Why the Mercedes 190E 2.3 16v is RAD - One Take

AUTO TEMPEST: www.autotempest.com
The Mercedes 190E 2.3 16v is the stuff of legend. It is arguable that without its existence we wouldn't have cars like the M3, RS4 and S4. Mercedes spent 6 years and many billions developing it, building it strong enough to race in WRC. That never happened, but that engineering gave us a strong, over-built car that was quick, comfortable, and fun to drive. It was a compact sedan that rode like a Mercedes and had a heart at the track. It's an important car, and finally, we get to drive one.
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[@c0c0asauce]

It's disturbing that so many people can be disconnected from what's happening with the channel, but act like they are invested in the content enough to demand the old host back. As usual the ignorant people are the loudest. I prefer Zach doing reviews on cars I care about, leave Matt to review the new cars for people his dad's age. I still want to learn about new cars but the old cars deserve a host that wants to drive them.

[@DGeorge94]

In my country, we have a saying: "You've put the point on i, my friend"...

[@misterpacha1]

Who cares, zack is improving, but u gotta admit boring as shit compared to matt. Universally accepted. I repeat, Boring as hell compared to matt.

[@andrewsilver9730]

Matt did reviews for the better part of 10 years. His early early ones werent thT great but he's just got the right personality and had time to hone his craft. Zach's just making the transition. What doesn't help is people shitting on him every video. Its not going to change it. Matt doesn't want to do this anymore

[@papa_pt]

@@misterpacha1 what cause he talks more about the car instead of beating on it?

[@misterpacha1]

@@papa_pt dude something about zack man, reminds me of an annoying version of vehicle virgins dude. But the vehicle virgins dude is not bad at all. But zack is just so lackluster compared to matt. Think about it, chris Harris, matt farrah, that chubby dude from auto express. None of them are impressionable or regal looking, but they way they speak, drive, relate to the nuances of the cars make them over all super appealing and make the viewer long for more of their material. Zack though man. Not at all.

[@dannifammi]

that adidas jacket is dope...ALSO i think zach is doing a great job with these reviews

[@ChrisDorgan]

Come to Liverpool :P you won't like the jacket then haha

[@whatevernevermind5960]

voice of reason yeah chavs love 2 tone Adidas, North Face or Nike jackets for some reason, pro because you can get them for very cheap at sports outlets.

[@mbanugougochukwu4114]

@@ChrisDorgan ii

[@Basement_Operator]

That’s my cousin Mark. So stoked to see him on the channel. He deserves it

[@danielnelson4881]

Great story bro. He must be very charitable to the "Cats that hate winter because it's cold" foundation during the holiday seasons to deserve a reward as grand as having a guy drive his car to create content for his KZbin channel. Bravo to all involved! Don't think we forgot about you buddy! You have been making such excellent comments that are relevant to the topic of the video. They are comments that many people would enjoy reading and also gain invaluable knowledge of important things such as who your moms brothers son is. I'm hoping next time you will tell me who your other cousin is, I'm enthralled. These important comments render you deserving of having a cousin that is in a KZbin video one time and will be completely forgotten by everyone by the time they get to the end of this comment. Enjoy you cheeky cunt! Enjoy!

[@bwest6275]

@@danielnelson4881 STFU, ok!

[@Basement_Operator]

Daniel, while it is out of my control, I’m sorry for your room temperature IQ. Must be hard to squeeze in writing a comment between all the window licking and crayon eating

[@smueller12244]

Zack really does his homework, something I'm noticing. I like his personality a lot and am so glad he's keeping this going! He thinks about things in an interesting way

[@AstroFantastica]

That engine bay needs some love :(

[@panchonorthmann6408]

@annon # A valid opinion based on direct observation elicits a sex-specific personal insult from you towards a complete stranger? Yay, post-modern feminism builds another irredeemable harpy! Countdown to daddy-issues generated fentanyl overdose...

[@bwest6275]

@@panchonorthmann6408 It's the internetz. It happens. Don't take it so serious, and most importantly don't feed the trolls.

[@Sagekable]

@@panchonorthmann6408 Honestly I think the fact that you took such an obviously low-effort trolling comment that way says a lot more about you than them

[@richardhstratton]

@@panchonorthmann6408 fucking epic reply especially the last part !

[@spoolstreak7454]

The good thing about the 190e 2.3 is despite the fact that you cant really expect it to be that fast, the smooth handling plus the sound the engine makes compensates for the lack of power from the stock engine and that's why its such a blast to drive on the mountain. So its kinda like a 4 door mx5 in a way, Based on owner's experience.

[@tonicdb]

Anything with cosworth written on the back of it makes you a don in the uk!

[@Mike7O7O]

8nly in Essex boy ;)

[@tonicdb]

M W made in Dagenham

[@SAMann729]

I’m having James May flashbacks

[@porksboy]

Takes me back. I was a Mercedes mechanic and a large dealer in the south east when these cars were new. These cars were a blast and maitenance was only marginally more than the regular 190's about on par with the diesels. Valves rarely needed adjustment, even when they did the shim kit was the way to go. simple math and following the chart put you right in spec. I since moved to a different career on but still get excited to see a 16 valve on the road. If I see a nice example for sale it will go home with me.

[@harpreet222]

Imagine a thief trying to steal this and drops it into reverse on take off

[@gregorp8406]

Bad idea!! Since the most of them belong to russian bodyguards and old timer boxers 😂 With looks as buff and square as the car itself!!

[@swandonovan]

have to pull up on the shiftter to get into reverse. aka not going to happen accidentally

[@oldmanloki]

Martin Brundle said that the 190e cosworth “had one of the best chassis ever fitted to a four-door saloon.”

[@Prakgreat]

That was so long ago even he's forgotten he said that. All he remembers about the car now is that it was slow 😆

[@storck08]

That's BS. He admitted he never said that about 190e cosworth. It's an urban legend.

[@LMSILVIA]

Let's call him i've got his phone number here...

[@MrStinkeyWinkey]

Lmfaoo that was the best when he called him on the spot

[@AutoRevArg]

Nice top gear reference there

[@arturmirzoyan4744]

Thanks for the review. Really exciting to see the 2.3-16. I love those SL wheels on it. Zack is doing a great job, if he didn’t take over we wouldn’t have One Takes at all, so thanks Zack.

[@jdd3993]

Just LOVED this One Take, the 190e 2.3-16 is a hero car for me too.

[@Hangoversteer]

Nice video, thanks Zach

[@supernova1976]

I love the 190E, drove one for 5 years, bullet proof, amazing suspension and very forgiving handling, I did very stupid things and it never killed me :) . I have driven a lot of cars since , none had suspensions like the 190E, you can drive full speed over speed bumps and the car says is that all you got? :)

[@tricd0444]

60mph or 120mph, all you feel is the road. The car drives exactly the same no matter what you throw at it. Amazing suspension work, even in just the base model trim.

[@supernova1976]

@@tricd0444 exactly :) quality .

[@gregorp8406]

One of the finest and no most realistic, functional German cars.. It had everything, boxy buff looks, classic style, great handling/brakes/steering feel and an amazing body with minimal body roll.. But the comfort was there!!

[@gregorp8406]

@@tricd0444 there's not gonna be a German car like that again.. Nor even Audis.. They are still good cars, well built and practically sophisticated (not always though) but there's simply no chance that they last as long or age as well. Sadly, modern cars have become like appliances in general (with few and often costly bright examples).. But hey! That's why know our stuff and like "old" cars!! Save the planet/Restore old quality metal!!

[@Lianpe98]

8 seconds to 60 mph was rather quick for 1980's standards. Back then regular cars did 13 to 15 seconds to 60 mph. Also, power was quite good for a time when most cars had 100 hp or less.

[@soopaghetto]

This! That dig at motorweek was out of place

[@amazin7006]

Also those were American numbers, in Europe the car was tuned to be much faster. Emissions regulations really hamstrung this car hard. The race car version with the exact same engine was making 335 horsepower naturally aspirated.

[@Kittievr]

Like the fighting over Rose's analogy and glad your using it again. Kinda miss the echo slightly though lol awesome content as always Zach. Keep up the great work

[@mynameis63]

Another great video Zack. Thanks man.

[@steveo8424]

Zach is killing it. Nice job.

[@Prodriver33]

DTM from my era 👍 I love boxy euros.

[@BurtSampson]

190E Evo 2 is the best looking DTM car of all time.

[@Prodriver33]

Burt Sampson ya, I’d give my vote👍

[@gregorp8406]

Boxy euros like this beautiful lady here, or like Lancia integrale, e30 m3, old Sierras and escorts.. Classic/rally cars in general, are like a proper woman.. Full of presence, character and curves! 😉👌There's a primal element to their charisma!!

[@DriversSide]

This might be the cleanest 190e I’ve seen!

[@JBsC6]

Zack s killing it. Awesome ...

[@travisagbayani4324]

Awesome video! The owner and Zach both really knew their stuff. The car handled great and sounds so sexy. These cars should be selling for more than they are! Especially the rare clean examples like this one

[@hfinstrom]

Zack youre doing a great job on these vids

[@Kenneth1350]

88-92 DTM racecars we're badass and still badass till this day.

[@DWC0147]

i always loved the way these look, i would absolutely have one of these.

[@danielchilinski2110]

Good video. But owning one the oil temp gauge is engine oil not trans oil. I love my car and the EVO 1 conversion is being completely now

[@KingCast65]

I'm 58 so I remember...... This one has eluded me in my 533i, 535is, tii, Jetta 16V history.... my buddy had one in the mid-90's when I has my first set of BMWs and the 16V Jetta and for some reason I want one more than I want an E30 M3.

[@ernburn6340]

2.5 Evolution👌👌

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I've always loved this car. Hardly even see them even when they were new.

[@BrennanMcKissick]

One of my all time favorite German cars. I love the styling.

[@DerLandgraf]

Nice video - thank you. But guys, some points to comment on, from the heart of Mercedes-Benz (deep down from Stuttgart): - all three cars "survived" the record chases in Nardò in August 1983 (Daimler-Benz did this not for the press, but to show how great this new 16 valve engine was (in early 1980s there were only a few on the market) - these street records are still held today (247.xx kph over 25.000 kilometers; over 25.000 mls and over 50.000 kilometers in the fastest time), pretty pretty impressive - they continuously raced the oval race track in southern Italy for 201 hours - the more rare variant within the US is the sliding roof (only in MY 86 and 87) - afterwards the roof was a sliding and tilt roof (like on 124 series) - the oil temperature gauge in the center console indicates the engine oil temperatures, not from the transmission Cheers!

[@bwest6275]

The E30 M3 gets all the attention. But for me, 190 EVO2 all day every day.

[@meteormedia7021]

Absolute dream car!

[@of_lion22]

5:53 - Perfect impression of John Davis (host of MotorWeek "We're glad to have you with us").

[@V10PDTDI]

Hi this message is for the owner make sure the timing chain tensioner guides etc are in good condition or has been replace because I owned one and the chain stretched and rubbed on a metal pin the that piece of metal fell into the oil pan then in my case the metal screen was detached from the oil pick up tube so the metal pin got sucked into the oil pump then major damage occurred on the crankshaft and cylinder head just make sure every think is ok this would be a shame that this would happen to you.

[@tricd0444]

Looks like a relatively mint model, there was zero scary noises coming from it, and it looks like it's a Cali car, so it's most likely able to pass emissions. I wouldn't worry too much.

[@markmollica7641]

Hi thank you. It got all new timing chain and tensioners recently. That is a bummer, thanks for looking out.

[@47MasoN47]

I need one of these. I've got an 87 190D Turbo, it needs an 87 190E Cossie to hang with.

[@philipptruveller7829]

I'm thinking of getting a 190e as a first car. Anything I should worry about? My dad works with cars specifically Mercedes so repairs aren't an issue. Love the design

[@divid3dbyZero]

Love that Zack car spots while he does 1 takes.

[@NoClassic]

love these

[@J4ff3568]

Great to see. Thanx I have a euro version 1987. Only 110k on the clock. Owned for 20 year currently under full resto. In the best colour imo the blue over black not champain, the only 2 colours the 2.3 came in. Had to also get rid of the big ugly steering wheel for a smaller wooden momo. Hope mine turns out looking as beautiful as yours.

[@MikeLoveBuns]

This model keep going up in value!

[@alexanderjackson2037]

It's amazing how everyone still has the story about this car all wrong!

[@andrewolson4280]

Then there’s something else to say aside from how fun and unique this beautiful Mercedes is, there’s also the fact that they just don’t build cars with that kind of quality anymore. It’s a car you can take care of and it’ll take care of you forever

[@imperialcre8tive]

MY CHILDHOOD FRIENDS DAD HAD ONE OF THESE. NOTHING LIKE IT. YOUR GETTING A ONE OFF MERCEDES MANUAL RACE CAR!!! MY FRIEND USED TO POWER SHIFT THIS CAR, THAT FEELING STILL STAYS WITH ME TO THIS DAY. GET THE 190E🔥😎

[@billyelliotx]

Zach is the best, need more Zach Attack!

[@oioionionone]

have a sub, love how the driver knows all the stats

[@Will_14_years_ago]

The cars bad ass. Bow to mercedes back in the day. We own 5 of them 190e sportline, s500 lwb, 560sec, and 2 300 diesels w123s. Love old benz!

[@SicSemperBeats]

my boy Zach!

[@quonston]

What always gets me with these is what a handsome car they are,on top of everything else. Bruno Sacco!

[@johns5493]

I had a bog standard 190E and it really was a great comfortable car, solid and handled nice. Would just like to say "thank you to the dickhead who stole it" 😠

[@rv9990]

Whatever everyone is saying about missing Matt, I liked the video Zach! Keep it up!

[@waclosh]

Zack is cool. He is giving it everything.

[@kingkong-og4qu]

this is special i had merc 190 with a2.5 diesel engine its a 5 banger for its time verry good

[@_StringTheory]

The 04-06 GTO also had heavily bolstered rear seats like that.

[@stevencarrington5613]

the intro is funny omg 😂😂

[@jallen1931]

So Iconic One The Best Ever

[@mattcaudell9972]

Finally!

[@zachallen7092]

Had a 87 and 93 190e 8valve unfortunately but alot of fun. Rwd too

[@jackmanfamsquad]

Man I️ miss my 2.6 e30 had 270k miles and still ran like a champ !

[@shahulusman3372]

that car is amazing!! Forced BMW to create the M3.. The car that really put Aryton Senna on the map

[@dstmedia2054]

you need to review the 2.6 16v!!!

[@teamsleepnine]

that down shift higher sound scares me a little!

[@JorJorBinks123]

The steering wheel wobble at 8:54 makes me feel better about beating my car up when I’m mad. 😈

[@magnavox4794]

That 4cyl does sound good. In an odd way it reminds of a 4age(when its down low).

[@basstrammel1322]

Dream car. A collector condition one is for sale here right now, it's about $60.000. I'll keep dreaming.

[@dvtc8u]

not sure if it was the mic but any b, k or f20c sounds better.

[@stabbs_15]

I mean over 150hp was high for 80s Mercs and I think one of the charms of the 16v is the plain look, if you would take the wing off it will look like normal 190E if you dont know the exterior changes. The W201 is very similar to W124 (E-class) and 190E was a test mule (atleast what I have read) for the upcoming E-class like the 5 link suspension

[@ofnicisab]

Zack is more excited then the owner :)

[@aircommandslipperz]

one of the best looking cars

[@seanpittacora9668]

Did you know that Martin Brundle said this was one of the best read drive chassis of any sedan! Really hope people get this reference...lol

[@bingoberra18]

You need to put that 190e against a contemporary 205 GTI and see whats what :D

[@christiand910]

still beautiful after 2 decades almost 3

[@marcocerqueira2732]

I actually think Zack does a great job in the Podcast. He is funny and makes good comments. Has far as the one takes, he should ask the owners about the cars, instead he just regurgitates what he read in his research the night before. I get some owners freeze up but at least try to get the story behind the owner and why this car.

[@mickkennedy1344]

We call that a Racing 'Box ( 'box = gearbox) -- I would never mistake it for an inline-6, sounds totally different

[@jay-deef1764]

Did they make a two door in this shape?

[@LaChona420k]

The GOAT. Period.

[@colinw7205]

One important word associated with this car I didn't see in the comments. "Senna" Nuff said.

[@deweywolf]

I have been shying away from One Take since Zach took over the built cars and Matt has been doing the bought cars. Zach just didn't seem as knowledge and didn't grab my attention as well, and I don't watch the channel for the bought cars. That being said, Zach, good job on this review, I really enjoyed it. I'm going to start watching regularly again.

[@malakisands8180]

I would put this on the level of the BMW E38 750 IL. The V12 was a cruiser not a speed demon. I did have a custom Stainless Steel Exhaust made by Tomie for it. Now before you bash me this Cosworth powered Benz is amazing reqaurdless but not a speed demon. I have hade a W124 Wagon that I put the AMG V8 in it. Iconic cars forever

[@edwardtiangco1445]

Whaaaat!? On my wall when i was i kid! Damn that still looks pretty darn good if i do say so myself

[@ottson]

What 16" tire dimension do you put on these wheels to avoid rubbing?

[@Jabal.]

These motors simply don't stop

[@gauchegaucho]

That Spyder tho...🔥🔥🔥

[@akmalps9999]

The steering is for AMG produced by Momo. Cost a fortune too.

[@TheBobes]

These were absolute beasts in DTM. The sound of the intake is pure sex.

[@gregorp8406]

Intake plenum droning like mad at full throttle especially in cold weather!! Greatness!!

[@ryn0287]

It's mechanical multi-point fuel injection (k-jet) controlled by electronics (ecu) not real EFI like nowadays :) I daily drive a 2.3 8v and love it,it's a momentum car,,this must be really great to drive with the extra hp and nm.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

...then there's the 190E 2.6 (6 cylinder 2.6 - the same engine as the W124 260E larger bodied car) with 124kW (167hp) @ 5800rpm and 228Nm @ 4600rpm vs the 190E 2.0 with 89kW (120hp) @ 5100rpm and 175Nm @ 3500rpm.

[@ryn0287]

And the 1.8 109 hp or 80 kW @ 5500 rpm ,150 Nm or 110 lb.ft @ 3700 rpm.The early ones are 190 without the E,meaning they are carburetor (80 hp or 66 kW @ 5000 rpm,165 Nm or 121 lb.ft @ 3500 rpm).

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@ryn0287 I think we've just about covered everything there :) 190E: I can't say enough good things about that series of cars in their looks and engineering aspects (2.3 and 2.6 are the pick of the bunch for daily drivers town and highway driving). Great that they're not front wheel drive yet are a 4 or 6 cylinder small to medium sized German saloon.

[@idomingo37]

What’s the going rate for these nowadays?

[@terhembager-swande2501]

thank you for the presentation, please i am looking for a 1992 Mercedes benz 190 that comes with factory fitted c class engine that uses modern fuel economy system

[@hmm2928]

1992 DTM version of this sounded nice cosworth engine.

[@OneManOnFire]

As a 190E 2.3-16v owner i love my Cosworth.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Don’t ever sell it! Or if you do, I’ll buy it.

[@AntoineMardhel]

Wow I skipped a couple videos on this channel since Matt announced he was no longer going to shoot one takes, I had no idea this guy would pick it up. I am so fucking glad he did, I really enjoy the new host , he reminds me of Idubbbz for some reasons. I think I saw a R8 review he did back in the day. Anyway great video!

[@peatyxxjxxx1494]

I love autoweek retro videos. They do tend to favor American cars but to be objective 180hp, 16v racing engine, coming out of the malaise era I would’ve been excited too.

[@STRGHTSXBNZ]

I once had the opportunity to buy one (same colour and year, but rotten side sills) for 3200 Euro's which I then deemed 'too expensive". One of the few things in my life that I regret sincerely. They sky-rocketed in price a year after and now I cannot justify buying one over other cars in that price range...

[@sophisticated]

The owner doesn't seem to enjoy the ride that much lol.

[@DolphinDivingChamp]

Image 3 years ago talking about how crazy the car market is getting

[@Kooldood.]

what road is he driving in

[@agenericaccount3935]

Owned one. It was very hard run and came to me wearing shitty lexani knockoff 19’s. Rectified the ground control and a few other things and had a great time. Rust won the day though and I sold it for what I paid to someone interested in the drivetrain. If I had the chance to jump on a clean one or the later 2.5 I’d take it at any reasonable price

[@tricd0444]

2.5-16 demands a 10-20k premium. Any clean one demands almost as much, even for just the base model. A clean one in good running condition is going to run you $5,000 easy. And you'll have to look long and hard for it. Hurry up and jump on the wagon, I have a feeling it only goes up from here.

[@ivancook3723]

“Yeah buddie, car looks clean good car”

[@TheJaytotheBee]

A wood steering wheel would look dope

[@davidmadej5955]

I’ve got a 2.3l 8v 190e 5spd. Currently in Europe. I have a grand idea in mind to drive it to China and ship it to US and drive home to NY. Does anyone have any ideas on where I should start maintenance wise and map and border crossing?