1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6

In the family since new, this 36-year-old, anthracite grey 190e has a cream leather interior and only 105,242 miles on the clock remaining in seemingly solid condition backed up by the history and paperwork, defying the relentless march of time as the years fly by.

There are a few marks here and there around the car but nothing we haven’t seen on cars much younger and with much lower mileage. The main structure of the car is in fine condition, reports the owner, referencing these car’s legendary build quality, which is in all fairness something you can’t fail to notice when exploring the car.

Having to part ways after all these years is never easy but with the vendor reporting that he won’t be driving much more in the future, now was seen as a good time to offer up the car via us here at Bonhams.

The anthracite grey paintwork suits this shape well, giving a subtle and professional highlight to the design. As mentioned, there are a few dings and scrapes here and there, touched up so as not to deteriorate further but it remains in good overall condition.

The tastefully reserved amount of chrome all round is in good condition too with little to no pitting and the lights and trim are all in equally good repair. There is some tape around the driver side wing mirror but we’re unsure as to why.

‘Gullideckel’ style wheels are smart and presentable with no big scratches or scuffs, tyres are the same across the rear axle but mixed across the front, with the car having been sat for a while though this might be something you’d look at changing although they have plenty of tread wear left should you decide not to.

The sunroof works well and seems to fit nice and snug too, with no signs inside of any leaking. The owner also reports that the rust around the car is minimal with only the usual

surface rust on components underneath. The paperwork does show a repair to a front jacking point but that’s it, testament to the build quality again then.

Inside the 190e, things are very pleasant and luxurious with soft, springy, comfortable seats as standard in this 80’s Mercs, and even the cream leather interior holds up well after 36 years of use.

There are a few scuffs and marks around, showing up more so due to the contrast of the cream colour. The door cards are starting to fray very slightly at the top, usual marks around the footwells and seatbelt areas where things have come into contact with the upholstery and the driver’s bolster is perhaps the biggest marked area, which looks like a burn. Other than that small section however, the driver’s seat looks to have a fraction of the mileage in comparison to what’s on the clock, even retaining its shape and shine in the leather.

The carpet is in good condition, covered by overmats, on only showing scuff marks from shoes down by the footrest. The headlining looks largely mark free and not saggy and the wood trim around the gear selector again only having minor marks. The rear parcel shelf looks to also be in good condition and the Blaupunkt speakers finish off the period charm well. The original radio unit is in the boot too, but we are unsure if it is functional.

Opening the bonnet and the inline 6 is rather smart, fitting the aesthetic and purpose of this car, dependable and reliable. The bonnet will need a replacement gas strut as we had to hold it open whilst taking photos like an adept multitasker.

Elsewhere, we have provided images of as much as we could see in the bay to give you peace of mind and with that in mind, everything looked as solid under here as it did on the outside of the car.

The owner tells us it might need a tune up to get it running sweetly as the only runs it has done for a while is a trip to the MOT station once a year which would have not been a long journey. It has a current MOT until 9th September 2025.

Data from the service book shows that the follow intervals had been completed.

• Pre-delivery inspection
• 970 miles
• 6548 miles
• 20,176 miles
• 30,141 miles
• 50,775 miles

Subsequent servicing paperwork is not present.

​The car has a stack of owner’s manuals and information in a plastic wallet kept inside of the driver’s door, the V5C is present and the service book along with some MOT certificates. The car comes with one key.

A handsome car that has clearly been cherished with its time with this family, having relatively low miles for a 36 year old vehicle it is reluctantly being offered for sale here with us now.

This could be a great entry into classic car ownership with something that has a build quality to rival modern day offerings at a fraction of the price, but no discount on the driving experience. They say these cars are one classic you could daily drive and with some minor TLC and a tune up, we don’t see why this couldn’t offer the same.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Barton-le-Clay, Bedfordshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.