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.
| 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 |
A glimpse at the design of a Mercedes-Benz 190 immediately conveys its driving and ownership experience.
Its three-box shape hints at the durability, comfort, and reliability it offers, making the first baby Mercedes a remarkable modern classic today.
Launched in 1982, the 190 came in both a 90bhp carburetor version and a 122bhp fuel-injected 190 E model. The latter was central to the 190 lineup for most of its production. Over time, it was complemented by a 2.6-liter inline-six engine, various diesel options, and a series of increasingly powerful 16-valve models, culminating in the exceptional 2.5-16 Evolution II. Production concluded in 1993—a notably lengthy period with minimal significant changes—when the 190 made way for the W202, the inaugural Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a sleek and compact vehicle, delivering impressive performance with its six-cylinder engine, and offers great value.
However, it lacks space in the rear, and its diesel and basic 2.0-liter versions have slower performance.
In the late 1970s, Mercedes-Benz aimed to introduce a third model line. Facing uncertain economic conditions, the company from Stuttgart decided to develop a new entry-level model positioned below the popular W123 series, ensuring readiness if the global financial climate worsened.
Under the direction of design chief Bruno Sacco, Mercedes-Benz executed this plan with a unique flair. As events unfolded, the early 1980s recession was not as severe as anticipated, allowing Mercedes-Benz to fully develop its new 190 Series to compete with its fiercest competitor, the BMW 3 Series. The 190 achieved great success, with nearly two million units produced over its decade-long production span. It is increasingly appreciated in classic car communities due to its diverse engine options, sturdy build, and dependable daily use. Well-maintained models are becoming popular for their perceived affordability, though finding one under a thousand pounds is challenging.
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.
The coil springs and individual dampers are the same as those in the later, larger W124 model, a car that shares many components beneath the surface with the Mercedes 190E. Similarly, the rear suspension's multilink configuration will be familiar to owners of Mercedes models from the late 1980s and 1990s. There isn't much complexity here, so a quick inspection should suffice. It is important to check for both loose play and excessive stiffness in the steering, as these can signal problems with the steering box that need further examination.
The braking system is straightforward and should not present major issues. It features power-assisted components and discs on all four wheels. Unlike many other Mercedes models, the 190E uses a traditional central lever for the parking brake, which might be more convenient for new Mercedes owners compared to the foot or dashboard-operated brakes found in other models of the same era.
While the 190E is generally very reliable, it's important to conduct thorough research to prevent an impulsive purchase. Pay special attention to potential rust, especially around the jacking points, and lift the carpet to inspect the boot floor. Be aware of any bubbles in the paint, which might not seem serious but could be expensive to repair.
Listen for any whining noises from the differential. If considering an automatic model, ensure it shifts through the gears smoothly. Although the manual gearbox is known to be a bit notchy, this is typical, and gear changes should not require excessive effort.
| 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 |