Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Primary Competitors:
BMW E30 3 Series, Audi 80/90, Volvo 240/740
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on build quality, safety, and engineering precision, aiming to offer Mercedes-Benz quality in a more compact and accessible package.
Manual Value Proposition:
Cost-effective solution for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and addressing repairs.
Applicable Years:
1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Page Count Estimate:
Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Emission Control System:
Yes
Manual Transaxle System:
Yes
Automatic Transaxle System:
Yes
Body Interior Exterior:
Yes
Body Electrical System:
Yes
Preventive Maintenance:
Yes
Diagnostic Procedures:
Yes
Component Disassembly Reassembly:
Yes
Electrical Service Procedures:
Yes
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (covers from basic maintenance to detailed repairs and diagnostics)
Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics
Engine Options Early:
M102 2.0L Inline-4 (e.g., 190E 2.0), M102 2.3L Inline-4 (e.g., 190E 2.3), OM601 2.0L Diesel Inline-4 (e.g., 190D 2.0), OM602 2.5L Diesel Inline-5 (e.g., 190D 2.5)
Engine Options Later:
M102 2.6L Inline-6 (e.g., 190E 2.6), M103 2.3L-16 Cosworth Inline-4 (e.g., 190E 2.3-16), M102 2.5-16 Cosworth Inline-4 (e.g., 190E 2.5-16 Evolution I & II)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 75 hp (diesel) to 235 hp (190E 2.5-16 Evolution II)
Torque Range:
Approximately 100 lb-ft (diesel) to 245 lb-ft (190E 2.5-16 Evolution II)
Fuel Delivery Early:
Carburetor (some early models), Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
Fuel Delivery Later:
Bosch KE-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, Bosch LE-Jetronic electronic fuel injection
Standard Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed or 5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., 722.4, 722.5)
Transmission Features:
Hydraulic clutch actuation (manual), torque converter automatic
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Length:
Approx. 175.4 inches (4455 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2,800 - 3,300 lbs (1270 - 1500 kg), depending on engine and options
Safety Design Emphasis:
Mercedes-Benz's characteristic focus on passive safety, including a robust body structure and crumple zones.
Active Safety Features Available:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on many models
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced passenger cell, energy-absorbing steering column, driver's side airbag (optional on later models), front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.
Infotainment Features Era:
Basic to moderately advanced for its time. Features often included AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player, and advanced speaker systems.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (optional), cruise control (optional), power steering.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on vehicle operation and basic comfort features.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 10,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Major Service Intervals:
30,000 - 60,000 miles for comprehensive checks, including spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, and transmission service.
Engine Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 compliant, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 depending on climate (refer to manual for exact MB-Approval specifications).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (typically blue or green, consult manual for specific MB-Approval number).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
MB Fluid 236.3 (Dexron II-D compatible for some units, verify with manual)
Common Issues Mechanical:
Oil leaks from engine seals (e.g., front crank seal, oil pan gasket), vacuum hose degradation, idle control valve issues, potential head gasket leaks on high-mileage engines, shifter linkage wear.
Common Issues Electrical:
Corroded wiring harness connectors, faulty headlamp switch, failing instrument cluster components, blower motor resistor failure.
Common Issues Body:
Rust in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, around windows), sagging headliner, door seal degradation.
Brand Philosophy:
Engineering excellence, durability, and safety.
Development Goal:
To create a smaller, more affordable, yet still premium Mercedes-Benz, inspired by the success of the larger W123 and W126 models.
Key Evolutionary Steps:
Introduction of fuel injection, diesel variants, more powerful engine options (including the Cosworth-tuned variants for homologation and performance), and safety feature upgrades.
Production Period:
1982-1993
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Sindelfingen)
Production Volume Estimate:
Over 1.8 million units
