5 Series E28 vs 190 W201: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E28 (1981–1988) vs Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 (1982–1993): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E28
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E28 | Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1981–1988 | 1982–1993 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 (520i) | 2.0 (190E) |
| Power, up to | 125 hp | 122 hp |
| Torque, up to | 165 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | manual |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 620 mm | 4 420 mm |
| Width | 1 700 mm | 1 678 mm |
| Height | 1 415 mm | 1 390 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 625 mm | 2 665 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E28
Pros
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1988, condition is everything
Mercedes-Benz 190 W201
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 1993, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E28 — if you care more about: power, fuel tank.
- 190 W201 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E28 or 190 W201?
5 Series E28: up to 125 hp, 190 W201: up to 122 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E28 — about 16 475 ₸, 190 W201 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
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