Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 E (118 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz 190:

The Mercedes-Benz W201 is the internal designation for the Mercedes 190 series sedans, a range of front-engine, rear drive, five passenger, four-door sedans manufactured over a single generation, from 1982 to 1993 as the company's first compact class automobile.
Designed by Bruno Sacco, head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, the W201 debuted at the 1982 Paris Motor Show. Manufactured in both Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, production reached 1,879,629 over its eleven-year model life....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W201, facelift 1988 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201, facelift 1988). With 172 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1170 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

E (118 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate performance for daily driving, though the automatic transmission makes it less engaging than the manual.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption, typical for a mid-range petrol automatic of its era.

Best Use Case: City / Comfort

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional build quality and durability
  • • Comfortable and refined ride
  • • Timeless, understated design
  • • Wide range of efficient diesel and powerful petrol engines
  • • Excellent long-term reliability and longevity
  • • Strong classic car appeal, especially performance variants

Cons:

  • • Entry-level engines can be very slow
  • • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and sluggish
  • • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
  • • Parts for specialized models (e.g., Cosworth) are expensive
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Interior design is functional but lacks modern amenities

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W201: September, 1986 - April, 1988).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:190
Generation:W201, facelift 1988
Modification (Engine):E (118 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:September, 1988
End of production:January, 1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:118 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:59.1 Hp/l [28mm more]
Torque:172 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 102 E 20 / 102.962 More details about the engine M 102 E 20 / 102.962
Engine displacement:1996
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80.2 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.1:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.9 kg/Hp, 100.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 147 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1170
Max. weight:1670
Max load:500
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4448 mm mm [28mm more]
Width:1690 mm mm [12mm more]
Height:1375 mm mm [15mm less]
Wheelbase:2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1441 mm
Rear (Back) track:1421 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionWishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

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