1989 Mercedes-Benz

One of 502 Evo I built

German vehicle

Full service history

Only three previous owners

Original service booklet available

Original vehicle title available

The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution

Commonly referred to as the Evo I, it was developed as a homologation model for international touring car racing and marked a decisive step forward in the development of the W201 series. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, the car met the requirements for entry into the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) and formed the basis for the further development of the successful 190 E 2.5-16 racing car. A total of just 502 units were produced, making the Evolution I one of the rarest and most sought-after Mercedes-Benz homologation cars today. Visually, the Evolution differed significantly from the standard 190 E. Wider wings, a redesigned front apron, striking side skirts, a rear wing and numerous aerodynamic refinements served not only to enhance the car’s appearance but, above all, to reduce lift and improve driving stability at high speeds. The concept was complemented by a hydropneumatic level control system on the front and rear axles, which allowed the vehicle’s height to be adjusted to suit different operating conditions.

The Evolution I was powered by a longitudinally mounted 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine from the M102 series, featuring four-valve technology, two overhead camshafts and Bosch KE-Jetronic. In the catalytic converter version, the engine produced 195 hp at 6,800 revolutions per minute and delivered a maximum torque of 235 Nm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. With a top speed of up to 235 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds, the Evo I was one of the most powerful sports saloons of its time. The chassis was designed from the outset to deliver maximum driving dynamics. At the front, triangular wishbones with hydropneumatic struts were used, whilst at the rear the Mercedes-Benz-typical multi-link suspension also featured hydropneumatic level control. Ventilated disc brakes on the front axle, disc brakes at the rear and a standard anti-lock braking system ensured reliable deceleration. Alloy wheels rounded off the sporty overall package. With a kerb weight of just 1,320 kilograms, the Evo I combined exceptional agility with high practicality for everyday use.

The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution formed the technical basis for Mercedes-Benz’s subsequent DTM successes and paved the way for the even more extreme Evo II. Today, the Evo I is regarded as a milestone in Mercedes-Benz’s motorsport history and as one of the most significant homologation models of the 1980s. Its limited production run, close links to touring car racing and uncompromising technical design make it one of the most sought-after classics from the brand with the star.

About the vehicle offered here

This Evo I was delivered to its first owner in 1989 by the Mercedes-Benz branch in Freiburg. The owner registered the vehicle in Frankfurt, where he kept it until 1993, when it was sold to Karlsruhe. A further two years later, it was resold within Karlsruhe. This marked the vehicle’s third and final registration. Over the following decades, the Evo I remained part of a large Mercedes-Benz collection, until we recently purchased the collection and acquired the vehicle as part of it. The car features leather upholstery from the Azzurro Edition. Despite its age, it comes with not only the original vehicle registration document but also the original service booklet, which records maintenance carried out on the following dates: on 11 July 1990 at 1,243 km, on 17 January 1991 at 10,401 km, on 3 December 1991 at 20,229 km, on 6 August 1993 at 30,178 km, on 31 May 1994 at 44,473 km, on 24 January 1995 at 46,766 km, on 22 April 1996 at 70,869 km, on 13 June 1997 at 84,218 km and on 3 November 1998 at 94,037 km. Following decades of inactivity and prior to the vehicle’s offer, our in-house workshop carried out further maintenance, including a new fuel system and fuel tank. Our sales staff will be happy to answer any detailed enquiries you may have at any time. Please note that viewings of the vehicle are generally only possible by prior appointment. Below you will find the vehicle’s specification list.

199U BLUE-BLACK - METALLIC PAINT

240 OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR

271 LEATHER ANTHRACITE

412 ELECTRIC SLIDING ROOF WITH TILTING DEVICE

430 HEADREST IN THE REAR, LEFT AND RIGHT

466 CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM

511 RADIO MB EXQUISIT WITH TRAFFIC NEWS DECODER (VK), WITH RDS (PANASONIC)

531 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA

591 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE (SINGLE-SHEET SAFETY GLASS) 620 VEHICLES WITH CATALYST TECHNIQUE

682 FIRE EXTINGUISHER

812 REAR-MOUNTED LOUDSPEAKERS

873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS

876 REAR DOOR CONTACTS AND LAMP ABOVE REAR WINDOW