinger, who produced a very limited run of 190E models with an enlarged 2.4-litre 8-valve engine. Just 15 were built, and this is one of them, verified by a certificate directly from Oettinger.

Discovered as a barn find and purchased in Germany in 2025, this 1986 example has been deliberately left in unrestored, as-found condition while the seller focused on getting the mechanicals into good order. The Oettinger engine - bored and stroked to 2,335 cc with a Schrick camshaft, a polished and ported cylinder head, and a reworked intake manifold - has been thoroughly recommissioned. The vendor informs us that the engine runs well, responds eagerly to high revs and is noticeably faster than the standard M102-engined cars. A 5-speed manual gearbox has replaced the original 4-speed, making for relaxed motorway cruising.

Beyond the engine, the specification is rich with period character: a BBS bodykit, Zender three-piece spoiler, optional Recaro LXC seats, Momo wooden steering wheel, Zebrano wood trim, and a period-correct Pioneer cassette radio.

For collectors and enthusiasts of the W201, this represents a genuinely rare opportunity. The vendor doubts that all 15 Oettinger 2.4-litre examples survive in driveable condition, and this one - now registered, garage-stored and driven only in fair weather - offers considerable potential for someone seeking something truly out of the ordinary. It could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

History and Paperwork

Originally registered in April 1986
Polish registered in February 2025
Purchased in Germany in 2025
Oettinger certificate/letter confirming this as 1 of only 15 Mercedes 190 models fitted with the 2.4-litre 8-valve engine
Original German registration document (Fahrzeugbrief) with tuning information present
No service history available — papers were lost by the previous owner
138,250 kilometres shown on the odometer, believed to be correct
Now garage-stored and driven only in good conditions
MOT exempt

The Condition

Body and interior deliberately left as untouched as possible; mechanical work has been prioritised
Exterior is unrestored with signs of age:
- Rust spots on front and left/right wings
- Old paint touch-up on right front wing
- Minor dents and scratches on driver's door
- Right front door and right rear door
- Visible rust on lower inside part of doors
Bonnet and driver's side appear to have been repainted at some point
Undercarriage reported to be in good condition with only surface rust — no holes
All glass is original apart from the windscreen
Driver's mirror glass partly faded/damaged but still usable
Wheels in good condition; Avus tyres dated 2010 but barely used
BBS bodykit reported to be in good condition with no cracks or missing pieces — only sun fade noted
Zender spoiler (3 parts: 2 sides and boot lid) in good condition; paint shows age
Car appears to have stood outside for a period in the past, resulting in slight sun fade on bumpers, Recaro LXC seats and rear shelf
Interior shows signs of age
- Sun fade on the rear of the optional Recaro LXC seats and rear shelf
- Zebrano wood trim/décor has cracks on the middle console section
Economiser currently stuck in one position for unknown reason; was previously working
Period-correct Pioneer cassette radio works; power right mirror and front power windows all functional
Additional battery/voltage gauges on the centre console (working); Momo wooden steering wheel in good condition
Aftermarket air conditioning (likely added in the 1980s) is currently empty and has not been started
Sunroof likely requires servicing — motor operates and responds to the button but the roof does not slide back
Visible rust on the lower steel parts of the seats
Floor and floor mats in good condition; upholstery and rear bench are undamaged

The Mechanics

2,335 cc inline four-cylinder engine, modified by Oettinger
Oettinger engine modifications:
- Bore 89.00mm
- Stroke 94.5mm
- Engine block and oil sump machined for clearance
- Schrick camshaft
- Mechanical tappets changed
- Cylinder head machined with polished ports
- 46mm inlet valves
- Intake manifold machined/polished
- Piston valve pocket depth checked and reworked as necessary
5-speed manual gearbox (replacing the original 4-speed)
Early version producing 148 hp (later versions produced up to 159 hp per 1987 Auto Motor Sport)
Recent mechanical work includes:
- Oil, petrol and air filters replaced
- Engine oil flushed with TEC engine flush
- Valve gasket seals replaced
- Fuel pump replaced
- Auxiliary heater checked and its fuel pump replaced
- Alternator renewed
- New spark plugs
- New ignition cables
- New front shock absorbers
Middle exhaust pipe has a rusted-out silencer box
The vendor reports the engine runs correctly, responds well to high revs and is noticeably faster than standard M102-engined cars

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