190E - 2.0 or 2.6?

[grayb]

A question for those with experience of the W201 190E. If you had a choice, would you go for the 2.0 or the 2.6? And why?

Itching ignition key fingers...

 

[A.J.]

My first MB was a 190E 2.0 Auto back in 1993. I loved that car, it was hewn from stone and was easily the best car that I had up to that date. The only thing looking back was that it was a very sluggish cat possibly due to the weight of the thing. I would love another one and would probably go for the 2.6 but would be equally happy with the 2.0

 

[LostKiwi]

2.6 all day long.
There's no replacement for displacement as the Americans say.

I'd also expect the 2.6 to be rarer than the 2.0 so will retain/increase in value better plus a 6 cylinder always feels nicer than a 4.

 

[DSK]

The 190 is great proper Mercedes. I've driven the Cosworths but only a diesel in non Cosworth guise.

I'd echo @LostKiwi . Plus, you will probably have around an extra 40ish bhp in the 2.6 over the 2.0, which, in a light car will be tangible.

 

[aybracers]

Had both and 2.3/2.5-16V. It is worth considering the extra weight over the front wheels on the 2.6. Plus the torque peak on the 2.6 is quite high. A nice loose medium mileage 2.0 can be just as responsive as a town driven low mileage 2.6. Also 2.6 prices are getting silly now as were 16 valvers 10 years ago

 

[grayb]

Thanks for your comments, guys. Alex Foti had already mentioned the weight of the M103 engine to me. We will keep an open mind on both, I think, as we look. Some of the 2.0's are only £1500 less than a 2.6, so it's might not be much of a saving.

 

[A.J.]

Somebody on another place found this little gem

Kass Classics n Autos used cars in North Yorkshire

POA, 1988 - 99000 miles - Petrol, Auto - Grey Colour - - Owners - Call us on

www.kassclassicsautos.co.uk

 

[grayb]

Somebody on another place found this little gem

Kass Classics n Autos used cars in North Yorkshire

POA, 1988 - 99000 miles - Petrol, Auto - Grey Colour - - Owners - Call us on

www.kassclassicsautos.co.uk

Hmm. A bit more money than we fancied. We've also looked a couple now and are wondering if something older would be more what we want...

 

[DREAMER NO2]

I have the M103 2.6 but my self i think the 2.3 a better engine for the 190E The 2.3 is a little more advanced .

 

[grayb]

I have the M103 2.6 but my self i think the 2.3 a better engine for the 190E The 2.3 is a little more advanced .

If by the 2.3 you mean the 16 valve 'Cosworth', then those are rather more money than we are thinking of spending. As far as I know, those were the only 2.3 engines used in UK 190s.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Hmm. A bit more money than we fancied. We've also looked a couple now and are wondering if something older would be more what we want...

I'll bring the W123 in next time

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Gray are you sure about that most 190E were 2.3 just used the old W123 engine.... the 2ltr was an odd ball with parts for the engine side hard to come by as well as information . Cosworth just hotted up the engine of the 2.3 .

 

[LostKiwi]

Gray are you sure about that most 190E were 2.3 just used the old W123 engine.... the 2ltr was an odd ball with parts for the engine side hard to come by as well as information . Cosworth just hotted up the engine of the 2.3 .

The 2.3 is far less common than the 1.8 or 2.0
I've seen more 2.6s than 2 3s!

 

[grayb]

The 2.3 is far less common than the 1.8 or 2.0
I've seen more 2.6s than 2 3s!

'190 2.0 carb engine has 90 bhp, 1.8 injection 113 bhp, 2.0 injection 122 bhp. Was a 136 bhp 2.3 injection in Europe, LHD only.'

https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/mercedes-benz/190-w201/buying/

I have never seen a 'cooking' 2.3, which isn't to say they don't exist of course.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The 2.6 IL6 gives the car that something special. I experienced my first taste of MB motoring in a 190e 2.6 can still remember the refinement of that engine now

 

[LostKiwi]

'190 2.0 carb engine has 90 bhp, 1.8 injection 113 bhp, 2.0 injection 122 bhp. Was a 136 bhp 2.3 injection in Europe, LHD only.'

https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/mercedes-benz/190-w201/buying/

I have never seen a 'cooking' 2.3, which isn't to say they don't exist of course.

The 2.3 was originally North America only and latterly (1985 onwards?) Europe as well.

 

[DREAMER NO2]

If i am right 2.3 is made in both SOHC the other is DOHC .