This generation of Mercedes are still some of the best cars ever made. I have owned a 2.3 and a 2.6 Sportline of W201, and several W124 models including my current C124 pillarless coupe. The ride is magic. They handle B-roads like a boss. They will be around and driving long after the disposable laptop-style cars we mostly have nowadays.
Completely agree and I'm so tempted by a W124 Cabrio next. My parents neighbour when I was growing up had a W124 Coupe from new and (to me) it had a fantastic amount of understated class.
Still have ours from 1993. Unlike the modern E Class it gives one the confidence to take it on narrow backroads. Why they abandoned the single wiper was down to cost . These and previous Mercedes were built to a standard, over-engineered when the engineers were in charge. Subsequently their C.E.O. insisted that that was changed with disastrous consequences. No built-in obsolescence. For example IF the electronic fuel injection failed, the Bosch system’s back-up mechanical injection would still work. Just one example that modern vehicles purposely lack. 15 inch alloys unlike the ridiculous oversized alloy wheels of today’s vehicles were designed to give the best compromise. Today’s are designed to make the greatest profits especially in terms of replacements. But I’m Old School. Today’s younger customers don’t have the choice.
I own a 1988 190e four cylinder it's stock. It was my first car I bought from the original owners. All these years later I'm still driving it and love to take it out on weekends.
Thanks, totally agree and probably the last of the era, will be difficult to imagine the cars of today being around in 2050 and still being as reliable and easy to fix!
w201 proves that sizing/packaging is the greatest skill in Automotive Engineering. Brilliantly sized and built as a vault. There'll never be anything like it.
I have a 2.0 sportline manual with factory fit smaller AMG steering wheel. 500000km. Absolutely love it. Don't mind that bolt action gear box to be honest. Used as a daily driver dor Mrs B. Last year did a 2000km round trip to the UK when the rear driveshaft donut let go. It still got me home!!!
To be honest I need to try a manual myself as I’ve heard mixed reviews, but I must admit that a smaller steering wheel is a good modification. 500k km that’s going some!
Yes a good review thanks for sharing. I'm in Canada and going to check out a 1991 Sportline 2.0 with 178k in the morning supposedly never winter driven and elderly gentlemen owned who imported it from Japan in 2005. I really hope it's good because l really want a 190e.
The car turned out to be as good or better than l was hoping. I am now the proud owner of the 91 Sportline 2.0 automatic. Suspension is a tad stiff but that's ok as it handles incredibly well. I just love it!!! Any idea how "rare" this euro spec Sportline is with the 2.0 engine???
@@peterarsenault2671 Thanks great, welcome to the club. I only know here in the UK that the car is very rare. The modifications were subtle but effective, suspension, steering sharpened up things and the sport seats front and rear. Numbers here in the UK are difficult to track as it was sold as a 'pack' over and above the standard car and it was expensive with seven variations of pack...
@@peterarsenault2671 i only really know the austrian market but i think it's still relevant as it's closely connected to the german market situation. from this standpoint i can say the sportline in combination with the 2.0 is a uncommon pairing, especially as a automatic as most sportlines i've seen are manuals.
@@zocker5786 This Sportline 2.0 automatic was a unit sent to Mercedes Japan . From there the car made it's way to Dubai as a used vehicle years later, then was shipped by the second owner to Nova Scotia Canada as he loved the car so much. I am the 3rd owner and it will remain with me here in New Brunswick Canada. I love this car. It has never been winter driven and won't be. A VERY lucky find indeed. Thanks for your input.
Yes I really like this car, it’s not that quick, but it handles well and to me (at least) it looks great, if I had the cash I would have the 2.3/2.5 16v!
@@Lot76CARS I'm finding myself very (too) often glancing at a 2.6, which is for sale close by my place. If I'm getting it, would surely be a summer vehicle. For commuting, the diesel is slow as molasses but dependable and simple, with a retrofit cruisecontrol, reversing camera (works in dark) and plug under front fender with combined battery charger, engine- and cabin heater.
@@christianwc9458 I agree the 2.6 is great, especially a rare manual transmission which is close to a 23/16 or 25/16, only problem is the fuel economy if using daily
Great video, I'm looking for a good one having been lucky enough to drive two of my father's many years ago when they were new. Funnily enough I lived in your road not so long ago, as you were driving the scenery looked familiar then the penny dropped!
I've had mine for 2 years now, use it every day. Love it. I like the sensible size steering wheel. My only issue is that when it's hot, the idle speed hunts when it's in neutral or park.
@@kevin9446 I'm sure we must have joined the same events! Love to review a W124, I'm based in Berkshire but with a bit of planning could travel, drop me a note please on simoncm194@yahoo.co.uk, Thanks, Simon
That’s some mileage, I was out in mine today and never cease to be amazed how it can comfortably eat up the miles, it’s an accomplished cruiser for sure.
No doubt about it, Jorge! I can run 930 km with a full tank (55 liters) with my 1991 W201, and it has already... 456.400 km in the odometer!! 😇. It's my daily car and I really love it, trust me! 😍
@@Lot76CARS .would be my choice . All ours are 2 litre models one being a blue special edition. Fabulous motors.back in the 60s I had a mk1 mini cooper 997 that I wish I still had but still have an original 1965 mk1 lotus cortina.once a car fanatic it never leaves you. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Rog. Ps records.
This generation of Mercedes are still some of the best cars ever made. I have owned a 2.3 and a 2.6 Sportline of W201, and several W124 models including my current C124 pillarless coupe. The ride is magic. They handle B-roads like a boss. They will be around and driving long after the disposable laptop-style cars we mostly have nowadays.
Completely agree and I'm so tempted by a W124 Cabrio next. My parents neighbour when I was growing up had a W124 Coupe from new and (to me) it had a fantastic amount of understated class.
Still have ours from 1993.
Unlike the modern E Class it gives one the confidence to take it on narrow backroads.
Why they abandoned the single wiper was down to cost .
These and previous Mercedes were built to a standard, over-engineered when the engineers were in charge.
Subsequently their C.E.O. insisted that that was changed with disastrous consequences.
No built-in obsolescence.
For example IF the electronic fuel injection failed, the Bosch system’s back-up mechanical injection would still work.
Just one example that modern vehicles purposely lack.
15 inch alloys unlike the ridiculous oversized alloy wheels of today’s vehicles were designed to give the best compromise.
Today’s are designed to make the greatest profits especially in terms of replacements.
But I’m Old School.
Today’s younger customers don’t have the choice.
I own a 1988 190e four cylinder it's stock. It was my first car I bought from the original owners. All these years later I'm still driving it and love to take it out on weekends.
That’s fantastic, they really are special and built to last. Not sure people will be driving 33 year old cars in 2035!
Great review 👍 I personally own a 1989 190e which I’ve had for 10 years. Very economical and dependable and maintanance doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Thanks, totally agree and probably the last of the era, will be difficult to imagine the cars of today being around in 2050 and still being as reliable and easy to fix!
w201 proves that sizing/packaging is
the greatest skill in Automotive Engineering.
Brilliantly sized and built as a vault.
There'll never be anything like it.
Totally agree, small exterior footprint, but nothing missing.
A great car.
Will be around longer than today’s laptops on wheels.
Thanks, I agree, analogue in a digital world and the engine’s not hidden underneath acres of plastic covers
Great honest review of one of the best cars still around.
Thanks, the fact so many survive is a testament to their quality
I have a 2.0 sportline manual with factory fit smaller AMG steering wheel. 500000km. Absolutely love it. Don't mind that bolt action gear box to be honest. Used as a daily driver dor Mrs B. Last year did a 2000km round trip to the UK when the rear driveshaft donut let go. It still got me home!!!
To be honest I need to try a manual myself as I’ve heard mixed reviews, but I must admit that a smaller steering wheel is a good modification. 500k km that’s going some!
Yes a good review thanks for sharing. I'm in Canada and going to check out a 1991 Sportline 2.0 with 178k in the morning supposedly never winter driven and elderly gentlemen owned who imported it from Japan in 2005. I really hope it's good because l really want a 190e.
Thanks, good luck with your search for a Sportline, a rare but well appreciated model.
The car turned out to be as good or better than l was hoping. I am now the proud owner of the 91 Sportline 2.0 automatic.
Suspension is a tad stiff but that's ok as it handles incredibly well. I just love it!!!
Any idea how "rare" this euro spec Sportline is with the 2.0 engine???
@@peterarsenault2671 Thanks great, welcome to the club. I only know here in the UK that the car is very rare. The modifications were subtle but effective, suspension, steering sharpened up things and the sport seats front and rear. Numbers here in the UK are difficult to track as it was sold as a 'pack' over and above the standard car and it was expensive with seven variations of pack...
@@peterarsenault2671 i only really know the austrian market but i think it's still relevant as it's closely connected to the german market situation. from this standpoint i can say the sportline in combination with the 2.0 is a uncommon pairing, especially as a automatic as most sportlines i've seen are manuals.
@@zocker5786
This Sportline 2.0 automatic was a unit sent to Mercedes Japan . From there the car made it's way to Dubai as a used vehicle years later, then was shipped by the second owner to Nova Scotia Canada as he loved the car so much.
I am the 3rd owner and it will remain with me here in New Brunswick Canada.
I love this car. It has never been winter driven and won't be.
A VERY lucky find indeed.
Thanks for your input.
Great review! Thank you for sharing. Even with all the compromises, it's a unique driving experience.
Yes I really like this car, it’s not that quick, but it handles well and to me (at least) it looks great, if I had the cash I would have the 2.3/2.5 16v!
@@Lot76CARS I totally agree on that.
@@Lot76CARS I'm finding myself very (too) often glancing at a 2.6, which is for sale close by my place. If I'm getting it, would surely be a summer vehicle. For commuting, the diesel is slow as molasses but dependable and simple, with a retrofit cruisecontrol, reversing camera (works in dark) and plug under front fender with combined battery charger, engine- and cabin heater.
@@christianwc9458 I agree the 2.6 is great, especially a rare manual transmission which is close to a 23/16 or 25/16, only problem is the fuel economy if using daily
Great video, I'm looking for a good one having been lucky enough to drive two of my father's many years ago when they were new. Funnily enough I lived in your road not so long ago, as you were driving the scenery looked familiar then the penny dropped!
It’s a small world sometimes, try the MB Club as a start point
I've had mine for 2 years now, use it every day. Love it.
I like the sensible size steering wheel.
My only issue is that when it's hot, the idle speed hunts when it's in neutral or park.
Please What’s the fuel consumption and road tax like ?
It’s a lovely car, I got one a couple of years a go and I just finished respirating it 🙂
I agree, modern enough to be usable but not so complex that it can’t be fixed at home.
Was wondering how is the 190 doing? Any updates you should make another video about love it..
Still doing well thanks, another clean MOT and in weekly use. I must make another video soon!
@@Lot76CARS Cheers,great to hear just love it,just beautiful great little things you did on it,made a big difference Well done 👍🏽
I daily drive an E320 Coupe .... best of the Bruno Sacco era.
Nice cars, with nice slug of power to make it interesting. Mercedes-Benz pillar-less coupes are really elegant as are the W123 Coupes
@@Lot76CARS I bet we've been to a few mutual events! You must review the W124.
@@kevin9446 I'm sure we must have joined the same events! Love to review a W124, I'm based in Berkshire but with a bit of planning could travel, drop me a note please on simoncm194@yahoo.co.uk, Thanks, Simon
I have a 1.8 91 manual with 2000000 miles great cars very comfortable people with new cars are amazed how comfortable they are 30 years on
That’s some mileage, I was out in mine today and never cease to be amazed how it can comfortably eat up the miles, it’s an accomplished cruiser for sure.
Nice video
Nice car of all times
Thanks!
If you really want the best out of the w201, the diesels are the way to go.
For sure this will give you economy and many miles/kilometres service
No doubt about it, Jorge! I can run 930 km with a full tank (55 liters) with my 1991 W201, and it has already... 456.400 km in the odometer!! 😇. It's my daily car and I really love it, trust me! 😍
Great cars. We have 4 late models. Rog.
Rog, if I had the room I'd have more myself. A 2.6 pre facelift manual with aircon is the unicorn I'm seeking..
@@Lot76CARS .would be my choice . All ours are 2 litre models one being a blue special edition. Fabulous motors.back in the 60s I had a mk1 mini cooper 997 that I wish I still had but still have an original 1965 mk1 lotus cortina.once a car fanatic it never leaves you. Thanks for your reply. Cheers Rog. Ps records.
💪💪💪