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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 E 2.3 (136 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1240 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.3 s). The top speed reaches 195 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 2.3 (136 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong performance for daily driving, though the automatic transmission might slightly dull the edge compared to a manual.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel consumption, typical for a 2.3L petrol automatic.
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, facelift 1988: February, 1989 - May, 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201, facelift 1988 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.3 (136 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1991 |
| End of production: | August, 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 136 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.2 Hp/l [18mm more] |
| Torque: | 200 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 102 E 23 / 102.985 More details about the engine M 102 E 23 / 102.985 |
| Engine displacement: | 2298 |
| 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: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.1 kg/Hp, 109.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1240 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4448 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Height: | 1375 mm mm [33mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1441 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1421 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
Does the Mercedes-Benz 190 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!