BabyBenzFan said:
@ilpatino, I 100% agree with you. I don't even think robbing Fort Knox is enough to describe what highway robbery the sale price for this great car is. There was a W124 in this same exact color combination with 30,000 miles on it that sold at another auction site for $67,777. I have a 1 owner low mileage W201 in a different rare color combination and in a similar condition that I wouldn't sell for what the car in this auction sold for. Many congrats to the incredibly lucky new owner. You should play the lottery.
@Smcase22, congrats on winning the auction for this holy grail of the W201 universe. I do agree with @A124 that a little tlc will greatly increase the value of this magnificent car. I love your MB collection that it'll now be part of. I think you're the right person to take on this "project". The MB Classic Center will be your friend. I've been lucky enough to see an EVO II in person and I can tell you that they are a sight to behold. I predict love at first sight for you with this magnificent car. I wish you many happy miles.
@ASGMiami, I'm not surprised this car didn't sell. I didn't want to throw cold water on the auction but the condition of the undercarriage on this car clearly didn't match the condition of the paint and the interior. If a deal can't be reached with the high bidder, I would encourage the seller to at least do a dry ice treatment on the undercarriage. That'll start to bring the condition of the undercarriage more in line with the condition of the paint and the interior. I own a 16,000 mile W201 and my undercarriage looks practically brand new. I also thought that $200,000 would've been enough to take this EVO I home. More than what was bid is beginning to get into EVO II territory. Just my 2 cents of advise.
@ASGMiami, I honestly don't know why anyone would sell either of the EVOs. Sellers certainly have their reasons. BTW and FYI, in the website description for the EVO II , the body of the description says EVO I. Also the mileage at the very top of the page says 175 KM while the bottom of the page says 157 KM. I had no idea that there was an EVO II with such low mileage. I can't begin to imagine what that'll sell for. That really is a museum piece. I'm not sure that MB itself still has one with a mileage that low. I also didn't know that there was an EVO I with such low mileage until this auction either. This has been such an entertaining auction for MB W201 enthusiasts in so many ways. I'm so looking forward to watching this auction unfold.
I've also been wondering if there was an ultra low mileage EVO I since I'm aware of several ultra low mileage EVO IIs and now I have my answer. I'm also really curious to see what this one will sell for. The paint on this car is spectacular. My hunch is that it should set a record. Sadly it's already out of my price range. My more mortal W201-8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained. My hope for this car is that it goes to the home of a long time MB collector who'll love it for the great car that it is. The seller doesn't need any luck. This car will sell itself.
I hope that the lucky new owner will bring this fine example to some MB events in Arizona. Congrats on your purchase.
Unfortunately an inattentive seller resulted in the RNM.
Is there any paperwork to document the AMG modifying in addition to the AMG stamping on the AMG body kit? I wonder if the MB Classic Center is provided the car's vin# if they might be able to shed any more light on the AMG authenticity? If this turns out to be a pre-merger AMG car, this would be incredibly rare and way more valuable. Documentation will be key. I know that non other than Ringo Starr had a W201 that was modified by pre-merger AMG. That car now sits in the MB museum. I have a picture of it in my copy of the book, "The Holy Halls".
Given the rarity of the 2.5-16 and also the fact that it was never sold new in the U.S., I would not use this car as a daily driver but rather as a weekend fun car. @ekstarr, the blue isn't this car's original color. I wish the W201 16vs and EVOs had been available in this color. This great color got saved for the more mortal W201s. The exterior color of my more mortal W201 is this dark blue. I know that I'm biased but I happen to think it's a great color. The car in this auction looks to be in pretty decent shape. These don't show up for sale very often so I'll be curious to see what it sells for. If it was my car, I wouldn't be selling it because it is so rare. I wish the seller GLWTA.
I'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.
@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.
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$$/Germany's Superbrid that it is. I would be thrilled to own either variety. Alas, both are well out of my financial reality. My more mortal W201 8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained. This auction should set a record for the EVO I.
Congrats to the lucky new owner. Quite the steal on the price for the low number of owners, the condition and the low mileage. Enjoy.
Despite this particular car's rarity and low mileage, I unfortunately think it just had too many unaddressed issues and that really held back the sale price. Once all of the issues are addressed, this car will be quite the rare gem.
@chris_ou2013, I certainly understand your time constraints. If this car was in my garage it would be a keeper due to the rare variety and low mileage. Hopefully a long time MB enthusiast will buy it and love it for what it is and put it back into top condition where it'll only continue to go up in value. It'll be interesting to see how this auction turns out. Good luck.
No offense to the seller @chris_ou2013, but imvho, it might've been better to have already dealt with the little issues listed in the description for this car. The best way to get top $$$ for your car is to present it to buyers in top condition. These aren't major issues and they won't break the bank. However, these little issues will be an excuse for bidders to unfortunately hold the price down for what really could be a top notch and rare variety example of the W201. Just trying to help you get the best price for your car with my very humble 2 cents.
There are not many W201s left with this low of a mileage. This particular W201 variety is a rare variety. The issues noted in the description can be easily remedied to turn this particular car into a top notch example that will certainly attract attention. I hope this car goes to a long time MB enthusiast who'll understand its rarity and love it for what it is. My low mileage W201 and I will be watching this auction with great interest. W201s with this low mileage and in top condition will only continue to go up in value. I wish the seller GLWTA.
No offense to the bidders but the high bid for this car is insulting. I'm glad there was a reserve. To own a car once owned by such an iconic singer with an autographed guitar thrown in is a rare opportunity. No space in my garage or I would've bid.
Not only was James Brown a great musician, he had great taste in cars. What a terrific piece of history. I own a 1991 so I know what a great car any 190E is but this particular one has an additional specialness that's all it's own. Totally cool. @thembmarket, I would add that the ABS is only on the 2 front wheels. I will be really curious to see what this sells for. I wish the seller GLWTA.
Your points are all well and good in the larger hot rod world but they don't necessarily translate in MB world. Good luck to you.
@StrategicMetal. the extensive modifications are why you should've taken the high bid and run with it. Your car will never get the same amount of money that an unmodified car will bring. Just my 2 cents and more than 30 years of experience living in the W201 world.
I think the high bid was a fair price for this particular car given all of the modifications and title issues. Originality is key in MB world. The OEM suspension that was removed is now NLA. Non MB modifying clearly lowered the value here.
My first W201 was a 1986. I still miss that car. The fine example in this auction should do well as there aren't many W201s left in this condition with this low mileage and service records. U.S. market 5 speed W201s are also very rare. My current W201 and I will be watching this auction with great interest in the outcome. This would be a great car for a long time MB enthusiast who'll love this car for what it is. The W201 is Bruno Sacco's best.
@993tats, not to belabor the point but this same car sold on BAT on March 4, 2023. Not cool imho to sell a car so quickly. I hope the new owner will keep this car for many years and enjoy it as good ones like this one will only continue to go up in value.
No offense @Enzoturbo but it seems pretty ridiculous to me to buy a car only to put it up for sale a couple of weeks later. No doubt the other BAT bidders would've loved to have won that auction and likely would've kept the car for longer. Just my 2 cents.
Agree on the midnight blue @motorderby. Midnight blue with palomino is the color combination for my W201 and I absolutely love it. A very small number of W201s also received this same conversion. This car is stunning. I wish the seller good luck and I hope it goes to a great home.
This is a true unicorn. A W124 in this condition with this low mileage is truly a rare find. The value of this car is in its condition and low mileage. I would not convert this car to 134A in order to keep it in it's original condition. I hope this car will go to a long-time MB enthusiast who will love it for what it is. Keep the car in this condition and watch it's value continue to rise. @youngclssiccarmg (seller), you can run the A/C for short periods in cooler temperatures by turning up the the temperature to the highest temperature. I do this with my W201. My engineer father always taught me to run my A/C about 10 minutes a week during the winter in order to keep the A/C working properly. I wish you good luck with the auction.
Congrats to the lucky new owner. Fortunately, the new owner owns a pre-facelift W201 so fit won't be an issue. @PhillippTtuv(4), I would suggest you check out the book "W201" by automotive journalist James Taylor who does a good job of documenting the bumper differences between the pre and post facelift W201s. I've personally owned both so I was already aware that there was a difference. Fortunately for your auction, the lucky new owner does own a pre-facelift W201 so it's a happy ending for everyone,
I don't mean to throw cold water on this auction but I'm inclined to think that this kit will best fit a pre-facelift car. The reason being that there was a pretty significant redesign of the bumpers on the post facelift cars. I know that a pre-facelift bumper won't fit a post-facelift car. It might also be true for this kit. I wish the seller, GKWTA.
I think the current bid is under the money for this car given that there aren't many W201s left with less than 100,000 miles on them and with all of the maintenance work that's recently been done. This car should be good to go for a very long time. I do think that a good concours detailing and paint correction would've gone a long way in enhancing this car's value and helped it to achieve a higher price. The "subtle updates" many make it look more "youthful" but I've learned in MB world that originality is key. It'll be interesting to see how this turns out.
The rear spoiler for this kit looks to me like it's from an EVO I because the spoiler is taller than the spoiler that's typically found on the more ordinary W201 16v. The DTM race cars were the EVOs, I and II and not the more ordinary 16vs. That's a real shame if it was an EVO I that was parted out and a big financial mistake as well. This will be an interesting auction to watch.
@rubinhoward600, as a W201 owner, the fluttering fuel gauge sounds to me like the fuel gauge will need to be replaced. This isn't a big deal and it shouldn't prevent anyone from buying the car. However to get the best price, you really want to show the car off in the best possible light. Replacing the fuel gauge would do so. I still think the current bid for this car is way low given the extensive amount of work that's been done and that the car has less than 100,000 miles on it. W201s with less than 100,000 miles on them are getting rarer by the day. I wish you GLWTA.
No offense @hobbsm3 but I'm not surprised your car didn't make reserve. You're going to need to detail the undercarriage and the engine bay, fix the inoperable rear window and repair the wheel curb rash in order to get the top $$$you're looking for. No doubt bidders were factoring these costs into their bids. Just my humble opinion.
@hobbsm3, I certainly understand the work constraints. We'll see what happens. Best of luck to you.
@mad_max99, as I noted in a previous post in this thread, there are not many W201s left with this low mileage with the paint and interior in such top condition. I did previously suggest to the seller to have the undercarriage and engine bay detailed to the level of the paint and interior in order to achieve a top $$$ price for this particular W201. I feel that small investment would've raised the value of this W201 by much more than what the additional detailing would've cost but It doesn't look like that additional detailing will be happening in time for this particular auction so it will be interesting to see how that effects the final auction price. I do continue to wish the seller, GLWTA.
@hobbsm3, I would suggest getting that additional detailing and updated pictures sooner rather than later because bidders are deciding right now if they want to bid on your car. Now is the time for your car to make its best first impression. BTW, I've seen other W201s in your color combination. It's not a common one but there are some out there.
@hobbsm3, I wish you GLWTA. W201s with this low mileage, in this condition, in a rare color combination are unicorns for sure. I also own a 1991 W201-2.3 in another rare color combination, midnight blue/palomino with lower miles than yours that I've owned since it was brand new that I love dearly and can't imagine ever parting with. Needless to say, I'll be watching your auction with great interest. While I think you have a terrific example, addressing the curb rash on the right front wheel combined with a concours detailing that includes the undercarriage would be worthwhile expenditures that won't break the bank and will bring your car pretty close to an investment grade level which would increase its value even more. Just my humble 2 cents trying to help you get top dollar. Your example is the kind of W201 that's really starting to increase in value as the classic car community begins to realize what a special car the W201 really is. @cdwwatnsu, based on my own personal experience, you couldn't be more wrong. For the record, the W201 is legendary designer Bruno Sacco's favorite car out of all of the MBs he ever designed.
$26,000 for a non U.S. market example that no longer has the SLS was a fair offer. The SLS parts to restore the SLS are no longer available. Originality is key in MB world and it clearly counts for the W201 16v as evidenced by the bids that were placed for this vehicle.
While this looks to be a well done EVO II tribute, I think using a W201 2.5-16v W201 variety for the tribute car was a mistake because only 5,700 W201 2.5-16vs were built making it the rarest variety of W201 with the exception of the EVOs. It will be interesting to see what this car sells for. I think it would sell for more if it had been left in its original configuration because it's so rare. My experience has been that originality is a big deal in MB world. I say this as a long time and original owner of a much loved and more mortal variety of W201. I wish the seller the best of luck with the auction.
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Single-Family Owned 1994 Mercedes-Benz E420 w/58k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@ilpatino, I 100% agree with you. I don't even think robbing Fort Knox is enough to describe what highway robbery the sale price for this great car is. There was a W124 in this same exact color combination with 30,000 miles on it that sold at another auction site for $67,777. I have a 1 owner low mileage W201 in a different rare color combination and in a similar condition that I wouldn't sell for what the car in this auction sold for. Many congrats to the incredibly lucky new owner. You should play the lottery.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II
BabyBenzFan said:
@Smcase22, congrats on winning the auction for this holy grail of the W201 universe. I do agree with @A124 that a little tlc will greatly increase the value of this magnificent car. I love your MB collection that it'll now be part of. I think you're the right person to take on this "project". The MB Classic Center will be your friend. I've been lucky enough to see an EVO II in person and I can tell you that they are a sight to behold. I predict love at first sight for you with this magnificent car. I wish you many happy miles.13k-Mile 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I
BabyBenzFan said:
@ASGMiami, I'm not surprised this car didn't sell. I didn't want to throw cold water on the auction but the condition of the undercarriage on this car clearly didn't match the condition of the paint and the interior. If a deal can't be reached with the high bidder, I would encourage the seller to at least do a dry ice treatment on the undercarriage. That'll start to bring the condition of the undercarriage more in line with the condition of the paint and the interior. I own a 16,000 mile W201 and my undercarriage looks practically brand new. I also thought that $200,000 would've been enough to take this EVO I home. More than what was bid is beginning to get into EVO II territory. Just my 2 cents of advise.13k-Mile 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I
BabyBenzFan said:
@ASGMiami, I honestly don't know why anyone would sell either of the EVOs. Sellers certainly have their reasons. BTW and FYI, in the website description for the EVO II , the body of the description says EVO I. Also the mileage at the very top of the page says 175 KM while the bottom of the page says 157 KM. I had no idea that there was an EVO II with such low mileage. I can't begin to imagine what that'll sell for. That really is a museum piece. I'm not sure that MB itself still has one with a mileage that low. I also didn't know that there was an EVO I with such low mileage until this auction either. This has been such an entertaining auction for MB W201 enthusiasts in so many ways. I'm so looking forward to watching this auction unfold.13k-Mile 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I
BabyBenzFan said:
I've also been wondering if there was an ultra low mileage EVO I since I'm aware of several ultra low mileage EVO IIs and now I have my answer. I'm also really curious to see what this one will sell for. The paint on this car is spectacular. My hunch is that it should set a record. Sadly it's already out of my price range. My more mortal W201-8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained. My hope for this car is that it goes to the home of a long time MB collector who'll love it for the great car that it is. The seller doesn't need any luck. This car will sell itself.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 AMG
BabyBenzFan said:
I hope that the lucky new owner will bring this fine example to some MB events in Arizona. Congrats on your purchase.Euro 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E MTS
BabyBenzFan said:
Unfortunately an inattentive seller resulted in the RNM.1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3L AMG
BabyBenzFan said:
Is there any paperwork to document the AMG modifying in addition to the AMG stamping on the AMG body kit? I wonder if the MB Classic Center is provided the car's vin# if they might be able to shed any more light on the AMG authenticity? If this turns out to be a pre-merger AMG car, this would be incredibly rare and way more valuable. Documentation will be key. I know that non other than Ringo Starr had a W201 that was modified by pre-merger AMG. That car now sits in the MB museum. I have a picture of it in my copy of the book, "The Holy Halls".1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16v Cosworth
BabyBenzFan said:
Given the rarity of the 2.5-16 and also the fact that it was never sold new in the U.S., I would not use this car as a daily driver but rather as a weekend fun car. @ekstarr, the blue isn't this car's original color. I wish the W201 16vs and EVOs had been available in this color. This great color got saved for the more mortal W201s. The exterior color of my more mortal W201 is this dark blue. I know that I'm biased but I happen to think it's a great color. The car in this auction looks to be in pretty decent shape. These don't show up for sale very often so I'll be curious to see what it sells for. If it was my car, I wouldn't be selling it because it is so rare. I wish the seller GLWTA.1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 'Evolution I' w/49K Original Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
I'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.1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 'Evolution I' w/49K Original Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@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.1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5 'Evolution I' w/49K Original Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
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$$/Germany's Superbrid that it is. I would be thrilled to own either variety. Alas, both are well out of my financial reality. My more mortal W201 8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained. This auction should set a record for the EVO I.One-Owner 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190D Euro 5-Speed w/55k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
Congrats to the lucky new owner. Quite the steal on the price for the low number of owners, the condition and the low mileage. Enjoy.43k-mile 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E Limited
BabyBenzFan said:
Despite this particular car's rarity and low mileage, I unfortunately think it just had too many unaddressed issues and that really held back the sale price. Once all of the issues are addressed, this car will be quite the rare gem.43k-mile 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E Limited
BabyBenzFan said:
@chris_ou2013, I certainly understand your time constraints. If this car was in my garage it would be a keeper due to the rare variety and low mileage. Hopefully a long time MB enthusiast will buy it and love it for what it is and put it back into top condition where it'll only continue to go up in value. It'll be interesting to see how this auction turns out. Good luck.43k-mile 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E Limited
BabyBenzFan said:
No offense to the seller @chris_ou2013, but imvho, it might've been better to have already dealt with the little issues listed in the description for this car. The best way to get top $$$ for your car is to present it to buyers in top condition. These aren't major issues and they won't break the bank. However, these little issues will be an excuse for bidders to unfortunately hold the price down for what really could be a top notch and rare variety example of the W201. Just trying to help you get the best price for your car with my very humble 2 cents.43k-mile 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E Limited
BabyBenzFan said:
There are not many W201s left with this low of a mileage. This particular W201 variety is a rare variety. The issues noted in the description can be easily remedied to turn this particular car into a top notch example that will certainly attract attention. I hope this car goes to a long time MB enthusiast who'll understand its rarity and love it for what it is. My low mileage W201 and I will be watching this auction with great interest. W201s with this low mileage and in top condition will only continue to go up in value. I wish the seller GLWTA.1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3
BabyBenzFan said:
No offense to the bidders but the high bid for this car is insulting. I'm glad there was a reserve. To own a car once owned by such an iconic singer with an autographed guitar thrown in is a rare opportunity. No space in my garage or I would've bid.1992 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3
BabyBenzFan said:
Not only was James Brown a great musician, he had great taste in cars. What a terrific piece of history. I own a 1991 so I know what a great car any 190E is but this particular one has an additional specialness that's all it's own. Totally cool. @thembmarket, I would add that the ABS is only on the 2 front wheels. I will be really curious to see what this sells for. I wish the seller GLWTA.Twin-Charged 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v "Cosworth"
BabyBenzFan said:
Your points are all well and good in the larger hot rod world but they don't necessarily translate in MB world. Good luck to you.Twin-Charged 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v "Cosworth"
BabyBenzFan said:
@StrategicMetal. the extensive modifications are why you should've taken the high bid and run with it. Your car will never get the same amount of money that an unmodified car will bring. Just my 2 cents and more than 30 years of experience living in the W201 world.Twin-Charged 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v "Cosworth"
BabyBenzFan said:
I think the high bid was a fair price for this particular car given all of the modifications and title issues. Originality is key in MB world. The OEM suspension that was removed is now NLA. Non MB modifying clearly lowered the value here.1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E w/5-Speed Manual
BabyBenzFan said:
My first W201 was a 1986. I still miss that car. The fine example in this auction should do well as there aren't many W201s left in this condition with this low mileage and service records. U.S. market 5 speed W201s are also very rare. My current W201 and I will be watching this auction with great interest in the outcome. This would be a great car for a long time MB enthusiast who'll love this car for what it is. The W201 is Bruno Sacco's best.1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16
BabyBenzFan said:
@993tats, not to belabor the point but this same car sold on BAT on March 4, 2023. Not cool imho to sell a car so quickly. I hope the new owner will keep this car for many years and enjoy it as good ones like this one will only continue to go up in value.1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16
BabyBenzFan said:
No offense @Enzoturbo but it seems pretty ridiculous to me to buy a car only to put it up for sale a couple of weeks later. No doubt the other BAT bidders would've loved to have won that auction and likely would've kept the car for longer. Just my 2 cents.17k-Mile 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Carat Duchatelet (Clarity)
BabyBenzFan said:
Agree on the midnight blue @motorderby. Midnight blue with palomino is the color combination for my W201 and I absolutely love it. A very small number of W201s also received this same conversion. This car is stunning. I wish the seller good luck and I hope it goes to a great home.1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E w/26k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
This is a true unicorn. A W124 in this condition with this low mileage is truly a rare find. The value of this car is in its condition and low mileage. I would not convert this car to 134A in order to keep it in it's original condition. I hope this car will go to a long-time MB enthusiast who will love it for what it is. Keep the car in this condition and watch it's value continue to rise. @youngclssiccarmg (seller), you can run the A/C for short periods in cooler temperatures by turning up the the temperature to the highest temperature. I do this with my W201. My engineer father always taught me to run my A/C about 10 minutes a week during the winter in order to keep the A/C working properly. I wish you good luck with the auction.NO RESERVE: Authentic AMG W201 Mercedes 190E Body Kit
BabyBenzFan said:
Congrats to the lucky new owner. Fortunately, the new owner owns a pre-facelift W201 so fit won't be an issue. @PhillippTtuv(4), I would suggest you check out the book "W201" by automotive journalist James Taylor who does a good job of documenting the bumper differences between the pre and post facelift W201s. I've personally owned both so I was already aware that there was a difference. Fortunately for your auction, the lucky new owner does own a pre-facelift W201 so it's a happy ending for everyone,NO RESERVE: Authentic AMG W201 Mercedes 190E Body Kit
BabyBenzFan said:
I don't mean to throw cold water on this auction but I'm inclined to think that this kit will best fit a pre-facelift car. The reason being that there was a pretty significant redesign of the bumpers on the post facelift cars. I know that a pre-facelift bumper won't fit a post-facelift car. It might also be true for this kit. I wish the seller, GKWTA.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6
BabyBenzFan said:
I think the current bid is under the money for this car given that there aren't many W201s left with less than 100,000 miles on them and with all of the maintenance work that's recently been done. This car should be good to go for a very long time. I do think that a good concours detailing and paint correction would've gone a long way in enhancing this car's value and helped it to achieve a higher price. The "subtle updates" many make it look more "youthful" but I've learned in MB world that originality is key. It'll be interesting to see how this turns out.W201 Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth 2.3-16 Complete Body Kit
BabyBenzFan said:
The rear spoiler for this kit looks to me like it's from an EVO I because the spoiler is taller than the spoiler that's typically found on the more ordinary W201 16v. The DTM race cars were the EVOs, I and II and not the more ordinary 16vs. That's a real shame if it was an EVO I that was parted out and a big financial mistake as well. This will be an interesting auction to watch.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6
BabyBenzFan said:
@rubinhoward600, as a W201 owner, the fluttering fuel gauge sounds to me like the fuel gauge will need to be replaced. This isn't a big deal and it shouldn't prevent anyone from buying the car. However to get the best price, you really want to show the car off in the best possible light. Replacing the fuel gauge would do so. I still think the current bid for this car is way low given the extensive amount of work that's been done and that the car has less than 100,000 miles on it. W201s with less than 100,000 miles on them are getting rarer by the day. I wish you GLWTA.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 w/56k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
No offense @hobbsm3 but I'm not surprised your car didn't make reserve. You're going to need to detail the undercarriage and the engine bay, fix the inoperable rear window and repair the wheel curb rash in order to get the top $$$you're looking for. No doubt bidders were factoring these costs into their bids. Just my humble opinion.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 w/56k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@hobbsm3, I certainly understand the work constraints. We'll see what happens. Best of luck to you.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 w/56k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@mad_max99, as I noted in a previous post in this thread, there are not many W201s left with this low mileage with the paint and interior in such top condition. I did previously suggest to the seller to have the undercarriage and engine bay detailed to the level of the paint and interior in order to achieve a top $$$ price for this particular W201. I feel that small investment would've raised the value of this W201 by much more than what the additional detailing would've cost but It doesn't look like that additional detailing will be happening in time for this particular auction so it will be interesting to see how that effects the final auction price. I do continue to wish the seller, GLWTA.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 w/56k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@hobbsm3, I would suggest getting that additional detailing and updated pictures sooner rather than later because bidders are deciding right now if they want to bid on your car. Now is the time for your car to make its best first impression. BTW, I've seen other W201s in your color combination. It's not a common one but there are some out there.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 w/56k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
@hobbsm3, I wish you GLWTA. W201s with this low mileage, in this condition, in a rare color combination are unicorns for sure. I also own a 1991 W201-2.3 in another rare color combination, midnight blue/palomino with lower miles than yours that I've owned since it was brand new that I love dearly and can't imagine ever parting with. Needless to say, I'll be watching your auction with great interest. While I think you have a terrific example, addressing the curb rash on the right front wheel combined with a concours detailing that includes the undercarriage would be worthwhile expenditures that won't break the bank and will bring your car pretty close to an investment grade level which would increase its value even more. Just my humble 2 cents trying to help you get top dollar. Your example is the kind of W201 that's really starting to increase in value as the classic car community begins to realize what a special car the W201 really is. @cdwwatnsu, based on my own personal experience, you couldn't be more wrong. For the record, the W201 is legendary designer Bruno Sacco's favorite car out of all of the MBs he ever designed.1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v Cosworth w/48k Miles
BabyBenzFan said:
$26,000 for a non U.S. market example that no longer has the SLS was a fair offer. The SLS parts to restore the SLS are no longer available. Originality is key in MB world and it clearly counts for the W201 16v as evidenced by the bids that were placed for this vehicle.1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16v Evo II Tribute
BabyBenzFan said:
While this looks to be a well done EVO II tribute, I think using a W201 2.5-16v W201 variety for the tribute car was a mistake because only 5,700 W201 2.5-16vs were built making it the rarest variety of W201 with the exception of the EVOs. It will be interesting to see what this car sells for. I think it would sell for more if it had been left in its original configuration because it's so rare. My experience has been that originality is a big deal in MB world. I say this as a long time and original owner of a much loved and more mortal variety of W201. I wish the seller the best of luck with the auction.