The ex-Vlad 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 with plenty of modifications that we wrote up nearly two years ago has resurfaced for sale again. Offered by the buyer from last time around after covering only 3,000 miles, the asking price is close to what the seller paid. However, a few things of note – several items are no longer working, the bodywork is cracked and – most notably – the BBS RS wheels are an optional extra for $3,000. Has the W201 market appreciated 50% on a questionable example like this in a year and a half?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 on eBay
The below post originally appeared on our site in April, 2014:
A few weeks ago, I popped this 190E 2.6 up on our Facebook Fanpage; while it looked quite nice at the time, there weren’t many photos and the pricing seemed a bit high. But the big question was “Why?”; why would someone choose to convert the less desirable 2.6 inline-6 automatic model into a fast Benz when you already have a solid starting point in the 2.3 and 2.5 16V models? In part, the seller answers that in their description below; but to me, it doesn’t necessarily matter what the base model is – after all, there are plenty of people modifying Porsche 912s and 944s, there are countless E30, E36s and E46s that aren’t M3s that people choose, and even plenty of Audi A4s that get turned up in favor of the S4. Why not the 190E 2.6, then?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 on eBay
Year: 1989
Model: 190E 2.6
Engine: 2.6 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 107,000 mi
Price: $5,500 Buy It Now
NEW DESCRIPTION
This is a very nice car and very unique from the end of the golden era of German engineering…..the last of the “Good ones”This car isn’t perfect, but not a lot of 1989 cars are.
This one is in great shape for its’ age and it wouldn’t take much to take care of the little things I mentioned that need attention.
I bought this car off ebay myself in April and have barely driven it, as I currently have seven cars.
This car is not quick enough for me and I don’t want to go through the hassle of an engine swap….but this car is a perfect basis for such a thing though.
107k original miles.
(Odometer stopped working right after I took delivery.)
I have lots of documentation showing mileage all the way up to when I bought it.Lots of records.
Tons of new parts and upgrades.
This was a one owner car until @ 2011.
1989 Mercedes 190E 2.6L auto
Starts right up, doesn’t smoke….runs and drives smoothly and quietly.BODY:
Many-Many man hours went into the labor on this 190.
AMG inspired body kit.(front bumper with custom fog lights, (One cracked but works)
– Side skirts, rear bumper, 3 piece spoiler and custom wheel flares
– Shaved antenna
– European head lights with HID Xenon Low and High Beam, HID Xenon Fog lights, and yellow inner fog lights integrated into the Euro housings.
– Euro lights and grille give this car a much needed modern look compared to what it looked like in stock form.
– Very Rare European MHW all red tail lights
INTERIOR:
Excellent condition Black Interior….no rips, tears, etc. Some spots may need re-dyed eventually as they used to be light gray..I even thought about putting 16V seats in it
Gray carpet and mats are in excellent shape with no stains, and the dashboard is completely crack-free….gauges are nice and bright with no fade.
– Custom carbon fiber accents on doors, front console and dash board
– Rare Hella by MOMO steering wheel and MB wood shift knob
– Sony AM/FM/CD/Ipod/Iphone compatible stereo system
– Updated 6×9 Pioneer speakers
Everything works: All windows, regulators, switches, sunroof, heat, switches, knobs and all.
A/C Stopped working, but it may just need a charge, as I have receipt for new A/C related parts from 2011.
Only other thing that does not work is the cruise control.
SUSPENSION / WHEELS:
STOCK WHEELS COME WITH THE CAR…..THE GOLD BBS RS WHEELS MAY BE PURCHASED IN ADDITION TO THE WINNING BID BY BUYER IF DESIRED.
– OPTIONAL Custom BBS RS wheels are 17×9 w/2.5″ lips front 205/45/17 tires and 17×9.5 w/3″ lips rear 245/35/17 tires
These wheels are a perfect fit and were built specifically for this car…..if you were to build these wheels yourself you’re looking at about $1,500 each plus tires….I will sell them for half that WITH tires for $3k
– Bilstein sport shocks and Lowering springs! New Bushings !
This Mercedes looks and drives like a dream!
ENGINE / EXHAUST:
107,000 original miles
– Major tune-up and related parts include:
New Water Pump, new Radiator, New Belts, New Ignition wires, New Valve cover gasket, New timing cover gasket, New Cam Seal, New acc pulley, New Transmission and Engine oil flush with new Oil and filters, New Transmission lines, New Hoses, New Clamps, New A/C Fan, New Fan clutch, etc..etc…etc.. over $2k in receipts !!!
Factory Bosal exhaust was recently replaced.Anti theft alarm is installed with remote controlled key-less door opening
Right front fender flare recently developed crack where it was molded to the body….resulted form a steep parking lot entrance.
Haven’t gotten around to fixing it and getting an estimate yet. so I’m selling it as-is, along with the other issues I don’t have time to mess with.
Clean and clear Ohio title in hand and ready to go.
Will consider trades, but no motorcycles.
This car is for sale on multiple other local websites, so I reserve the right to cancel any bids and end bidding early if I find a local buyer.
Inspections and appraisals are welcome if you are local to the Dayton, OH area.
More detailed pictures available upon request.
Thanks for the interest and I hope to find someone who will appreciate this car and take it to the next level and make sure it’s around another 30 years.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION
CHECK MY 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK ! BID WITH CONFIDENCE!One of a kind, very unique, RESTORED 1989 Mercedes 190E 2.6L
THIS WAS ONE OWNER CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT 2 YEARS AGO.
People asked me why I chose the 2.6L automatic as the base for this project and not the 2.3L 16V model – the answer is simple – I wanted a reliable, easy to maintain, easy to drive, great handling car with plenty of torgue for city driving, good power and awesome looks! Although the 2.3L 16V has a racing history behind it and is a great car for the track, it lacks torgue for everyday driving and is expensive to maintain with it’s costly cosworth engine.
BODY:
Many-Many man hours went into the labor on this Mercedes to make this one of a kind custom AMG kit fit right and to make this car as you see it today! It’s absolutely beautiful !
Fully repainted in OEM Mercedes White color, all dings, scratches, imperfections removed – the color looks amazing !
Custom AMG Body kit (front bumper with custom fog lights, side skirts, rear bumper, 3 piece spoiler and custom wheel flares), shaved antenna
European head lights with HID Xenon Low Beam, HID Xenon High Beam, HID Xenon Fog lights
European Very Rare MHW all red tail lights
Euro Front Grill, custom Tri color pin stripe (German Flag with gold matching the color of the rims)INTERIOR:
Excellent condition Black Interior, custom carbon fiber accents on doors, front console and dash board (rare!)
Excellent condition Grey carpet, full set of OEM mats, Excellent Headliner!
Custom RennTech instrument cluster with white faces and red needles
Rare Hella by MOMO steering wheel, real wood shift knob!
Sony AM/FM/CD/Ipod/Iphone compatible stereo system
Updated 6×9 top of the line Pioneer speakers!
Everything works, all electricals, windows, regulators, switches, sunroof, heat, switches, knobs etc… !!!SUSPENSION / WHEELS:
Brand New Bilstein sport shocks and Lowering springs! New Bushings !
This Mercedes will be sold with stock OEM wheels w/good tires
For $1000 extra – Restored Original Lorinzer D90 Mercedes wheels, painted nogaro silver with new Kumho 16″ tires are available!
For $2500 extra – Custom 17×9 w/2.5″ lips front 205/45/17 tires and 17×9.5 w/3″ lips rear 245/35/17 tires are available (as pictured here)This mercedes looks and drives like a dream !
ENGINE / EXHAUST:
104,000 original miles, major tune-up included: New Water Pump, new Radiator, New Belts, New Ignition wires, New Valve cover gasket, New timing cover gasket, New Cam Seal, New acc pulley, New Transmission and Engine oil flush with new Oil and filters, New Transmission lines, New Hoses, New Clamps, New A/C Fan, New Fan clutch, etc..etc…etc.. over $2k in receipts !!!
Factory Bosal exhaust was recently replaced.Anti theft alarm is installed with remote controlled key-less door opening
THIS MERCEDES RUNS AND DRIVES PERFECTLY ! NO HESITATION, NO SHAKING AT IDLE, NO MISS DURING ACCELERATION! EVERYTHING WORKS AS IT SHOULD!
From the perspective of the amount of work completed, this was obviously a labor of love. Minus a bit of the graphics and perhaps with less gold BBSs, I really like the look overall. I think if the RS center sections were silver and perhaps offset a tad less, the car would sit a little better in my mind – maybe even swapping in some 16″ versions. I’m not a fan of the Lorinser wheels personally, so it’s okay to me that they’re not included; and frankly, for $2,500 extra I wouldn’t opt for the BBSs either. But the car appears to be in great condition with a full respray, recent mechanical work and a clean interior. I’d de-sticker the sides, but otherwise I really like the look of this car. And frankly, I’m not sure that it bothers me hugely that it’s an automatic or not a Cosworth. It’s a neat looking car that overall is well executed, though I think the reserve price is likely a little high for what the car is. Bidding is flat and as it sits the reserve hasn’t been met at $5,000. I’d guess that reserve is set precariously close to $10,000 or more, and this car won’t likely get there soon. It’s lost the originality market, and doesn’t gain the performance market of the 16V crowd. It’s great looking, but unfortunately if you’re going to build one of these cars for yourself and go a way few others do, usually few others will be interested in what you paid to get it there.
-Carter
