Enthusiasts Blogging Our Favorite Classifieds
For me, the 190E almost defines the perfect Mercedes-Benz. I’m not a fan of huge cars, so the W201 certainly works on a size basis for me but still embodies all the great things I loved about this brand from the past, including timeless design, solidity and dependability. This 1991 190E 2.6 for sale in South Carolina has the tasty combination of the inline-6 paired to the seldom seen 5-speed manual gearbox. The rare shade of Bornit Metallic makes this baby Benz all the more attractive.
The time has once again come that you can not purchase a new Mercedes-Benz in the United States with a manual gearbox. The SLK250 was the last to be equipped as such. Even on a stroll around Frankfurt, Germany last week, I spotted few new Mercedes-Benzes with a proper gearshift on the console. As time passes on, they are only going to become more rare. So we might as well look back to more vintage models to satisfy our dynamic driving needs. We’ll take a look at two very different 190E models today, both equipped with 5-speed manual gearboxes. We’ll start first with this European spec 1985 190E 2.3-16 for sale in Florida.
This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 isn’t an enthusaist dream machine, it’s basic transportation, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The listing caught my eye because this car is a one owner vehicle that’s up for sale only because the elderly owner has had her driving privileges taken away. In terms of ideal purchasing situations, that is right up there with the best. Not only do you have a vehicle that has been driven hard, but you also have the added bargaining power of knowing that they need to sell the thing. This example is up in an affluent area just east of Beverly Hills, so I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that the car has been routinely serviced. There is no mention of service records, but I’m hoping that there’s a big ‘ol manilla folder full of them in the glovebox. If not, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too hard to track down the shop that serviced the vehicle and get all the details on what it may, or may not need in the near future. My guess would be, not very much.
As I was headed to the airport this afternoon, I was scanning eBay to kill time on the commuter train and came across this rarity, right in my backyard. A 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 Sportline with, shock of shocks, a 5-speed manual gearbox! The Sportline option was rare enough as it is, with bolstered seating and a tighter suspension. Couple this trim with a 5-speed manual in desirable black over gray leather, and you have a recipe for one sweet, classic Benz. This example is for sale in Northern New Jersey, having been lightly used by its current owner. This is one of those times you’ll see my cursing myself out for having but one parking spot.
As we get familiar with a new C-class this year, let’s take one more look at the car which started the Baby Benz craze, the 190E. We featured this particular W201 back in March and it’s back up on offer at the same price.
