Mercedes-Benz W201

See also Mercedes-Benz 190 for other models sold with the same name

The Mercedes-Benz W201 was a smaller automobile introduced in November 1982 as the Mercedes-Benz 190E. Right hand versions were introduced the following year. All 190 Classes were built in Bremen, Germany. The model was a single 4 door saloon/sedan body type which was designed to fill a gap in the model range below the W123 series. It was quickly dubbed "the Baby Benz". In Europe the petrol engine range included 2.0 L carbureted and injection engines plus a 2.3 L, 2.6 L and finally the budget 1.8 L. Diesel power was supplied by 2.0 L and 2.5 L engines, the latter with a turbo.

High performance models were developed for rallying but a change in the rules opened the door to 4 wheel drive models, Mercedes choose not to re-engineer the car and so turned their attention to the Deutschen Tourenwagen Masters motorsport series instead.

For the USA the engine range did not include the 1.8 L or 2.0 L petrol blocks, while the Diesel engines were dropped after 1989. The 190E 2.3 version was dropped after 1988 and returned in 1991. 1993 marked the debut of the Limited Edition.

Production ended on May 5, 1993. About 1.8 million were produced. The C-Class replaced it in 1994.

190E 2.3-16

This high performance version of Mercedes-Benz's smallest car debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1983, after its reputation had already been established. Three cars, only slightly altered in cosmetic bodywork, had previously set three world records in August at Nardo, Italy. They recorded a combined average speed of 247.94 km/h (154.06 mph) over the endurance test of 50,000 km. Twelve international class endurance records were also established.

The heart of the 2.3-16 was its engine, which was developed by Cosworth engineers. It had a light alloy cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder (16 valves total), giving the performance version its name. The 190E 2.3-16 consequently produced 72 hp (53 kW) and 41 ft·lbf (55 N·m) of torque more than the basic single overhead cam engine with only 2 valves per cylinder. The 2.3 L engine (designated the M102) produced 185 hp (137 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 174 ft·lbf (235 N·m) at 4,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) was 8 seconds, and the top speed was 230 km/h (144 mph). The larger 2.5 L engine replaced the 2.3 L in 1988 and increased output only by 10 hp (7.5 kW) without any additional torque. The, now renamed, 190E 2.5-16 continued production until 1993 giving the coveted car a 10-year production run, only 2000 of which were imported to North America.

An Evolution version in a quantity of 502 units was produced for competition purposes in March 1989. The engine was altered to have a shorter stroke and produced a much improved 200 to 230 hp (149 to 171 kW) with an associated increase in torque as well.

The Evolution models

Back in the late 1970s, the 190E 2.3-16 was originally designed for rallying. However, the Audi Quattro all wheel drive system made it apparent that the 2.3-16 would not be best suited for rallying. Thus, this car was shifted towards DTM. In the 1980s, this car and its companion, the 2.5-16 (never released in the United States) made several wins, including an upset in 1984 at Nürburgring, with a then-novice driver Ayrton Senna took first place in the race, causing quite an upset.

However, it became obvious the the 2.5-16 needed a boost. And one had to come soon with the debut of the BMW M3 Evo, Mercedes direct competitor. In March 1989, the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution debuted. This car had a redesigned engine allowing for 210 hp (156 kW), compared with 195 hp (145 kW) for the stock 2.5-16 and approx 185 hp (137 kW) for the 2.3-16, with a shorter stroke but with larger pistons. This car also had a redesigned body kit, which included a new spoiler, wider fender flares, and an unmistakable Evolution badge in both quarter panels. This variant of the 190E was by far the best of its kind, and only 502 units produced for homologation in compliance with DTM rules.

While the Evolution I model did quite well, engineers knew that the 190E had more potential. In March 1990, at the Geneva Motor Show, The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was shown. With the success of the first Evolution model, this model's 502-unit production was already sold before it was unveiled. This car retailed in 1990 for US$80,000. First, power was upgraded to 235 hp (175 kW) by increasing the bore and stroke. Secondly, a radically designed body kit, with a very large wing, rear window spoiler, and special Evolution II rims. That body kit served an aerodynamic purpose — it was wind tunnel tested to reduce drag to .29. One BMW executive was quoted saying "if that rear wing works, we have to redesign our windtunnel."

External links

• 16valve.com (http://www.16valve.com)
• 190revolution.net
• A 406,000 mile 190E 2.3-16 (http://www.steveham.com/Benz.htm)

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