This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is #401 of 502 Evolution II examples built and was imported to the US from Japan under previous ownership. It is finished in Blue Black Metallic over black leather and patterned cloth, and power comes from a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four linked to a dogleg five-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a limited-slip differential, self-leveling suspension, 17″ wheels, and aerodynamic bodywork with an adjustable rear wing, as well as bolstered front and rear seats. The car was sold on BaT in June 2022 and shows 59k kilometers (~36k miles). This W201 Evolution II is offered in California on consignment by the selling dealer, a BaT Local Partner, with a Carfax report and a Montana 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 one is finished in Blue Black Metallic (199) and was repainted under previous ownership.
The 17″ six-spoke alloy wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza tires. The Evolution II featured a lower ride height, wider track, and larger brakes than the contemporary 2.5-16. An adjustable self-leveling suspension was equipped from the factory, and braking is handled by four-wheel ventilated discs with ABS.
The bolstered front and rear 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 #401 in the series.
The leather-wrapped airbag 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 readouts located in the center stack display oil temperature and voltage. The six-digit odometer shows 59k kilometers (~36k miles).
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. Evolution II examples are also equipped with the AMG PowerPack, which included a revised throttle body, air intake, camshafts, engine management programming, and exhaust system. Factory-rated output was 232 horsepower.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
