1989 Mercedes-Benz 190-Series 2.5-16V COSWORTH
Vehicle Description
1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth - One-Owner, Unmodified, Rust-Free, 78,884 KM
Location: Miami, FL 33131
A very nice Driver from a Private Collection
Step into automotive history with this unmolested 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth, a one-owner, numbers matching, specially ordered in 1988 by the owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership to their exacting specifications. Bearing chassis number WDB2010351F554821 and engine number 10299010000226, this iconic W201, finished in the rare 199 Blauschwarz Metallic (Blue Black Metallic), is one of only 5,743 units produced between July 1988 and June 1993. With just 78,884 kilometers (49,013 miles), this late-1988 build, inherited from a cherished family member, was imported from a tropical climate where it lived rust-free. Never altered, modified, or raced, it retains its full factory-homologated build, a cornerstone of the 2.5-16’s legacy as the homologation model for the legendary Evo I and Evo II. Offered from a curated private collection, this fully optioned, untouched Cosworth, featuring a period-correct Continental CD/AM/FM stereo, is a clean driver-quality example that could be elevated to concours condition with minimal effort, blending motorsport heritage with luxurious refinement.
A Dealership Owner’s Vision, Preserved in Originality
Commissioned new in 1988 by a Mercedes-Benz dealership owner, this 190E 2.5-16 was tailored with every available option to balance its racing pedigree with refined comfort, while preserving its factory-homologated build—untouched by modifications or racing. Its life in a tropical climate ensured a pristine, rust-free body, free of corrosion or rot, a rarity for a 36-year-old European classic. As a one-owner vehicle, it served as a spirited daily driver before being cherished in a family’s private collection, reflecting a legacy of care and passion. The Blauschwarz Metallic paint, a scarce and elegant hue, shines with a gentle patina, telling the story of its meticulous stewardship. Included with the sale is a carefully curated collection of scarce OEM Mercedes-Benz parts, gathered over years of dedicated collecting, including a rear glass spoiler, a new OEM shift knob and boot, and components for future servicing—ensuring this Cosworth remains a joy for its next caretaker.
Vehicle Specifications
* Model: Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth (W201)
* Year: 1989 (Late-1988 build, purchased new in 1989)
* Chassis Number: WDB2010351F554821
* Engine Number: 10299010000226
* Serial Number: WDB2010351F554821
* Exterior Color: 199 Blauschwarz Metallic (Blue Black Metallic)
* Interior: Black Leather (Option Code 251), all original
* Transmission: 5-Speed Getrag Manual (Dog-leg Pattern, Part Number 201 260 04 01 717 404)
* Mileage: 78,884 kilometers (49,013 miles)
* Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
* Engine: 2.5L Inline-4, Cosworth-tuned, 194 hp (143 kW) at 6750 rpm, 173 lb-ft (235 Nm) at 5000 rpm (KAT version)
* Top Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h)
* 0-62 mph: 7.7 seconds
* Fuel Economy: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) combined
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55 L)
* Weight: 2,866 lbs (1,300 kg)
* Wheels: from Factory-ordered Evo 17" Alloy Wheels (flawless condition), fitted with brand-new Vredestein Quatrac tires (installed 05/2025)
* Suspension: Factory sports-tuned self-leveling system (front and rear, Euro-spec)
* Steering: Short-ratio steering with factory smaller Euro-spec steering wheel
* Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes (284mm vented front, 258mm non-vented rear)
* Additional Features:
Aerodynamic body kit (front spoiler, side skirts, rear lip spoiler), “190E” and “2.5-16” badging, all original glass and moldings, optional sunroof (fully functional), air conditioning (blows cold), rear headrests, headlight wipers, sport seats, period-correct Continental CD/AM/FM stereo, additional gauges (rev counter, oil temperature, oil pressure, stopwatch, all fully functional), electric windows (fully functional).
Condition and Authenticity;
Full Disclosure: This Cosworth is not a concours example but a very nice driver-quality vehicle. Its tropical upbringing ensures a rust-free body, completely free of corrosion or rot, with the Blauschwarz Metallic paint radiating a deep, glossy shine, its subtle patina adding character to its 36-year story. The all-original black leather interior (option code 251) is in good condition for its age, with driver and passenger seats showing normal wear but no tears or holes, preserving the cabin’s sporty elegance. All original glass and moldings, including brassware, are in good shape, reflecting meticulous care. Never altered, modified, or raced, this Cosworth retains its full factory-homologated build, exactly as Mercedes-Benz intended for its DTM homologation role. The car runs, drives, shifts, and stops as it should, with cold-blowing air conditioning, a fully functional sunroof, fully operational electric windows, and all gauges (rev counter, oil temperature, oil pressure, stopwatch) working as they should, enhancing its daily usability. Unique to its late-1988 build, the short-ratio steering and smaller Euro-spec steering wheel deliver agile handling, while the factory sports-tuned self-leveling suspension FRONT & REAR (Euro-spec) ensures a confident ride.
The factory-ordered Evo 17" alloy wheels, in flawless condition, are fitted with brand-new Vredestein Quatrac tires installed in May 2025, ready for spirited drives or car show displays. A new OEM shift knob and boot are included for the new owner to install, refreshing the iconic dog-leg gearbox. The included collection of OEM parts, featuring a rear glass spoiler and other scarce components, ensures seamless future maintenance—a significant value given the rarity of 2.5-16 parts. Authenticity is unquestionable, with chassis and engine numbers verifiable via the bonnet slam panel and firewall stampings.
Historical Significance;
Unveiled at the 1988 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 was the pinnacle of the W201 platform, succeeding the 2.3-16 and serving as the homologation model for the legendary Evo I and Evo II, which dominated the DTM championships. Born from a collaboration with Cosworth, its 2.5-liter 16-valve engine and Getrag dog-leg gearbox delivered performance that rivaled the BMW E30 M3, cementing its place in motorsport history. With only 5,743 units produced, the 2.5-16 is far rarer than the 2.3-16 (19,487 units), and its blend of luxury and track-ready dynamics has made it a collector’s icon. This unmodified, one-owner example, with its low mileage, rust-free condition, and bespoke dealership-ordered specification, stands among the finest examples of the Cosworth legacy, embodying the homologation heritage that paved the way for Mercedes-Benz’s DTM dominance.
Why This Cosworth?
This 1989 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth is a rare fusion of bespoke provenance, untouched originality, and racing pedigree. Specially ordered by a Mercedes-Benz dealership owner in 1989, it boasts every available option—sunroof, cold-blowing A/C, rear headrests, headlight wipers, period-correct Continental CD/AM/FM stereo, and fully functional gauges and windows—while retaining its factory-homologated build, never altered, modified, or raced. Imported from a rust-free tropical climate, its beautiful driver-quality condition and low 78,884-kilometer odometer make it a standout, with minimal effort needed to achieve concours status. The Blauschwarz Metallic finish, flawless Evo 17" wheels, and Euro-spec enhancements like short-ratio steering elevate its visual and driving appeal. Whether carving through winding roads or commanding attention at a car show, this Cosworth delivers a visceral connection to Mercedes-Benz’s golden era. With recent sales averaging $28,443 and pristine examples reaching $44,215, its rarity, unmodified state, and included OEM parts position it as a savvy investment with value destined to rise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of DTM history.
Contact and Viewing
For inquiries, contact to schedule a viewing or test drive in Miami, FL 33131. Inspections and test drives are welcome by appointment. Worldwide shipping available—at buyers expense, will gladly help with process also Ebay offers instant shipping quotes on uship.com . Don’t miss the opportunity to own this bespoke, rust-free, one-owner 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16V Cosworth, an unmodified icon from a private collection, ready to inspire its next caretaker.
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