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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201, facelift 1988 E 2.6 (166 Hp)
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 228 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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 215 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 2.6 (166 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful non-Cosworth petrol engine, offering strong, refined performance and a truly engaging driving experience with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption compared to smaller engines, but justified by its superior performance and smoothness.
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: September, 1986 - August, 1988).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201, facelift 1988 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.6 (166 Hp) |
| Start of production: | September, 1988 |
| End of production: | August, 1993 |
| 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 [28mm more] |
| 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: | 2597 |
| 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: | 80.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 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: | 1830 |
| Max load: | 610 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4448 mm mm [28mm more] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [12mm more] |
| Height: | 1375 mm mm [8mm less] |
| 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
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