- Combustion principle: four-stroke Otto (with manifold-injection and supercharger with charge-air cooling; emission control device with 3-way catalyst)
- Configuration: front, longitudinal; vertical
- Engine type: M 111 E 20 ML EVO / 111.956
- Number of cylinders / arrangement: 4 / in-line; 15° inclination to the right
- Bore x Stroke: 89.9 x 78.7 mm
- Total displacement: 1998 cc
- Compression ratio: 9.5
- Rated output: 120 kW / 163 hp at 5300 rpm
- Rated torque: 230 Nm at 2500 - 4800 rpm
- Number of valves / arrangement: 2 intake, 2 exhaust / V-shaped overhead
- Valve operation: 2 overhead camshafts (intake camshaft adjustable)
- Camshaft drive: double roller chain
- Fuel system: microprocessor-controlled injection system with HFM (Siemens SIM 4 LE engine management) / supercharger with intercooling
- Fuel tank: position / capacity: in front of the rear axle / 62 l
- Frame design: steel unit body
- Front-wheel suspension: double wishbone
- Rear-wheel suspension: multilink suspension (hydropneumatic level control optional)
- Front springs: coil springs, torsion bar stabiliser
- Rear springs: coil springs, torsion bar stabiliser
- Shock absorber front/rear: gas-pressure shock absorbers
- Steering: recirculating-ball power steering
- Brake system (foot brake): hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with vacuum booster and antilock system, from 03.1997 with Brake Assist; disc brakes front (internally ventilated) and rear
- Parking brake (hand brake): mechanical (foot-operated), acting on rear wheels
- Wheels: sheet-steel wheels (light-alloy wheels optional)
- Wheel rims: 6 1/2 J x 15 H 2; with sports suspension: 7 J x 15 H 2
- Tires: 195/65 R 15 91 V; with sports suspension: 205/60 R 15 91 V
- Driven wheels: rear wheels
- Drivetrain: divided cardan shaft
- Gearing: 6-speed manual transmission
- Availibility: as standard
- Shifting: central floor gear shift lever
- Clutch: dry single-disc clutch
- Transmission type: change-speed gear
- Gear ratios: I. 4.46; II. 2.61; III. 1.72; IV. 1.25; V. 1.0; VI. 0.84; R. 4.06
- Final drive ratio: 3.46
- Maximum speed: 215 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.3 s
- Fuel consumption: 13.2 / 7.2 / 9.4 l
- by Guideline: 93/116/EC; figures apply to City (urban) / EUDC (extra-urban) / NEDC (New European Driving Cycle, average from <36.8%> City and <63.2%> EUDC)
- Gearing: 5-speed automatic transmission
- Availibility: optional
- Shifting: central floor gear shift lever
- Clutch: hydraulic torque converter with lock-up clutch (governed)
- Transmission type: planetary gear system
- Gear ratios: I. 3.93; II. 2.41; III. 1.49; IV. 1.0; V. 0.83; R. 3.10
- Final drive ratio: 3.27
- Maximum speed: 212 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.8 s
- Fuel consumption: 13.7 / 7.2 / 9.5 l
- by Guideline: 93/116/EC; figures apply to City (urban) / EUDC (extra-urban) / NEDC (New European Driving Cycle, average from <36.8%> City and <63.2%> EUDC)
- Wheelbase: 2690 mm
- Front / rear track: 1499 / 1464 mm ("Esprit", "Sport": 1505 / 1469 mm
- Length: 4516 mm
- Width: 1723 mm
- Height: 1460 mm ("Esprit", "Sport": 1431 mm)
- Kerb weight: 1475 kg
- by Guideline: EC 92/21 (including driver, 68 kg, and baggage, 7 kg; tank 90 % full)
- Gross weight: 1955 kg
- Units produced: 4,605
- Prices: 04.2000: DM 55,332.00