Mercedes-Benz
190 E 2.5-16 (W 201)

Why it matters

The 190 E 2.5-16 is the larger-engined successor to the 2.3-16, the sporting version of the compact W 201 saloon developed with Cosworth and aimed at touring-car homologation. Its 2,498 cc engine has four valves per cylinder and two overhead camshafts, and it produced 195 hp (204 hp in the non-catalyst version). The archive counts 5,743 cars from 1988 to 1993, and it was the basis for the Evolution models.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Photos

Exterior, interior and detail photos with their licences.

• Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 (W 201) (Wikimedia Commons: Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16)
  Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
• Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 (W 201) (Wikimedia Commons: Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16)
  Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0
• Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 (W 201) (Wikimedia Commons: Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16)
  Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The archive gives production from July 1988 to June 1993, with a launch price of DM 67,944 in September 1988 that rose in steps to DM 80,672.50 in January 1993. A four-speed automatic gearbox was an option alongside the standard five-speed manual.

Bonhams explains that the 16-valve cylinder heads were developed in Britain by Cosworth Engineering, that the car was conceived for motor sport and that the Evolution versions followed for DTM homologation. Auction catalogues note that the non-catalyst engine produced about 204 hp, roughly ten more than the catalyst version.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The archive type is 201.035 and the engine type is M 102 E 25/2 / 102.990. MB190e16v states that 16-valve chassis numbers begin 201034 (2.3-16), 201035 (2.5-16) and 201036 (Evolution I and II), that the engine number for the 2.5-16 begins 102990, and that the chassis number is stamped on the firewall in front of the battery and on the bonnet slam panel. The auction examples carry VINs WDB2010351F587277 and WDB 201035 1F 654558 9, and Bonhams lists engine number 102990 10 002015. The archive lists 7 J x 15 wheels with 205/55 ZR 15 tyres; MB190e16v adds the Fuchs forged 15-inch wheels and a 3.27:1 differential, which differs from the 3.07:1 given in the archive.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   190 E 2.5-16 / W 201 E 25/2, 1988 - 1993 (model page) Level A Mercedes-Benz AG, Mercedes-Benz Public Archive (Classic M@RS)

   • Units produced : 5743
   • Engine type : M 102 E 25/2 / 102.990 (Engine)
   • Configuration : front, longitudinal; vertical (Engine)
   • Number of cylinders / arrangement : 4 / in-line; 15° inclination to the right (Engine)
   • Total displacement : 2498 cc (Engine)
   • Bore x Stroke : 95.5 x 87.2 mm (Engine)
   • Compression ratio : 9.7 (Engine)
   • Number of valves / arrangement : 2 intake, 2 exhaust / V-shaped overhead (Engine)
   • Fuel system : Manifold injection, mechanically-electronically controlled (Bosch KE-Jetronic) (Engine)
   • Rated output : 195 hp / 143 kW (RÜF version: 204 hp / 150 kW) at 6750 rpm (Engine)
   • Rated torque : 235 Nm (RÜF version: 240 Nm) at 5000 - 5500 rpm (Engine)
   • Transmission type : change-speed gear (Transmission and Performance)
   • Gearing : 5-speed manual transmission (standard); 4-speed automatic transmission (optional) (Transmission and Performance)
   • Gear ratios : I. 4.08; II. 2.52; III. 1.77; IV. 1.26; V. 1.0; R. 4.16 (Transmission and Performance)
   • Final drive ratio : 3.07 (Transmission and Performance)
   • Driven wheels : Rear wheels (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Frame design : Steel unit body (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Front-wheel suspension : A-arm / shock-absorber strut (level control optional) (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Rear-wheel suspension : multilink suspension with hydropneumatic level control (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Brake system (foot brake) : hydraulic dual-circuit ... disc brakes front (internally ventilated) and rear (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Steering : Recirculating-ball power steering (Chassis and Drivetrain)
   • Wheelbase : 2665 mm (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Length : 4430 mm (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Width : 1706 mm (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Height : 1361 mm (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Front / rear track : 1446 / 1431 mm (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Kerb weight : 1300 kg (Dimensions and Weights)
   • Maximum speed : 235 km/h (Transmission and Performance)
   • Acceleration 0-100 km/h : 7.5 s (Transmission and Performance)
   • Fuel tank: position / capacity : above the rear axle / 70 l (Engine)

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Supercar Nostalgia – Mercedes-Benz W201 190 E 2.5-16 Level C

   • 5743 2.5-16 built

   Accessed 2026-11-12