1989 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.5-16 COSWORTH

This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is a cherished example of the renowned modern classic DTM homologation special, which benefits from spending much of its life in the dry climate of Malta. It is powered by the Cosworth-developed 2.5-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine, which produces around 197bhp and drives the rear wheels via the iconic Getrag dog-leg five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 64,751km (40,235 miles).

The car is understood to have been sold to its first owner and registered in Malta in August 1989, remaining in the country until it was exported to the UK and registered with the DVLA in March 2013. It was acquired by the seller five years ago, and has been kept in dry storage until today, being driven sparingly for services and MOT tests.

This 190E Cosworth’s bodywork presents in excellent order, with no known accident damage and straight, even shut lines. The Black Pearl metallic paintwork is believed to be original (save for the front bumper and rear spoiler) and is in very good condition across the entire body. While there are some small age-related marks and scratches, several could easily be rectified by a thorough detail. The seller also notes that the black plastic door handles have faded slightly. The car sits on its original flat-face 15-inch alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with only a few minor marks to the edge of the front passenger side.

In contrast to the more commonly-specified full leather interiors usually seen in other examples of the 190E 2.5-16, this example’s seat centres are upholstered with the classic chequered black and anthracite fabric, which also features on the door card inserts. The seats’ supportive bolsters are clad in black leather, which remains in very good condition, save for some creasing and discolouration, which is commensurate with the car’s age.

The rest of the interior is very smart, with all door cards having been previously re-trimmed in July 2013 and with a new centre console and dashboard. The vendor notes that one of the switch blanks is missing from the upper dashboard, though it should be possible to replace this at relatively little cost, and the corners of the lap-timer’s LCD display have turned black.

This 190E is fitted with a period-correct Blaupunkt radio cassette deck, and was specified with air-conditioning from the factory; however, the system needs to be re-gassed. All of the interior buttons and switches are functioning correctly.

This motorsport-derived performance saloon’s last routine maintenance was carried out in June 2019 at 64,546km by Mercedes-Benz specialist Automerc Service Ltd of Wood Green, London. This included replacement of the engine oil and oil filter, brake fluid, air filter and sump plug seal, as well as the fitment of new anti-roll bar and gear selector bushes. The engine is very refined and has no oil leaks.

The car has been in storage since the previous service, which was carried out in July 2014 at Mercedes Benz in Guildford, where the engine oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter were replaced, along with one of the track rods, the steering arm mount, the accelerator cable and one of the brake callipers. The car also received an oil and filter service in February 2013, where the shock absorbers were also replaced.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 23 December 2020 at 64,709km, resulting in a clean first-time pass. All four of the car’s 205/55 R15 Avon ZV-5 tyres are described as being in very good condition and are around six years old, with approximately 6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying this 190E Cosworth are its original service book, owner’s manual, all three original keys (including the master) and a period advertisement for the car. There is also a partial service history, and the car’s tool kit, first aid kit, spare wheel and radio instruction manual are present. The current owner has direct confirmation from the main dealer in Malta of its mileage where the car had last been serviced prior to being imported into the UK.

This Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is a rare and appealing modern classic, which is made all the more compelling by its right-hand drive layout and five-speed dog-leg Getrag manual transmission. Having spent the first 24 years of its life in Malta, it also remains rust-free and in excellent condition, making this renowned performance saloon a fantastic addition to any collection.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.