Mercedes W201 190 E 2.6 Auto, 85K miles, 1992

Registration : J200 OTR

Mileage : 85000

First Registered : 14th January 1992

RFL (12 months) : £270

Colour : Brilliant Silver Metallic (744U)

Interior : Cloth Grey (068)

 

Fantastic Mercedes 190 E with the sublime 2.6 litre straight-six engine and super smooth automatic gearbox and having covered just 85K miles.

 

A 1992 car that has clearly been cherished with just 4 keepers until 2005 and only 2 thereafter. The last keeper acquired the car in 2015 but unfortunately did not get to use it beyond acquiring a new MOT.

 

The car was recently purchased from storage but the service book could not be located. It is clear from our full inspection of fluids and all usual wear components and issues (and importantly the use of genuine Mercedes parts for various items such as radiator hose replacements) that any lack of documented history is more than made up for by just looking at the condition of the car and it being clear that nothing has ever been skimped on. An unused first-aid kit, warning triangle and tool roll all correctly located add to this.

 

Simple things such as door check straps, windscreen wiper and sunroof guide rails greased, items so often missed at service time, have also been carried out over the years pointing to a cherished example looked after correctly. All door seals are still fresh as is the boot seal, the interior of which is like new. Indeed one can just stand and open and shut the doors for several minutes such is the pleasure it gives.

 

Headlining is pristine, engine plastics such as scuttle panel and fuse box cover are not brittle and faded and a check under the rear seat also shows everything about this car is unmolested and as good as it can be.

 

We have the V5, a comprehensive HPI check and there is a full and virtually unblemished MOT history. All brake and fuel lines are free from any corrosion as are the jacking points and other vulnerable areas (ramp inspection encouraged and welcomed on this stunning example).

 

Michelin tyres with a lot of tread on near perfect alloys further added to the view of a well kept, properly maintained and unmolested example. An exemplary and virtually unblemished MOT history backs this and the mileage up with only a couple of advisories and fails for tyres and bulbs.

 

Naturally we have reset the service schedule with a full inspection and to include fluids (both the engine and the automatic gearbox), spark plugs, air filter and a new drive belt. A precautionary change of thermostat, a coolant flush and brake fluid change were also carried out. This superb and rare example of the 190 E is ready to be used and enjoyed.

 

The 190 was launched in 1983, the first really compact car Mercedes had produced. Initially, buyers could choose only a 2.0 litre, four cylinder petrol engine model. Six cylinder versions arrived in 1987, with the 2.6 litre as offered here arriving in 1988, when the range was also facelifted. This engine came quite late to the 190 party and a cut above the 4 cylinder variants in specification, performance and of course price, thus making it quite rare and certainly a very desirable derivative in this bodyshell. Probably the best and most usable and with only ever a handful for sale.

 

The range was superseded by the C-Class in 1993 and history shows the 190 to be better built and now very much sought after, especially in this configuration.

 

Mercedes themselves later stated that the 190 was “massively over-engineered”. The W201 190 range introduced a number of features, notably the 5-link rear suspension subsequently used in E and C-Class models, front and rear anti-roll bars, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, ABS brakes and seatbelt pretensioners.

 

The ‘E’ after 190 stands for Einspritzung, or fuel injection. The Bosch KE-Jetronic system delivered more power and fuel efficiency than its carburettor-equipped predecessor.

 

This superb example is resplendent in what is aptly titled ‘Brilliant’ Silver Metallic with subtle two-tone lower and a superb and retro yet timeless looking grey cloth interior which really sets the whole package off.

 

Body, paintwork and interior present as new, testament to the build quality of that time. The paintwork is still as smooth as glass and Mercedes even had on the build sheet ‘Paintwork - Preservation’ which certainly worked in this case. There is no sign of any rust whatsoever and paint and trims are largely blemish free.

 

Safety is a recent obsession for most manufacturers, but not Mercedes. ABS, seat belt pre-tensioners, double-skinned pillars, anti-burst locks and crumple zones featured in the substantial yet compact bodyshell. Take this car out on the road and feel for yourself the faultless Mercedes-Benz heritage. Every switch and stalk performs its function faultlessly. Lovely little extras such as the rear reading light controlled by a switch on the dashboard surprise and delight along with the luxury feel of the leather steering wheel. Fitment of folding armrests and electric windows front and rear are complemented by a tilt and slide electric sunroof. Everything works, including the electric aerial.

 

The performance will likely surprise you. Extremely usable today, safe and comfortable and just that little bit different.

 

Mercedes means prestige and quality. Other executive saloons lose their looks after just a few years but a 190 will always look and drive the part.

 

A small deposit will secure this car until you are able to view in person. Please also talk to us about delivery options - contact us for details.

Many more photos available along with a walk-round video, on request or via our website. All of our cars are fully HPI checked and our simple ethos is that we will only stock cars that we would be happy to own and drive ourselves and that have passed our stringent checks.

Please email us for more details.

 

 

• Vehicle Summary
• Technical Specs
• Performance Specs