This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 is #130 of 502 Evolution II models produced and was delivered new in Switzerland, where it remained with the original owner for 29 years. Acquired by the selling dealer in October 2019, the car has since been moved to the Netherlands and is powered by a 2.5L short-stroke Cosworth inline-four, which features an AMG PowerPack and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Additional factory equipment includes a limited-slip differential, power sunroof, adjustable suspension, air conditioning, heated seats, and 17” wheels. Finished in Blue-Black Metallic over Anthracite leather, this W201 EVO II is now offered in Limmen, Netherlands with a stamped service booklet, its original Swiss-market spoiler, owner’s manuals, and Swiss registration paperwork.

The Evolution II was introduced at the 1990 Geneva Auto Show as a successor to the previous year’s Evolution, with just over 500 examples of each variant built to meet DTM homologation rules. The EVO II model’s enhanced body kit was designed by aerodynamicist Dr. Richard Eppler, adding more-aggressive fender flares, a rear window spoiler, and a prominent adjustable rear spoiler to achieve a reported drag coefficient of .29.

This car is finished in Blue-Black Metallic (199), as were all but the final two EVO IIs built. A repaint of exterior panels, excluding the roof, was commissioned by the previous owner’s family in Switzerland, reportedly to correct various scrapes. Swiss-market variants of the EVO II were delivered new with the earlier Evolution-style spoiler due to regulations prohibiting the larger version. This example has since been updated with a standard EVO II rear wing, though its removed Evolution spoiler is included in the sale along with the lower flap for the EVO II rear spoiler.

17” alloy wheels were standard on the EVO II model and on this car wear Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires. The self-leveling suspension allows for selection of ride height via a switch inside the cabin. Both Evolution variants feature stiffer suspension components, lowered ride height, a wider track, and larger brakes than the standard 2.5-16 model, while the EVO II model incorporate upgraded Brembo brakes and an even lower ride height.

The interior is upholstered in Anthracite leather (271) with matching carpets and zebrawood trim around the gearshift. Amenities include powered and heated Recaro seats, air conditioning with manual climate controls, a power sunroof, and rear loudspeakers. A badge on the dogleg-pattern gearshift marks the car as the 130th example built.

VDO instrumentation includes a 260-km/h speedometer and a 9k-rpm tachometer with a 7,700-rpm redline. The six-digit odometer shows 135k kilometers (~84k miles), about 1k of which have been added by the selling dealer. Stock, console-mounted instruments include an oil temperature gauge, ammeter, and stopwatch.

The 2.5-liter Cosworth DOHC inline-four features a shorter stroke and wider bore than its counterpart in the standard 2.5-16 model. Further development for the EVO II model included an AMG PowerPack with upgraded camshafts, a larger throttle body, engine management adjustments, and intake and exhaust changes. Factory-rated output was 232 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, which is sent to the rear wheels through a Getrag five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The chassis plate is pictured above and shows the type and model, as well as the VIN.

Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery below.

A service booklet is included in the sale and features stamps beginning in 1990 and continuing through June 2016, when the most recent service was completed at 133k kilometers. Pages of the service booklet are shown in the photo gallery below, along with the previous owner’s Swiss registration. A set of factory manuals is also included. The video below includes a cold start and footage of the engine running.