Thank you, this video brought back some great memories. As a Canadian Soldier, my wife and I were posted to Germany from 1986 to 1992. I have great memories of spending Sunday mornings driving on the B500 through the Black Forest. It seemed that the only drivers on the road were enthusiast like myself. We drove a moderately modified 1987 VW Scirocco 16 valve. The other cars were anything from stock to highly modified Mercedes, BMW’s, Audi’s , Porsches. You name and it was there. The best thing was that all drivers were driving quite aggressively but yet were also considerate. In the last few yrs in Germany there a lot of the 190’s and even saw a few heavily modified 190’s with full custom body kits and engine mods. Oh man those were great times. Thanks for the memories.
Always enjoy a good article in video form. Being able to dig up not just old photos but race footage really adds an extra layer of appreciation for the cars being talked about.
I used to own one in white and freaking loved that thing, despite all the problems it gave me, it was my baby and I still miss it almost 20 years later!
This is the golden era, a lorry driver, not paying attention ploughed into us. Sent us forward into two cars ahead on impact and my brother and I, barely teens were unscathed. We owe our lives/lack of injury to the engineering prowess of the time. Means a lot you’re reporting out of you wheelhouse preference 😊
Having and tracking bmw e30 myself, went with swaps already and other mods and im never done with it, but whenever i see a good 190E let alone evo look, i am stunned and i just crave that i own at the very least any 190E. Such a beautiful car.
Hey Mike, your video production, story telling, and fabrication teaching is always top notch quality. I don't think anyone will complain about a verity of different content. I'm mainly here for the builds, but ill gladly watch it all. Whatever helps you pay for parts/cars. I get it... Lastly, I Really appreciate the quality audio on all of your videos. I know you mentioned this early on in the channel, but I've really started to notice the difference from others. The extra effort here is appreciated, since I'll usually rewatch videos on my TV. Thank you, sir
Seeing this close up was a real treat. Don’t make the channel all about other cars, but this totally resonated with me and I’m game for more like it on occasion!
Haven’t watched yet, but got the notification and can’t agree more. Love E30s more than just about anything ever put on the road, but the 190e is just a gorgeous car. Edit: Watched it and love this format. Would love to see more of this type of content from you.
When I worked for MB a dealer invited me to have a coffee and a chat, first floor of his dealership had his personnal collection, he had 2 EVO2's and my jaw dropped when I saw them. Sadly couldn't drive them. It's not that he didn't want me to , issue was the Gulwing blocking the exit of the first floor entrance. What a problem to have!
My parents had an '86 190E 2.3 16 when I was growing up that replaced my mom's E30. I still miss it today. Although I still remember my dad grumbling about trying to find parts for it when it needed maintence.
More of this please, Mike! Love the format and history lessons. Reminds me of Jason Cammisa’s work a bit and I think we all could use more content like this in the YT car world. It’s not all “build build build”, we need to get out and stay inspired, too!
Thanks for doing this video, Mike. I had the privilege of being able to spend time alone with an Evo II a couple years ago, with no one around, as a part of a private collection tour. Man are they low when the suspension is in full race mode! I knew I was experiencing something special, just sitting in it rowing through gears (with the engine off). This video just made that experience even more special.
I still can't understand why some people hate BMW just because they like Mercedes or hate Mercedes because they like BMW As a real car guy I'm in love with every single car in this world 😂😂😂😂
I love the 190 evo cars and old Mercedes in general. I'd definitely love to see some of this type of content sprinkled into your content. You are such a great story teller, so it would be great to see you highlight some interesting cars and automotive stories.
4:45 breathtaking red color and appearance. Top notch video. I've got no DTM powertrain, still enjoy these videos. W201's may be old, but lack no soul. At all. ❤
Mike I think both you and I were born a few years too late… but I’m glad we share the same appreciation and love for 2 of the most legendary touring cars to ever be made
When I was about 14 my dad and I took his 911SC to a track weekend at mid-ohio race track. It was 1990. Lots of Porsche's, but only 2 E30 M3's and this lonely 190E EVO I, WITH THIS BIG HUGE WING ON THE BACK! With everyone running on track I would time cars and write them down for people throughout the day. The M3 and the EVO were running tenths apart all weekend. As a reward I got to ride some hot laps on Sunday afternoon, back to back in both cars. One of the best rides I have ever had. These two guys were racing each other around trying to out do each other. It was great! I will remember that until I go off into the wild blue yonder! Too bad that you could not at least drive down the street and back...
Such a beautiful car. I would love to turn back time and bring the spirit of DTM racing back on the racetracks and into the headquarters of big automotive manufacturers.
Driving the 190e in assetto corsa caused me to buy a W201 as my daily 5 years ago. Havent regreted it. The reliabilty, driveabilty and quality are top notch. Over my ownership i spend only 6k€ on it, that includes buying the car, maintance, repairs and insurance/tax Even a normal ass W201 is an amazing car already
Been a true grey market fanatic of BMW & MBZ since '80s. Followed DTM since 80s. In late '80s, friends and I owned and drove M3's, MBZ 16v's, 2002 tii, Bauer Cabriolets...back in the Hartge BMW days,...the most unique and rare for me was and is the MBZ 16v. More people knew about BMWs, not as many knew what was up with the 16v MBZ. DTM for Life!! Nuthin but love for both, just personal fav. Enjoy all! Incredible vid! Thank you.
Die hard old school BMW fan here but this is probably one of the coolest Mercedes ever built. Older European cars just have a certain feel to them and I'm sure the 190 is no exception.
Hearing you talk about the things that you are passionate about is what keeps us (at least me) coming back. Whether that’s a 190e or four different revisions of Ferrari control arms. Keep sharing what you want to share… this seems like a great way to diversify that channel and bring in a wider variety of viewers.
Win on Sunday- sell on Monday- Worked for the US automakers in NASCAR and worked for Mercedes in DTM. The 190 D was the classic family sedan and taxicab sold to the middle class in Germany.
This is by far my favourite car ever. The sreet version is just perfect. I'm in the process of buying a small "baby benz" right now. Small enging, a little over 100 HP and perfectly shaped like every W201
I mean compared to the rest of the story behind the 190E Cosworth's role was rather minor. Not to slight your country but there are better examples of sick British engineering throughout automotive history, like Lotus building a Corvette engine, or Lotus making a 90s Hellcat used to ram raid shops because the police couldn't catch it (talking of course about the Lotus Carlton).
I got a drive in my friend's father's Mercedes 190 2.3 16V Cosworth Series 1 in it's day. I knew I was in a special car and was actually interested in the noise it would make going through a tunnel. My friend's had never asked his father or shown any interest in any of his cars, so from that day on the father always stopped by my house to take me for a ride without his son and told me not to tell him ! I never did. It was a great car.
I'm definitely gonna say yes to more like this on occasion. You're good with showing the process of building a car, but also a great presenter in general. Plus your particular interests in cars mirror my own which is a huge plus for me watching. Keep up the great work mate
I was working at a Mercedes-Benz only shop when the 190E debuted. We thought it was cheap and cheesy (it got better when the later 2.6 version arrived). But the game-changer was the 16 valve with that rev-happy engine, bigger brakes, amazing seats, and firmer suspension. Our shop foreman test drive one and said you could roll over a coin and tell what year it was. We were all disappointed when the Evolution didn't come stateside.
Love this era of race trim Euro sedans. I have 2 Volvo 1996 850R trimmed turbos, one sedan and one Estate. The look and stance from that time as well as the the attitude these cars have is exciting to me. Cheers for stepping out of the box for this video.
@@briangriffith3985 The sway bars are not adjustable, not even manually. The only thing that is adjustable is the height of the hydropneumatic suspension. In three positions. It is the same one that the Evo1 have. And it is also the same one that anyone who has chosen the complete SLS front mounts. and behind that it was an option for the 2.3 16 and 2.5 16. Although in the Evo the springs are a little shorter and harder than in the 2.3 and 2.5. It is not a sports suspension and it is the greatest handicap compared to the M3 E30 at the time to sportsmanship.But the thing is that the Mercedes of the 80s, even if they were Evos, had to be Mercedes. They left sportsmanship only for the races. Only 30 years later with the Black Series they were a little more encouraged
Agreed- that this Evo2 is the cooler looking car. In period I kept flipping back and forth on the looks of the M and evo2; and remember seeing one on the street (probably it was some kind of grey market car). It was just wild and awesome looking to have cruise on the street in SF in the late 80’s.
I have seen one in person during a cars and coffee and just like you was in awe that this was a road going production car. Truly a remarkable and special car. Please more videos like these, love seeing these cars in detail
Really nice video. I love history videos like this. And I'm a big DTM fan. The last generation DTM cars of the 90's, the W220 and the Alfa Romeo 155 are my favorites!! Would love to see a video with those. Keep on your great work! It's inspiring 🤘🏼
Man if you find a car you find cool, Make a video. Theirs no question that many of us will happily sit and enjoy it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who can honestly say your narration is so entertaining and interesting. If you also had fun making this video Mike then Id say create monthly specials, deep dives into historic racing cars , the history on them , builds , tails/story’s and anything else that may also interest you. I’ll watch every single one.
Absolutely loved the video on the Mercedes Benz 190 Evo2! It's always fascinating to hear and see the history behind such special cars. I'd definitely enjoy more content like this. However, the real gem for me is peeking into the projects in the workshop. Every Friday evening, I settle down and draw a massive amount of inspiration from your content for my next projects. Keep up the fantastic work - it's fuel for creativity!
Mike, your art of showcasing cars, your narration it’s just the salt and pepper on a fried egg… doesn’t go without. Well I grew up in Germany and have seen the DTM cars live, in fact, I saw Senna winning this inaugural 190 2.3 race…. Back in the days a ticket on the start and finish straight at the Nuerburgring GP Track cost 100 dautsch mark…. Well now you know I’m a dinosaur, but auto is my one true love! Thank you for providing outstanding automotive content, and thank you for forcing me out of my box when you announced…. i widebody a 308 and put a Honda engine in, priceless, saw you buying this beauty of a 308 and got to work. Episode 1! EPIC Mike!
The 190E Evo cars are also some of my favorites. It’s great to get your opinion on cars like this/of this vintage and I really like all the history that helps support the “why” of why this thing is cool.
I was a kid when I took a ride in an used 190e evo II for sale in the south of France. My brother is car guy and in the 90s he test drove a lot of sport car for sale in dealerships. He was broke but pretending to be interested, bringing our mother and his young brother was doing the job 😂. I have very limited memories of thoses cars (and bikes) but the evo II and he first generation STI are strong memories
As a life-long BMW fanatic, could not agree more with Mike on his assessment of the 190E Evo II. Such a super-cool machine. Love everything about it, except the fact I will never be able to afford one...lol.
My profile picture says it all. I’ve had my 190E 2.6 for 3 years now and it’s a great daily driver. As a modern classic it’s very cheap to insure. I’m just waiting another 4 very long years before it’s ULEZ, CC & Road Tax free. BTW, the picture was taken on Christmas Day 2023, when I could roam London by cleaning the air without paying £12.50 😁.
I remember, as a kid, I had a huge poster on my wall of a 190E. The spectacular looks and its full name on the full width of the 1.5 meter wide poster: Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II Next to BMW M3 that was quite the name. DTM stole my heart just like the 190E evo 2, M3, Alfa 155, Opel Calibra, etc. Nice video. Looking forward to more of this 👌🏻
Love it. My family knew a few group A drivers in the day, and I recall is spending track time watching these great cars. Fyi, that es 30 in the background is my dream
I'd like to start by saying, this was a very exciting, passionate, and genuinely enjoyable "walk around"/ "bio". I was kinda meh during my first initial foray into this bros channel, but his seemingly genuine passion and interest in very iconic " fashion forward " taste in subject matter. ANYWAYS, I won't complain if you produce some films in this style! Be easy everyone.
I would love to see you do other in depth discussions of other vehicles like this, especially because you can bring your accrued fabrication and vehicle design expertise to the table.
I have owned a couple E30’s over the years (never an M car though), and have always loved the 190e as well. I’m also a big Porsche snob (my dad raced Porsches for Club, SCCA, and even a little bit of IMSA) and always had a couple 911’s tucked away in the garage or barn. The main thing I would love about getting chance to own or even just drive a 190e is that gearbox!!! Can’t remember what car I had as a kid that had a dog leg but I lived it. The car was nothing special (might have even been an Saturn or something like that)…. But I LOVED the dog leg…
I am a big fan of both E30 and the 190's, but as you said, there is just something special about the 190 Evo. Love them. Love this type of content as well. 🤙
Absolutely dig the content/machine Mike!!!! Especially the backstory and in depth racing history you provided while showcasing this classic gem! Much appreciated sir and definitely look forward to more episodes like this in the future. Keep up the great work bro.
How cool it would be if these still were sold new today... If you ever want to see a whole bunch of them; You should visit the yearly Techno Classica in Essen, Germany. I stop at the 190 Evo with "Senna" lettering each year. What a car. (coming from a BMW driver)
I currently own an e30 M3 and I've driven a US Cossy and both are fantastic cars to drive. The US Cossy was unfortunately neutered in the States, but handling and feel was fantastic and easily on par with the M3. Now, working on either car the e30 easily beats out the 190e. The antiquated engine and chassis harness (yes it is a single unit), the welded front subframe, the shifter gear linkages, etc. all make for 190e to be an absolute pain in the ASS to work on. I helped a buddy pull a 16 -valve out of a parts car and we ended up hacking the radiator support off after several hours of frustration to get the engine and transmission out (the body was rusted out...chill). Now, Sport Evo vs Evo II I would definitely pick the Evo II on aesthetics, but the Sport Evo for not causing me unneeded PTSD when working on it. Great video Mike! Keep up the good work.
i love those 190e... almost 40 years old and the styling has held on point... i was looking at buying one of two (for sale) 190e in wa at the time i bought my e28. we got screwed over as all the usa versions came with automatics.
Thank you, this video brought back some great memories. As a Canadian Soldier, my wife and I were posted to Germany from 1986 to 1992. I have great memories of spending Sunday mornings driving on the B500 through the Black Forest. It seemed that the only drivers on the road were enthusiast like myself. We drove a moderately modified 1987 VW Scirocco 16 valve. The other cars were anything from stock to highly modified Mercedes, BMW’s, Audi’s , Porsches. You name and it was there. The best thing was that all drivers were driving quite aggressively but yet were also considerate. In the last few yrs in Germany there a lot of the 190’s and even saw a few heavily modified 190’s with full custom body kits and engine mods. Oh man those were great times. Thanks for the memories.
Vin was wrong, Mike isn't a big Ferrari guy... he is a big Mercedes guy now hehehe
Just a car guy deep down...very legit person
Reverse Hamilton
Gay
Lets goooo 190E is so sick, a guy on my street owns one and it's a joy to look at.
That's great
This is one of my all-time grail cars. Incredible.
Please accept this comment as a reason to do more videos like this
Always enjoy a good article in video form. Being able to dig up not just old photos but race footage really adds an extra layer of appreciation for the cars being talked about.
I used to own one in white and freaking loved that thing, despite all the problems it gave me, it was my baby and I still miss it almost 20 years later!
Winningest is the correct word to use, in fact I’d say it is 200% correct here. Just had to get that out of the way.
I've always loved these 190E and all the variants...look fantastic still, timeless and executed perfectly...I'd take one over any new Benz today
I thought he bought this instead of the M1 😅
Looking forward to the video on the M1!
So he bought an M1 confirmed?
Me2. I was actually disappointed.
@@gontzi7if you watched the Q&A video. He “hinted” at it, but basically admitted it straight out.
Dude, you're not supposed to mention whats in the box.....
😂
This is the golden era, a lorry driver, not paying attention ploughed into us. Sent us forward into two cars ahead on impact and my brother and I, barely teens were unscathed. We owe our lives/lack of injury to the engineering prowess of the time. Means a lot you’re reporting out of you wheelhouse preference 😊
Having and tracking bmw e30 myself, went with swaps already and other mods and im never done with it, but whenever i see a good 190E let alone evo look, i am stunned and i just crave that i own at the very least any 190E. Such a beautiful car.
Hey Mike, your video production, story telling, and fabrication teaching is always top notch quality. I don't think anyone will complain about a verity of different content. I'm mainly here for the builds, but ill gladly watch it all. Whatever helps you pay for parts/cars. I get it...
Lastly, I Really appreciate the quality audio on all of your videos. I know you mentioned this early on in the channel, but I've really started to notice the difference from others. The extra effort here is appreciated, since I'll usually rewatch videos on my TV.
Thank you, sir
Seeing this close up was a real treat. Don’t make the channel all about other cars, but this totally resonated with me and I’m game for more like it on occasion!
Haven’t watched yet, but got the notification and can’t agree more. Love E30s more than just about anything ever put on the road, but the 190e is just a gorgeous car.
Edit: Watched it and love this format. Would love to see more of this type of content from you.
When I worked for MB a dealer invited me to have a coffee and a chat, first floor of his dealership had his personnal collection, he had 2 EVO2's and my jaw dropped when I saw them. Sadly couldn't drive them. It's not that he didn't want me to , issue was the Gulwing blocking the exit of the first floor entrance. What a problem to have!
My parents had an '86 190E 2.3 16 when I was growing up that replaced my mom's E30. I still miss it today. Although I still remember my dad grumbling about trying to find parts for it when it needed maintence.
More of this please, Mike! Love the format and history lessons. Reminds me of Jason Cammisa’s work a bit and I think we all could use more content like this in the YT car world. It’s not all “build build build”, we need to get out and stay inspired, too!
Glad to see I'm not the only Jason Cammisa fan here, love his work for Hagerty and his podcast with Derek is fantastic as well.
Loved this one mate. Your content and how you bring it to us is so professional and detailed. Many thanks and keep it up. 😉👌🏼🇦🇺🏁
90’s motorsports was where it’s at and sadly I don’t think will ever return
Blame the FIA for it.
Group-A like regulations need to come back.
@@v4skunk739 80s
80s early 90s
Thanks for doing this video, Mike. I had the privilege of being able to spend time alone with an Evo II a couple years ago, with no one around, as a part of a private collection tour. Man are they low when the suspension is in full race mode! I knew I was experiencing something special, just sitting in it rowing through gears (with the engine off). This video just made that experience even more special.
Oooh that glimpse of the Alfa SZ 😍 But awesome episode Mike, loved it!
I still can't understand why some people hate BMW just because they like Mercedes or hate Mercedes because they like BMW
As a real car guy I'm in love with every single car in this world 😂😂😂😂
I love the 190 evo cars and old Mercedes in general. I'd definitely love to see some of this type of content sprinkled into your content. You are such a great story teller, so it would be great to see you highlight some interesting cars and automotive stories.
The C36 AMG was another iconic 90s MBZ. Love E30s.
4:45 breathtaking red color and appearance. Top notch video. I've got no DTM powertrain, still enjoy these videos. W201's may be old, but lack no soul. At all. ❤
Mike I think both you and I were born a few years too late… but I’m glad we share the same appreciation and love for 2 of the most legendary touring cars to ever be made
When I was about 14 my dad and I took his 911SC to a track weekend at mid-ohio race track. It was 1990. Lots of Porsche's, but only 2 E30 M3's and this lonely 190E EVO I, WITH THIS BIG HUGE WING ON THE BACK!
With everyone running on track I would time cars and write them down for people throughout the day. The M3 and the EVO were running tenths apart all weekend. As a reward I got to ride some hot laps on Sunday afternoon, back to back in both cars. One of the best rides I have ever had. These two guys were racing each other around trying to out do each other. It was great! I will remember that until I go off into the wild blue yonder!
Too bad that you could not at least drive down the street and back...
Such a beautiful car.
I would love to turn back time and bring the spirit of DTM racing back on the racetracks and into the headquarters of big automotive manufacturers.
Driving the 190e in assetto corsa caused me to buy a W201 as my daily 5 years ago.
Havent regreted it. The reliabilty, driveabilty and quality are top notch. Over my ownership i spend only 6k€ on it, that includes buying the car, maintance, repairs and insurance/tax
Even a normal ass W201 is an amazing car already
I’m a BMW guy, have and have had many older models, but I’d agree the 190E Evo 2 is way cooler.
It’s so rare…
Been a true grey market fanatic of BMW & MBZ since '80s. Followed DTM since 80s. In late '80s, friends and I owned and drove M3's, MBZ 16v's, 2002 tii, Bauer Cabriolets...back in the Hartge BMW days,...the most unique and rare for me was and is the MBZ 16v. More people knew about BMWs, not as many knew what was up with the 16v MBZ. DTM for Life!! Nuthin but love for both, just personal fav. Enjoy all! Incredible vid! Thank you.
My parents had a lowered 190 with some mechanical issue making it shoot flames every so often. As a 7 year old I absolutely loved that car!
Die hard old school BMW fan here but this is probably one of the coolest Mercedes ever built. Older European cars just have a certain feel to them and I'm sure the 190 is no exception.
I have a 91 190 E, 2.6 engine, 140 K. I love it.
Had a couple of 190E - one with the evo seats. Fantastic to drive and sit in. Missing it to this day 😢
Hearing you talk about the things that you are passionate about is what keeps us (at least me) coming back. Whether that’s a 190e or four different revisions of Ferrari control arms. Keep sharing what you want to share… this seems like a great way to diversify that channel and bring in a wider variety of viewers.
Having just got into motorsports and cars I love this kind of look into the past. Seeing cars from past eras is so fucking cool.
Win on Sunday- sell on Monday- Worked for the US automakers in NASCAR and worked for Mercedes in DTM. The 190 D was the classic family sedan and taxicab sold to the middle class in Germany.
This is by far my favourite car ever. The sreet version is just perfect. I'm in the process of buying a small "baby benz" right now. Small enging, a little over 100 HP and perfectly shaped like every W201
I had a poster of Bernd Schneider's 190E DTM when i was a kid.
Oh and a 6 foot poster of a Countach S.
As I'm British, you could have mentioned a little company called cosworth engineering 🤷🏼♂️
The only reason the car was any good to begin with was the Cosworth influence
I mean compared to the rest of the story behind the 190E Cosworth's role was rather minor. Not to slight your country but there are better examples of sick British engineering throughout automotive history, like Lotus building a Corvette engine, or Lotus making a 90s Hellcat used to ram raid shops because the police couldn't catch it (talking of course about the Lotus Carlton).
@@griffins750 agreed but still worth a mention. Cosworth made engines work properly winning margins aren't massive after all
BMW e30 m3 is better
@@papashabond9675 It really isn’t.
I got a drive in my friend's father's Mercedes 190 2.3 16V Cosworth Series 1 in it's day.
I knew I was in a special car and was actually interested in the noise it would make going through a tunnel.
My friend's had never asked his father or shown any interest in any of his cars, so from that day on the father always stopped by my house to take me for a ride without his son and told me not to tell him !
I never did.
It was a great car.
As an e30 fanatic, the 190e EVO's are indisputably an incredible machine that earned their place in the history books. Loved this video format
Love the story behind the rear window, motorsport inspired loophole. It drops the weight from the roof as well, win win
I'm definitely gonna say yes to more like this on occasion. You're good with showing the process of building a car, but also a great presenter in general. Plus your particular interests in cars mirror my own which is a huge plus for me watching. Keep up the great work mate
I'm not even a big German car guy, but the Evo II is forever one of my dream cars.
I was working at a Mercedes-Benz only shop when the 190E debuted. We thought it was cheap and cheesy (it got better when the later 2.6 version arrived). But the game-changer was the 16 valve with that rev-happy engine, bigger brakes, amazing seats, and firmer suspension. Our shop foreman test drive one and said you could roll over a coin and tell what year it was. We were all disappointed when the Evolution didn't come stateside.
Love this era of race trim Euro sedans. I have 2 Volvo 1996 850R trimmed turbos, one sedan and one Estate. The look and stance from that time as well as the the attitude these cars have is exciting to me. Cheers for stepping out of the box for this video.
Great episode! Always great content and perfect Camera work as always @aphamfilms
it not only had adjustable aero, it also had electronically adjustable front sway bar. one of my hero cars
No,the Evo2 have not a electronically front sway bar.I have one.
@@privat11111 so it's manually adjustable then?
@@briangriffith3985 The sway bars are not adjustable, not even manually. The only thing that is adjustable is the height of the hydropneumatic suspension. In three positions. It is the same one that the Evo1 have. And it is also the same one that anyone who has chosen the complete SLS front mounts. and behind that it was an option for the 2.3 16 and 2.5 16. Although in the Evo the springs are a little shorter and harder than in the 2.3 and 2.5. It is not a sports suspension and it is the greatest handicap compared to the M3 E30 at the time to sportsmanship.But the thing is that the Mercedes of the 80s, even if they were Evos, had to be Mercedes. They left sportsmanship only for the races. Only 30 years later with the Black Series they were a little more encouraged
@@privat11111 ok. that means the information i read a few years ago wasn't accurate
Agreed- that this Evo2 is the cooler looking car. In period I kept flipping back and forth on the looks of the M and evo2; and remember seeing one on the street (probably it was some kind of grey market car). It was just wild and awesome looking to have cruise on the street in SF in the late 80’s.
I have seen one in person during a cars and coffee and just like you was in awe that this was a road going production car. Truly a remarkable and special car. Please more videos like these, love seeing these cars in detail
I commented on the FCP video just yesterday about the fact that I just saw an Evo II at a show in Scottsdale last month. They are stunning.
Really nice video. I love history videos like this. And I'm a big DTM fan. The last generation DTM cars of the 90's, the W220 and the Alfa Romeo 155 are my favorites!! Would love to see a video with those. Keep on your great work! It's inspiring 🤘🏼
I would love more videos of nerding out on old touring cars.
Mike getting his David Attenborough on and we all love to see it 👏👏👏
Man if you find a car you find cool, Make a video.
Theirs no question that many of us will happily sit and enjoy it. I’m sure I’m not the only one who can honestly say your narration is so entertaining and interesting.
If you also had fun making this video Mike then Id say create monthly specials, deep dives into historic racing cars , the history on them , builds , tails/story’s and anything else that may also interest you.
I’ll watch every single one.
Absolutely loved the video on the Mercedes Benz 190 Evo2! It's always fascinating to hear and see the history behind such special cars. I'd definitely enjoy more content like this. However, the real gem for me is peeking into the projects in the workshop. Every Friday evening, I settle down and draw a massive amount of inspiration from your content for my next projects. Keep up the fantastic work - it's fuel for creativity!
I used to have a normal 190e and even that was really fun in the canyons around my house. The suspension was so good.
Mike, your art of showcasing cars, your narration it’s just the salt and pepper on a fried egg… doesn’t go without. Well I grew up in Germany and have seen the DTM cars live, in fact, I saw Senna winning this inaugural 190 2.3 race…. Back in the days a ticket on the start and finish straight at the Nuerburgring GP Track cost 100 dautsch mark…. Well now you know I’m a dinosaur, but auto is my one true love! Thank you for providing outstanding automotive content, and thank you for forcing me out of my box when you announced…. i widebody a 308 and put a Honda engine in, priceless, saw you buying this beauty of a 308 and got to work. Episode 1! EPIC Mike!
These are the cars of my youth Mike. I would love to see them through your lens. I love your passion for these cars. Keep them coming 👍
I had three 1986 190 e 2.3 16 valve dual overhead cam all five speed to stock one built to the nuts damn I wish I still had them
The 190E Evo cars are also some of my favorites. It’s great to get your opinion on cars like this/of this vintage and I really like all the history that helps support the “why” of why this thing is cool.
Thank you so much, as a Merc fan and owner, I love the stories of the 190e. No time to do a 1995 500e story.
I was a kid when I took a ride in an used 190e evo II for sale in the south of France. My brother is car guy and in the 90s he test drove a lot of sport car for sale in dealerships. He was broke but pretending to be interested, bringing our mother and his young brother was doing the job 😂. I have very limited memories of thoses cars (and bikes) but the evo II and he first generation STI are strong memories
As a life-long BMW fanatic, could not agree more with Mike on his assessment of the 190E Evo II. Such a super-cool machine. Love everything about it, except the fact I will never be able to afford one...lol.
Awesome car. This is your passion and if your willing to take us along. Then please keep taking us along. Be blessed brother
It looks so effing badass. Appreciate the love for Mercedes. Big Merc guy but had an E46 M3 as well which I really enjoyed.
My profile picture says it all. I’ve had my 190E 2.6 for 3 years now and it’s a great daily driver. As a modern classic it’s very cheap to insure. I’m just waiting another 4 very long years before it’s ULEZ, CC & Road Tax free.
BTW, the picture was taken on Christmas Day 2023, when I could roam London by cleaning the air without paying £12.50 😁.
One of my favorite cars ever. Really enjoyed this and would welcome more like this. Great Job
As a BMW fan, I will also admit that this 190 evo is something very very special. I would like some more content like this one mate, thanks!
Would love to see more content like this outside the shop projects!
I remember, as a kid, I had a huge poster on my wall of a 190E. The spectacular looks and its full name on the full width of the 1.5 meter wide poster:
Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II
Next to BMW M3 that was quite the name. DTM stole my heart just like the 190E evo 2, M3, Alfa 155, Opel Calibra, etc.
Nice video. Looking forward to more of this 👌🏻
The DTM version was absolutely iconic IMO. It looked wild.
Definitely more of this! It's a great way to take a break from fab work and dive into auto history.
Love it.
My family knew a few group A drivers in the day, and I recall is spending track time watching these great cars.
Fyi, that es 30 in the background is my dream
I'd like to start by saying, this was a very exciting, passionate, and genuinely enjoyable "walk around"/ "bio". I was kinda meh during my first initial foray into this bros channel, but his seemingly genuine passion and interest in very iconic " fashion forward " taste in subject matter. ANYWAYS, I won't complain if you produce some films in this style! Be easy everyone.
Getting around bureaucrats by blocking a good portion of the top rear glass is some gangster isht. Right on.
To quote Dave from Willomet Motor and Fab, "Your brand loyalty is holding you back."
190E Evo and Evo2 are iconic and amazing cars.
I would love to see you do other in depth discussions of other vehicles like this, especially because you can bring your accrued fabrication and vehicle design expertise to the table.
Nicely done, Mike. The 2.5-16 Evo 2 is definitely a legend. I put it right next to the E28 M5 on my list of “lottery cars.”
One of the all time best and coolest. LOVE the 190E
Yes, yes. We want to nerd out with you on special and rare cars!! Would love to see similar future videos... let's go ❤
Such a beautiful car! Loved the episode. You should definitely do more!
I have owned a couple E30’s over the years (never an M car though), and have always loved the 190e as well. I’m also a big Porsche snob (my dad raced Porsches for Club, SCCA, and even a little bit of IMSA) and always had a couple 911’s tucked away in the garage or barn.
The main thing I would love about getting chance to own or even just drive a 190e is that gearbox!!!
Can’t remember what car I had as a kid that had a dog leg but I lived it. The car was nothing special (might have even been an Saturn or something like that)…. But I LOVED the dog leg…
Please do more reviews like this! Very well done
To this day im still waiting for grand tour to make a documentary about the rivalry of bmw and MB.
I am a big fan of both E30 and the 190's, but as you said, there is just something special about the 190 Evo. Love them. Love this type of content as well. 🤙
That rear window blockout also changes the angle of the airflow coming off the roof
I'm happy I bought my 190E 2.3-16v in 2006 for $5,000 and still own it
Thanks for taking us with you.
I have been drooling over these for decades
Absolutely dig the content/machine Mike!!!! Especially the backstory and in depth racing history you provided while showcasing this classic gem! Much appreciated sir and definitely look forward to more episodes like this in the future. Keep up the great work bro.
How cool it would be if these still were sold new today... If you ever want to see a whole bunch of them; You should visit the yearly Techno Classica in Essen, Germany. I stop at the 190 Evo with "Senna" lettering each year. What a car. (coming from a BMW driver)
I currently own an e30 M3 and I've driven a US Cossy and both are fantastic cars to drive. The US Cossy was unfortunately neutered in the States, but handling and feel was fantastic and easily on par with the M3. Now, working on either car the e30 easily beats out the 190e. The antiquated engine and chassis harness (yes it is a single unit), the welded front subframe, the shifter gear linkages, etc. all make for 190e to be an absolute pain in the ASS to work on. I helped a buddy pull a 16 -valve out of a parts car and we ended up hacking the radiator support off after several hours of frustration to get the engine and transmission out (the body was rusted out...chill). Now, Sport Evo vs Evo II I would definitely pick the Evo II on aesthetics, but the Sport Evo for not causing me unneeded PTSD when working on it.
Great video Mike! Keep up the good work.
You should definitely do more episodes like this.
i love those 190e... almost 40 years old and the styling has held on point... i was looking at buying one of two (for sale) 190e in wa at the time i bought my e28. we got screwed over as all the usa versions came with automatics.
I would totally crap myself if I saw that car pass by. Such an icon and soo bad ass. I absolutely love this format btw and would love to see more!
I love E30’s. I had a champagne coloured 325!. I moved to Mercedes and haven’t looked back.
Starting to see alot of these vids for the Evo2. Still my DTM hero car.