This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:17:33
The video focuses on a detailed review and driving experience of a 1990s metallic red Mercedes-Benz 190e, highlighting its design by Bruno Sacco and comparing it to its sibling, the 220ce. The car is noted for its elegant and aerodynamic design, characterized by features like a mono wiper and ribbed indicators. This model, belonging to Tim from Cambrian Classics, is significant for its compact size, multiple engine options, including the featured M102 four-cylinder SOHC petrol engine, and various transmission choices.
The interior is described as high-quality with beige tones, electric windows, and conventional handbrakes, while the trunk is spacious but has a high loading lip. The car's multi-link rear suspension and rear-wheel drive provide good handling, albeit at the cost of some interior space. The driving experience is smooth and relaxed, with the car often starting in second gear and having a four-speed gearbox designed for low rev driving.
Despite the engine's potential noisiness under load, the car handles bends confidently with some body roll and maintains a comfortable ride. The solid build and ride quality of the 30-year-old car are praised, though gear shifting can occasionally be challenging due to limited torque. The review also emphasizes the Mercedes-Benz 190's nimbleness and fun handling on narrow roads, particularly in the Welsh countryside, comparing it favorably to a BMW for countryside cruising and commending its German engineering. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to support the channel through provided links.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter takes a 1990s metallic red Mercedes-Benz 190e for a test drive, comparing it to its larger sibling, the 220ce. They note the 190e’s distinct design by Bruno Sacco, which differentiates it from other cars of the time like BMW and Audi. This model, belonging to Tim from Cambrian Classics, serves both as his daily driver and breakdown response vehicle for classic cars. The presenter highlights the car’s elegant and aerodynamic design, its goldish trim, and distinctive details like the mono wiper and ribbed indicators. The 190e, released in 1982, is noted for its compact size and differing engine options, including a 2-liter petrol version in this car, with manual or automatic transmission choices, though without right-hand drive turbo diesel variants. Additionally, the video touches on safety features like the collapsible three-pointed star emblem.
00:03:00
In this segment, the presenter discusses the bonnet release mechanism and engine options of a specific Mercedes-Benz model. The bonnet rises on a large telescopic strut, revealing a busy engine bay. The featured model has an M102 four-cylinder SOHC petrol engine, but other variants include five-cylinder diesels and six-cylinder petrols. Performance versions developed by Cosworth for touring car racing are also mentioned. Inside the car, notable features include a predominantly beige interior, high-quality feel, indicator lever that also operates the wipers, automatic transmission, electric windows, and a conventional handbrake. The dashboard design includes clear instrumentation and a mix of warning lamps and switches.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the interior and trunk space of a 1992 car model. The back seat is described as cozy but a bit cramped, with some sculpting that helps with legroom. Despite its small size, there’s enough headroom and space for children, along with a center armrest and a first aid kit. The trunk is spacious with a high lip, making it somewhat challenging to lift items in, but it includes a visible warning triangle for safety in case of breakdowns. The car features a multi-link rear suspension and rear-wheel drive, enhancing handling but slightly reducing passenger space. Additionally, the presenter mentions a self-cleaning rear window due to aerodynamic design, although this feature is not demonstrated. A unique aspect of the car includes its windscreen wiper, capable of reaching into the corners, which the presenter finds impressive. Lastly, the presenter starts the engine, adjusts ventilation, and begins driving.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the presenter explains their experience driving a car with a transmission that starts in second gear, describing it as smooth and relaxing. The throttle has a long travel, which prevents sudden acceleration. The car has a four-speed gearbox commonly using three gears, a design choice by Mercedes-Benz to keep the engine low on revs, making the drive more relaxed. Despite this, the engine can become somewhat noisy under load, which contrasts with the car’s overall refinement. The steering is not particularly sharp, yet the vehicle handles confidently through bends, exhibiting some body roll but maintaining comfort. The presenter notes that sporty driving isn’t the car’s forte, emphasizing its suitability for a more relaxed driving style. The car also offers different driving modes, including standard and economy, with the latter aiming for better fuel efficiency.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses how the engine, despite being heavy, is well managed by the advanced chassis of the car. They highlight the significant investment in the platform’s development, which also led to the creation of the larger 124 model and sustained a successful line until around the year 2000. The 190 model, replaced by the C-Class in 1994, saw a reduction in build quality due to Mercedes-Benz’s focus on cost-cutting.
The speaker is impressed by the 30-year-old car’s solid build and tight feel, despite having 112,000 miles. They enjoy driving the car, appreciating the ride quality and supportive seats. However, they note occasional issues with the gearbox not downshifting when needed, citing the two-liter four-cylinder engine’s limited torque. The manual gear selection feature is praised for its intuitive design, allowing easy gear changes without looking. The segment concludes with the speaker navigating a twisty road, demonstrating the car’s handling capabilities.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the driving dynamics of the Mercedes-Benz 190, emphasizing its nimbleness and fun factor on narrow Welsh roads. They note the car’s reassuring brakes with a slightly soft pedal and mention the unique placement of the indicator stalk and ignition key for left-hand drive models. The presenter contrasts the Mercedes-Benz 190 with a BMW, suggesting that the former excels in countryside cruising. They conclude by highlighting the vehicle’s German engineering quality and mention ways to support the channel through the hot nut store or links in the description.