Mercedes-Benz enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing vehicles with consistently high build quality, rock-solid engineering, and rugged reliability. These traits make their cars among the most popular in many African nations, where the conditions can be harsh and unforgiving. This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 has never seen that type of action but is a tidy and clean survivor capable of offering its new owner a long-term comfortable classic motoring experience. It has no urgent needs, but the new owner might elect to tackle some of its minor cosmetic shortcomings in their home workshop to lift its presentation to a higher level. The 190E is a turnkey proposition that the owner has decided to send to a new home by listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Mercedes introduced its “W201” platform as the base for its 190 range in 1982. It represented the company’s first foray into the compact world and remained in production until 1993. Our feature car is from the final production year, and many will argue these are the best examples to buy. Every vehicle model will undergo evolutionary changes during its production life, and the last cars are the ones that bring these changes together to allow that model to shine at its best. That is the case with this Mercedes, with the car remaining as sound as the day it rolled off the line. Its Arctic White paint isn’t perfect, but it retains an impressive shine after thirty years of faithful service. Close inspection via the supplied photos reveals the chips and marks that will typically accumulate over that period. Still, nothing requires immediate attention if the winning bidder chooses to preserve the car as a tidy driver. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the vehicle’s lack of rust is unsurprising. It is typical of a company firmly focused on build quality and rust prevention strategies from the moment the first weld is made on each car. Some plastic components exhibit cracks and paint deterioration, but the new owner could address those minor shortcomings without spending a fortune. The windshield has minor chips but is serviceable. The remaining glass is crystal clear, and the distinctive alloy wheels look free from stains and pitting. The factory sunroof cements the car’s luxury credentials, and the lack of interior moisture damage confirms its seals are in good order.

Lifting the hood reveals a drivetrain combination that guarantees this Mercedes will be a refined long-distance cruiser. This 190E is powered by a 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine producing 158hp and 162 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed automatic transmission, with power steering and power brakes with ABS maximizing comfort and safety. The specifications confirm this Mercedes isn’t a muscle car, but the mid-range power and torque delivery make it equally comfortable cruising at freeway speeds or coping with the cut-and-thrust of city driving. The seller confirms they are at least this car’s third owner, although there may have been a fourth. They recently treated it to a new distributor cap and rotor, with service records dating back to 2011 confirming it has been appropriately maintained. The Merc runs and drives beautifully, which is confirmed by this YouTube video of it in action. The engine sounds sweet and clean, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the car accelerates without hesitation or other problems. The seller includes a few additional parts, like new spark plugs, as well as some tools and Service Guides from MercedesSource. The seller has provided a list of all the service that has been completed, which you can view down in the photo gallery.

The “tidy driver” theme continues inside this Mercedes, with only a few minor cosmetic issues visible on an interior that is well-preserved for a car with three decades under its belt. The driver’s door trim sports a split and some warping, with a tear visible on the driver’s seat. An upholsterer may be able to repair both flaws without the need for replacement, and that approach would prevent further deterioration. The timber veneer around the shifter features the typical cracking, but I have heard of owners removing and successfully restoring these items without any special tools or equipment. The remaining upholstered surfaces and plastic look excellent, with the photos suggesting the back seat hasn’t seen many occupants. The carpet is stain-free, as is the headliner. There are a few functional faults, with the air conditioning inoperative, the driver’s door lock not operating from the outside with the key, and the remote trunk release not functioning. The owner fitted a Pioneer Bluetooth CD player in 2017, but there are no other modifications. Unfortunately, the antenna was damaged at some point while going through a car wash. The antenna has since been removed and the hole sealed off. Thankfully, the radio still has good reception and replacement antennas are available if you’d like to correct it. The new owner receives a classic featuring a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power front seats, power mirrors, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped wheel.

This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 isn’t perfect, but its condition is above average for a vehicle of this type and age. Its six-figure odometer reading should not cause concern because the combination of bulletproof engineering and appropriate maintenance means the mileage could comfortably double without the car suffering any major mechanical maladies. Its equipment levels guarantee a comfortable motoring experience, but its excellent fuel consumption figures make it an ideal candidate for a daily driver. It seems to have something to suit everyone, and if a prestige European classic has been on your radar, bidding on this survivor could be the perfect way to make that dream a reality.

• Location: Bothell, Washington
• Mileage: 226,400 Miles
• Engine: 2.6-Liter Six-Cylinder
• Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
• VIN: WDBDA29D6PG028904
• Title Status: Clean

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