Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.6 (166 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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201). With 228 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1220 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 210 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.
The Mercedes-Benz W201 predates Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. While not officially rated, its robust build quality for its era provided a good level of passive safety compared to contemporaries.
E 2.6 (166 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful and smooth automatic, providing effortless acceleration and a luxurious driving feel, ideal for long journeys.
Fuel Economy
Expected higher fuel consumption due to the larger engine and automatic transmission, but offers premium performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, often outlasting modern cars.
- • Timeless, understated design that ages gracefully.
- • Comfortable ride and refined driving experience for its class.
- • Highly reliable engines, especially the diesel variants.
- • Good handling and chassis dynamics, particularly in sportier trims.
- • Increasing classic status and appreciation among enthusiasts.
Cons:
- • Rust can be a significant issue on neglected examples, especially in wheel arches and jacking points.
- • Parts can be expensive, and specialized knowledge may be required for repairs.
- • Base models offer modest performance, feeling slow by modern standards.
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS standard on later models) due to its age.
- • Interior plastics and trim can degrade or become brittle over time.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W201, facelift 1988: 1990 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.6 (166 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | April, 1986 |
| End of production: | August, 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 166 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.9 Hp/l [22mm less] |
| Torque: | 228 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 26 / 103.942 More details about the engine M 103 E 26 / 103.942 |
| Engine displacement: | 2599 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.3 kg/Hp, 136.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 186.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1220 |
| Max. weight: | 1720 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4428 mm mm [22mm less] |
| Width: | 1678 mm mm [12mm less] |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1437 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1418 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 |
| 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz 190!