For Sale at Auction: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. WDB2010361F595960

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1989, the Evolution I marked Mercedes-Benz's first homologation special built expressly for Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) competition. DTM rules required that road-going homologation cars share the external dimensions of their racing counterparts, so the Evolution I received a wider track than the standard 2.5-16, a taller rear wing, and pronounced fender flares stretched to cover enlarged SL-derived alloy wheels. Beneath the bodywork, the original 190 E 2.3-16-valve's engine was further refined with the iterative development of the 2.5-liter M102 four-cylinder, benefiting from a dual-row timing chain, shorter piston stroke, and larger bore, changes that improved both reliability and the engine's willingness to rev. This was part of Mercedes-Benz's broader effort to close the gap on BMW's Motorsport division.

Complementing the factory specification is the AMG Power Pack fitted to this car, a rare upgrade offered following AMG's first official factory partnership with Mercedes-Benz the previous year. The package brought the road car's tune closer to that of the competition variants, adding revised intake and exhaust camshafts, a larger-diameter throttle body, and improved intake and exhaust systems. Together, these changes raised output from 204 to 231 horsepower, with peak power arriving at 7,600 rpm.

Every Evolution I left the factory finished in Blue Black Metallic (199), while inside, heavily bolstered Recaro seats with power seat controls and seat warmers were included as standard. This example is further equipped with an electric sliding roof, a rear-mounted speaker, and rear headrests. It benefits from a service in November 2023 by Van Mossel Mercedes-Benz in Roeselare, Belgium, just prior to its importation to the United States. This work included new brake pads, brake hoses, a battery, and an oil and filter change, among other items. More recently, in June 2026 the Evo I was treated to an oil service and brake fluid flush, while a new Blaupunkt radio and speakers were installed.

The 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution I is the turning point that set Mercedes-Benz on course for a decade of DTM domination. For collectors, an example carrying the rare AMG Power Pack offers a particularly compelling opportunity to own a road-legal, homologated touring car seldom encountered in the United States.