Highlights
- Beautifully maintained
- Desirable 2.5L Cosworth engine
- Extremely solid and corrosion free example
- Rare and desirable manual transmission
- Full set of original wheels included with sale with winter tyres
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16. A gauche 90’s family saloon that somewhat looks like a tarted up version of a classy family soon. But you’d be wrong. The 190E 2.5 was incredibly advanced for its era, and even by today's standards when you consider the 5-link rear suspension system with hydraulic auto-levelling. There are supercars today that go without that kind of tech. Thankfully though, in this example the troublesome hydraulic suspension has been changed for a much nicer set of Bilsteins.
Although not officially named the “Cosworth”, the engine was exactly that - a Cosworth engineered 16-valve 4 cylinder, packing a whopping 194bhp. Which is pretty much the bare minimum of the modern standard, but for 80’s and 90’s tech it was some seriously advanced engineering.
For the past nine years this gorgeous, rare example has been in the ownership of someone who saw no requirement for sparing expenses, and the resulting condition shows this. A truly loved and appreciated 190E is becoming increasingly more difficult to find.
The History and Paperwork
- Approx. EUR 9,000 worth of invoices in the current owners possession
- Complete original brochure
- Manufactured in February 1993
- First registered on the 15th of June 1994
- Car has lived in France all of its life
- French registration certificate
- Government test valid until 7th October 2022
- Original 2.5-16 set of wheels included with winter tyres
- Major service complete at 116,998km including all fluids and filters
- Bilstein B6 shocks front and rear fitted in 2020 with Eibach springs
- Countless invoices seriously worth reading through
The Interior
- Black leather interior
- Electric sunroof
- Active bass loudspeaker system
- Sony head unit
- Wooden trim around gear shifter
Finished in admirable black leather, the front seats are welcoming and comfortable with supportive bolsters to keep you held in position throughout some spirited driving. The seats do sport some slight patina in the form of light creases and sheen you always see from used leather, but there are no cracks or tears and the stitching all appears to be in great condition too - fantastically kept for a car of its age. The rear seats have much of the same story, light signs of use as to be expected but no damage with stitching all intact.
Sitting in the driver seats, you’re faced with the OEM Mercedes steering wheel which shows some light signs of wear throughout the leather but no apparent damage. You have a clear view of the gauge cluster, sporting yellow needles, which all works perfectly and is free from any unwanted warning lights or faults upon the quick fire-up of the engine. The remainder of the dashboard is in good order, all of the buttons and control switches appear to work as they should, as well as those located in the centre console around the gearstick.
The door-cards are well presented with just the usual unavoidable faint scuff marks, however no damage seems to be present here and the window switches all seem functional. Speaking of window switches! This 190E is specced with an electric sunroof, which is reported to be still in operational condition, too.
Original carpets are still present throughout the car and seem to be in rather nice condition, showing no signs of damage or rips, and they still retain their colour quite nicely too. Overall, it's very evident that this 190E has been loved throughout its ownerships, it's a very well presented example and becoming more and more of a collectors item as time goes on.
The Exterior
- Brilliant Silver Metallic paintwork in lovely condition
- 2 full sets of alloys, one set shod in winter wheels
- Straight and true body panels
- Factory-like panel fitment
- Well maintained brightwork
- No apparent corrosion
- Iconic arch flares only present on the Cosworth powered 190’s
A beautiful car; that’s a statement that many will find very difficult to argue about. Rightly so, because it is, in fact, a very beautiful piece of machinery. Finished in Brilliant Silver metallic paintwork and sporting the slightly more aggressive body kit found on Cosworth powered variants, it sits extremely proud and well presented.
At the front of the vehicle, the brightwork is well maintained and still shining like it would out of the factory, and the headlights are in great condition with no cracks or water ingress present. Of course, the front bumper does have some stone chipping, however this is to be fully expected. The bonnet is in lovely condition and shows straight and true with perfect panel fitment.
Moving around to the side of the vehicle we get a better look at the wheels, all appearing to be in great shape, no dreaded curb rash, and just one of the alloys has a minor indent in close proximity to the wheel bolt holes, but it can be difficult to see without getting up close and personal. Just under the passenger side door handle there is a cluster of scuff marks - we’re unsure what’s caused these, however thanks to the silver paintwork it doesn’t stand out very much. Aside from this, the rest of the panels look to be in great condition!
To the rear, we’re introduced to the subtle, yet aggressive rear spoiler and that all-famous “2.5-16” badge, letting everyone know what’s present under the bonnet. Everything back here seems to be in very good order, the lights are free of damage and retain a great level of clarity and the paintwork is seemingly in excellent shape too.
The Mechanics
- 2.5L 16-valve Cosworth engine
- 5-speed dogleg manual transmission
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Bilstein B6 shocks with Eibach springs
- Comprehensive service documentation from current ownership
- Faultless mechanical workings
- Rear tyres requiring replacement
Cosworth is a name that needs no introduction, and it’s one that carries with it a plethora of racing pedigree. Although not officially badged as a Cosworth, it’s exactly what propels these performance saloons. The 2.5L 4-cylinder produces an ample 194bhp and slingshotting the car from 0-60mph in just over 7 and a half seconds. Even by today's standards, that’s still a pretty quick car!
The seller tells us that the mechanical workings of this car are in fantastic order, and we believe him - just look at the stack of invoices this car comes with, there has been no expense spared here and every opportunity to replace worn parts has been taken. The acceleration is strong and responsive, and the gear changes are smooth with no issues present, and there appear to be no unwelcoming noises or clunks from anywhere as you’re driving along.
It should be noted, the rear tyres are close to requiring replacement, so any new buyer should be aware of this should they wish to make a road trip in their newly acquired head-turner.
Summary
Cosworth powered examples of these Mercedes are becoming increasingly rare and desirable, and are very quickly becoming a collectors item. Rightly so - the free-revving engine is an absolute blast to drive and full of engagement, and proves to be extremely rewarding.
A well cared for example that’s ripe and ready to be taken out and shown off. Get ready for all the attention!
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
