Mercedes 190 review
Discover the timeless classic in our Mercedes 190 review. Experience its robust build, excellent performance, and reliable driving dynamics ideal for daily commute.
Discover the timeless classic in our Mercedes 190 review. Experience its robust build, excellent performance, and reliable driving dynamics ideal for daily commute.
The Mercedes-Benz 190E was available with several engine options, beginning with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that produced 109hp. For those seeking more performance, there was an option for a 160hp 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine.
The model we tested is equipped with Europe's most favored engine for the 190E—a 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
Though uncommon, a low-power carbureted version of the 190 was initially available—note the absence of 'E' for Einspritzung, meaning fuel injection in English. Diesel versions were also released and became well-liked globally.
| 060 | 7.5 s | |
| Top speed | 144 mph | |
| Power | 182 bhp | |
| Torque | 173 lb ft | |
| Weight | 1225 kg |
| Cylinders | I4 |
| Engine capacity | 2299 cc |
| Layout | FR |
| Transmission | 5M |
| 0-60 mph | 14.0 s |
| Top speed | 107 mph |
| Power | 88 bhp |
| Torque | 122 lb ft |
| Weight | 1080 kg |
| Cylinders | I4 |
| Engine capacity | 1997 cc |
| Layout | FR |
| Transmission | 5M |
The excessive engineering involved implies that the 190E is likely to be highly dependable. As with any vintage vehicle, maintaining it regularly and addressing problems promptly is advisable, but it's unlikely that a well-maintained 190E would leave you stuck.
While the costs for servicing might be high, especially if you opt for authentic parts and certified Mercedes-Benz experts, investing in quality maintenance will be beneficial.
There are four primary materials to choose from. Cloth is the standard option, with velour being a less common early option. For those in need of durable upholstery, MBTex vinyl is known for its resilience among automotive interiors, while leather is available for those prioritizing luxury.
Models equipped with Sportline, such as the Cosworth versions, feature a distinct cloth material, and Cosworth models also include a specially shaped rear seat. In standard vehicles, leather is viewed as the most desirable choice, especially if considering future resale value. Many models come with grey and cream upholstery, although there are more unique color options available. However, these rarer colors could be challenging to match if any trim needs to be replaced later on.
It's important to note that air conditioning is an infrequently chosen but sought-after feature. It can boost the value of any 190E by 10 to 20 percent if it is installed and operational.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 offers remarkable build quality and durability. It features a solid door latching system and is dimensioned at approximately 14 feet 7 inches in length and 5 feet 6 inches in width, weighing from 1,080 kg. When well-maintained, it handles aging and high mileage excellently. The 1989 model year update improved rear legroom. Its seats, similar to the hard, flat ones of the W123, are the longest-lasting I've encountered. The automatic transmissions are reliable, and the 190 models come with various engine options: the 2.0 carburetor with 90 bhp, the 1.8 injection with 113 bhp, and the 2.0 injection with 122 bhp. Additionally, a 136 bhp 2.3 injection was available in Europe as a left-hand drive only. It offers better construction quality than the succeeding C Class, with many models reaching over 200,000 miles and still in great condition. The Mercedes-Benz signature indicator and lights control stalk is positioned to the right of the steering column. For fair pricing in purchasing and selling, visiting the specialist at www.mtsv.co.uk comes highly recommended.
| Inspection Tips | Details |
| Oil Filler Cap Check | For F or G four-cylinder 190 or 190E models, examine the timing chain under the oil filler cap. Single link indicates simplex, while double link indicates duplex. |
| High Mileage Purchases | Verify service records for 5,000-mile oil changes. |
| Rust Concerns | 190 models older than 10 years may exhibit rust issues. |
| Transmission Issues | Look out for clonking noises. |
| Rear Axle Noise | Be wary of noisy rear axles. |
| Power Steering | Inspect for leaks. |
| Suspension Damage | Uneven tire wear indicates potential kerb damage. |
| Service History | Due to widespread clocking, ensure a full service history with receipts and old MOTs for better validation. |
| Wiper Maintenance | If the single-arm wiper slows down, lubricate the bottom flap with graphite oil. |
| Chain Replacement | The 2.3 Cosworth single chain offers 175bhp, which changes to duplex in the 2.5 version. The simplex chain should be replaced every 70,000 miles. |
The petrol versions of the Mercedes 190E feature two types of engines: the M102 four-cylinder and the M103 six-cylinder, like the one in the 190E 2.6. While early 1990s Mercedes vehicles are known for wiring loom problems, these typically affect the subsequent engine generations, so the 190E engines are generally free from this issue. Except for the Cosworth variant, all these engines are equipped with two valves per cylinder and are recognized for their durability. For the four-cylinder variants, a timing chain replacement is usually required every 60,000 miles, whereas the six-cylinder models may exhibit oil leakage. It is also advisable to inspect the car for evidence of routine maintenance, such as the condition of the HT leads and the cleanliness of the oil. A recent service may not reveal all underlying issues, so a vehicle that appears well-used but is consistently maintained might be the safest choice.
Diesel versions are equally robust, although many have been extensively used as taxis or exported to other countries. These models still exist, but due to their scarcity, they tend to be more expensive than the 1.8 or 2.0 petrol versions and generally provide a less thrilling driving experience.
Most Mercedes 190E vehicles come with automatic transmissions for a reason. Although the manual gearbox isn't faulty or weak, it lacks the desired shift quality for its price range, and generally, the market prefers Mercedes cars to be automatic. Mercedes has historically excelled in the design and utilization of automatic transmissions.
The four-speed automatic transmission in all 190 models comes with Standard and Economy modes, but never Sport, regardless of what a seller might claim. In Standard mode, the transmission typically starts in second gear unless a strong acceleration is detected, so only three shifts might be noticed during a test drive. From a slight rolling start, it will downshift to first gear correctly. In Economy mode, it always begins in second gear to enhance fuel economy. Inspect the transmission fluid; red is normal, brown indicates it needs changing, and black suggests a need to replace the transmission, warranting caution. The shift points can be adjusted by modifying the Bowden cable, which is useful if you feel the shifting happens too early or late.