Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 E 2.5-16 (195 Hp)


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 235 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.7 s). The top speed reaches 230 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 2.5-16 (195 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

A high-revving, performance-focused engine delivering exhilarating acceleration and a sporty driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is higher due to its performance nature, but acceptable for a car of this caliber.

Best Use Case: Performance / Enthusiast

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: 1988 - 1993).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:190
Generation:W201, facelift 1988
Modification (Engine):E 2.5-16 (195 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:195 Hp @ 6750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:78.1 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:235 Nm @ 5000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 102 E 25/2 / 102.990 More details about the engine M 102 E 25/2 / 102.990
Engine displacement:2498
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:95.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:87.2 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.7 sec
Maximum speed:230 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.7 kg/Hp, 150 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 180.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1300
Max. weight:1800
Max load:500
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4450 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1690 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1375 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 190. How does it handle on the road?