What’s so special?
New features set the W201 apart from other Mercedes models. The car sat on a five-link rear suspension that offered an excellent ride – the suspension was later adopted for both the E-Class and C-Class. With anti-sway bars front and rear, the suspension was designed to reduce rear squat under acceleration and forward dive under braking. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard.
American models of the W201 came with the buyer’s choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, which helps make the 190 a popular choice for enthusiast drivers.
Ahead of most cars of the time, the W201 offered airbags and anti-lock brakes. The crumple zones developed and patented by Mercedes-Benz in the 1950s and extensive use of high-strength steel allowed the W201 to pass newly-developed offset crash tests at speeds up to 35 MPH without serious injury to passengers.
W201 model history
The most common models in North America are the 190E and 190D. The first 190Es imported carried the M102 2.3-liter single overhead cam four-cylinder engine with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection. The engine was rated at 113 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque in the 1984 model year, but for 1985 received a new camshaft and intake manifold that boosted output to 120 horsepower and 136 pound-feet. With a curb weight around 2,575 pounds, the 190E offered peppy, if not powerful performance.
The 190D started life with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 72 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque.
The 190E 2.3-16 arrives
Upgrades came swiftly for the 190E. A new Cosworth 16-valve double-overhead cam version of the 2.3-liter engine arrived in 1986 ,with 167 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This new model also came with a dog-leg five-speed transmission (where first is found towards the driver’s knee and back), a limited slip differential, anti-lock brakes, bigger wheels, bigger anti-sway bars, and self-leveling rear suspension. Functional aerodynamics, including a front air dam, were also included. This sport compact could hit 60 miles per hour in under 8 seconds.
The 2.6-liter 190E & turbocharged 190D
In 1987, the year after the 2.3-16 was launched, Mercedes added more performance options, starting with a 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine borrowed from the larger E-Class sedan. This engine is rated at 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, comparable to the 2.3-16. However, the 2.6-liter 190E was priced almost 25 percent lower than the 2.3-16, offering about $10,000 in savings. In 1987, the 2.6-liter came only with an automatic transmission, but the five-speed manual gearbox became standard in 1988.
In 1987, the turbodiesel 190D 2.5 Turbo was added to the model line, generating 123 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged diesel was offered only in 1987, making it one of the rarest W201s.
Final production
Mercedes pulled back the W201 line for 1988, limiting options to the base 190E with the single-cam engine at 130 horsepower and the 2.6-liter six-cylinder. The 2.5-liter naturally aspirated diesel remained on the menu as well. The four-cylinder 190E was dropped for the 1989 model year and the diesel was discontinued for 1990, leaving only the 2.6-liter available. However, the 2.3-liter base engine reappeared for 1991-1993 as an affordable entry-level option. 1991-1993 models received ASR, one of the first automatic acceleration traction control systems offered anywhere.
For the final years of production in 1992 and 1993, a special Sportline option for the 190E was available. This model included sport-tuned suspension borrowed from the European Cosworth model, quick-ratio power steering, larger wheels, and distinctive Sportline badging, as well as Recaro seats and carbon fiber trim.
Gray-market 2.5-16 Cosworth models
The ultimate expression of the 190E was never officially imported to America, but you can find one if you’re patient: the gray-market 1988–1993 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth. The 2.5-liter, 16-valve engine was a general improvement on the 2.3-16, including a double-row timing chain that was sturdier than the original.
With as much as 201 hp and 173 foot-pounds of torque passed through a Getrag dog-leg five-speed transmission and a limited slip differential the 190E Cosworth 2.5-16 is an outstanding performer by the standards of the late 1980s. But the 2.5-16 is much more than a powerful driveline. This model includes upgraded suspension, steering, interior, and functional aerodynamics.
The median price of a Cosworth 2.5-16 today is about $28,000, per Sports Car Market magazine’s price guide. Recent sales have centered around that price point.
Evolution I & II
The rarest 190Es are the Evolution I and II, released in 1989 and 1990. These were developed in direct competition with BMW’s M3 Sport Evolution models and built in limited numbers for touring car racing homologation. Just 502 of each were made. The Evolution II made up to 232 horsepower and had cockpit-adjustable suspension. The last Evolution I to cross the block at BringATrailer.com sold for $97,000. Sports Car Market magazine estimates the Evolution II at a median price of $183,000 this year, and the last one sold on BringATrailer for $180,081 in February of 2021, while 2020 auctions hit $203,000 in December of 2020 without a sale, and a $251,000 sale in September.
AMG Models
AMG offered special tuning for the 190E that could add about 25 horsepower, and created 200 190E 3.2 AMGs with a full body kit and a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 231 horsepower.
Buying a 190E
Most W201 cars are still trading on the used car market, and typically sell for less than $10,000. Mercedes made 1,879,629 W201s, which means there will be a large selection to choose from, and that will help keep prices reasonable. Any model, diesel or gas-powered, can be a good buy. However, in terms of collectability, we’ll focus on a few affordable performers that are likely to appreciate in the near future.
Chief among these is the 1986-1987 190E 2.3-16. While Sports Car Market lists the median price at $33,000, many have sold for far less, including a driver-quality 1986 model with 163,000 miles on the odometer that sold for $14,000 in 2020. So far in 2021, most examples on BringATrailer are selling for $15,000-$30,000 at a rate of 1 or 2 cars per month.
Far easier to find is the 1987-1993 190E 2.6, which is typically available for about $10,000, plus or minus a few thousand dollars for features and condition. If you’re after performance with reliability, this one will deliver about the same driving experience as the Cosworth at a much lower price point. Look for the Sportline models to find a special example of this car.
With any 190E, it’s important to remember that these were among the most affordable entry-level Benzes of their era, so they were not usually handled with any special treatment. Most will have been stored outdoors, and will usually have some deferred maintenance that needs attention. Pay special attention to any deviations from stock equipment. Finally, always insist on a thorough pre-purchase inspection at a qualified Mercedes-Benz specialist shop.
