1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 190e review from North America

E-brake not longer works.

A/C needed recharging.

Cruise control works intermittently.

Heater control valve leaks intermittently.

I love this car! It hugs the road and is very communicative; a true driver's vehicle. Somewhat slow off the line since the automatic is programmed to start in second gear (unless I floor the accelerator for 2-1 kick-down/kick in the pants), it has unbelievably long legs on the highway, showing its Autobahn pedigree. In this respect, I need to be careful, since this car could land me into trouble with the authorities. On the highway, it will cruise at 145km/h without any trouble. I personally took it up to 190km/h and it was still pulling and had a fair fit of pedal travel remaining, but that was the limit on the T-rated tires I was running at the time. I figure it could go to 215-220 km/h before the engine would run out of revs. More than enough to get my license suspended if I get caught!

The interior is nicely-appointed in leather and textured plastic that looks and feels a cut above the rest even 17 years later. The heated seats are a real treat on cold mornings. The car feels like a tomb inside, isolating everyone from the harsh world outside and imparting a sense of invincibility to the driver. If this was the entry level Benz of 17 years ago, what are they like today? I am very eager to find out. Now if only I had 50-grand lying around someplace...