1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1993 Mercedes-Benz 190
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1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190
- Price Range: $1,100 - $2,300
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mercedes-Benz 190:
Mercedes added a new model called the 190E 2.3. It was powered by a 130 horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder. Also, Mercedes' traction control, called ASR, was newly optional on the 190E 2.6 with an automatic transmission.
1992 Mercedes-Benz 190:
Nothing was new for 1992, apart from a newly available "Sportline" option package.
1993 Mercedes-Benz 190:
Mercedes-Benz's smallest, least-expensive sedan was unchanged for 1993, its final season on the market.
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
Considering how much they've cost, both new and secondhand, you're getting quite a cramped rear seat and a rather small trunk. Two people fit comfortably up front, but two adults in the back seat aren't likely to be pleased. On the other hand, you get a good-sized list of Mercedes-Benz virtues, leading off with rock-solid construction, desirable safety features, and thoughtful engineering. Performance brings no complaints, either. The 4-cylinder engine in a 190 2.3 performs well once you're underway, but acceleration is rather gentle from a standing start. The 6-cylinder engine in a 190E 2.6 feels more robust. The six returns only slightly less fuel economy than the 4-cylinder. With automatic transmissions, a 190E 2.6 averaged 19.2 mpg, compared to 20.1 mpg in a 190 2.3. Handling and roadholding are extremely capable on both models. The taut Mercedes-Benz suspension, while allowing low-speed bumps to thump through to the seat, is quite absorbent in most situations. It also helps produce good high-speed control. Everything is aimed toward serious driving: brakes, steering, seating, outward visibility, control placement.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz 190 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz 190 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may slip or the shifts may be soft due to too much clearance in the modulator-valve assembly. (1991)
Automatic transmission:
Transmission shifts may be harsh or erratic due to a defective vacuum modulator. (1990-93)
Cruise control:
Vehicle may jerk when traveling on level roads or when coasting down hills with the cruise control engaged due to problem in fuel shutoff switch. (1990-91)
Engine misfire:
The idle speed-control motor may stick causing a high idle or surging idle. (1990-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| 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 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz 190 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| 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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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz 190 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 1990, only one engine was available under 190E hoods: a 2.6-liter, inline 6-cylinder that made 158 horsepower. A 4-cylinder model, dubbed 190E 2.3, arrived for '91. Both models came with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox; a 4-speed automatic transmission was optional.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz 190 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993:
Airbag intended for European models was installed on small number of cars, instead of correct U.S. version.
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