Miniature of a head gasket for Mercedes M102

Mercedes M102 Keychain

The Mercedes M102 is the inline-four that defined a generation of Youngtimers. From the early 1980s it powered the 190E (W201) and 200E/230E (W124, late W123), combining a cast-iron block, alloy head, single overhead cam and eight valves—plus the famous Cosworth-designed DOHC head on the 16-valve models. Our keychain reproduces the distinctive head-gasket outline as a finely scaled miniature—at first glance understated, at second glance a clear nod to three-point-star insiders.

Outputs spanned from 1.8 and 2.0-liter 190Es to the torquier 2.3, and the halo 2.3-16 and 2.5-16 with genuine DTM pedigree. Most 8-valves used Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) mechanical-electronic injection, often with catalytic converters; the 16-valves added compression, aggressive cams, freer exhaust and that signature high-rev character. In a light W201 chassis the M102 delivers a balanced mix of refinement, authenticity and real-world pace that made these cars daily legends.

Longevity is excellent with proper maintenance. Community topics include cold-start and idle quality (accumulator, idle valve, EHA), hunting down vacuum leaks, distributor cap/rotor care, and timing chain/guides at higher mileage. Minor head seepage can appear with age and is typically cured with fresh gaskets. Popular 8V tweaks are accurate KE-Jet tuning, tubular headers and a mild cam; on 16V engines, headers, hotter cams, optimized airboxes, ITBs and ECU calibration are common—always mindful of emissions and historic registration rules where applicable.

Motorsport heritage amplifies the appeal: 190E 2.3-16/2.5-16 cars wrote touring-car history and made dogleg Getrag 5-speeds, LSDs and Nürburgring lore part of the myth. That blend of everyday usability and race-bred charisma is exactly what this keychain celebrates. Gift it to a 190E/200E/230E devotee—or keep it for yourself if you cherish the era of angular Benz Youngtimers. First glance: clean and premium. Second glance: an insider signal that sparks conversations at meets, fuel stops or in the garage.

Proudly crafted in Germany, meticulously detailed and finely finished for a refined in-hand feel paired with a premium brushed surface.