1986 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.3 16V COSWORTH

This 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth is a fine example of the compact German performance saloon, which is presented in rust-free condition, having spent most of its life under the Spanish sun. Under the bonnet is the 2.3-litre ‘M102’ four-cylinder, 16-valve engine, which sends 183bhp to the rear wheels via a ‘dog-leg’ five-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 155,403 km from new.

First registered in June 1989, this left-hand drive 190E was imported into the UK and re-registered on 1 December 2020 to the current owner, having been driven to the UK from Granada, Spain.

Thanks to its 34-year stay in Spain, this 190E’s bodywork has been spared from the notoriously damp British weather, and is reported to be rust-free as a result. As the driver’s door has been repainted at some stage, the seller believes that the door may have suffered from minor damage in the past, but there are no signs of any other prior repairs to the car.

Overall, the Smoke Silver paintwork presents well, though there are a few marks and blemishes to its surfaces, including scuffs on bumpers and various stone chips, in keeping with the car’s road use. It rides on the correct set of 15-inch flat-face alloy wheels, which are in great shape and are free of any chips or kerb scratches.

Moving inside, the cabin still features its original black leather upholstery, and shows only minor signs of wear, which is a testament to the quality of the materials used in this finely engineered Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore, the interior plastics and the wood trim surrounding the gear lever are in very good order, and while the rim of the leather-wrapped steering wheel is slightly worn, this is commensurate with the car’s age and mileage.

The original stereo has been replaced with a more modern Blaupunkt Las Vegas radio/cassette player, which could be linked to a CD changer that is temporarily placed beneath the front passenger-seat, while a pair of Pioneer speakers has been mounted in the parcel shelf. The vendor notes that the rear driver’s-side electric window does not work, the air-conditioning system is relatively ineffective, the electric radio antenna does not retract, and the lap timer is not functioning. However, all of the car’s other buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This 190E’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out by its previous owner in August 2017, when the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil were changed. The car is almost entirely unmodified; however, its factory-fitted self-levelling rear suspension components have been removed and replaced with standard springs and dampers.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 20 October 2020 at 155,325 km. This resulted in a clean pass after an exhaust leak was repaired and the front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers were replaced. All four wheels are fitted with Toyo Proxes T1-S tyres, which are between three and four years old and have around 6mm of tread remaining.

Though documentation of its history is relatively limited, this modern classic saloon will be accompanied by maintenance receipts from 2017 onwards, and various other paperwork from its time in Spain.

This Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth is a smart, rust-free example of an acclaimed performance saloon. Equipped with an engaging manual transmission and featuring a leather interior, it will make an excellent daily driver or weekend cruiser, and is sure to charm its next owner whenever they get behind the wheel.

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