This 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is one of 502 Evolution I examples built and was originally delivered to France in Spring of 1989. It was imported to the US in 2021 following just over three decades of ownership history in Europe, and it now shows just 79k kilometers (~49k miles). This very special W201 is powered by a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four paired with a dogleg five-speed manual transmission, and it is finished in Blue Black Metallic (199) over black fabric (071) interior. Equipment includes a limited-slip differential, a self-leveling suspension, 16″ Evo I alloy wheels, sunroof-delete, a rear wing, power-adjustable front seats, and a Continental Bluetooth head unit. Recent work reportedly included the rebuilding of all four shocks and a flush/bleed of the suspension system, new ignition cables, spark plugs and a fuel distributor rebuild. This W201 Evolution I is now offered by the selling dealer in Manhattan with the owner’s manual, extensive service records, 3 keys, and a clean New York title.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E Evolution as a limited-production homologation variant for the 1989 model year. Just 502 examples were built, each featuring revised front and rear valances, a rear wing, and pronounced fender flares. This example is finished from the factory in Blue Black Metallic (199). While in Europe, the car was fully repainted in its original color due to failing clear coat. No paintwork has been performed since its importation to the US except for the front lip which has been repainted to remediate rock chips.
The 16x8″ Evo I-specific alloy wheels are mounted with Continental Sport Contact tires measuring 225/45 at all four corners. The Evolution I was lowered by 19mm compared to the standard 2.5-16, and its track width was increased by 14mm in front and 24mm at the rear. An adjustable self-leveling suspension was equipped from the factory, and braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs with ABS.
The bolstered Recaro sport seats are upholstered in black leather with Black Fabric (071) inserts and feature power-adjustability up front. Amenities include a desirable “slicktop” sunroof-delete configuration, an upgraded Continental Bluetooth stereo head unit, and rear-seat headrests.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 260-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 7,200-rpm redline as well as gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and instant fuel economy. Auxiliary gauges located in the center stack display oil temperature and voltage. The six-digit odometer shows 79k kilometers (~49k miles), approximately 9,500 of which were added under current ownership.
The 2.5-liter M102 inline-four was developed by Cosworth and features a shorter stroke and larger bore than the standard 2.5-16 model. Factory-rated output was 202 horsepower. Recent work includes the installation of new ignition cables, spark plugs and a full rebuild of the fuel distributor. This vehicle has been studiously maintained under the care of the in-house mechanic of the seller at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
Detailed photographs of the underside and suspension are viewable in the gallery below.
Cold Start and Driving videos provided by the seller are viewable below.
A rare sight on this side of the pond, these limited production homologation specials stand true to their name as truly evolved examples of the pedestrian “baby benz” platform that carried commuters throughout the 1980s-90s. Of the 502 examples that were built, all utilized the 2.5-liter Cosworth M102 - making a menace of road courses all over the globe at 7,200 RPM. This example stands out not only for its unique “slicktop and cloth” optioning but, moreover, for its low-mileage, its strong service history and pret-a-partir status as a US-titled, registered, inspected and on the road rocket. The quality of presentation here is emblematic of the custodial care bestowed on this example under the tutelage of the world-famous Classic Car Club of Manhattan; making this a no-stories, no-worries example for any collector savvy enough to strike now before they become unobtanium.
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15 Comments
Hi guys, has any1 ever seen an amg & cosworth 2.5 - 16 engine??? Thx and happy new yrs to allI'm not at all surprised this was an RNM. The high bid was well under the money for this particular example. An EVO I with just under 70,000 miles sold a few months ago on BAT for $160,000. The example in this auction with 49,000 is worth more than that $160,000. I wish @ClassicCarClub well. Maybe wait a few months and try the better known online auction site that starts with B where more MB enthusiasts with deep pockets seem to hang out. If the fine example in this auction was my car, I would keep it and never sell it. EVOs are rare to begin with but EVOs with such low mileages are even rarer. Just my humble 2 cents and as an owner of a far more common W201 8v that I love dearly.Swings weren't hard enough for a home run this time, but we'll be in touch @Bavariadrive to see if we can put something together.$138,000 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$135,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$135,000 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$132,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
I anticipate a RNM coming up....$132,000 bid placed by @Lsii7
$131,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$131,000 bid placed by @Lsii7
$130,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$130,000 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$129,000 bid placed by @ARafferty
$128,500 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$127,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$127,000 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$125,000 bid placed by @CurbCutter
$121,000 bid placed by @Lsii7
$120,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$120,000 bid placed by @Lsii7
$117,500 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$115,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$115,000 bid placed by @CurbCutter
$113,000 bid placed by @Houndstooth
$112,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$112,000 bid placed by @Bavariadrive
$110,500 bid placed by @ARafferty
$110,000 bid placed by @Houndstooth
$108,000 bid placed by @ARafferty
We're in the home stretch here. From our tenure with the car, we can strongly say that if you're looking for an EVO, this is the one to have. While it has low miles, it was driven enough and recently enough to keep everything flowing and to sort all common issues. It is tight, smooth, running great and ready to be driven. Don't be shy and bid to win a rare piece of motorsport history.@MBFahrer, MB considers cars with under 60,000 miles to be a collectable example. I'm not aware that there's an EVO I in existence with mileage lower than the fine example in this auction. I will also note that I'm aware that an EVO I with just under 70,000 miles sold at auction earlier this year for $160,000. The bids for the car in this auction still have a ways to go imho to be able to take this outstanding example home.Hey Everyone, Thank you for all of your comments & bids!! We really appreciate all of the positive feedback. If anyone has any last minute questions please let me know.$106,000 bid placed by @Houndstooth
$105,000 bid placed by @ARafferty
49k miles is low? 4,900 would be low. This is just not high (100k+). Nice presentation though.$100,190 bid placed by @CurbCutter
$70,000 bid placed by @pmamg
$65,000 bid placed by @AjerbajahMB
$55,000 bid placed by @pmamg
Well said @TBrad. It may take all of your home equity and more. I didn't know there was an EVO I still in existence with mileage this low. If I was lucky enough to own this magnificent example, I would never sell it. An EVO I in this condition with this kind of documentation is likely already unobtainable for 99% of buyers. @MercedesDad, I still love the EVO II for the bada$$/Germany's Superbrid that it is. I would be thrilled to own either variety. Alas, both are well out of my financial reality. My more mortal W201 8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained. This auction should set a record for the EVO I.Virtually identical to my old car. 100% better and more reliable than the Evo 2. I will never forget her graceful dance as we chased more powerful V8s aroind Barbers Motorsports Park. https://youtu.be/QerHkzCYAaU?si=fA2QWRSrFln0Rk8dExcuse me while I go check how much equity I have in my home.Beautiful example!$50,000 bid placed by @CurbCutter
@shervinator LOVE this clip 😎Required viewing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8edfo_8LdOUAll the right touches on this one! If it were mine, I'd keep the original rims and fill up the wheelwells with some 17's. Great to see it up for grabs! Hope it does well!