1992 | Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16V

• Belgian delivered from new
• Fully matching numbers
• Only 72.750 km since new

The 190 E 2.5 16V is one of those cars that never needed exaggeration to be taken seriously. Born from Mercedes’ collaboration with Cosworth and created as the homologation foundation for the DTM programme, it carried a level of engineering depth far beyond what anyone expected from a compact sedan in the early 1990s. While the Evo I and Evo II stole headlines with their wings and race-car stance, the true essence of the project lives in the 2.5 16V: the car for people who wanted the same DNA, the same mechanical honesty, without the theatrics.

This example was delivered new in Belgium and finished in its original Blue Black Metallic over Anthracite leather. It still carries its original matching-numbers Cosworth engine, exactly as documented. The mileage, now 72.750 km, is fully traceable from new through the Belgian Car-Pass system, leaving no uncertainty whatsoever. Finding a 2.5 16V with this mileage is rare on its own; most cars today sit far above 100.000 km, many over 200.000, and they handle those distances effortlessly. Which raises a simple question: why wouldn’t you put serious mileage on one? It is a fantastic machine, built to be driven.

Unmodified, authentic and mechanically correct examples have become genuinely difficult to find. Many were tuned, tracked or cosmetically altered over the years. This one remained exactly as it was meant to be. It was ordered new with desirable options such as an electric sliding roof, cruise control, self-levelling rear suspension, heat-insulating glass and the subtle refinements that made the 2.5 16V feel so special in period.

This is one of the greatest driver’s cars of its era, and it absolutely earns that reputation. The Cosworth four-cylinder has a way of reminding you why these 16-valve cars became so loved: it feels alive, it reacts instantly, and it loves to rev. With 204 hp and that crisp throttle response, the engine has a charm you simply don’t get anymore. Combine that with the beautifully balanced yet playful W201 chassis and the whole car just comes together. It’s exactly the kind of driving that makes you want to stay out longer, take the long way home and enjoy what a 2.5 16V really is.

This example has spent its entire life in Belgium, carries a clean history and is precisely the kind of car that gives immediate confidence: matching numbers, fully verifiable mileage, correct presentation and the understated charisma that made the Cosworth Mercedes one of the great performance sedans of its era. For collectors and drivers who understand what this model represents, this is a rare chance at a 2.5 16V that truly stands above the majority.