Mercedes M102
The most famous engine problem is camshaft wear at 150,000 km.
Mercedes-Benz 190 engines
The Mercedes-Benz 190 is a German middle-class sedan car produced from 1982 to 1993 by Mercedes-Benz. Over the years of production, a total of 1,874,668 copies of the car were manufactured. The cars were assembled in Germany, Poland and Thailand. The 190th model, designated at the factory by the index W201, sold well in European countries and very mediocre in the USA. Almost throughout the entire production period, the model was modified due to changes in the power unit.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 was offered with 2 engines between 1986 and 1993 (2 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 2.6 liters, power output from 86 to 165 hp. All of them use a timing chain. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Mercedes M103 E26 (about 450,000 km).
Mercedes-Benz 190 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 1986–1993 | |||||||
| Mercedes M103 E26 | 1986–1993 | 2.6 L R6 | 160–165 hp | petrol | chain | 6 L | ~450,000 km |
| Other Mercedes-Benz 190 engines generation not specified | |||||||
| Mercedes M102 | 1980–1993 | 1.8–2.3 L R4 | 86–136 hp | petrol | chain | 4.5–5 L | ~400,000 km |
Mercedes-Benz 190 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Mercedes-Benz 190?
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 (1986–1993): Mercedes M103 E26.
Which Mercedes-Benz 190 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Mercedes-Benz 190 engines are: Mercedes M103 E26 — about 450,000 km; Mercedes M102 — about 400,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Mercedes-Benz 190 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Mercedes M102 — 4.5–5 L (5W-40); Mercedes M103 E26 — 6 L (5W-40).
Does the Mercedes-Benz 190 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Mercedes M102 and Mercedes M103 E26.
Was the Mercedes-Benz 190 available with a diesel engine?
No, all Mercedes-Benz 190 engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Mercedes M103 E26
Most often, car owners with such a power unit are faced with lubricant leaks.
Models with the same engines
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 shared engines
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1 shared engine
- Mercedes-Benz T1 1 shared engine