1988 Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201, facelift 1988) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) ranges from 1690 mm to 1720 mm, which is about 66.5 to 67.7 inches. This relatively narrow width helps the car stay agile in traffic and makes parking easier, yet it still offers adequate shoulder room for passengers, providing a comfortable cabin space for a compact executive sedan of its era.

The height of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) varies between 1342 mm and 1375 mm (approximately 52.8 to 54.1 inches). This moderate height contributes to good aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining sufficient headroom for front and rear passengers. The slightly lower roof compared to earlier sedans underscores the W201's sporty yet practical design ethos.

The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) ranges from 1160 kg to 1340 kg (around 2557 to 2954 pounds), while its maximum weight capacity is between 1660 kg and 1840 kg (3661 to 4056 pounds). These weights reflect the variation in engine configurations, trim levels, and optional equipment. The maximum weight includes passengers and cargo, ensuring a reliable load capacity for typical sedan usage.

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) generally fits comfortably within a standard residential garage. Given its length of up to 4543 mm (178.7 inches), width up to 1720 mm (67.7 inches), and height up to 1375 mm (54.1 inches), it is compact enough to fit within typical garage dimensions, which usually measure about 2.4 to 3 meters (7.9 to 9.8 feet) wide and 5 to 6 meters (16.4 to 19.7 feet) long. Its size facilitates easy storage without requiring specialized garage space.

The luggage capacity of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) is 410 liters (approximately 14.5 cubic feet). This capacity is sufficient for daily commuting, grocery runs, and moderate travel luggage. It offers useful trunk space for a compact executive sedan of that time, balancing passenger comfort with cargo utility. The trunk is well-shaped for accommodating standard suitcases or shopping bags.

Compared to the original Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) introduced before the 1988 facelift, the facelifted version maintained very similar overall dimensions but introduced slight tweaks in length, width, and height depending on the specific model and trim. These minor dimension changes improved aerodynamics and styling without moving significantly away from the well-established compact executive sedan size. The facelift focused more on design refinements and technological upgrades than size increase.

When compared with contemporaries like the BMW 3 Series E30 and Audi 80 of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) closely matches their sizes. Its length around 4.4 to 4.5 meters, width about 1.69 to 1.72 meters, and height near 1.34 to 1.38 meters place it squarely within the compact executive sedan segment. Each of these models focused on combining maneuverability, interior space, and premium appeal, with the 190 being noted for its solid build quality and conservative dimensions.

Standard rim sizes for the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) range from 6J x 15 inches to 8.25J x 17 inches. Tire sizes available include 205/55 R15, 185/65 R15, 245/40 ZR17, and 225/50 R16, offering a range of options that balance comfort, handling, and sporty performance. These sizes ensured the car could suit different driving preferences and road conditions while maintaining stable performance.

The Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201 facelift 1988) has a maximum roof load capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs). This means it can safely carry items such as roof boxes, luggage carriers, or sports equipment like bicycles when properly mounted. This load limit is typical for sedans of its class, ensuring the structural integrity of the roof and vehicle handling remain uncompromised.