1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201) Cosworth Bodykit
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***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Smartly presented with very low mileage
- Enhanced by Cosworth body kit and OZ alloys
- High factory specification including sunroof
- Long MOT to June 2024
- Thick history file
The Appeal
When Mercedes-Benz saw BMW’s success with the 3-series in the 1970s it decided to follow suit into the compact saloon market. Typically, it took its own path there, one that took eight years and £600m. The result was the handsome Bruno Sacco-penned W201 190, a car that even the firm acknowledged was wildly over-engineered.
That, of course, was good news for buyers who got a sort of shrunken version of the firm’s much bigger models, with all the quality and careful engineering that implies. 190s focussed on safety with cutting edge innovations like airbags, ABS and seatbelts pretensioners as standard.
The staple of the range was the fuel injected 190E, which offered a calmer and more relaxing alternative to BMW’s ‘ultimate driving machine.’
This very low mileage Arctic White 190E has been tastefully enhanced with a Cosworth body kit and smart OZ five-spoke alloys. A thick history file verifies the low mileage and a long MOT provides reassurance of its condition. Reliable and very usable, it could be used as an unusual daily or saved for shows. Whichever you choose, it looks very tempting.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 31st December 1989
- Current owner since 6th May 2023
- VIN records show it was built in June 1989
- Thick history file showing Mercedes-Benz main dealer servicing to 12,593 miles in 1998
- Original factory book set in good condition
- Very sparing use between 1998 and 17th July 2007 when it was serviced at 16,685 miles
- Acquired from first owner by dealer in Wigan in 2008 on 20,000 miles
- Subsequent owner 2012 to 2023
- Acquired by the seller, a car dealer, to use as his personal transport
- Registered in his name
- History file includes lots of old invoices and tax discs
- MOT history verifies the low mileage and sparing use
- Cosworth body kit appears to be a later addition and not factory fitted
- High factory specification includes electric sunroof, rear headrests and four electric windows
- MOT to 12th June 2024 with minor advisories for exhaust mounting and rear coil springs
- Has covered less than 200 miles since last MOT
- 2 keys, one with main dealer keyring
Notable recent maintenance work:
- New exhaust fitted in 2017 at cost of £442
- Brakes overhauled and water pump and belts replaced in 2017 at cost of £774
- New brake pads and brakes serviced in 2020 at cost of £213
- Serviced in July 2021
- Serviced by vendor in May 2023 covering oils and other fluids
- Headlights replaced with OEM units
- Ignition module replaced by seller
The Interior
- Blue fabric (code 062) interior in very well preserved condition
- The interior is in remarkable condition with few signs of wear
- Door trims very well kept with only a very minor scuff on the offside rear to note
- Seats show well with barely any wear
- Optional rear headrests and centre armrest fitted
- Four electric windows and central locking
- All electrics work with the exception of the rear windows
- Four spoke factory plastic-rimmed wheel showing only light sheen of wear
- Switchgear appears virtually new with good, clear decals and no scuffs
- Clear dials with clean, unscratched protective plastic shroud
- Dashboard in blue and with no marks, cracks or scuffs visible
- Even the fillet of veneer around the gear selector is undamaged
- Headlining is unmarked, unstained and with no visible sag
- Electric tilt and slide sunroof with no visible deterioration to fabric trim
- Sunroof shows clear drainage channels
- Blaupunkt Sevilla face-off stereo
The Exterior
- Arctic White (code 147U) paintwork well presented with clean, straight panels
- Fitted post-factory with a Cosworth bodykit and lowered on OZ five spoke alloys
- Headlamps replaced by seller since May 2023 with OEM units
- Overall condition is very good for year and mileage
- Debadged and grille slates converted to black
- Wheels refurbished and in unmarked condition
- Some early signs of bubbling visible on wheel arches under body kit
- Clean drainage channels and screen surrounds
- Underside presents very well with no visible issues
- No structural advisories on current or recent MOTs
- Appears to have had paintwork rectification work on nearside rear door
- Small scuff on offside front and rear arch trims but minor
- Light scuff on nearside front corner of bumper black rubber trim
- Otherwise we could not spot any marks or scuffs across the paintwork
- Sunroof surround presents no issues and mechanism looks fresh and clean
- Lights and glasswork are clear, unmisted with no visible cracks or damage
- Two new tyres fitted in 2021
The Mechanics
- 1,997cc M102 fuel injected Mercedes-Benz 4cyl engine developing 115bhp
- 4spd 4G-TRONIC automatic gearbox
- Smart and tidy engine bay indicates fastidious ownership
- Thick history file covering servicing by Mercedes-Benz and specialists
- Rear wheel drive
- Sophisticated five link rear suspension shared with E-Class
- Ignition module replaced by seller since May 2023
- Health check undertaken at the same time
- Last serviced in May 2023 with few miles covered since
- Seller advises that the coolant light occasionally flickers
- He tells us the car does not use coolant and does not overheat
Summary
The 190 combined crisp Bruno Sacco styling with the firm’s renowned approach to engineer. Buyers flocked to showrooms and nearly 2million found homes.
The sheer usability of these cars makes ultra low mileage examples like this particularly rare. Well specified from the factory, augmented by a Cosworth body kit and OZ wheels, this is a great chance to discover the multifold delights of these superb saloons.
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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