Mercedes Benz 190 (W201) Full Review & Test Drive Video. UNBELIEVABLE!

Mercedes Benz 190e.
This is a late example from 1992 and with less than 20,000 miles on the clock looks like its just rolled off the production line. In smoke silver with the classic beige interior and featured on the Meguires stand at the 2022 NEC show. Tim takes the car for an extended test drive with the current owner.
Back in the day when hair was big and mobile phones were the size of small mammals, Mercedes decided it was time to offer a more compact option. The 190e was their answer - a four-wheeled symphony of precision engineering, wrapped in a design that screamed, "I'm sophisticated, but I'll still eat your Autobahn dust." It was part of the W201 series and gained acclaim for its engineering and performance. The 190E marked a departure from traditional boxy designs, showcasing a more aerodynamic and contemporary look. Production continued until 1993, leaving a lasting impact on Mercedes-Benz's legacy.
In a world of sleek, aerodynamic designs, the 190E stands out like a disco ball at a yoga class. It's a head-turner, not because of its speed, but because it carries the swagger of an era where neon colours and cassette tapes ruled.
Despite its subtle nods to luxury, the 190e was unapologetically German - efficient, precise, and a bit stubborn. It wasn't the flashiest player on the road, but it earned respect with its solid build, and a reliability, that made Swiss watches jealous.
Now, let's talk about its acceleration, it takes its time, as if it's savouring every moment, like a gourmet chef preparing a meal while humming '80s power ballads. Zero to sixty feels more like a countdown to retirement than a rapid burst of speed. But hey, who needs to be in a hurry when you're cruising in a mobile relic of automotive history?
At the time, Mercedes threw in all their techno-wizardry. Back then, the dashboard looked like the control centre from a spaceship. It was the era when power windows were considered cutting-edge, cupholders were a futuristic concept and the idea of a touchscreen was something you saw in sci-fi movie.
Today, the interior has all the charm of a vintage living room, complete with 70s side board wood, lovely velour seats.. that could double as a moth sanctuary and the cars computer probably has less processing power than a modern-day toaster.
Yet, despite its quirks, there's a strange allure to this vintage gem. It's the automotive equivalent of a well-aged scotch - an acquired taste that grows on you. You can't help but smile as you turn heads on the road, not because you're a trendsetter, but because people are genuinely wondering, if you took a wrong turn, into a classic car show.
Let's not forget the suspension - or lack thereof. Driving over a pothole feels like you're auditioning for a role in a percussion band. The 190e communicates with its driver through a series of thumps and bumps, its old school tech, not quite horse and cart, but close.
The power steering, if you can call it that, gives you a workout that would make a CrossFit enthusiast weep tears of joy. You need biceps of steel just to make a U-turn. It's a good thing the 190e didn't come with a gym membership because you'd be too bloody exhausted from driving, to actually work out.
And let's address the air conditioning - or the lack of a modern, effective one. On a hot summer day, the 190e turns into a mobile sauna. You'll be sweating more than a one legged man in an arse kicking competition. The only thing cooler than the interior temperature, is the sense of satisfaction you get from surviving the heat, like a vintage, car, warrior.
Yet, despite its quirks, there's a strange allure to this vintage gem. It's the automotive equivalent of a well-aged scotch - an acquired taste that grows on you. You can't help but smile as you turn heads on the road, not because you're a trendsetter, but because people are genuinely wondering, if you took a wrong turn, into a classic car show.
The 190e has a cult following. It's the underdog, the scrappy sidekick in an '80s movie. Sure, it may not have the flashiest gadgets or the speed of a bullet train, but it's got character, and that's something you can't buy, in a showroom.

[@Rayz4-ch5tx]

Just came across this video. I was the third owner of this car. Purchased from John Haynes mercedes specialist at 12k miles. Kept it for about 5 years most of which it spent in the garage as I was too scared to put any miles on it which is the reason I sold it. Must be the best one in the country.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks Ray. This is great info. I bet you wish you kept it. Yes the car is immaculate. Great that you can see it on KZbin

[@royjones8294]

I would pay a lot extra for a new Mercedes with all the tech ripped out and built with this much character

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Well said Roy. Tech eventually becomes outdated. Did you know that the Bugatti Chiron has no touch screen tech because they wanted the car to remain timeless. Just simple buttons.

[@mattbutters9567]

Lovely car but what a rubbish video. Two guys who dont know what they're talking about. How can the owner not know his car does have ABS?

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks for the feedback Matt. You’re absolutely right, we didn’t have a clue. Great fun to do though. I promise next time to do some proper research.

[@markpicotti2610]

My w201 2.6 is still in beautiful condition with over 250,000 miles. Black paint is still beautiful and not faded at all. Best car I've ever had. Period

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Nice one Mark. Probably good for 500,000.

[@TheMidasMD]

Sacco Bruno really did a job on these vehicles. His design is truly a timeless masterpiece. I will pick this car over many modern designs today, despite the passage of time. It is a rare thing to find a car that has been able to age so graciously without being ancient. These cars are a testament to Mercedes engineering and design. There are many people who will gladly buy a new one today if they could.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Well said. They don’t make them like this anymore.

[@NuGanjaTron]

I agree, "modern" designs are an eyesore (to put it nicely). I really don't understand what design aesthetic -- if any -- car manufacturers are going for nowadays. Tonka Toys? Transformers? Japanese Anime? No style, no elegance, no graceful lines or harmony whatsoever. Sacco did a fantastic job with the 190, as with the contemporary S-class. And yes, they certainly don't make them like this anymore -- particularly Mercedes, which is but a shadow of its former self! ☹ I drove a 1983 190D until the late 90s. As a Diesel, it was an abysmal performer and deafeningly loud on the Autobahn (where it was more of a navigational hazard). But it was also rock solid, very reliable, and efficient even by today's standards. Oh, and it _did_ have ABS, Tim! 😁 Now I drive a (petrol) C200 which has nearly TWICE the consumption and had teething issues when it left the factory (fixed under warranty). I really miss the 190's beefy steering wheel; the C-class oversteers too much for my taste.

[@ronalddean3630]

@@NuGanjaTron Agreed, they are actually scary. Have you seen the newest concept cars? LED light strips running down the sides, just to mention a few. To me Mercedes ended in the 90's.

[@NuGanjaTron]

ABS was an option very early on, if not at product launch.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@NuGanjaTron who cares, because you don’t want to STOP driving.

[@phillipg7910]

Mine is 1993 and has a driver airbag and ABS. Seems like in the last prodution year that was stock.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks Phil. Lots of owners say how much they enjoy ownership. Sounds like you’re no exception.

[@colinchampollion4420]

Mine is 1998 c280 Smoke Silver Metallic ~ interiors beige all leather with 67,0000 miles in Excellent condition 😂🎉!

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Nice, look after it, these are starting to go up in price.

[@colinchampollion4420]

@@TheTimBushChannel Tim, do y ou know where I can buy the original floor mats with the Mercedes Logo for my 1998 MERZ c280 BEIGE!

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@colinchampollion4420 don’t know anyone in particular but I’m sure you can get them online.

[@ronalddean3630]

Very nice video for a great car. Love the intro music as well.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@ronalddean3630 Thanks Ron, it obviously had to be a German composer. Glad you enjoyed it. More videos to follow soon.

[@dominicedwards9117]

I honestly want to buy this car, if the owner is on here please can you message

[@TheTimBushChannel]

I will ask the owner for you but suspect that he want to keep it

[@MarceloCarmello-y8s]

Beautiful car! Thank you for the video.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@MarceloCarmello-y8s Many thanks.

[@habsom1406]

OMG, I just love this car! Big thank you to Rob, yes I really enjoyed the review. My favourite colour combination, Smoke silver with beige cloth, I've always wanted one in this colour but ended up with an earlier 2.6 in blue, but it's fine, 218,000 miles on the clock and still purrs. I wonder if it's run in yet? Excellent video, great intro and external views of the Baby Benz on the move that so many other youtubers tend to neglect, they tend to film only the driver. Long before it was mentioned by you guys, I noticed how quite it seemed from the get go, I even wondered if it was being transported on a trailer for filming purposes. 👍🙏😎

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks for taking the time to write. Appreciate the feedback. Yes, it was very quiet and smooth. I think these engines will just run and run. Your own is probably good for another 200k.

[@ultimatepetrolheadaction2977]

The Merc 190E is is a Smelly Turks Car .

[@TheTimBushChannel]

“Smelly Turks car”! Jesus! You need to experience a drive in a nice one.

[@robowens1949]

Hi, I actually misheard Tim...my head was on ESP which my everyday Merc has. Chill matey.

[@190mex]

An incredible oldtimer my is from 1984 with its 406,000 km automatic transmission and gas installation my daily car 🙂 🙂

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Nice. Thanks for subscribing. Loved this one, totally like new. It’s certainly a great daily.

[@MotorWisdom]

What a great example you've got there. It is the same color as mine. Nice review as well !

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Wow, thanks. Yes a totally perfect example as if it had rolled out the showroom.

[@MotorWisdom]

A perfect survivor indeed ! What a lucky owner.@@TheTimBushChannel

[@ashog1426]

I always enjoyed this design

[@TheTimBushChannel]

First compact Merc, so the design had to be spot on.

[@ashog1426]

@@TheTimBushChannel my brother had a clean 400E 1991 we sold it for only 10 k at the time.... wish we had kept it for me lol.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@ashog1426 if only…

[@miroslavkotyza3233]

Old man doesn’t even know his car has got abs.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

I know, embarrassing. Also I should have known, more homework for my next episode

[@carig121]

Revolutionary car, was a kid back in 1982, and for me it was the year of E.T and my uncle's new 190-E, for me it also looked like from another planet specially compared to my parent's Mark V Ford Cortina.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@carig121 Revolutionary indeed. This was Mercedes first compact car and needed to be cutting edge to attract new customers.

[@RuperScooper]

Car has ABS ?!?!?! and you mentioned the word rattles which is not in the Mercedes vernacular lol !

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks Ruper, yep, the owner got that one wrong. It did drive very well considering its age. A bit like me!

[@philipbush4504]

Nice vehicle Timbo driven a few in the late 90’s and early 2000’s great show one bleep .. keep em coming 🎥

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Nice one Phil. Horse and cart when you started! All the deals were done on slate and negotiations involved bags of potatoes and pigs.

[@monk3yboy69]

Is it velour or just cloth ? I can’t recall these having velour…( Mercedes nerd here 😀😀) It was cloth (cream, grey, black, blue) or MBtex, or top line was leather . Velour was available on the W126 and C126 I could be wrong

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Well spotted Mr Merc Nerd. Cloth seats are a more accurate description. I wish I had studied harder for my fabrics degree. Although I’m very nervous as my weavers exam is looming.

[@kevinbray9550]

Velour was an option on the 190E in 1988 as mine had it ( with heated front seats). I've switched to leather now as I couldn't get in with it.

[@miroslavkotyza3233]

There is an ABS modul on the right hand side in a engine bay

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Good to know.

[@w124250d1992]

Very nice car. It does have ABS as standard.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks for the info. I thought it had, but the owner said it did not. I’m sure he will be pleased to know.

[@robowens1949]

I stand corrected. 1978 MB brought it in. I just assumed it hadn't as it could be turned on and off on other cars.

[@adebrade172]

Fantastic video, love 190e.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Many thanks. Glad you like it.

[@rogbrown1458]

Fabulous motors.Had five over the years but now have three.K reg ( Silver). K Reg( Black) and an L reg( Blue). Ltd edition.Rog.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks Rog. Yea great cars

[@olafsoldtimer]

Very nice car! Here’s a first series 190D: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6qTlXt_pKeLoMksi=vTlgz8ECD0o2YGCP

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Thanks, would like to drive a Cosworth to compare. 190D just doesn’t cut the mustard for me.

[@habsom1406]

@@TheTimBushChannel ....how about the 2.6 straight six? Silky smooth compared to the 4 cylinder multivalve cosworth and gentlemanly quick.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

@@habsom1406 haven’t driven either so I’m unable to compare. Everyone tells me the Cozy is the one to have if you want performance.

[@pavelzee69]

Fabulous

[@TheTimBushChannel]

What? Me or the car?

[@tusharmitra6445]

Hi I m fm india, I want to buy this , plz help how to buy this car or othar?

[@TheTimBushChannel]

I’m on my way. Love India.

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Alternatively, send £10,000,000 Rupees to TBC Swiss bank account, and collect next week.

[@robowens1949]

If you would like to check it over to see if you would like a 190, let Tim know.

[@habsom1406]

@@robowens1949 I've already got one, but I'd still love to check it over just to admire and drool. 👀🥰

[@dominicdaniel2379]

☹️ P r o m o S M

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Hi Dominic, why the sad face?

[@shitsugane]

Timeless

[@TheTimBushChannel]

Indeed, timeless, elegant and built to last.