1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 Series

2.3L 4 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Manual

WDBDA34DXHF267845

Mercedes-Benz created a 190E sedan for the purpose of competing in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) motor sport series and offered a detuned production version for the street known as the 190E 2.3-16V, which was all about performance. Compared with the standard 190E, practically every part of the driveline was upgraded. The twin-cam cylinder head was designed by Cosworth; bigger brakes, wider wheels, a firmer suspension, and a limited-slip differential were also fitted. Three of these production versions went on to set three world records at the Nardo testing facility in Italy: recording a combined average speed of 154.06 mph (247.94 km/h) over the 50,000 km endurance test, and establishing twelve international endurance records. The 190E 2.3-16V was only sold in the U.S. in 1986 and 1987. Fabulously expensive, it had the usual arsenal of Mercedes luxury and safety equipment. Its aggressive body kit cut aerodynamic lift by almost half. The contemporary journalists who criticized the car for looking too boy-racerish missed the point--nothing about the 190E 2.3-16 was done for looks or subtlety. The 1987 190E 2.3-16V and the1988 BMW M3 not only kicked off the German horsepower war, they helped revitalize their respective makers--and in doing so, established themselves as icons. The Mercedes 190E 2.3-16V was also featured on the second episode in season fifteen of the extremely popular car show Top Gear. This rare and stunning 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V 5-speed model has had the good fortune of being owned by a single enthusiast owner from 1988 until 2011 who fastidiously kept in pristine “time capsule” cosmetic and mechanical condition. This 190E 2.3-16V could quite possibly be the best documented example in existence as it the long-term owner took photos of it when he was purchased it in 1988 at Isringhausen Mercedes-Benz in Springfield, Illinois, kept every service record from new until present neatly organized in a binder, the original owner’s manual set/window sticker are present, and a comprehensive collection of factory brochure and literature from the automotive press comes along with the car as well. Below is a detailed description illustrating how pristine this 190E 2.3-16V is in all aspects: Exterior: The striking Smoke Silver exterior paint (the rarer of the two colors offered on the 190E 2.3-16V) shines beautifully and its only imperfections are tiny rock chips on the nose that are so light, one might think the nose has been re-sprayed although it hasn’t. This example has never been raced, has no rust, and has no known accident history. The original wheels still have their beautiful original finish with no curb rash and were fitted with brand-new tires less than 2 months ago as the previous tires were hard due to age. Interior: This original black leather sport seats are in pristine condition with almost no wear on even the wide bolsters. The original dash has no cracks and the carpet is in an equally pristine condition. With the exception of the quartz clock (which can be repaired if desired), all electronics perform and function 100%. Engine: The long-term owner always had this 190E 2.3-16V serviced at his local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, having all scheduled maintenance performed along with regular brake fluid and coolant changes to keep the driveline operating in top-condition. The original engine offers brisk performance, smooth operation, and with the Cosworth's ferocious bark, one would never think that is has 109,000 miles on it. The engine doe not smoke and based on the world-record breaking endurance history of these engines, I expect it will provide many years of reliable service before any major work is required. Transmission: The original Getrag dog leg 5-speed manual transmission gearing is short and close and all synchros are in excellent condition, offering smooth shifting. Brakes, Steering and Suspension: Braking is superb even by modern standards, and the chassis is perfectly balanced--mild understeer on corner entry is easily nixed with a gentle application of throttle. A little more gas, and you get a neutral, four-wheel drift; a lot more, and you're on your way to a lurid, giggle-inducing power slide. The rear shocks and mounts were recently replaced and no known repairs on the braking, steering, or suspension system are needed at this time. Summary: With a NO RESERVE and its pristine condition, this 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth 5-speed sport sedan will be an incredible value to a collector and/or enthusiast who desires original cars that have been lovingly cared-for. Please note that only the following items will be included with the car: · Clear Wisconsin title free of liensTitleBinder containing service records of modifications in plastic sheets · Collection of original dealer brochures and articles from the automotive press. · Original owner’s manual set · Original window · Two sets of keys Terms:Car is being sold “AS-IS” with no warranties expressed or implied. A $500 non-refundable Paypal or wire transfer deposit is due within 24 hours of the auction ending with the remaining balance paid within 3 business days by cash or wire transfer. The owner will provide the winning bidder with up to 14 days of free storage so that they will have sufficient time to make delivery/shipping arrangements. The owner will happily assist serious parties with arranging a pre-purchase inspection at their expense; however, this must be completed prior to bidding on the car. Failure to comply with these terms or attempts to re-negotiate selling price after auction has concluded will result in forfeiture of deposit so please take this auction and our time seriously. On May-25-12 at 11:03:20 PDT, seller added the following information: I have been receiving a lot of request for photos of the engine bay and undercarriage, which I will happily provide to anyone who provides me with an email address. Please note that it is crucial that you inspect the front spring perches on any 190E you are considering as these areas are often rusted so bad that the spring actually come out of the metal retainer, which holds the car up! You will notice in the photos that the front spring perches on this car are rock sold and in excellent shape. Thank you!On May-25-12 at 11:30:20 PDT, seller added the following information: A large portfolio of additional photos can be seen at: https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=8BAD4D2646C84488!514&authkey=!ALjX6ZbEIFbKWDY