1990 Mercedes Benz 300SE W126 Review and Test Drive by Bill - Auto Europa Naples

[@fjordking]

I had this same car got it from my dad with around 150 thousand miles I put another 200 thousand miles paint always buffed up like new it was so easy to fix many of the parts are just bosh you buy at any parts store. Seats leather always held up great. I would put nice studded tires on it for winter and 100 pound sand bag over the rear in the trunk, it was unstoppable. Few years ago it died a nasty death. Got T boned on the passenger side cops said they hit me at over 45 mph ran 4 way stop with a 1990's something ford areo star drunk with no insurance, I came out pretty good with just a sore hip and knee it did what is was designed to do protect the passengers. Insurance company totaled the car. Boy did I get screwed. Everything you said about this car is TRUE.

[@elvincuevas1727]

Did you had the very same 6 cylinders engine (M103) or the V8?

[@davionralph8315]

instaBlaster...

[@petergachucha4988]

@@elvincuevas1727 it is a 300 SE, it's 6 cylinder, the V8s started with the 380, 420 and the 500

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

That's a real shame indeed. At that mileage it would have been eligible for the 500.000 kilometer badge from Mercedes (if they still handed those out at that time that is. Not sure)

[@xrmerkur]

Throughout my youth I knew when I saw one of these the owner had to be a wealthy entrepreneur. In my eyes Mercedes was as royal as Rolls Royce. All the nighttime TV dramas featured this car for the rich people. This vehicles design is a work of art that looks strong and powerful.

[@s.i2898]

xrmerkur yeah in the 1970s and 1980s rolls royce didnt have much on a w112 based 600. I agree with that.

[@jimolds2985]

@@s.i2898 loollf

[@TheTimeDetective42]

It was as royal as rolls. No-one had one. However they were always a neuveaux riches car. New Mercedes are commoner's cars.

[@charliepeebles2531]

Yes back in the day the W126 was definitely a symbol of wealth. These days when you see one on the road you know it's being driven by someone who simply appreciates a quality car.

[@xrmerkur]

@@charliepeebles2531 well said. those vehicles were made to be driven and repaired when necessary.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

my absolute favorite s class....what a beauty!

[@brianlee5649]

Mine too, I love the 126, 140, 220, 221 and 222 Chassis S-Classes.

[@matekochkoch]

I miss mine

[@seymorekuntz9152]

Amen!

[@orlandoblanco8888]

Bill, I just love the way you go through explaining everything about the car...but what really takes the cake is your down-to-earth, come as you are attitude about the things happening around you as you are talking away. Long dong silver? When was the last time I heard that one? First LOL Then, your sister calls...you already know she called, but you had to comment that people who persistently call you (right away) should be put down. Second LOL. Idi Amin...escaping a coup in a V8 Merc? Which millenial is going to get that joke? Third LOL. You are just insanely entertaining and FUNNY!

[@nknasi]

agree with you on all counts, although I'm a millenial and I got the Idi Amin joke :)

[@therudeboy5280]

I support all sentiments here! One of the Best KZbin auto sales/reviewers by many standards...you had me at the leaf! LOL.

[@karlp8484]

The car is such high quality and tough, there's always a temptation for people to wind back the odometer. But Mercedes has thought about that too. If you wind back the odometer, you break a spring in the mechanism and the speedo will move in a jerky wavy manner, whilst still being accurate. If you see ANY Mercedes with a wobbly speedo, it means the odometer has been tampered with.

[@robskee510rn]

Mine does that, is that bad?

[@k9killer221]

@@robskee510rn Who knows? That's a mileage mystery you're going to find out yourself. Obviously, you don't understand the significance of my comment. Idiot.

[@MrPhotodoc]

I have an '84 240D that does that but it's not for that reason. The cable leading to the trans needs service.

[@ttm2609]

Im looking at a 1991 model tomorrow, thank you for that piece of advice

[@BubbleDouble]

I have a w124, different car but they're similar. The speedometer wobbles, and the odometer has never been tempered with, still they're different models so who knows.

[@genosho5574]

I currently daily drive a 260SE from 88 here in germany. Beautiful, reliable cars that are just timeless.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Wohl wahr. Und immer ein schöner Anblick, wenn ich einen auf der Straße sehe. Nur der Verbrauch treibt einem heutzutage die Tränen in die Augen, möchte ich meinen.

[@MrRedcelica]

shame its an ugly US model, euro style is so much prettier...

[@timothyfinn905]

it was the last merc,before the accountants took over. all i remember it looked great in dallas with larry hagman.

[@BERNARDO712]

Isn't that the W140?

[@solid1378]

My dad owned several of these 126 models during the 1990s and your knowledge is very thorough for these cars. Not many owners knew of Easter Eggs, such as the shifting gear all the way down then to D , to engage 1st start. Subscribed!

[@jaycole2777]

I don't know about y'all but I'm just sitting in my 300 SE cheesing watching this video😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@fazilamzirf8887]

Now that is cool. Hope you still have it.

[@loboestepario-cl]

I'm watching with my 60k miles 1990 300 SEL sitting in my garage, ready to go anywhere :D

[@sonykroket]

We love you, Bill! Never stop!

[@theinvisibleman9410]

I had one Greatest car ever made A plane on the motorway

[@davidconde1521]

That bird is waiting to fly over and drop the bomb 😂😂 😂

[@Madarauchihaaa]

US front lights 🤮

[@lilibethdoherty295]

Tell it like it is, when Mercedes was Mercedes and not cheap crap like everything after 1991!

[@MrStroller4u]

Classic Mercedes-Benz are true Mercedes, todays mercedes are just like a cell phone. Just bought a 1986 300SDL for my 40th birthday, i know it will out live me. We are just temporary custodians of this mechanical marvels.

[@ykshorts6649]

I'm 24 yo and i drive my dad's 1985 w123 240d and i love it

[@nathantherealtorsonoma]

You know the great thing a Mercedes is they are timeless. A well kept one will always look good. I have a 2014 E class and the average person would never know it was 6 years old and that I picked it for less than a used civic.

[@Channel5YouTube]

Hey Bill, any chance you remember what camera you shot this on?

[@243wayne1]

For the record- No accountants were harmed during filming. Thank you. Mgmt.

[@davidparkin9017]

Straight six cylinder motors are the best. Large displacement, even better.

[@haddachali2879]

Definitely the most beautiful and luxurious car in the world

[@wygxnc9037]

300 SE/BEST CAR 300 SE/ A GOOD CAR 300 SE/A RESPECT CAR 300 SE/STAR FROM MERCEDES 300 SE/ MERCEDES MOST MADE THIS CAR AGAIN

[@felero]

I suggest you hire a cameraman; though I like to watch your videos, all your videos make me dizzy. You described any car you shot in a very fair and detailed; it’s just that your camera keeps on moving. Just a suggestion; it might improve Vlog.

[@florianthomas7852]

The car Alfred Herrhausen was assasinated in by the RAF. Back then you knew that only the leaders of industry, heads of state and the wealthy few among us had a Mercedes s class. To me its the best s class model until today. (The W140 was awesome too.)

[@michaelleffler5219]

these cars age so well...

[@gedaman]

Michael Leffler I feel like they’re the most dated looking Mercedes-Benz along with the SL-Class from that era.

[@luckyleaptour168]

Love Mercedes Benz W126

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

16:09 No wonder it is in such good shape. It only got a little over 103.000 miles on it. That's less than 170.000 kilometers. Back then Mercedes was still so over-built that you could (with proper maintenance) easily double or triple that without getting much in the way of trouble from the car. Heck, Mercedes even used to hand out plaques to cars which passed 500.000 kilometers - they were that proud about their durability. You can sometimes see those on oldtimers. Highest mileage i can recall having seen myself off the top of my head was in excess of 700.000 kilometers (around 440.000 miles) - and I have no doubt there are Mercedes with even more than that still running.

[@warringtonfaust1088]

"Over engineered" My father was an engineer (rocket scientist) he frequently referred to the "elegant solution". That described what used the fewest parts and the least number of friction surfaces.

[@egold2071]

How lovely and proper that Bill's most popular video is of a W126 S-Class. 👌

[@nourdinamzian423]

What a beauty car from Mercedes. Das beste oder nichts

[@svenskaboi67]

The best or nothing!

[@jpsabbey]

🤣...You and your birds!...Another entertaining and informative video. Great model merc too 👌...PS...Nothing infuriates me more than someone calling more than once before i return their call. A friend called me 9 times in a row recently!...We are no longer friends!

[@ifesanmiogundowole6456]

What a sound when the doors, bonnet and boot close!!! Pristine condition! Big up yourself gentleman!

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

Given the mileage that's no surprise. Just 103.000 miles on it. That's nothing. Heck, mercedes even gave out plaques to cars passing 500.000 kilometers (a little over 310.000 miles) - that's how proud they were about the durability of their cars. Highest mileage I've seen on a Mercedes (albeit an older model than this) was north of 700.000 kilometers - and it still ran smoothly.

[@bbbmw]

That particular car is my all time favorite vehicle.

[@Visionery1]

Where do you find these beauties!

[@ladyyuna2000]

Beautiful 1990 Mercedes Benz 300SE

[@abhayajoodha3113]

I've got a white European spec 300se, it's my first car, excellent bruiser!

[@TeoYankov1234]

Abhay Ajoodha Is it expensive to maintain ?

[@davidparkin9017]

BMW tried to rival Mercedes. But as time went on, they went to a cheaper leather supplier and it showed! Their driving dynamics however, were equal.

[@ajdahun]

LMAO!!! Arabs? Sahara sands? Dust? Try road grime with snow and ice (think Germany, winter). As a matter of fact, their CEO told the engineers to design some tail lights that would still be visible and "self cleaning" after rear-ending a motorist, driving home one winter night in the early seventies. Dust?! Priceless.

[@archygrey9093]

Yeah no way dust is blocking your headlights, and if it was the last thing you want to do is turn on the headlight wipers and give your headlights a good sand papering. Australia is very dusty, and i don't ever see any cars with wipers, if the wipers were for dust all of them would come with it. The only Merc I've seen here with wipers is my own and its an import so it doesn't really count.

[@bodytolson7390]

Just bought an '89 300SE for like $500 and it is slick

[@seang2822]

Idi Amin had a 600 w100 Mercedes Pullman... w126 was not around in his time. He lost power in April 1979 before the w126 was released.. but I get the reference. Big fan of the w126.. thinking of getting one..

[@FrancePhil44]

The 300 with the M103 engine is so reliable ! It can last forever ! It's truly a wonderful car. The W126 is definitely the last best reliable Mercedes produced.

[@19jacobob93]

The W140 with the M104 that followed was probably the last best reliable Mercedes! The M104 was basically a near perfected M103 with DOHC and replaced the weak timing chains and soft valve guides.

[@nicolasroirand8011]

Bonjour , avec la w124 aussi .

[@kristoferursic7761]

Every cars are made by ingeneers,Except citroens maybe,at14,37 min,ha,ha,cheers from europe

[@mohammedgangat5799]

I have the 1982 SE...,i am from southafrica.Beautiful cars....

[@randolphduke]

I love that Palomino leather interior. I wish they still offered it. I don't understand why they ever went away from it. It was a much nicer color than the cream beige or whatever they are calling the current version of it now.

[@deheerKelder]

Liked it before even watching it. You are the best!

[@MegaRetr]

my absolute favorite s class....what a beauty!

[@davidparkin9017]

Strap the camera to your forehead so you will be hands free.

[@rehmanelahirehmanelahi254]

Its jewel came from heaven

[@johna.4334]

Dalton was supposed to repair the center console cover. Bill, you need to fire his ass ASAP.

[@mijocee9084]

Does anyone know how to open the lights on dashboard? I just got this exact same (used) car :))

[@chadriddle3517]

Owned by nitwits killed me bill!!

[@michaelmuellers2512]

My father had one, 300SE 9/88 in blue metallic with light grey seats and root wood. Sometimes I had the permission to drive it. All this comes back when watching the video. Such a beautiful car...

[@adesorcuppy4225]

W126 was the best Big Benz ever built!

[@davidpaul5055]

I have a black 89 300sel with 43k miles on it. I'm the original owner and yes it does drive like the queen mary but a I like the heavy steering. Garaged and covered in the garage. Always getting requests to sell when I take it out. An amazing car indeed!

[@Olph1]

That’s beautiful. This and a W140!

[@mickoholland1]

My dad had one of these a 91 model, same color and interior. It was the first car I learned to drive in 92, the worst thing about this car was the power, or lack of it. But genuinely going for a long drive with work it was super comfortable.

[@petergachucha4988]

The car was too heavy, had a lazy acceleration

[@احمد.العجارمه]

اذا في عرب يشاهدو المقطع لايك👍😂😂

[@josephs8029]

احمد . العجارمه هلاا والله

[@philippm.1271]

nice video, thanks! just a small comment about one thing you said: "Germany is very cold" - nope its pretty warm here thanks to the Gulf Stream. 30°C in the summer is normal and in the wintertime we have most of the time a little bit over 0°C ... ok some days are extremely cold with -5° or even -10° but that's really rare. Just my small comment on that ;-) thanks :)

[@gavincolgan1827]

It’s cold to most people in the US, especially in Florida where the summers are 40C+ with around 20-25C being about the low for winter. But yes, for its latitude DE is not very cold because of that.

[@zachr5054]

These older S classes are the reason I fell in love with the Mercedes-Benz brand. Thanks for showing.

[@stephenmugler725]

Love these cars and Bill's great reviews. These cars are missed by so many of us Benz fans.

[@josebrito5202]

Bill you need a new KZbin: Bill vs Nature.

[@nabilmat7696]

صباح الخير متتبعك من اقصى شمال المغرب هذه السيارة من احب السيارات على قلبي وفي التسعينات كانت هي وحش الطريق وملكته جمعت بين المتانة والفخامة والقوة

[@MrCarGuy]

Would definitely rather have this than a 140.

[@DM-ns3vb]

MrCarGuy20 have you ever driven a 140 ?..

[@DM-ns3vb]

@Mr. Cairo Yes. I own mine since new 1997 and have every single Receipt for it since then. The car is insanely reliable. Don't listen to the down talk... its all a lie.

[@gedaman]

MrCarGuy20 W140 >>>>>>> W126

[@kennethmarquis6840]

This was the most elegant model Mercedes made. I had a E320, best car I've ever had.

[@kwakumanuasiamah7826]

A class of the century. unbeatable

[@whatiswe]

OOOH WEEE that is a Sweet ride! i recently acquired an early model 1990 300SE that needs some TLC. That engine is amazing!

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

The song on the radio was Def Lepperd. Also the fuel gauge needle was moving back & forth rapidly, during the road test. Nice car. Mercedes doesn't built cars like that anymore.

[@bonzoschlacendaker1057]

Bill, your reviews where do more for me? Then an hour with my therapist and a bottle of Valium! I know they're counterproductive. I love hood ornaments. Back in the day I had a 66 Continental convertible. It had fixed in place hood ornament. But considering the size of the object that The Pedestrian would have to deal with being God's to death would probably turn out to be a good solution. By the way It had an eighth body trunk. And almost tenth of a mile of vacuum tubing even if it had back Hume door locks as well. And in its age, they all went up at once and down at once. Just like a Marine drill hit the door knob button on the inside unlock. Get in sit down get the button locked in. Many fond memories in that car. Show my search goes on. Whatever I grind up with his gut to have a hood ornament. And let the 6,726.20 lbs. pounds of metal do its thing if somebody crosses paths with it. Keep up the great appraisals, who knows? One day in the future I may be handing you over some dead president's.

[@peterlemonjello1626]

That’s one of the best condition of this Merc I’ve ever seen. Very nice.

[@MrMachacker]

The headlight washers pump warm water onto the headlights to melt snow. Same with the tail lights, notched to prevent snow from covering them up during winter.

[@stexpeditus]

“Every car was designed by an engineer except Citroëns.” So cruel...

[@stexpeditus]

I’m relieved, having owned 7 DS series over the years. Having said that, working on my recently acquired ‘89 300se is such a pleasure in comparison.

[@lorenzomoore6398]

I love these.....Had an chance to drive a 86 300 SE.

[@steveohanna7544]

Love your work bill. A big fan from Australia

[@davecurry8300]

Greetings from Sydney. Great video, great car.

[@zillsburyy1]

bill loves pop up headlights

[@bhuuthesecond]

The us spec lights are unfortunate

[@archygrey9093]

Yeah, they have that weird sticking out bumper too and crazy emissions control stuff slapped on everywhere.

[@tedjensen8841]

Another enjoyable review. Thank you

[@victorvaughn2]

Bill! Your have the best videos!! But please please please bring back that awesome music you used with autohaus of naples.

[@zillsburyy1]

16:10 the u boat is sinking!!!

[@toraw4tv1]

This car oozes grandfather convos 😴😴😴🎯 one of the best MB ever made

[@toraw4tv1]

...................................if only it could get my bicho wett

[@holycross33]

one of my favorite cars for sure

[@johnpalmer5131]

This in my opinion, was when MB was at their pinnacle. I owned and 300 SDL in the late 80 and it was the best car I ever owned.

[@keith536]

I swear this guy sounds like Josh Lucas.

[@blakebias9515]

Time capsule of a car

[@silentrex9325]

My brother just gave me this car e days ago, and would love to take it on the road some day

[@michaelbenvenuto8713]

Yeah bring back that soothing intro music

[@MullahSteinberg]

I have. The same. In SEL 12000 km from new

[@thebulgarianguy8461]

The ribbing on the taillights actually creates small vortexes which keep them clean.

[@cruiser6260]

Never see them around now, but back then I always thought it was to make it stronger, harder to break

[@tomrey3205]

W126>w140

[@alexanderhuzau6850]

Designer: Bruno Sacco.

[@AaronRandolphChen]

This is also my favorite Mercedes S Class. Like you, I prefer the SWB version. The 3 liter in-line six is a really lovely engine too.

[@kenarts11]

Can you do an in-depth review of the W116?

[@dogsandcars202]

Hahahaha haha the birds

[@damian-795]

In my humble opinion , this is the best looking Mercedes ever made. This car is stunning and the right colour too. I have a w211 and live in the UK but I want one of these :-)

[@nehuge]

Geez, do you smoke much? lol

[@gedaman]

David C He sounds like Harvey Fierstein, haha.

[@KamionKing]

It’s not his fault you have a girly voice and are jelaous

[@gedaman]

Kamion King Are you quoting someone?

[@davidpearn5925]

Built live a truck and drives like a truck. Perfect for those built like a truck.

[@dano336]

I just bought a 1988 300 SE black same car from my mechanic interior looks like it's never been sat in outside looks pretty much like this I just got it today so I'm wondering about the back gray bumper after the chrome It's a little bit peeled up and I'm not sure what to use yet but I'll figure it out this would be my 4th 126

[@bob808]

Brings back some fond memories of my 1985 380SEC :'-)

[@Slashboyz2]

I miss the music Bill!

[@ndg49]

Owned a 1986 300SDL in DB904 (Midnight Blue) with a Cream Beige interior. Still mourn its loss (no one injured). Classic style which cannot be topped. W126 cars are terrific to own. Maint. is never expensive and parts are still available. They're easy to work on yourself. THey're heavy, so they don't get the best fuel mileage, but they run forever (properly maintained, as is with any car) unless they're totaled. But, there's nothing like cruising on the open road in one of these... rock solid. That old diesel of ours could cruise at 100mph all day long without you even getting tired.

[@archygrey9093]

Most modern sedans are actually heavier than these old Mercs, but they feel lighter as they are lower to the ground with stiffer suspension and perkier engines.

[@tonedune3456]

I went to visit my aunt in the US during the 80s and she had an S class like this but the earlier turbo diesel model. We traveled 100s of miles to places in calif. Was Holiday of a lifetime

[@jameseberhardt2724]

Lexus at this time was just a cheap knock off a Mercedes want to be. It will NEVER EVER HAVE THE Pedegree that this car has. Lexus IS nothing but a glorified TOYOTA.