Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is one of the most revered Mercedes-Benz models of the modern era, a be-winged, box-flared homologation special built to let Mercedes go touring-car racing against BMW's M3. This 1990 example is #448 of just 502, finished in the definitive Blue Black Metallic, and it was recently imported from Japan. It is on Bring a Trailer at $201,000 with eight days to go, and with more than 1,500 watchers, it is drawing the crowd such a car deserves.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowThe Evo II sits firmly in blue-chip collector territory, recognized alongside the most sought-after post-war Mercedes models. According to Classic.com, the model averages around $280,241, with a recorded high of $544,000, and excellent, well-documented examples routinely trading from the mid $200,000s into the $400,000s depending on originality, mileage, and history.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car has the fundamentals that matter: it is a genuine, numbered Evo II in the iconic color, with low indicated mileage and strong visual appeal. Tempering it are the caveats detailed below, chiefly the aftermarket suspension and the fresh-import documentation questions, which keep it out of the very top tier occupied by fully original, comprehensively documented cars.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerWeighing all of that, fair value realistically lands in the $220,000 to $320,000 range, most likely the $250,000s to high $280,000s. At $201,000 with eight days remaining and a premium listing drawing heavy attention, the bidding is climbing and should push into that band.Condition and detailsThe car presents strongly and is genuinely special. It wears Blue Black Metallic over black leather and patterned cloth sport seats, with the full Evolution II aerodynamic package of pronounced fender flares, front splitter, side skirts, and the signature adjustable rear wing, riding on 17-inch Evo II wheels. The heart of it is the 2.5-liter Cosworth-developed inline-four with the AMG PowerPack, rated at 232 horsepower and paired with a dogleg Getrag five-speed and a limited-slip differential, and the sale includes factory manuals, the data card, and dealer records. As a knowledgeable commenter noted, the fender side markers and exhaust-temperature light are Japan-market factory items, consistent with a genuine Japan-delivery car.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerSeveral points warrant real scrutiny. Yellow Speed Racing coilovers have been fitted in place of the factory self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, which is a signature Evo II feature, so confirm whether the original components are included and understand that this departure from originality matters to collectors at this level. The 49,000-kilometer, roughly 31,000-mile reading should be treated as a shown figure, since a commenter's request for Japanese service or auction records supporting it was not answered in the listing as presented.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerBecause this is a fresh 2026 import, a serious bidder should get answers to the open questions raised in the comments: whether the engine, transmission, and differential are original to the car, whether there has been any accident, rust, or paint repair, whether the wheels are original Mercedes items, and the reason the South Carolina title reads "Exempt" in the brand field, which for a car this age typically reflects odometer-exemption rules rather than a problem. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist, ideally one versed in these homologation cars, is essential.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeMercedes-BenzModel190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIYear1990Mileage31,000 miles shown (49,000 km)Engine2.5-liter Cosworth inline-fourPower232 hpTransmission5-speed dogleg manualDrive typeRear wheel drive with limited-slip differentialExterior colorBlue Black MetallicInterior colorBlack leather and clothCurrent bid$201,000, with eight days leftInterested in this 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II? View the listing here.What makes the Evolution II uniqueThe Evolution II exists for one reason: to win in the German Touring Car Championship. To homologate the aggressive aerodynamics and mechanical upgrades its DTM racers needed, Mercedes had to build 502 road cars, and the result is one of the purest homologation specials ever sold. The wild body kit, with its towering adjustable wing and boxed flares, was penned with input from aerodynamicist Rudolf Uhlenhaut's successors and genuinely worked, reducing drag while adding downforce. Beneath it sits the Cosworth-developed 2.5-liter sixteen-valve four, boosted by the AMG PowerPack to 232 horsepower and spun through a motorsport-style dogleg gearbox.1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIBring a TrailerThe lineage is impeccable: the original 2.3-16 announced itself when a young Ayrton Senna won a celebrity race at the new Nürburgring in 1984, and the Evo cars carried that banner into battle against BMW. That combination of racing purpose, tiny production, and unmistakable looks has made the Evo II the undisputed holy grail of the W201 range and one of the most collectible Mercedes of its era.My takeThis is a genuinely thrilling car to see come up, because the Evo II is a bucket-list machine for a huge swath of enthusiasts, the boxy, be-winged answer to the E30 M3 that many consider the cooler of the two. In Blue Black with the full aero package and the Cosworth four singing through the dogleg box, it delivers presence and provenance that very few cars of any era can match, and the low indicated mileage only adds to the appeal.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $220,000 to $320,000 range, and where a savvy buyer lands depends heavily on resolving the open questions, so treat the diligence as essential rather than optional. Confirm whether the factory self-leveling suspension conveys alongside the coilovers, press for documentation supporting the mileage and the car's originality, clarify the title notation, and commission a specialist pre-purchase inspection. Satisfy all of that, and you are buying one of the definitive homologation heroes of the modern era, a car that will always be wanted.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. 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