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1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E
Highlights
- Gorgeous example of Mercedes’s compact exec
- Low ownership and mileage
- Unusual blue upholstery
- Large history file
The Appeal
The 190E was a car that revolutionised Mercedes-Benz. Sure, it didn’t look dramatically unusual – though it was inarguably handsome and well-proportioned. But what it did do was introduce the iconic three-pointed star to a whole new audience, taking on the BMW 3-Series as one of the world’s first compact executive cars.
With its clearly defined wedge shape and finely chiselled contours, the Bruno Sacco design was subtle but imposing, with the baby Benz having far more car park presence than others the same size (and length wise, it was shorter than a Vauxhall Cavalier).
It also ushered in new levels of safety thanks to its crash-channel body structure, while its aerodynamics were optimised to deliver class-leading economy and efficiency.
The 190 also had a revolutionary new chassis design, developed specifically for the new model, which proved a great success. The main feature was the multi-link independent rear suspension. Which ensured well-behaved handling characteristics. By the time it was replaced in late 1993, it still felt able and class-competitive thanks to being so over-engineered to begin with.
The car we have here is a 1990 model with the sturdy 2.0-litre engine and automatic transmission. It’s a smart low-ownership example in good, original order inside and out.
History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- MOT May 2025
- Supplied new by Portmann Mercedes-Benz of Manchester and retains its dealership numberplates
- Multiple old MOTs dating back to 1999
- Folder of additional old invoices
- Receipt for recent service by Mercedes specialist in 2024
The Condition
- Original two-tone blue paintwork
- Wholly original with a few slight age-related imperfections, but still presents well overall
- Original factory wheel trims with some scuff marks
- Small scuff to nearside front wing
- Appears solid underneath with no evidence of any welding required and no corrosion advisories on the MOT
- Small previous repair on inner rear arch
- Some marks and discolouration to rear bumper
- Dealer numberplates, but show some signs of deterioration
- Minor rust bubbles on one wheelarch edge
- Various small marks and defects commensurate with age and use but still presents superbly overall
- Original seats, trim and carpets with distinctive blue seat chequered fabric
- Matching door cards in tidy order
- Very slight rub marks to driver’s seat
- Electric steel sunroof
- Electric windows
- Blaupunkt Melbourne radio-cassette player
- Minor damage to offside rear door trim
The Mechanics
- 1,997cc fuel injected 4cyl engine
- Four-speed auto transmission
- According to the vendor, the car starts well and runs sweetly with no known problems or faults
- Recent service at Mercedes-Benz specialist less than 500 miles ago
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Auction Details
- Year 1990
- Make Mercedes
- Model 190 E
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 81,250 Miles
- Engine size 1997
- Seller Type Private
- Town London
- County London
- Country United Kingdom
-
Auction ends
6 Bids
from 5
bidders
- lowman1•••• £3,100 09/08/24
- Belinda•••• £3,000 09/08/24
- lowman1•••• £2,600 08/08/24
- Neild•••• £2,500 07/08/24
- RalphWi•••• £1,850 07/08/24
- NcFast•••• £1,750 04/08/24
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