Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 E 2.5-16 Evolution (204 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 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1320 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.5 s). The top speed reaches 235 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 Evolution (204 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

A high-performance variant offering thrilling acceleration and a highly engaging driving experience, a precursor to the Evo II.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is secondary to performance, and it will consume more fuel, especially when driven hard.

Best Use Case: Performance / Track

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: February, 1986 - August, 1988).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:190
Generation:W201, facelift 1988
Modification (Engine):E 2.5-16 Evolution (204 Hp)
Start of production:February, 1989
End of production:May, 1989
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 6750 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:82.8 Hp/l [10mm more]
Torque:240 Nm @ 5000-5500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 102 E 25/2 / 102.991 More details about the engine M 102 E 25/2 / 102.991
Engine displacement:2463
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:97.3 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82.8 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
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.5 sec
Maximum speed:235 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.5 kg/Hp, 154.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 181.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1320
Max. weight:1820
Max load:500
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:70 l
Size:
Length:4430 mm mm [10mm more]
Width:1720 mm mm [42mm more]
Height:1342 mm mm [48mm less]
Wheelbase:2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1478 mm
Rear (Back) track:1453 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 brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/50 R16
Wheel rims size8J x 16
Front suspensionHydro-pneumatic element, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionHydro-pneumatic element, Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

Better than its competitors? Tell us why the Mercedes-Benz 190 stands out.