Like no other Mercedes Before or Since: Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evo II — BTS with DTS — Ep 19

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Published 2023-12-24

Nearly everything about the Mercedes 190E (W201) makes it an outlier for Mercedes-Benz. It was their first small sedan, and appropriately hot-rodded by the factory (and Cosworth) in 2.3-16 and 2.5-16 forms, it was the most sporting Mercedes since the 300SL of the 1950s. It was full of sophisticated technology and sporting intent, so much so that its DTM racing success inspired BMW to create the first ever M3, the E30. No Mercedes-Benz since has been a better sports car because the company permanently changed directions for AMG’s less purely sports-oriented direction after this car.

In this video, Derek Tam-Scott explores the fascinating development, history, and racing exploits of this model through the lens of the fourth and final variant of the 16 valve 190E, the 2.5-16 Evo II. He also drives it on some of his favorite roads and asks the common question: does it drive as good as it looks?
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All Comments (21)

@griffins750 6 months ago

BTS with DTS on a vintage Mercedes?! What could possibly make for a better Christmas gift eh?! Thanks Derek, for continuing to share your knowledge and passion with us for yet another year! Looking forward to 2024!
@jaycee7070 6 months ago

I hope Derek continues to make these films as part of his new venture.
@pannette 6 months ago

couldn’t have asked for a more Derek video as a sendoff from ISSIMI. happy holidays, DTS, and good luck with your business endeavors 🎉
@andykumi 6 months ago

Great review on one of my dream cars. I had a 2.3-16 as a daily driver for 16 years and loved every minute of it. You absolutely nailed it in your video when you say it's a bit clunky and unremarkable at normal speeds but comes alive as you start to cane it. My car (named "Marlena" - she was German, had a square head, & sang a sweet song!) had the same trait although she was "only" a 2.3. The harder we went the more I had the feeling I was dancing with her and the better her song became. I always got annoyed with road tests because I don't think the journalists ever drove hard enough to appreciate this side of the car. Sadly I had to sell Marlena in 2016 for financial reasons and I must admit I shed a tear when she left. Still miss her - best car ever.
@Motosmostwanted 6 months ago

Owning car #146 of the 500 was an honor. I’ve yet to slide a car that has that level of balance.
@NoClassic 6 months ago

I am always struck by the beauty of the filming location you have found for these pieces.
@istvanlorinczi2817 6 months ago

The most Hyphen Christmas gift possible. Talking about an old Mercedes. Happy Holidays!
@rodericktrowhill4132 6 months ago

Lived in Germany from 88 to 92. There was a Volkswagen dealer across the street from the building my family lived in. I remember seeing one of these Evo 2s parked there while walking our dog. Spent a good long while admiring that car.
@AC-wl7ve 4 months ago

One of the best looking cars ever made imo. Iconic
@johnschlaefflin2100 6 months ago

I believe that you and Jason, and production teams behind you, are making some of the best content available! Bravo Sirs! Thanks for all the time, research, archival footage and beauty shots that you assemble to make such great films.
@Qnickel27 6 months ago

Saved the best for last. Couldn’t have asked for a better final BTS, the automotive hobby is going to miss DTS’s poetic lines while absolutely caning a classic around a forest backroad!
@iirohavana4837 5 months ago

This is by far the BEST content from your channel so far! Not focusing on chit-chat or giving us only the drive-by views / talking heads. This stuff is gold - it gives you the epiphany of loving the car that started it all, along with the E30 M3 (I am a BMW guy), AND the history around it. During this now modern weird time of car journalists focusing on touchscreens inside the car instead of Driving Feel is very different. And just trust me on this - there are people who actually care on Driving. Not just moving from place A to place B.
@bdodge777 6 months ago

Love the drive through the redwoods and the truly beautiful 190E Evo. I’ve taken my E500 on that exact same road. It’s magical.
@petarivanov9301 6 months ago

I never knew there could be someone who could capture the beauty of this piece of art. That's the only car that has remained a dream since childhood. The body shape, the front grill to headlight proportion. The interior. Everything even the base 1.8 model for example is beautiful. And the heritage it carries... such an outstanding car.
@hayashishark7378 6 months ago

Great piece and a good reminder that Mercedes was once a great company.
@anthonydietmeier6524 6 months ago

Been waiting for this video for years. DTS is easily one of my favorite automotive reviewers.
@zounds13 6 months ago

This is an EXCEPTIONAL video. Everything from the research and archival footage, to the writing and presentation, to the camera work and editing, are top-notch. And you could not have picked a better or more evocative location. Some of the best drives I've ever had were through those redwood forests. Such a shame about Big Basin...
@dirkcuypers6669 6 months ago

This will always be a special car to me. Watching Klaus Ludwig race it live in DTM when I was a kid is something I will never forget.
@georgegherghinescu 6 months ago

Absolutely loved it! Derek has a talent of telling the story, lots of history and details mixed in with how the car feels to drive and to the eye plus the crazy nice scenery, he makes it just right. Awesome work DTS, love the episodes, ride safe!
@j.3854 6 months ago

Your videos are criminally under viewed. Freaking impressive.