

This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 is a U.S. market example that started life as a company car for Freightliner trucks. It shows the first recorded registration shown in Washington state where it has remained through 2026. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2002 and they’ve added approximately 82k miles of the 182k total miles shown under their care. Finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) over Black MB-Tex (171), power is provided by a 2.6L M103 inline-six paired with a 717.432 manual 5-speed transmission driving the rear wheels. Equipment includes a power sunroof, power windows, a power antenna, air conditioning, heated rear glass, and power front seats. The included Carfax report shows 25 service history records since 1992, the majority of which are dealer services through 2024. The records indicate on-time recommended services and a water pump under ownership. Modifications are noted including Bilstein struts at all four corners, a K&N air filter, new Alpine speakers and aftermarket head unit, braided brake lines, a 4-point harness for the driver, and white gauge dials overlaid onto the original cluster. Service records from the seller’s 24 years of ownership are included. This 190E 2.6 is now offered for sale by the current owner with 2 keys, factory literature, the factory tool kit, the original window sticker, a fitted car cover, 4 spare wheels, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Washington title.
The exterior is finished in Black Pearl Metallic (199) with contrasting lower body cladding. According to the owner, no paint work or body work has been performed under their care. Light rock chips are noted at the nose of the car and the fog lamp covers show some fading and crazing. Detailed photos of the body are included in the gallery. The included Carfax report shows a clean history free from accidents or damage.
This example wears 15” Gullideckel wheels wearing Kumho tires up front and Fuzon tires in the rear, all measuring 195/60. Both rear tires were replaced together more recently when one had a puncture that could not be repaired. An original full size spare wheel and tire are located under the trunk floor with a factory tool kit.
The cabin is upholstered in Black MB-Tex (171) and features matching black carpets and Zebrano wood trim which lines the center console, dashboard and door panels. Matching velour floor mats are shown in the gallery. Interior features include power seats, power windows, a power sunroof, air conditioning, and new Alpine speakers and a head unit featuring bluetooth connectivity. The driver seat shows a 4-point harness which can be easily reversed to the next owner’s preference.
The four-spoke steering wheel frames analog instrumentation including a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature and oil pressure. A digital outside temperature readout can be found mounted below. The six-digit odometer shows just under 183k original miles.
This 190E is powered by a 2.6L M103 inline-six paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power output was rated from the factory for 158 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. The included Carfax report shows 25 service history records since 1992, the majority of which are dealer services through 2024. The records indicate on-time recommended services and a water pump under ownership. Modifications are noted including Bilstein struts at all four corners, a K&N air filter, new Alpine speakers and aftermarket head unit, braided brake lines, a 4-point harness for the driver, and white gauge dials overlaid onto the original cluster. Service records from the seller’s 24 years of ownership are included.
This 190E 2.6 is now offered for sale by the current owner with 2 keys, factory literature, the factory tool kit, a fitted car cover, 4 spare wheels, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Washington title.
The W201 190E has become one of the defining modern-classic Mercedes sedans, and this 1990 190E 2.6 brings together several traits enthusiasts look for. The larger 2.6-liter inline-six gives the chassis a more relaxed, mature character than the four-cylinder cars, while the 5-speed manual transmission adds a level of driver involvement rarely found in U.S.-market examples. This car is further distinguished by its rare paint color, long-term 24-year ownership, and original window sticker — details that help tell the story of a car that has clearly lived a documented life. While the 183k miles show it has been used and enjoyed, that can be part of the appeal with a well-kept 190E. These cars were built to be driven. For buyers seeking a 190E with the right combination of analog Mercedes feel, uncommon spec, and meaningful long-term history, this 2.6L 5-speed offers far more personality than the average example.
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1 Comments
Nice! Requesting under carriage photos.