1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 E

Basic Information and History

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 E is a Swedish-sold example with a current odometer reading of 179,848 kilometers. The mileage is verifiable through the service book and documentation. The car has had a total of four previous owners, and is now carefully maintained by its current owner, who purchased the vehicle from an estate with the intent to restore and document the entire process. A comprehensive restoration journey is available in 8 video episodes (approximately 120 minutes in total) on the YouTube channel Fredrik Källgren.

Equipment and Options

1. Aftermarket tow hitch
2. Cassette radio
3. Electric sunroof (fully functional)
4. The car remains in original condition with no cosmetic or technical modifications.

Condition

Body:

Structurally in very good condition, free from dents and door dings. One welding repair has been carried out on the right sill, which was then treated with underseal and matte clear coat. Some cosmetic patina is present—such as scratches and minor paint imperfections around the car, along with scuff marks on the bumpers. See photos for a clear overview of this.

Paintwork:

Very good base condition following a professional four-stage polishing. Minor paintwork was done near the passenger door trim due to previous rust—treated with two-component paint in the original color.

Glass and Chrome:

Windows are in good condition, with a small stone chip in the windshield. Chrome trim, moldings, and emblems are in very good condition, with only minor age-related cracks in the rear light lenses.

Wheels and Tires:

1. Winter tires: Hankook Winter Pike RS 195/65R15 with tread depths of 6, 6, 8, and 8 mm. One tire is in like-new condition, the others in very good condition.
2. Summer tires: Mixed brands, 185/65R15 with 4–6 mm tread depth. Some age (rear tires dated 2012).
3. Rims show some cosmetic wear: paint peeling from wheel weights and some corrosion on the inner surfaces.

Interior:

Very good condition throughout. No damage to seats, door panels, dashboard, or entry trims. The headliner is intact and shows no wear. Steering wheel, controls, and switches are well-preserved and fully functional.

Electronics:

All systems are functional, except for one of the two instrument cluster bulbs, which occasionally does not light up.

Engine and Drivetrain:

The engine is in good condition, leak-free, and recently serviced. No tuning or modifications. Transmission, clutch, and drivetrain operate very well.

Brakes:

Recently fully refurbished with Brembo components:

1. New discs, pads, and parking brake shoes
2. Two new rear brake calipers, one new front caliper
3. New rear brake hoses
4. New copper brake lines from the master cylinder to the rear
5. New brake fluid

Service History

The car has been serviced according to schedule and was recently serviced at a private workshop (business):

1. Oil and filter change
2. Spark plugs
3. Serpentine belt
4. Air filter
5. Complete brake overhaul and brake fluid replacement
6. The service book is stamped. While receipts are missing, maintenance is thoroughly documented both in the service book and on YouTube.

Most recent approved inspection (Swedish MOT) was carried out on 2025-02-26, valid until 2027.

Summary

This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 E is a classic in very good mechanical condition, cared for with great attention and documented enthusiasm. With its Swedish origin, solid history, and comprehensive service and brake overhaul, this is a vehicle suited for both the enthusiast looking for a charming everyday classic and the collector seeking a car with character.