Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 D 2.5 Turbo (126 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 231 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1300 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.5 s). The top speed reaches 192 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.

D 2.5 Turbo (126 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong, torquey performance for a diesel, with decent acceleration for its class and era, especially with the turbo.

Fuel Economy

Very respectable fuel economy for a powerful diesel automatic, making it efficient for longer journeys.

Best Use Case: Highway / Balanced

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: 1984 - 1987).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:190
Generation:W201, facelift 1988
Modification (Engine):D 2.5 Turbo (126 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1988
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:126 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:231 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 602.961 More details about the engine OM 602.961
Engine displacement:2497
Number of cylinders:5
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger
Engine oil capacity:7 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:87 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.5 sec
Maximum speed:192 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.3 kg/Hp, 96.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 177.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.9 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 [20mm more]
Width:1690 mm mm
Height:1375 mm mm
Wheelbase:2665 mm mm
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 gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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