1990 MERCEDES-BENZ 190E 2.5-16 COSWORTH

This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is a smart modern classic performance saloon, finished in a rare and attractive factory hue and presented in impressive condition. Under the bonnet is the Cosworth-developed 2.5-litre, 16-valve inline-four, which drives the rear wheels via a dog-leg five-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 148,845 miles from new.

Introduced in 1988, the 2.5-litre 16-valve Cosworth was a development on its 2.3-litre predecessor, offering greater refinement courtesy of its increased displacement, a taller final gear and double-row timing chains for improved durability. An increasingly rare modern classic, it is believed to one of fewer than 300 manual examples remaining in the UK.

First registered on 23 October 1990, this example has had its fair share of attention from fans of the marque, having been featured in the February 2014 issue of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine. It was acquired by the seller around 18 months ago.

Today, this 190E’s iconic bodywork presents in very good order, with no evidence of any prior accident damage and straight, even shut lines. Believed to have either been partly or fully resprayed in the past, the Almandine Red paintwork is described by the seller as being in excellent condition. Indeed, the finish has a smooth and glossy appearance around the whole car, with only a few marks and blemishes to speak of, including some very minor stone chips on the nose and a small rust spot on the passenger-side of the bonnet, beside the front grille.

While the black plastic door handles have faded slightly, this is commensurate with the car’s age, and the rest of its exterior trim presents very well. It rides on a set of 16-inch AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, which are in great shape, though there is a small parking scuff on the edge of the front passenger-side wheel.

Moving inside, the cabin is trimmed in black leather, and is in very good order given the car’s age and mileage. The seats are smart, with some general creases to their surfaces, wear to the driver’s bolster and a scuff on the back of the driver’s seat, but there are no noticeable rips or tears. The interior plastics also present well; however, the face of the dashboard has cracked beside the right-hand air vent.

Ahead, the steering wheel features a few minor wear marks, and the gear knob’s coating has worn smooth. Entertainment is provided via a modern Pioneer stereo. There are no known faults with any of the buttons, switches or other electrical items, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

This homologation special’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in March 2021 at 148,808 miles, which was a general oil service. Prior to this, the engine oil and oil filter were replaced in September 2019 at 148,616 miles, and a full service was performed in August 2018 when the alternator was also replaced.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 2 March 2021 at 148,808 miles. This resulted in a first-time pass, with advisories being issued for seepage from the steering box, slight play in the nearside steering joint, a slight oil leak from the differential, and some corrosion on the rear brake pipe. The front wheels are shod in Falken Ziex ZE-914 tyres while Event WL905 items are fitted at the rear. All four are reported to be in good condition, with around 6mm of tread remaining.

This 190E will be accompanied by all of its original handbooks, documentation of its service history, a copy of the Mercedes Enthusiast magazine in which it appeared, and old MOT test certificates.

This Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth is an iconic modern classic, which is made all the more appealing by its rare factory paint colour, five-speed manual transmission and right-hand drive layout. Freshly serviced and presented in good overall condition, this engaging sports saloon is ready to be driven and enjoyed, and will make a fine addition to any collection.

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