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.Exterior (25) Dawid.jpg3.8 MB
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
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
