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AMG Modified: 1991 Mercedes 190E

This 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E is equipped with the 2.6L inline-six and a host of AMG upgrades, both cosmetic and performance-minded. The car is a gray market example and wears larger AMG monoblock wheels; an upgraded suspension; Sebring exhaust; and a full AMG bodykit, among other visual tweaks. While not a Cosworth and fairly ordinary under the hood, anything with proven AMG provenance is worth a look. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $6K and no reserve.

The AMG bodykit includes side skirts, front and rear aprons under the bumper, an integrated rear decklid spoiler and roof spoiler. This car is headed to the U.S., and will land in Chicago soon. The speedometer is in kilometers, but curiously, the taillights don’t appear to be from overseas, as those lenses are entirely orange in the corners. It does wear the European headlights with H4 bulbs and glass housings.

The interior wears lots of period “tuner” touches, like extensive wood trim and a Momo-style steering wheel with a quick release hub. AMG plaques dot the interior, as if to affirm this is a real-deal AMG vehicle despite not having much in the way of performance enhancements. Many copycat cars exist and plaques can be faked, so do some digging into the provenance of this 190E if you’re a potential buyer.

Even though the wizards at AMG haven’t shoehorned a supercharged V8 under the hood, the 2.6L I6 is still a welcome upgrade over the standard 2.3L eight-valve four cylinder engine (or, heaven forbid, the diesel mill.) Paired with the exhaust, I’m sure the 190E at least sounds the part of an AMG car, even if it’s performance remains muted compared to its hotter siblings. I’ll keep my Cosworth – thanks.

Comments

  1. Avatar Charlie Mullendore

    The Euro spec. 2.6 6-cylinder had 164 hp, so is only 3 hp shy of the US spec. 2.3-16. So, I wouldn’t call it’s perfomance “muted”. I’d rather have a torquey six than a peaky four any day. Too bad it’s not an AMG 190E 3.2 – that had 231 hp.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar JOHN Member

    I always thought Momo made some of the best steering wheels ever… not in this case! That has to be on top of the list for ugliest ever. The rest of the wood trim is overwhelming, but live-able for the most part, but that wheel…

    Like 3
    • Avatar Danh

      If it were a manual, it would be sitting in my garage already!

      Like 1
  3. Avatar davew833

    The 190E 2.6 was available with a 5-speed, at least in the US. Pity this one doesn’t have one. I’d call this a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar scottymac

    I never understood European’s fascination with four doors models. Four doors are for old men (and I’m 67)!

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking car! This has always been my favourite Mercedes-Benz. I’ve always loved this, and the W123. I hope whoever buys this enjoys driving it.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Bodyman68

    Why would anyone waste their time with a 190e and yet a 4door ! These cars are the vega of mercedes and would only be worth something with a cosworth. This one is ugly and with painted bumpers its too much body color and the wheels look rediculous . Not for me .

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    I could do without the rear spoiler, and the wheel covers look hideous. If there are any mods done to a car, I’d want it to improve its performance. I don’t see how this would do anything for performance.

    Like 0

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