Highlights
- Gorgeous example of Mercedes’s compact exec
- Low ownership and mileage
- Unusual blue upholstery
- Large history file
The Appeal
The 190E was a car that revolutionised Mercedes-Benz. Sure, it didn’t look dramatically unusual – though it was inarguably handsome and well-proportioned. But what it did do was introduce the iconic three-pointed star to a whole new audience, taking on the BMW 3-Series as one of the world’s first compact executive cars.
With its clearly defined wedge shape and finely chiselled contours, the Bruno Sacco design was subtle but imposing, with the baby Benz having far more car park presence than others the same size (and length wise, it was shorter than a Vauxhall Cavalier).
It also ushered in new levels of safety thanks to its crash-channel body structure, while its aerodynamics were optimised to deliver class-leading economy and efficiency.
The 190 also had a revolutionary new chassis design, developed specifically for the new model, which proved a great success. The main feature was the multi-link independent rear suspension. Which ensured well-behaved handling characteristics. By the time it was replaced in late 1993, it still felt able and class-competitive thanks to being so over-engineered to begin with.
The car we have here is a 1990 model with the sturdy 2.0-litre engine and automatic transmission. It’s a smart low-ownership example in good, original order inside and out.
History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- MOT May 2025
- Supplied new by Portmann Mercedes-Benz of Manchester and retains its dealership numberplates
- Multiple old MOTs dating back to 1999
- Folder of additional old invoices
- Receipt for recent service by Mercedes specialist in 2024
The Condition
- Original two-tone blue paintwork
- Wholly original with a few slight age-related imperfections, but still presents well overall
- Original factory wheel trims with some scuff marks
- Small scuff to nearside front wing
- Appears solid underneath with no evidence of any welding required and no corrosion advisories on the MOT
- Small previous repair on inner rear arch
- Some marks and discolouration to rear bumper
- Dealer numberplates, but show some signs of deterioration
- Minor rust bubbles on one wheelarch edge
- Various small marks and defects commensurate with age and use but still presents superbly overall
- Original seats, trim and carpets with distinctive blue seat chequered fabric
- Matching door cards in tidy order
- Very slight rub marks to driver’s seat
- Electric steel sunroof
- Electric windows
- Blaupunkt Melbourne radio-cassette player
- Minor damage to offside rear door trim
The Mechanics
- 1,997cc fuel injected 4cyl engine
- Four-speed auto transmission
- According to the vendor, the car starts well and runs sweetly with no known problems or faults
- Recent service at Mercedes-Benz specialist less than 500 miles ago
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