Description
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 | 1990
Highlights:
– Equipped with the 2.6 liter inline-six M103 engine
– Recently serviced with maintenance carried out in 2025
– Metallic paint with colour-coded trim and clean chrome accents
– Dutch-registered with MOT valid until February 2027
– Classic W201 with documented mileage
The seller offers for sale this 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 sedan, finished in multi-layer metallic paintwork and powered by the renowned 2.6-litre M103 straight-six engine. This example, showing 244,779 km with documentation, is fitted with an automatic transmission and presents in tidy, well-maintained condition. Located in the Netherlands, it carries a valid Dutch registration and technical inspection until February 2027.
Recent maintenance carried out in 2025 includes replacement of both fuel pumps and fuel filter, vacuum lines, ignition coil, spark plugs, and fuel pump relay. The battery has also been renewed. These efforts have ensured smooth and reliable engine operation, and the seller reports the vehicle starts, drives, and shifts as expected. The gearbox functions well and the vehicle shows no issues with the braking or lighting systems.
The exterior of the car presents well, with a consistent finish across the body and trim. The paint has been renewed in the past and shows only minor signs of use. The bumpers and rear spoiler have been colour-matched, while chrome and trim elements remain intact and clean. There are no major body flaws visible, though some light wear is consistent with age.
Inside, the car features sporty black and grey seats, a four-spoke leather steering wheel, and a wood-inlaid centre console. The grey vinyl headliner is in place, and all factory VDO instrumentation is present and working. The cabin reflects the typical well-built nature of 1990s Mercedes interiors, with a clean and authentic presentation. Only minor cosmetic wear is noted. The overall impression is that of a well-kept example that remains close to its original configuration.
The Mercedes-Benz W201 series, introduced in 1982, marked a turning point for the brand. Known colloquially as the “Baby Benz,” it was Mercedes’ first compact executive car and helped establish the segment. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the 190E combined the durability and refinement of Mercedes’ larger models with a more compact footprint. It featured advanced suspension technology for its time, including a multi-link rear axle that contributed to its balanced handling.
The 190E 2.6 was introduced in the mid-1980s as a more powerful alternative to the four-cylinder models. Fitted with the M103 inline-six engine, it offered smoother acceleration and higher cruising comfort, appealing to buyers seeking a more refined driving experience. The car retained the same chassis and cabin design but added better sound insulation and a more robust drivetrain. With around 160 horsepower, the 2.6 variant bridged the gap between the entry-level models and the more sporting 16-valve Cosworth-tuned versions.
Throughout its production run, the W201 built a reputation for mechanical reliability, corrosion resistance (especially on later models), and understated style. It served a variety of markets globally and saw success in motorsport as well, especially in the DTM series with the 190E 2.3-16 and 2.5-16 derivatives.
This specific example benefits from recent mechanical attention and represents a strong candidate for continued use or light classic ownership. The presence of a straight-six engine in the compact W201 body offers a driving experience that remains engaging and refined over long distances. With clean lines, correct features, and a preserved cabin, it continues to showcase the strengths of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering philosophy during this era.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in North Brabant, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
