The Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a legend born from the DTM racing wars of the early 1990s. Built to homologate the race car for the German Touring Car Championship, just 502 road-going examples were produced. It featured a wild, adjustable body kit and an AMG-tuned version of the Cosworth-developed 2.5L 16-valve engine, producing 232 horsepower.
Collectors prize the Evo II for its direct link to a golden era of motorsport, its extreme rarity, and its unmistakable design. It's the final and most aggressive iteration of the W201 chassis, representing a moment when Mercedes went all-out to beat BMW's M3 Sport Evolution on the track. The driving experience is raw and engaging, with a high-revving engine and a chassis tuned for performance.
Today, the Evo II is a blue-chip collector car. Values have climbed steadily, pushing the average price well over $270,000. Finding a genuine, well-maintained example is a challenge, and the market treats them as top-tier assets from the era, with concours-quality cars fetching the highest prices.
Buying Tips
- Verify its authenticity. Check the chassis number and the unique numbered plaque on the gearshift surround. Given the high values, fakes and tribute cars exist.
- The radical body kit is specific to the Evo II and extremely expensive to repair or replace. Inspect every panel, the adjustable rear wing, and the front splitter for cracks, damage, or poor repairs.
- Insist on a complete and detailed service history. The Cosworth engine requires diligent maintenance, so look for records of timing chain services, valve adjustments, and head gasket work.
- Test the in-car adjustable ride height function. The Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS) is complex and costly to fix. Check for leaks from the struts and pumps, and ensure the system operates correctly.
Reported sales show a wide range from $15,750 to $432,432, with an average price of around $270,000 for these sought-after homologation specials.
61 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 1 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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