Dare I say it: The Mercedes 190E Evo II is cooler than any E30 M3.

[@gillesklr650]

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.

[@Boz196]

Lets goooo 190E is so sick, a guy on my street owns one and it's a joy to look at.

[@booblam6919]

That's great

[@masterchief3114]

Vin was wrong, Mike isn't a big Ferrari guy... he is a big Mercedes guy now hehehe

[@brianmclean3458]

Just a car guy deep down...very legit person

[@sebastianeiselt37]

Reverse Hamilton

[@0222tomi]

Gay

[@andrewcarbone6192]

Please accept this comment as a reason to do more videos like this

[@MattBorchert]

This is one of my all-time grail cars. Incredible.

[@RogueViirus12]

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.

[@AndrewS90]

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.

[@flyboy7399]

I thought he bought this instead of the M1 😅 Looking forward to the video on the M1!

[@gontzi7]

So he bought an M1 confirmed?

[@quekapital]

Me2. I was actually disappointed.

[@dalirose9065]

@@gontzi7if you watched the Q&A video. He “hinted” at it, but basically admitted it straight out.

[@SollessGarage]

Dude, you're not supposed to mention whats in the box.....

[@bryanreeves369]

😂

[@danielestevez177]

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!

[@christopherbellisario9195]

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

[@TomoReso]

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.

[@johnsnow2809]

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.

[@jamestayler6850]

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 😊

[@andrewromain7756]

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

[@jasonplancaster]

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!

[@scottjones9670]

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.

[@Justsaying12347]

As I'm British, you could have mentioned a little company called cosworth engineering 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@l3358]

The only reason the car was any good to begin with was the Cosworth influence

[@griffins750]

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).

[@Justsaying12347]

@@griffins750 agreed but still worth a mention. Cosworth made engines work properly winning margins aren't massive after all

[@papashabond9675]

BMW e30 m3 is better

[@griffins750]

@@papashabond9675 It really isn’t.

[@KarsNL]

Oooh that glimpse of the Alfa SZ 😍 But awesome episode Mike, loved it!

[@513MUGSY]

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...

[@garrettfruzynski]

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!

[@griffins750]

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.

[@mikemoye8600]

90’s motorsports was where it’s at and sadly I don’t think will ever return

[@v4skunk739]

Blame the FIA for it. Group-A like regulations need to come back.

[@stephenfrancis303]

​@@v4skunk739 80s

[@stephenfrancis303]

80s early 90s

[@ChrisGrantForReal]

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.

[@bryan_turner]

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.

[@danmeifert2469]

The C36 AMG was another iconic 90s MBZ. Love E30s.

[@pjakich926]

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

[@boozelala]

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!

[@Elmospiece]

I’m a BMW guy, have and have had many older models, but I’d agree the 190E Evo 2 is way cooler.

[@thomasgodfrey758]

It’s so rare…

[@moufidyh4456]

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 😂😂😂😂

[@metalmaniac-mu9kt]

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.

[@MyILoveMinecraft]

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

[@harrypapageorge9735]

Loved this one mate. Your content and how you bring it to us is so professional and detailed. Many thanks and keep it up. 😉👌🏼🇦🇺🏁

[@AndyStebbing82]

I have a 91 190 E, 2.6 engine, 140 K. I love it.

[@RuudHaa]

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!

[@ZHF0rd]

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.

[@4goten]

Great episode! Always great content and perfect Camera work as always @aphamfilms

[@tkyosh545]

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.

[@towlie911]

Love the story behind the rear window, motorsport inspired loophole. It drops the weight from the roof as well, win win

[@tylergeosano4043]

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

[@Team33Team33]

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.

[@christianwc9458]

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. ❤

[@XiraArien]

Had a couple of 190E - one with the evo seats. Fantastic to drive and sit in. Missing it to this day 😢

[@JoeGuttridge95]

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.

[@tngdwn8350]

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.

[@oldschool1993]

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.

[@redporschekilla]

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!

[@Rod.Machado]

To this day im still waiting for grand tour to make a documentary about the rivalry of bmw and MB.

[@190E_2.6]

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 😁.

[@mchristr]

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.

[@gouldnj]

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.

[@Ni1996Ki]

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

[@frederickthorne2496]

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.

[@marcodhaene]

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 👌🏻

[@mousethefoo1230]

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.

[@avidworkslol]

I'm not even a big German car guy, but the Evo II is forever one of my dream cars.

[@gsmecanica]

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!

[@littlemissgracing6515]

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 👍

[@TheIntensiveCarUnit]

To quote Dave from Willomet Motor and Fab, "Your brand loyalty is holding you back." 190E Evo and Evo2 are iconic and amazing cars.

[@Ed-wu9jg]

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

[@CVOdeslCUP]

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

[@justintime33]

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.

[@chrisc6452]

One of my favorite cars ever. Really enjoyed this and would welcome more like this. Great Job

[@christophercarrera7486]

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!

[@markhughes4674]

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.

[@briangriffith3985]

it not only had adjustable aero, it also had electronically adjustable front sway bar. one of my hero cars

[@privat11111]

No,the Evo2 have not a electronically front sway bar.I have one.

[@briangriffith3985]

@@privat11111 so it's manually adjustable then?

[@privat11111]

@@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

[@briangriffith3985]

@@privat11111 ok. that means the information i read a few years ago wasn't accurate

[@willjam465]

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.

[@mattwindt4592]

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.

[@brc4ever]

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.”

[@iamluminaire]

Mike getting his David Attenborough on and we all love to see it 👏👏👏

[@GTIFabric]

I have been drooling over these for decades

[@heather_the_plant]

I used to have a normal 190e and even that was really fun in the canyons around my house. The suspension was so good.

[@epilzner1]

Just when I was thinking of selling my 190E, you go and make a video about how cool they are 😭

[@rissmau11]

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

[@JimboStyleQc]

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 🤘🏼

[@AliasHSW]

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.

[@TheCodedDrifter]

Such a beautiful car! Loved the episode. You should definitely do more!

[@info1418]

It looks so effing badass. Appreciate the love for Mercedes. Big Merc guy but had an E46 M3 as well which I really enjoyed.

[@Shiny_Dragonite]

Did not expect to wake up and find a video from you on one of my favorite cars. A 190E came up for sale 20 minutes away from me about a month ago, and I had to have several people stop me from selling everything I own to buy it. When I'm having a bad day, I boot up Gran Turismo 4 and run a bunch of laps on the Green Hell with one and I've forgotten whatever had me down by the end. Hopefully I'm in a better position to buy one the next time I see one for sale.

[@thiswillprobhrt]

The DTM version was absolutely iconic IMO. It looked wild.

[@johnkropp3793]

Yes, yes. We want to nerd out with you on special and rare cars!! Would love to see similar future videos... let's go ❤

[@tebohoquincymbongo2863]

I thought it was yours Mike. The W201 is a legend, I enjoy the history lesson. Your work is amazing

[@OneManOnFire]

I'm happy I bought my 190E 2.3-16v in 2006 for $5,000 and still own it

[@lightness1701]

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.

[@shafferjoe1962]

Awesome car. This is your passion and if your willing to take us along. Then please keep taking us along. Be blessed brother

[@shaunh227]

Amazing content as ever - format is great and the 190e is legendary. You’ve got me totalling up internet parts for a tribute build 😂

[@tmo2798]

Getting around bureaucrats by blocking a good portion of the top rear glass is some gangster isht. Right on.

[@cjsawinski]

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…

[@JanisAbols3000]

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!

[@jdwxly]

Definitely more of this! It's a great way to take a break from fab work and dive into auto history.

[@srw2010]

As much as I love your take on shop videos, I am partial to the "history lesson" type format. Love this car and your vid did it justice! Would definitely like to see more content like this from you

[@ivegonemad]

Damn ppl are waking up to the 190e the market is about to skyrocket

[@Hybridesque]

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.

[@jamaisvu2664]

That rear window blockout also changes the angle of the airflow coming off the roof

[@johanwoest8934]

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. 🤙

[@dirty30love]

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.

[@alman-world]

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

[@millerbeer01]

You do you. I'm here for it.

[@TheWootify]

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)

[@adnanlatif9007]

190E EVO 2 will live forever

[@DaraghsTube]

Always loved the Evo, nice change to go and see what else is out there that fits with the world of the E30, 90’s DTM and anything related. Keep it up.

[@accord_aero_r]

Would love to see more content like this outside the shop projects!

[@claytoncausey5792]

Mike, you are a fantastic story teller, and I in no way want you to stop making the amazing fabrication content that you currently do. However if we can see more of this type of content and it is easier for you to make and doesn't take away from the fabrication side then please keep doing so.