Mercedes 190e 2.3-16 (16v Cosworth)

I had this car listed a month or so ago, lots of interest and had it sold a couple of times. Not quite so here it is one last time. Going to give it one more go with what I think is a reasonable BIN, of course that is up to the buyers to decide. If the car doesn't make it this time I'll put it in storage and then decide sometime down the road what I want to do with it. I only say this honestly as I know sometimes cars are listed, re-listed, listed again each time lowering the price. I don't need to sell this one so.....enough said. Good Luck bidding.

1987 Mercedes Benz 190e 2.3-16

Not going to waste a bunch of space writing about the canned details of the190e 2.3 16v Mercedes. If you are looking at this auction you are well aware of what these cars are and their history. They were expensive – really expensive. This one was $40,100 out the door, which would be a significant purchase in 2016 dollars (very significant in 1987 dollars).

This is the second one of these I have owned and know the cars well. Even by today’s standard these cars are quick and really fun to drive. The U.S. 16v’s came in two colors – Smoke Silver and Black Metallic. I acquired this car in 2005 from a Doctor in Florida, at that time it 86,000 miles on it. I used it as my daily driver until about 2011. At that point I let my son use it while he was in college (Irvine, CA) where it was used sparingly and garaged (he had the garage space I didn’t). The limited mileage he put on it was driving around Newport Beach area and a few road trips home up Interstate 5.

Sometime around 96,000 miles the odometer broke, I never had it fixed (still non-functional) as I really didn’t care and didn’t plan on ever selling the car. I estimate the car has approx.. 140,000 miles on it (this my best guess, but obviously I can’t say for sure).

I had quite a bit of service work done on the car (see stack of paperwork) – never added it all up but rest assured it is easily a five figure number (easily), the work was always done by certified Mercedes mechanics that specialized in 16v cars. This car had great care taken of it – it was not driven into the ground like so many of these cars were, just a little tired now. Parts used on it were always OE Mercedes. In 2011 I had the timing chains, chain rails, chain tensioner done along with oil pump and water pump, misc. hoses etc., etc.. That work alone was $5,000+

Honestly, I really don’t want to sell the car, these are great cars, very rare to find any more that aren’t rusted out or worse “messed” (modified) with. The car has never been raced or track driven. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to restore the car and don’t anticipate being able to get to it for an extended period of time. These cars are going up in value and will continue to do so.

The following is my best (honest) assessment of the car. The car does need some work to be a reliable driver, and obviously the cosmetics (paint) need attention to be restored, restore or drive either way it is a great platform to start with. I believe the photo’s are representative of the current condition. There is no rust (other than a small spot on the trunk, passenger side where the wing attaches to the trunk lid, but other than that no body rot – the car is solid.

Exterior:

-Paint/Body: Paint is faded especially on hood, roof and trunk. Most of the rest of the body is very straight, with a few minor dents/dings. Other body paint is decent. Previous owner had something mounted on the trunk (not sure what) where two rubber grommets are now. Grommets are tatty, either replace them or find a salvage deck lid from another 190e and replace (no difference between the 16v and standard 190 for the deck lid)

-Tow hook door missing – someone “borrowed” it off the car a few weeks ago (they stole it actually).

-Headlight/fog surrounds were replaced a few years back. Windshield was replaced, all other glass is in good condition

-Wheels: Original Mercedes 7x15 alloys, refinished in correct Mercedes silver with clear. Correct size tires, 205/55-15 (Khumo’s are on it now – Pirelli P6’s were original but now NLA) – getting a little long in tooth wear wise. Includes full size 7x15 spare.

Interior:

-Dash has cracks, door cards overall good (except drivers which needs to be replaced).

-Carpet is in very good condition, and has Mercedes mats front/back.

-Wear and tear on the leather seats, upper rear bolster has a split (from the sun), electrical/power adjustment to seats fully functional….see pictures.

-Windows: drivers side works intermittently and sometimes the same issue with the rear passenger.

-Headliner: Excellent condition.

Mechanicals:

-Engine: Overall the engine runs well. Sometimes the idle “searches” (runs from 900 up to 1200), may be an idle control module. In 2015 we had a compression test done, with the following results – (1) 140; (2) 130; (3) 80; (4) 145. Despite the low compression in the one cylinder the car still runs strong. People have asked, best guess is that the low compression is a valve, at this mileage a valve job is not a ridiculous thought.

-Clutch/Transmission – no problems (known) with clutch or trans, shifts up and down smoothly.

-3d Brake light at wing non-functional (typical on these cars, water gets in and shorts out).

-Self Leveling Suspension: In place and functional.

-Air Conditioning: All parts / pieces in place, non-functional.

-Antennae/Mast: Parts are there, non-functional.

-Brakes: No idea of what is left on the pads/rotors, has not been checked recently due to lack of use of the car. The ABS light is on, which I believe is due to the ABS sensors needing to be replaced.

-Gauges/Instruments: Water temp gauge currently not working – not sure why exactly. All other gauges including stop watch fully functional. Odometer as previously noted non-functional.

Other:

-Receipts – pretty much everything I put into the car is included (receipts)

-Original Invoice included

-Original Jack and Tools (Tool Roll)

-Original Books

Payment, Fees and Taxes:

Payments: A deposit of $500.00 USD must be paid within 24 hours of the close of the listing. Email or eBay message me to make arrangements to make the deposit. You can wire transfer or Paypal the deposit (any add on fee’s for using those services are your responsibility). The remainder balance must be paid in full within three (3) business days.

Purchase price: The advertised price and or eBay purchase price represents the cost of the vehicle as described in this listing and does not include any taxes, licensing, registration, transfer fee’s, or shipping for the vehicle. Buyer is responsible for any/all of these fee’s.

Out of State purchase: Buyer is responsible for the payment and knowing of their own states’ laws regarding taxes, fees and registration of this vehicle.

General Terms and Conditions:

Vehicle Condition: I have endeavored to fairly and accurately describe the condition of this vehicle, however occasionally there may be errors in features, pricing or other listing details. As such I recommend any prospective buyer reach out to me to verify any and all details prior to purchasing this vehicle.

Buyer's Inspection: I welcome a Buyer's Inspection. If you plan to have a Buyer's Inspection, please make sure you have the vehicle inspected prior to the end of the auction. Inspection fees, if any, are the "Buyer's" sole responsibility. I am happy to answer any questions, provide additional information or take any additional pictures you want. Let me know.

Shipping and Delivery: All shipping charges are the "Buyer's" responsibility.

Picking up the vehicle in person: The vehicle is located approximately 30 minutes from San Francisco International Airport and San Jose International Airports (either way, I am in the middle of the two). Email with any questions.

Finalizing Your Purchase: The eBay Buyer MUST communicate with me by e-mail within 24 hours of winning the vehicle to place their deposit and make arrangements to complete the vehicle transaction. If I cannot confirm your intention to buy within 24 hours of winning the vehicle, I reserve the right to re-list this vehicle or sell to any other qualified buyer. Before the vehicle is released for shipment to the "Buyer", all sale-related and title-related paperwork must be signed and returned completed to the "Seller". If you plan on having the vehicle shipped to you, I will overnight the required paperwork to you with a return envelope for your convenience.

Seller makes no representations, expressed or implied, to any actual or prospective purchaser or owner of this vehicle as to the existence, ownership, accuracy, description or condition of the listed vehicle's equipment, accessories, price, specials or any warranties. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to the sale of this vehicle.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to working with you.