1990 Mercedes-Benz 190-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With the introduction of the 190 series, Mercedes-Benz was going for mass appeal. The smallest model available from the carmaker, nicknamed the "Baby Benz," the 190 was a "family friendly" sedan. And thanks to its relatively affordable entry-level price matched with Mercedes' impeccable engineering, it was a largely successful model with car buyers.
Throughout its run, the Mercedes-Benz 190 was available in a variety of gas and diesel engine options, as well as limited editions that included such options a leather seats and alloy wheels.
However, for 1990 the 190 came only with a 2.6-liter, 6-cylinder gas engine that generated 158 hp. A 5-speed manual overdrive transmission was standard, though a 4-speed automatic was available as an option. Other standard equipment included anti-lock breaks, a driver's-side airbag, power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning. Options included a sunroof and leather seats -- not bad for an entry-level Mercedes.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190-Class
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Alex K
Aug 08, 2012
The classic Baby Benz. One of a kind in appearance. No hesitation, great
acceleration. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It only cost me 1500, and is an
absolute blast to drive. If anybody was ever thinking about buying one you
should.Aug 08, 2012
by Aravind S
Mar 07, 2012
1986 190E saloon auto: good performer a classic merc to own. a good family
runner but hard to maintain
and lacks fuel economy. good to own as a classic German runner. very fun to
drive. classic saloon.own it to love it. Mar 07, 2012
by Anonymous
Mar 28, 2011
Benny is an '89. does not register on this site. I am the third owner, know both previous owners. 2nd owner treated Benny like crap, yes, rod thriough block. Other than this little problem car is in complete working order. 1st owner treated Benny the right way, oil changes...etc...Mar 28, 2011
User rating:
by Alex K
Aug 08, 2012
The classic Baby Benz. One of a kind in appearance. No hesitation, great
acceleration. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It only cost me 1500, and is an
absolute blast to drive. If anybody was ever thinking about buying one you
should.Aug 08, 2012
by Aravind S
Mar 07, 2012
1986 190E saloon auto: good performer a classic merc to own. a good family
runner but hard to maintain
and lacks fuel economy. good to own as a classic German runner. very fun to
drive. classic saloon.own it to love it. Mar 07, 2012
by Anonymous
Mar 28, 2011
Benny is an '89. does not register on this site. I am the third owner, know both previous owners. 2nd owner treated Benny like crap, yes, rod thriough block. Other than this little problem car is in complete working order. 1st owner treated Benny the right way, oil changes...etc...Mar 28, 2011
by Timothy L
Sep 17, 2010
for the year the performance was great, the build quality was amazing it were as it
was straight out of the factory. The appearance was nice but it was missing some
jazz to the body style I don't feel it was Mercedes-Benz's best years, but the 90s
weren't great for many cars so overall I give it a 4.Sep 17, 2010
by Walter C
Jun 11, 2010
It was actually a 1986 190 Cosworth but Cars IQ they didn't have that so I had to
choose the other MB I owned. Probably the best "supercar" I've owned to date.
Better (in my opinion) than the 1991 M3. Jun 11, 2010
by Jonny W
Oct 14, 2009
Actually a 1986 190E 2.3-16V Cosworth. these are sweet cars! with the 5 speed dogleg 1-2 Getrag gearbox.full or half leather interior. self levellng suspension int he back. (the suspension set up in the front is different from your average 190E also). stiffened chassis. Cosworth body kit.
gotta love themOct 14, 2009
by Manuel M
Sep 03, 2009
Preformance: The acceleration is strong but subtle the
brakes feel numb but they are strong (typical Mercedes! :)
). The handling is alright but a bit soft too.
Build Quality: 200 000 km without major broblems, what
more is there to say...
Appearance: simple box like styling, nothing special.
Cost of ownership: depends how you drive... =) but
maintenance is quite cheap because of its simple
mechanics.
Fun Factor: Again, I like the powerful engine but some
people might say that it feels numb.
Sep 03, 2009
by Antti S
Jul 07, 2009
Overall, one tough car. Even with all the small faults, it works and runs quite well. Chassis and suspension technics are working just fine. Small worries with engine from time to time. Nothing big anyways... Seats ARE bad, its missing some interiors, and its louder than one year newer model... thats strange. Jul 07, 2009
by Glen T
Jul 06, 2009
This is a great car for everyday use unless you are very tall or routinely carry passengers as rear seat leg room is tight. With some basic mods, it handles great and is fun to drive!
The 5-speed manual transmission really improves the fun factor compared to the 4-speed automatic.Jul 06, 2009
by Remy G
Apr 29, 2009
I think it is a born clasic of the eighties, still has a modern touch to it even after all these years, and keeps it condition due to great care in build a quality from mercedes. Repair wise the car asks for a lot if not taken care of properly from a young age, but take one that's a veteran and it will look stunning. All leather interior, everything works, and fun to drive. Apr 29, 2009
by Andy F
Dec 24, 2008
2.6L Straight-6 Engine with 160 Brake Horsepower.
Curb Weight of 2955 lbs. Rear Wheel Drive. 162 ft-
lbs of Torque. 17 mpg when driven hard. 21 mpg
when driven nicely. Automatic Transmission makes
her sluggish, but holding the tranny in the lower
gears for a longer period of time gives the needed
acceleration. Very good brakes for non ceramic.
Suspension is tight, but a little too soft for my
taste. For 18 years old, not many repairs are
needed. Leaks oil though, but it's 18 years old... I
cope. Body and chassis is very angular and not
slopey and curvy, I prefer the straight edge design.
Interior has the most comfortable seats possible,
very comfy. Basically a very fun car to drive and
have.Dec 24, 2008
by Kelley J
Sep 23, 2008
I absolutely love this car! Even though it is as old as
I am and has well over 300,000 miles, this car still
drives like a dream. Performance is as good as it
was when new and the build quality is phenomenal;
true German engineering. My only complaint is that
some of the seals are beginning to leak; in the
trunk mainly. Besides that, the interior is still in
great condition apart from a little sun-fading, and
the wood around the center console is cracked.
Exterior is basically perfect. A previous owner
backed into something and the bumper is pushed
in slightly, and recently a squirrel threw a pine
cone on the hood and left a dent (grrrr,...), but that
is the only flaws. As far as cost, gas mileage is
decent and it hasn't needed any major repairs. The
rear main seal does leak slightly, so a quart of oil is
needed every 500 miles, and with having to use
premium gas, the cost has just recently begun to
ware on me. Overall, this car is comfortable and
classic, and will continue to be so until only God
knows when. =]Sep 23, 2008
by Ruben R
Sep 21, 2008
just nice enough, nice shape, komfort, low fuel exspences, quality at it`s best, bad with rust, 83 model, did start to get old to fast, nice shape, really nice shape, it`s a good car to drive, I did like it alot and I was`nt happy at all with sending it to the scrap jyard. Mileage was about 288.000 or something, maintenance nothing more than other cars I guess.Sep 21, 2008
by Jessica G
Jun 28, 2008
i LOVE my little mercedes! and actually its an 1989. it was given to me by my grandpa after being garaged for 7 years after my great grandma died in 2001. my great grandma bought it new from kimball in 1989 and to this date it has 47,000 miles on it!!! no new engine either...its the original! its in awesome condition and i souped it up with some leopard print seat covers(cuz i HATE leather!) anyways i love it and would only trade it for a corvette..jk!
any more questions just ask me : ) Jun 28, 2008
by Matt M
May 09, 2008
just got car, has a wonderful inline 6 with tons oh pick up. has like 165 bhp stock. has to meny features, its really the over engineered car, thats not a bad thing at all. the fuel distrubition center is very mechincal and can be a pain if it ever goes out. May 09, 2008
by Loi Y
Mar 29, 2008
My very first car. It was a 190E 2000cc model. A very standard black car with Grey interior. It has got a full Lorinser Bodykit, 18'' AMG Wheels and a mean AMG exhaust. The stereo was an upgraded Alpine stereo with CD Changer, coupled with MB Quart Speakers all round.Mar 29, 2008
by Jim S
Feb 20, 2008
This car was designed as a Race car and it is very easy to tell. The car will still kick you in
the ass and it holds the road very well. You want a real review hit up youtube, there are
some amazing videos there.Feb 20, 2008
by Niels J
Jan 14, 2008
Great handeling, 2.0 liters engine, injektion(Einspritzung), 122 horsepower. The car is from '86 and has ABS. Also knowned as the "baby benz"Jan 14, 2008
by Marta U
Jan 10, 2008
My little Mercedes 190e back 3 years ago.
Hella headlights EURO, 2 12 inch Pioneers, and a Pioneer system all around. Red leather interior, automatic.Jan 10, 2008
1990 Mercedes-Benz 190-Class Pricing
Original MSRP
$31,850 to $31,850Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
