Highlights

One of only 4,784 examples of the 2.5-16 produced worldwide
Right-hand drive, UK-delivered from new
Bodywork restored and alloy wheels refurbished under current ownership
Service book with sixteen stamps and a supporting history file
MOT valid until June 2027

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 is one of the most respected compact performance sedans of the late 1980s. Born from the W201's DTM racing program and fitted with a Cosworth-developed 16-valve twin-cam cylinder head atop a 2.5-liter inline-four, it offered genuine sporting intent wrapped in Mercedes-Benz's trademark engineering rigor. With only 4,784 examples built, the 2.5-16 is an increasingly scarce and collectible machine.

This UK-delivered, right-hand drive example is finished in Smoke Silver Metallic over Anthracite leather and is equipped with the model's Getrag five-speed 'dogleg' manual transmission. The service book carries sixteen stamps covering regular maintenance between 1989 and 2006, supplemented by invoices up to 2021 when the car was recommissioned after a period in storage. Under the current owner's care over the past four years, further cosmetic and mechanical improvements have been carried out. Showing 91,578 miles and holding an MOT valid until June 2027, this is a well-documented and recently improved example of a genuinely rare performance sedan.

Key Information

Mileage: 91,578 miles, supported by maintenance history
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until June 29, 2027; currently on a SORN
Technical specs: 2,497cc inline-four petrol, five-speed 'dogleg' manual, rear-wheel drive
Paperwork: owner's manuals, service book with sixteen stamps (1989–2006), various invoices up to 2021, old MOT certificates

The Detail

Bodywork restored
Chassis welding carried out
All four alloy wheels refurbished recently
Four new tires fitted, addressing previous MOT advisories for tire cracking on all four corners
New zebrano wood interior trim fitted under current ownership
Correct 2.5-16 cold start fuel relay sourced and installed, replacing a previously incorrect 2.3-16 item; the seller reports this has noticeably improved performance
£6,288 spent on mechanical recommissioning in 2021, including a new fuel distributor, clutch master and slave cylinders, spark plugs, injectors, and brake calipers
Self-leveling rear suspension overhauled and engine tuned as part of the 2021 recommissioning
Original tool kit and spare tire present
The pictured license plate is not included; the car will be sold with the registration F425 UJN

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:

✓ 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 motorcycles 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 financing 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 pickup

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes, so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidder's responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalized, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.