1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190
- Price Range: $1,100 - $2,300
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Pros
- Acceleration (6-cylinder)
- Handling/roadholding
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
Cons
- Cargo room
- Price
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Offered in gasoline-engine and diesel form in the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz's smallest, least-expensive sedan came only with a 6-cylinder gasoline engine in 1990. The 2.6-liter 6-cylinder engine, borrowed from the midsize 260E sedan, developed 158 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. This "Baby Benz" was the only model that offered such a choice in transmissions. Both a driver-side airbag and antilock braking were standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Price has been the biggest drawback of these compact sedans. Even so, except for interior space and high maintenance costs, you can hardly ask for more--though it's worth trying out a BMW 3-Series and Lexus ES 300 before buying.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,035 |
| Alternator | $440 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,070 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $795 |
| Exhaust System | $575 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,240 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $265 |
| Universal Joints | $535 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1993 | |||
| 190E 2.3 | $2,200-2,900 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 190E 2.6 | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1992 | |||
| 190E 2.3 | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 190E 2.6 | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1991 | |||
| 190E 2.3 | $1,800-2,400 | $1,200-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 190E 2.6 | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1990 | |||
| 190E 2.6 | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2900 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.1 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.3 / 140 | 130 | 146 | 5-speed manual: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.1 |
| ohc I6 | 2.6 / 156 | 158 | 162 | 5-speed manual: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.2 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1991 190E |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








