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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.6 (166 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz 190:
Mercedes-Benz has sold a number of automobiles with the "190" model name:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W201 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201). 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 8.2 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.
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) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful and refined straight-six engine, offering strong acceleration and a premium driving experience, especially on the highway.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption is expected for this larger, more powerful engine, but it delivers excellent 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) |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.2 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: | 7.8 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 [22mm less] |
| Width: | 1678 mm [12mm less] |
| Height: | 1390 mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz 190? Tell us in the comments!