Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.0 (W201)
Mercedes shrank its engineering into a new compact class, giving the 190 E fuel injection, four-wheel discs and an unusually sophisticated five-link rear suspension.
1982 Germany Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.0 W201 (representative later W201 2.0) · nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0
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More than a set of wheels.
Mercedes-Benz presented the W201 190 and 190 E to the press in late November and early December 1982, then listed the German 190 E at DM 27,741.50. This was the company's new compact class, not a lightly shortened existing saloon. The injected 190 E used the 1,997 cc M102 four, a four-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. Its defining chassis feature was the new multi-link rear suspension, designed to control wheel movement precisely while preserving ride comfort. The profile freezes the original non-catalyst December 1982 specification before five-speed, catalyst and later engine choices complicate the range.
Look a little closer.
Mercedes called it the 190 even though the engine displaced almost exactly two litres; the smaller number separated the new compact class from the larger 200-series cars.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Five links gave each rear wheel a carefully controlled path
The W201's independent rear suspension used multiple links rather than a simple live axle or semi-trailing arm. Each link helped manage a different direction of force, letting engineers tune toe, camber and compliance through a corner while maintaining the ride quality expected of a Mercedes.
Source: Mercedes-Benz Public Archive · 190 E ↗1982 specification must not inherit later equipment
The archive records four-speed manual as standard through August 1983; a five-speed was optional later. Catalytic-converter output figures only appear from the mid-1980s, and power steering did not become standard until 1985. Treating the whole 1982–1988 row as one frozen specification would give the launch car equipment it did not yet have.
Source: Mercedes-Benz Public Archive · 190 E chronology and data ↗Where these facts come from
- Mercedes-Benz Public Archive · 190 E
- Mercedes-Benz Public Archive · 29 November 1982 press kit
- Mercedes-Benz Classic · history of the 201 series
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 2, 2026.