Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

The W201 ‘Baby Benz’ or 190/190E series was derived from the pen of prolific designer Bruno Sacco, the man credited with many of Mercedes most popular vehicles including the SL R129, SLK ‘C’ ‘E’ and ‘M’ Class to name but a few. By his own admission the 190-project resulted in a massively over-engineered car with a £600 million budget, much of which was spent before the prototype was first tested in 1978. The new compact saloon was presented to the press in November 1982 and went on to be a massive success with over 1.87 million in an eleven-year run. German publication Auto, Motor and Sport considered the 190’s launch and reported ‘no other car has generated anything like the curiosity as this new development from the world’s oldest motor manufacturer’.

The first models featured 2-litre 90bhp and 122bhp four-cylinder engines in the 190 and 190E examples with a diesel unit arriving later that year. A host of alternate engine options were offered during the following decade with model facelifts coming in 1988 and 1991.

Offered as a commission sale on behalf of a regular client Country Classic Cars always enjoy showing the best quality vehicles covering all budgets and this 1989 Mercedes 190E 4 speed automatic certainly presents a lot of ‘Merc for the money’. Supplied new with the SOHC 1997cc M102.962 engine that offers 118 bhp and is considered bulletproof and capable of huge mileages with correct maintenance. This solid and very tidy example that has travelled a verified 62881 miles from new and comes with the most comprehensive service history that comprises of 14 main dealer stamps. A further seven specialist stamps plus six brake fluid replacements and three coolant changes plus a continuation book that includes a further two recent services.

10.05.89 – 953 miles

04.01.90 – 4525 27.09.99 – 32865

20.12.90 – 11979 18.09.00 – 33966

30.01.92 – 19273 24.09.01 – 35268

14.04.94 – 24875 29.09.03 – 40022

23.09.96 – 27858 04.02.04 – 40662

22.09.97 – 22557 04.10.04 – 41543

14.09.98 – 31299 All main dealer services

Mercedes Specialist services

09.10.09 – 46266

02.02.11 – 47365

17.10.12 – 49424

01.02.14 – 50982

18.02.15 – 52422

25.02.16 – 54309

28.02.17 – 55925

The continuation book registers two services carried out at 58434 – 01.03.19 and 62395 miles on the 21.03.22.

Here at Country Classic Cars we pride ourselves on offering an honest ‘warts and all’ appraisal of every vehicle we offer for sale, this avoids buyer disappointment often resulting from a lack of detail within sales adverts and our appraisal begins with the exterior. Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic the panels are universally arrow straight with excellent gaps and we noted a small stone chip on the n/s rear quarter. A light scratch (that may polish) to the boot lid plus a couple of spots on the n/s front wheel arch inner edge where road debris has been thrown up. The original factory wheel trims would benefit from a fresh coat of silver although the matching tyres are certainly recent and offer minimal wear. Any new owner may look to replace the plastic bonnet release that protrudes through the grill, at this time that task is performed by a tie wrap. Interior cloth trim enjoys a chequered display in shades of beige and mustard, extremely period and certainly adds to the cabin atmosphere. Seats, carpets and dash plastics present remarkably, little evidence of age or wear, and this Mercedes came loaded with extras (for the time) and obviously everything works. Four windows, sliding sunroof, aerial and passenger door mirror all electric plus central locking, PAS and ABS, there was little budgeting when it came to the options list for this 190E. We noted the o/s rear door card vinyl trim needs resecuring in one area alongside the window whilst a de-activated Moss alarm box remains on the rear parcel shelf. In car audio is supplied by a Panasonic Radio/CD player which activates the aerial when switched on.

In 1989 the first owner resided in York before the 190E moved on to Nottingham in 1992, from there, recent owners have brought it further south and due to their diligence keeping this Mercedes at its best, today she performs without issue. The engine easily copes with the pace of modern traffic without being pushed, gear changes are fuss free and precise; this four-door saloon was impressive in period when it came to handling and is no slouch 33 years later. For those seeking their first classic, maybe on a budget or looking for the perfect daily driver with character, one that offers proven engineering and has been meticulously ‘cared for’ then this 190E certainly ticks a lot of boxes. It comes with two keys, original dealer pack which contains the owner’s manual, old receipts, copies of V5 and MOT certificates with the current test running until 28th March 2023.

For additional information please message with your email address for multiple detailed images and walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only and within current Covid guidelines and whilst inspections are encouraged, please bear in mind the changing situation but at this time we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.