1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II
Presentation
This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is #448 of 502 Evolution II examples built, and it was imported from Japan to the US in 2026 and shows 49k kilometers (~31k miles). Powered by a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four paired with a dogleg five-speed manual transmission, the car is finished in Blue Black Metallic over black leather and patterned cloth. Equipment includes a limited-slip differential, coilover suspension, 17″ Evo II alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, a rear wing, power-adjustable front seats, bolstered rear seats, a cassette stereo, and air conditioning. Acquired in 2026 by the selling dealer, a BaT Local Partner, this W201 Evolution II is offered with import documentation, a clean Carfax report, and a South Carolina title.
This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is #448 of 502 Evolution II examples built, and it was imported from Japan to the US in 2026 and shows 49k kilometers (~31k miles). Powered by a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four paired with a dogleg five-speed manual transmission, the car is finished in Blue Black Metallic over black leather and patterned cloth. Equipment includes a limited-slip differential, coilover suspension, 17″ Evo II alloy wheels, an electric sunroof, a rear wing, power-adjustable front seats, bolstered rear seats, a cassette stereo, and air conditioning. Acquired in 2026 by the selling dealer, a BaT Local Partner, this W201 Evolution II is offered with import documentation, a clean Carfax report, and a South Carolina title.
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E Evolution in response to BMW’s M3 Sport Evolution for the 1989 model year, and the Evolution II was produced in 1990 with more power and revised bodywork. Just 502 examples were built, and each features an upgraded aerodynamic package including more aggressive fender flares, a front splitter, a rear window spoiler, and an adjustable rear wing. This example is finished in Blue Black Metallic (199) and features a body-color front air dam, side skirts, and wheel-arch flares. Additional exterior details include integrated fog lights, an electric sunroof, and asymmetrical side mirrors. Close-up photographs of the exterior finish and trim are shown in the gallery below.
The 17″ Evo II alloy wheels are mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The Evolution II features a wider track and larger brakes than the standard 2.5-16. Yellow Speed Racing coilover suspension is fitted, and braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs with ABS.
The bolstered sport seats are upholstered in black leather and patterned cloth and feature power adjustability up front. Amenities include air conditioning, a cassette stereo, and power windows.
The shift knob displays the dogleg shift pattern and denotes this example as #448 in the series.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 260-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 7,600-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 49k kilometers (~31k miles).
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
NOReserveBaby 0
Aug 15, 2026 · 07:32
This is sick.
shaun_Platinum
Bid
Aug 14, 2026 · 00:48
Bid in the amount of $203,000
Aug 13, 2026 · 19:53
REALLY interested to see what this one goes for. From past auctions, we've seen how much Mercedes collectors appreciate originality, so the replacement of the standard SLS system with coil overs will be an interesting data point. Looking forward to seeing what the answer is. It is a beautiful car. GLWTA
Aug 13, 2026 · 18:46
Imagine walking into a Mercedes dealer in 1990 and saying:
“I need a practical four-door sedan.”
Salesman: “Of course, sir.”
Then he brings out THIS. 😂
The Evo II is basically what happens when “practical German engineering” develops anger issues.
“I need a practical four-door sedan.”
Salesman: “Of course, sir.”
Then he brings out THIS. 😂
The Evo II is basically what happens when “practical German engineering” develops anger issues.
rsechan
Bid
Aug 13, 2026 · 17:18
Bid in the amount of $202,000
Aug 13, 2026 · 15:18
All in the details on this Evolution II.
Aug 12, 2026 · 14:37
As a Porsche geek, I still have to tip my hat to the 190 Evolution. While Porsche was perfecting the 964 in Stuttgart, Mercedes was making a beast of a machine! GLWTA and to the buyer, a car like this needs a good drive every week or so! Good Luck 👍
Aug 12, 2026 · 13:11
Good morning,
Any interested bidders that need a shipping quote. We have very competitive rates with trusted partners. We can assist any international bidders with shipping and logistics questions. We are close to NJ port for Ocean transport and have an authorized transport agent for NY Air freight from JFK. Click the contact seller button with any logistics questions. Thanks.
Any interested bidders that need a shipping quote. We have very competitive rates with trusted partners. We can assist any international bidders with shipping and logistics questions. We are close to NJ port for Ocean transport and have an authorized transport agent for NY Air freight from JFK. Click the contact seller button with any logistics questions. Thanks.
Aug 12, 2026 · 00:34
B no Mb g b cry mm
N
N
Aug 11, 2026 · 21:12
The exhaust sound on this thing is exquisite....
Aug 11, 2026 · 12:05
@1600Veloce does it again! This will absolutely set some kind of record! Thanks for bringing this to market! GLWTA!
Aug 9, 2026 · 20:32
Thanks
Aug 9, 2026 · 20:29
1. Do the original suspension components come with the car?
2. Why were the coilovers installed?
3. Was anything cut, welded, or altered to install them?
4. Are the original self-leveling/hydraulic components rebuildable and present?
5. Is the engine/gearbox matching?
6. Is the paint original or partially repainted?
7. Does it have Japanese service/export records proving mileage?
2. Why were the coilovers installed?
3. Was anything cut, welded, or altered to install them?
4. Are the original self-leveling/hydraulic components rebuildable and present?
5. Is the engine/gearbox matching?
6. Is the paint original or partially repainted?
7. Does it have Japanese service/export records proving mileage?
Aug 9, 2026 · 13:42
@06dvoronin all records available are loaded, mainly dealer serviced in Japan. Wheels are OE. Data card shows drivetrain matches, numbers and stamps in gallery. Original shocks/springs not included. Coil overs are only upgrade. The SC title is exempt for mileage in KM. Meter readings in gallery show some paint blends on a few of the panels. No known damage on inspection. It just had an oil service and brake fluid flush. No lights. Drives really well. Thanks
Aug 9, 2026 · 13:35
@CapitalFFun this was a Japanese-market (delivered new) The marker lights are a unique and mandated item. This was not delivered without a roof antenna. Thanks
@Jay_Gibbs SLS was looped as it has coil overs now. Thanks
@dpchamp87 all available records and service book stamps loaded in gallery. It has been in Japan since delivered new. Thanks
@Jay_Gibbs SLS was looped as it has coil overs now. Thanks
@dpchamp87 all available records and service book stamps loaded in gallery. It has been in Japan since delivered new. Thanks
Naseemo1202
Bid
Aug 9, 2026 · 06:49
Bid in the amount of $201,000
Aug 8, 2026 · 21:19
@rasqball tape deck functions. Thanks
Aug 8, 2026 · 21:15
Factory manuals, data card, dealer records.
Aug 8, 2026 · 18:23
The front fender side marker lights, as well as the exhaust temperature light in the instrument cluster are legally required in Japan. If the car was originally ordered from Mercedes as a Japan delivery car, those components would have been installed at the factory when the car was initially built- and the fenders would have been manufactured with the light marker holes punched in them from initial production.
Aug 8, 2026 · 17:39
$200k with 9 days to go- where is this one going?!
Aug 8, 2026 · 17:36
This is the holy grail of the W201 universe. My more mortal W201-8v and I have our popcorn popped and are ready to be entertained by this auction.
shaun_Platinum
Bid
Aug 8, 2026 · 17:01
Bid in the amount of $200,000
Aug 8, 2026 · 02:47
Evo II with side marker lights above the evolution logo, strange. Are those after market and drilled into the car? May be a japan requirement over there? The antenna missing is a disappointment.
rsechan
Bid
Aug 8, 2026 · 02:37
Bid in the amount of $187,000
Aug 7, 2026 · 20:44
Do you have Japanese service records, inspection records, auction sheets, or other documentation supporting the 49k-kilometer mileage?
2. Are the engine, Getrag transmission, and differential original to the car?
3. Has the car had any accident damage, structural repair, rust repair, or significant paintwork? If so, which panels?
4. Are the original Evolution II self-leveling suspension components still with the car and included in the sale?
5. Besides the Yellow Speed Racing coilovers, are there any other aftermarket or non-original components?
6. Are the 17-inch Evo II wheels original Mercedes wheels?
7. Is there documentation from Mercedes or otherwise confirming the car as Evolution II #448?
8. Can you clarify why the South Carolina title lists “Exempt” in the Brand(s) section?
9. What mechanical service has been performed since the car was imported, and are there any current leaks, warning lights, or known mechanical issues?
2. Are the engine, Getrag transmission, and differential original to the car?
3. Has the car had any accident damage, structural repair, rust repair, or significant paintwork? If so, which panels?
4. Are the original Evolution II self-leveling suspension components still with the car and included in the sale?
5. Besides the Yellow Speed Racing coilovers, are there any other aftermarket or non-original components?
6. Are the 17-inch Evo II wheels original Mercedes wheels?
7. Is there documentation from Mercedes or otherwise confirming the car as Evolution II #448?
8. Can you clarify why the South Carolina title lists “Exempt” in the Brand(s) section?
9. What mechanical service has been performed since the car was imported, and are there any current leaks, warning lights, or known mechanical issues?
Aug 7, 2026 · 20:41
Hi, I’m seriously interested in the Evo II and had a few questions:
1. Are the engine, transmission, and differential original to the car?
2. Has the car ever had any accident damage, structural repair, or rust repair?
3. How much of the paint is original, and which panels have been repainted?
4. I noticed the Yellow Speed Racing coilovers. Are the original Evo II suspension components still available and included with the car?
5. Were any other suspension components modified or removed?
6. Are the 17-inch Evo II wheels original Mercedes wheels and date-correct?
7. Has the engine ever been rebuilt or opened internally?
8. Is the 49k-kilometer mileage fully documented from new?
9. Do you have complete service records, including history from before the car came to the US?
10. Can you provide documentation confirming this is Evolution II #448?
11. Are the original books, manuals, tool kit, spare wheel, keys, and factory accessories included?
12. Does everything function properly, including the A/C, sunroof, power seats, gauges, and differential?
13. Are there any current oil, coolant, or transmission leaks or other mechanical issues?
14. When were the clutch, brakes, cooling system, timing-chain components, fuel system, and engine mounts last serviced?
15. Can you provide detailed photos of the underside, jack points, floors, wheel wells, trunk floor, and suspension mounting points?
Thank you. I’m a serious buyer and just want to understand the originality and condition of the car before bidding.
1. Are the engine, transmission, and differential original to the car?
2. Has the car ever had any accident damage, structural repair, or rust repair?
3. How much of the paint is original, and which panels have been repainted?
4. I noticed the Yellow Speed Racing coilovers. Are the original Evo II suspension components still available and included with the car?
5. Were any other suspension components modified or removed?
6. Are the 17-inch Evo II wheels original Mercedes wheels and date-correct?
7. Has the engine ever been rebuilt or opened internally?
8. Is the 49k-kilometer mileage fully documented from new?
9. Do you have complete service records, including history from before the car came to the US?
10. Can you provide documentation confirming this is Evolution II #448?
11. Are the original books, manuals, tool kit, spare wheel, keys, and factory accessories included?
12. Does everything function properly, including the A/C, sunroof, power seats, gauges, and differential?
13. Are there any current oil, coolant, or transmission leaks or other mechanical issues?
14. When were the clutch, brakes, cooling system, timing-chain components, fuel system, and engine mounts last serviced?
15. Can you provide detailed photos of the underside, jack points, floors, wheel wells, trunk floor, and suspension mounting points?
Thank you. I’m a serious buyer and just want to understand the originality and condition of the car before bidding.
06dvoronin
Bid
Aug 7, 2026 · 20:35
Bid in the amount of $185,000
Aug 7, 2026 · 20:34
Dream car right here. E30 M3 owner but this trumps it big time.
Aug 7, 2026 · 19:58
Cup holders…don’t want to spill my big gulp during a power slide…hmmmm
Aug 7, 2026 · 19:12
SO COOL!
Aug 7, 2026 · 18:48
Hell yes!
VRSF
Bid
Aug 7, 2026 · 16:41
Bid in the amount of $145,000
Aug 7, 2026 · 16:20
These cars did not come equipped with electric Hirschmann antennas on the fender. They had a short, fixed plastic antenna on top of the roof. They could only be manually rotated up or down, or the mast itself could be removed to accommodate a car cover.
Aug 7, 2026 · 16:02
I had a 190E 2.3 16V and when these came to market I lusted after one for years. It does not get much cooler than the Evo. Achtung Baby! #Unicorn
Aug 7, 2026 · 15:05
Does the cassette player work?
Is the Hirshmann operational? (up,down, up...)
Is the Hirshmann operational? (up,down, up...)
Aug 7, 2026 · 11:31
I'm out!
Aug 7, 2026 · 02:02
I LOVE THESE CARS 😍
Aug 6, 2026 · 21:00
Bad ass Benz.
Aug 6, 2026 · 10:25
Coilovers are not able to adjust for different weight loads like the SLS was originally designed for.
Aug 6, 2026 · 10:04
The SLS system on these has a reputation for being a headache and I would think you don't really want the system failing on the highway due to a sphere rupture or a strut seal/line blow out. Similar to Porsche 959 Komforts it is not uncommon to see these replaced with coilovers.
Aug 6, 2026 · 08:37
wow - these are so rare and only 31k miles. Car interior looks consistent with those miles. This is also the best interior. many you see have leather seat inserts and door panels but the Houndstooth fabric on the centers and door panels looks much better and is so period correct.
lo21
Bid
Aug 5, 2026 · 00:42
Bid in the amount of $76,543
Naseemo1202
Bid
Aug 3, 2026 · 10:30
Bid in the amount of $75,000
Aug 3, 2026 · 03:24
May: ...the finest rear drive handling chassis ever built, according to Brundle.
Brundle: I never said that.
Brundle: I never said that.
Aug 2, 2026 · 08:20
I see the car is equipped with coilovers, but I also see the SLS pump and hydraulic accumulator spheres still seem to be in place...so what is the actual status of the SLS system?
Aug 2, 2026 · 07:20
A serious M-B, that will be hopefully won by whom?
On a lighter "The Beatles" note...
"Say you want an Evolution" :)
On a lighter "The Beatles" note...
"Say you want an Evolution" :)
lo21
Bid
Aug 2, 2026 · 06:16
Bid in the amount of $65,432
Aug 2, 2026 · 03:22
Value per customs form
$4,189
$4,189
Aug 1, 2026 · 23:45
Cool Factor here is 100000000%…!!! Great seller always bringing in the rarities..
Aug 1, 2026 · 23:23
Do you have any service records prior to importation? Any way to verify the mileage?
Ian_M
Bid
Aug 1, 2026 · 22:15
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Aug 1, 2026 · 21:24
Well, a guy can dream, right?
Aug 1, 2026 · 20:20
Back when Mercedes made cool cars. That new electric 4 door they just unveiled is a travesty
Aug 1, 2026 · 17:57
Dream car
lo21
Bid
Aug 1, 2026 · 16:16
Bid in the amount of $54,321
Aug 1, 2026 · 16:02
Seems like the sound output was not engaged during the driving video...
Aug 1, 2026 · 15:51
I’m not even going to bid as a joke cause I know this will be well over my budget.
Penlan
Bid
Aug 1, 2026 · 15:43
Bid in the amount of $1,500
Aug 1, 2026 · 15:33
Beauty!
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