With each successive generation of C class, the original W201 chassis “baby Benz” has developed a cult following. Many of these cars were bought by folks who never had owned a Mercedes-Benz before and used and abused them much like any other car. Then there were those who appreciated the 190E for its virtues and subsequently, there are still a few clean, low mileage examples out there to prove it. Like this one:
The seller states:
You are viewing one of the finest examples of a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 with only 48,920 2 owner Actual miles or 78,730 Kilometers. This Baby Benz hails from Canada and was imported into the States in December 2007 having 40,000 Actual miles on it. The original speedometer is in Kilometers but I can have it converted to MPH at no additional cost to you. This Mercedes runs, drives and looks like new. The 2.6 liter engine runs super smooth and powerful and the automatic transmission shifts flawlessly. There are no leaks of any kind. It was recently serviced and new front Bilstein struts, new hood foam and 4 brand new Continental tires were just installed.
Everything works as new including Ice cold A/C, all power windows, locks, sunroof, mirrors, antenna, outside temperature gauge and even has heated seats! This 190E has never been involved in any accidents or had any paintwork. A perfect Carfax report is available upon request. The Original factory paint shines like new with only a couple minor stone chips and one scratch that runs along the rear passenger door. The interior is spotless and looks Brand New. There are no cracks in the dash or woodgrain and the seats, carpets, door panels and headliner are all perfect.
When I was in college, my father had a 1992 190E 2.6 in diamond blue and I loved that car. The smaller inline six engine teamed with the smooth 4-speed automatic makes this a joy to drive and gives it plenty of power for all situations. The car was also economical and reliable to boot. Unfortunately, that car was broadsided at 40mph by someone in a Ford Taurus who ran a stop sign and should have subsequently had his license taken away for totalling what was a fantastic car. My father has been on the hunt for just the right 190E ever since, as he claimed this was the best car he ever owned. The buy-it-now price of $7,995 seems right in line with other clean, 190E 2.6 examples I’ve seen out there lately.
As an aside, even Mercedes-Benz themselves recognizes just how important the 190E was and converted a 1992 190E 2.6 Sportline to a 190D with a new, 2.2 liter BlueEFFICIENCY four cylinder diesel engine, pumping out 201 horsepower. With its new lease on life, this 190 can reach 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and return 48 mpg. Hybrid what?
1990 Mercedes 190 D upgraded to new BlueEFFICIENCY engine, jumps from 32 to 48 mpg
-Paul
That car for $5000 was quite a deal if all you wanted was a competent car you could drive for years and years. I have a friend with one of these in semi worn out condition. It’s all the car an honest man needs.