This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is #401 of 502 Evolution II examples built for DTM homologation and was first sold in Japan. It was imported to the US under previous ownership and was registered in Maine and California before it was acquired by the current owner in 2017. The car is finished in Blue-Black Metallic over black leather upholstery with tartan cloth seat inserts, and power comes from a 2.5-liter Cosworth inline-four mated to a dogleg five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Features include AMG PowerPack engine upgrades, self-leveling suspension, 17” wheels, an electric sunroof, Recaro front seats, air conditioning, and a cassette stereo. Service performed in preparation for the sale reportedly included fresh fluids and the installation of a new fan clutch and thermostat. This W201 Evolution II shows 58k kilometers (~36k miles) and is now offered on dealer consignment with factory books, tools, and a Washington title.
The W201 Evolution model was introduced in response to BMW’s M3 Sport Evolution for the 1989 model year, and the Evolution II was unveiled at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show with more power and revised bodywork. Evolution II models feature an upgraded aerodynamic package including more aggressive fender flares, a rear window spoiler, and an adjustable rear wing that was larger than the unit on the Evo I.
Evolution II production totaled 502 examples, which were produced to satisfy Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft homologation requirements, and all but the final two were finished in Blauschwarz Metallic (199), including this example. The car is said to have been repainted under previous ownership, and features include a power sunroof, a roof-mounted antenna, and a polished grille surround. A collection of paint meter readings can be seen in the gallery.
The 17″ six-spoke alloy wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza tires. The Evolution II featured a lower ride height, wider track, and larger brakes than the contemporary 2.5-16. Replacement tie rod ends and accumulators for the self-leveling suspension system were installed in 2019, and fresh brake fluid was added in preparation for the sale.
The cabin features bolstered Recaro front seats upholstered in Anthracite leather with tartan cloth inserts as well as matching door panels and black carpeting. Additional equipment includes power windows, a cassette stereo, and Zebrano wood trim on the center console.
The serialized shift knob displays the dogleg shift pattern and marks the car as the 401st produced. Replacement shifter bushings were installed in 2019.
The leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 260-km/h speedometer, a 9k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and fuel economy. Gauges for oil temperature and voltage are mounted in the center stack. The six-digit odometer shows 58k kilometers (~36k miles).
The 2.5-liter DOHC inline-four was developed by Cosworth and features a shorter stroke and larger bore than the standard 2.5-16 model. Evolution II examples are also equipped with the AMG PowerPack, which includes a revised throttle body, air intake, camshafts, engine management programming, and exhaust system. Output was factory rated at 232 horsepower. Service performed in 2019 included a cleaning of the fuel injectors as well as the installation of a replacement water pump, thermostat, Bosch alternator, distributor cap and rotor, spark plugs, engine mounts, and a valve cover gasket. A replacement oxygen sensor is said to have been fitted at that time, and the headers were ceramic-coated. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale along with the installation of a new fan clutch and thermostat.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The Carfax report shows three entries in Maine and California from March to May 2017 and lists no accidents or other damage. The 2017 California title entry notes that the car was not built to US standards, and the current Washington title lists a previous brand from California.
