Tell me about the W201 1987 190D 2.5T
 

I've been shopping around for the 1993 300D and ran across some nice looking 1987 190D 2.5 Turbo. I'm interested in that body style. Its a little older but there's more to choose from.

I wish that there is a link that talks about the pros and cons of each popular models, are there ?

- Can anyone chime in on the pros and cons of this model ?
- Is the turbo the only way to go because the non-turbo is so slow ?
- Is 87 the last year ?
- Still get parts ?

I like the smaller body, better MPG, more availability. Heard its more nimble on the road.

i drive one.
pros- very quick, very nimble, easy to work on.
cons- small gas tank (13 or 14 gallons only)
87 was the only year
yes, parts are just as easy to get as any MB

Is the non-turbo a lot slower ?

never drove one sorry but i am sure there are specs out there you can look up.

No I owned a 86 with a 602 n/a with a 5 speed manual and it was fun to drive not fast but not slow either very good mileage 40 highway 34 city

So the turbo has 120 hp and the non has 93. Sounds like it should be a stick shift if not a turbo model.

Coming from a W123 I find working on a W201 to be a bit irritating. It is so BLEEP small. Everything is crammed in there and it is a lot lower down on the ground...

The quality of the original parts isn't as nice. There's a lot of flimsy stuff on a W201 - I don't feel the quality in this car.

It took a long time to find one that I thought wasn't rusty but it turned out to be rusty anyway

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/339336-w201-test-drive-fun-games-trying-buy-car.html

{^^^ link to W201 buyer's guide in that thread}

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/341121-achtung-das-schweinhund-baby-benz-thread.html

I reckon a turbo diesel engine would make the little chap fly along though - it would be more fun than my piddly little petrol engine

If you are a tall chap then I'd go for a test drive and see if you fit in the car - I feel a little bit self conscious driving in this little roller skate of a thing - I feel a bit like Brutus (from Popeye) on a tricycle.

I've got a '85 W201 2.2 n/a with auto and a '87 2.5 turbo with manual and like them both. The turbo will get me speeding tickets if I don't watch it. The 2.2 really needs a 5th gear as its got plenty of top end grunt but spins too high at highway speeds for my tastes. I really like the size and driving feel of the W201 platform. Never been in a car with such a tight turning radius.

I have had several W201's, always upgrading until I now own a very nice one. It's a '93 190E car that has been converted to a 2.5Turbo engine from an '87 and a 5-speed from an '85-ish car.

My 2 cents - only buy a W201 if it is completely rust free. If it has rust around the jack points or in the footwells, don't buy it - wait until you find one that is rust free.

Everything else simply bolts on, but the main unibody must be rust free and straight. When you have that as a basis, you can have a really fantastic car.

Steve.

87 2.5 Turbo is very rare, 5-sp would be rarer.
 

I like my 1984 190D 2.2 N/A 5-speed. Absolutely rust free California car, everything works including A/C, cruise control and remote keyless entry. Engine is strong and is a fun little car. The W201 is over-engineered by historical standard and is well built. It is my half DD as the other half is a 300SDL. One thing I find is that the W201 styling is modem looking and no one can tell it is a 29+ years old car. Unlike the W123, which is a good car but is dated. Never try a turbo 190D 5-sp but I bet it will be more fun relative to mine.

also, i want to add that going from 60mph to 80mph when the accelerator is depressed is just breathtaking. maybe it is just the nature of the diesel motor and the turbo.

from 0mph to 40mph is pretty weak though.

Is there a resource somewhere that gives a price range of these cars? Broken down into "poor" "fair" "good" "excellent" "creampuff".
Tried KBB and their site does not go past 1995 I think.

For the US of A

Mercedes-Benz W201 190 turns 30 | Hemmings Daily

The UK has several price guides at your local newsagent!

Why was the turbo diesel only offered for one year?

The NA is faster than your 240D :P.