1992 MERCEDES-BENZ (W201) 190E

This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E is an honest example of the marque’s famously robust W201-series compact saloon. Under the bonnet is the 1.8-litre M102.910 inline-four engine, which produces 108bhp and is coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 154,188 miles from new.

First registered in January 1992, this example has been with its most recent owner for the past three years, covering 18,000 miles in that time. The bodywork presents well, with no signs of accident damage and clean, even shut lines. It is finished in its original factory hue of Brilliant Silver, with the paintwork presenting well overall. There are some signs of the car’s age and mileage, including lacquer cracking on top of the bonnet and some minor stone chips on its leading edge.

There is also a small rust patch on the edge of the boot lid and at the base of the rear windscreen, and the grille’s black satin paint is beginning to flake off. In addition, the vendor notes that at some stage an attempt was made to prise open the fuel filler door, resulting in slight cracking to the paint, and the corners of all four bumpers are showing signs of scuffs, which can still be seen despite minor repairs. The car’s exterior trim is in good condition, although there is a small chip visible on the lower inner corner of the passenger-side headlight lens.

This 190E rides on a set of period-correct 15-inch Mercedes SL alloy wheels, which have previously been refurbished and repainted. All four are in very smart condition, with no clear scrapes or scratches. All four wheels were fitted with 195/55 R15 Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance tyres in 2018, and they still remain in good condition, with approximately 6–7mm of usable tread remaining.

In the cabin, the original blue cloth still covers the front and rear seats and is in generally sound condition; although, the driver’s seat base is beginning to show some signs of wear commensurate with the its age. Finished in blue vinyl, the door cards present very well, as do the black vinyl-covered steering wheel and upper dashboard. The seller states that there is a small crack in the dashboard trim close to the heater vent on the far right-hand side, but this should be relatively easy to replace. The wood-veneered gear lever surround is in great shape and retains its rich, glossy appearance, with no signs of cracking or fading.

For the most part, the interior of this 190E is entirely standard, save the fitment of a modern Pioneer Bluetooth stereo. While the majority of the interior buttons and switches work correctly, there are a handful of small issues, with the heater motor being stuck, the telescopic radio antenna being rendered immobile, and the boot lock only unlocking when the rest of the car is opened while using the central locking mechanism.

Carefully maintained by the vendor throughout their ownership, this car is in good running order; although, it was supplied to him without any documented service history. Throughout his past three years of ownership, the vendor replaced a number of items, including the passenger-side rear shock absorber, battery, thermostat, breather pipe and rocker cover gasket. The rear exhaust silencer and tailpipe have also been replaced with a custom stainless-steel item.

The vendor has performed services on the car himself, with the most recent scheduled maintenance being in May 2020 at 152,800 miles, when the engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs and fuel filter were changed. Prior to this, the car was in storage from August 2019 until May 2020. In July 2018, the oil, oil filter and air filter were changed, but no receipt is available for this work, and in June 2017, the engine oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, transmission fluid and final drive fluid were replaced.

This 190E’s last annual MOT test was on 18 May 2020 at 152,909 miles, where it secured a first-time pass. A number of minor advisories were issued, namely for the battery being insecure, corrosion to the nearside and offside rear brake pipes, play in the nearside front inner track rod end and corrosion to the offside and nearside front and nearside rear coil springs. It was also stated that the front exhaust mounting was defective.

Accompanying the car is a partial service history, detailing maintenance work carried out over the past three years, as well as its spare wheel, factory jack, original first aid kit and warning triangle.

This W201-series 190E is a solid and dependable compact saloon, built in an era when Mercedes-Benz was known for its reliability and over-engineered approach to design and manufacturing. Described by the seller as a simple, reliable and charming drive, this honest modern classic has been well looked after, and despite a few visual flaws, it is still a robust, practical and characterful vehicle that is as ready as ever to fulfil its daily-driver duties.

All 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.