Cheap Mercedes-Benz 190E Bonnet Strut

The Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201, produced 1982–1993) does not use gas-filled bonnet struts — it uses a manual prop rod to hold the bonnet open, which slots into a holder on the engine bay side. There is no bonnet strut fitted to any variant of the 190E, regardless of engine or trim level. If your bonnet is not staying up, you are most likely looking for a replacement bonnet prop rod or its retaining clip rather than a strut.

Because the W201 190E uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, the part you need is the bonnet stay rod (sometimes listed as a bonnet prop or bonnet support rod) and possibly the rubber grommet or clip that holds it in place. These are straightforward parts and most Mercedes breakers who deal in 190E stock should be able to help. Search for 'W201 bonnet stay rod' or 'Mercedes 190E bonnet prop' when getting quotes through Findapart.

The 190E was designed from the factory with a prop rod system only, so fitting a gas strut would require fabrication of mounting points that do not exist on the bonnet or body — this is not a straightforward swap and is not a used OEM part fitment question. If you want your bonnet to stay up reliably, sourcing a good used prop rod and ensuring the retaining clip is intact is the correct and simplest route. A Mercedes breaker can advise on the condition of used prop rods they have available.

No — the bonnet prop rod design was used across all W201 190E variants, including the performance 2.3-16 and 2.5-16 Cosworth models, regardless of specification or trim level. There is no variant of the 190E that left the factory with gas bonnet struts. The part you need remains the bonnet stay rod, whichever version of the car you have.