1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel | Retro Review

Anyone else getting Rocky IV vibes watching that big Benz slosh around in the snow? Might just be my brain stuck in retro mode...
Show 1326 | Original Airdate 03-02-1994
Want to help keep our weekly Retro Reviews alive? DONATE NOW: mptevents.regf...
Find airdates on your local PBS station HERE: motorweek.org/...
Want to watch full episodes of MotorWeek? Download the PBS video app for FREE or watch here: www.pbs.org/sh...
Stay connected with MotorWeek on social media!
Twitter (X): / motorweek
Facebook: / motorweektv
Instagram: / motorweek
MotorWeek, PBS' award-winning weekly automotive magazine provides unbiased, consumer-oriented car news with feature stories on related topics.
To license this video or any content from MotorWeek, please visit:
www.parsintl.c...

[@JohnEvans-ct6mz]

Last of the great Benz’s. Back when durability and reliability were equal to if not more important than glamour.

[@mervinprone]

Just because it was slow and ugly doesn’t mean it was better. The current Mercedes Benz models are some of the most sophisticated cars on the market.

[@thefuzzypickle8277]

@@mervinproneand that makes it better? Sounds like a pain

[@moejr1974]

@@mervinprone New Mercs are not nearly as reliable as these.

[@mervinprone]

@@moejr1974 how do you know if something new is reliable? It’s new.

[@moejr1974]

@@mervinprone I should have said more modern ones instead of new.

[@Taco-bomb-GTA]

W124, pure beauty and subtlety

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

It is not 124. It is, I think, 201.

[@Marklin15]

@@kamrankhan-lj1ngIt is a 2nd facelift W124.

[@nwezetx1]

@@kamrankhan-lj1ngUh, nope.

[@nwezetx1]

@@Marklin15👍

[@Taco-bomb-GTA]

@@kamrankhan-lj1ng You are wrong, the W201 is a lower category model than the W124, it is the 190E model

[@Yormsane]

This battleship will still doing airport taxi runs in 2040.

[@Sawubona2007]

2050 atleast bro

[@montesa35]

And the W123s will still be running in most African countries in the same decade.

[@andreasausmuc]

W124 - they still run as Taxis over here in Germany, some with way more than a million kilometers. Bulletproof and indistructable.

[@Peterkragger]

Still? Here in Poland, these used to be popular as taxis, but have phased out completely and now 90% of them are hybrid Toyotas

[@alpaljl]

I saw a few as taxis in Portugal when I visited earlier this year as well.

[@TheJourneyOfMeMyselfAndI]

I'm just here for the nostalgic feeling of watching John. The W124 is a thing of beauty, I wish I can have me a 500E but they're still so pricey.

[@thebulgarianguy8461]

Yep, you definitely missed the 500e train. They were $10k 15y ago

[@JisINSANE3]

Still see these on the road today.

[@user-cz2rm9ij3p]

@JislNSANE3 And at least I had to see from Kazakhstan both in life and in American films of various genres 😊❤😊

[@ThatFoo.frmTha713.]

I dont

[@ThatFoo.frmTha713.]

So rare to see 90s Mercedes specially if there in perfect condition. I see the 70 and 80s ones more here in TX

[@mustsilm]

Better than modern ones

[@docthediesel7781]

The turbocharged version of this engine in the ‘98 and ‘99 E300s was amazing. We have a ‘99 still running strong. I don’t know that MW ever reviewed the turbocharged version, but if they did, I’d love to see it here!

[@lotsoftorque3632]

They don't build them like that anymore. I have seen a couple of the ones you have on craigslist back in the day with over 400k. The next diesel MB I want is a W116 300sd.

[@youtoobe169]

@@lotsoftorque3632 W116 300SD is a bucket list car for me

[@jeffcullen6573]

I have the pair -- '98 E300 Turbodiesel and '79 300SD Turbodiesel. Love the style and simplicity of the 116 -- that car will still be here 45 years from today... but the "relatively modern" 210 has some nice creature comforts, it's quieter inside, and the 606 turbo with the 5-speed is a nice upgrade especially on the highway.

[@lotsoftorque3632]

@@jeffcullen6573 Very cool. That is quite the collection of benzs! I guess the 80s and 90s designers did bring a bit more refinement into the vehicles. And you are right about the 5 speed, I had an 84 300D and 4th gear was 1:1 so it was at 3000rpm at 70mph. I do love the raw feeling though of those older diesels. Currently have a 95 BMW 740i in my collection and that thing is the opposite, absolutely buttery smooth in every way shape and form. When it comes down to it, I have to have both.

[@jeffcullen6573]

@@lotsoftorque3632 Funny, I had a '97 750iL a few years back. Marvelous car... while I miss it, at least I still have a driving license... The '98 210 Turbodiesel is like a cross between the E38 and the 300SD. I would love to drive a euro-spec 740d sometime. I have a '75 W114 280 with a carb'd M110 too. Lots of BMW and Saab in the past.

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

I love these retro reviews. I never watch the modern reviews, only these retro review videos. Especially the older ones. It's a bit like watching Stranger Things.

[@kokocostanza2036]

EPA don't lie.

[@johnjones393]

The intake vent in the right fender is something that more cars should have.

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

The w124 was the last great solidly built e-class Benz. This non-turbo was definitely not fast but “steady” and very reliable. A turbo diesel version of the same engine was offered in the w124 body in its earlier years with over 200 lb/ft of torque. It is pretty quick for a diesel and will run today’s higher highway speeds with ease.

[@engineer_alv]

I remember the early W210 could be had with the Turbo Diesel version of this OM606 engine, good for almost 180hp and over 240 ft-lbs of torque. If I recall early W124s had the older OM603 mill

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

@@engineer_alv the om603 turbo was only available in the USA for 87. A good one with the #22 cyl head is something I’m always on the lookout for.

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

I keep a lookout as well. I got a #14 head once. I'll never make that mistake again.

[@nwezetx1]

I’m so mad that we lost some of these to Cash For Clunkers.

[@GeeEm1313]

Oh no. 😮

[@engineer_alv]

maybe some E500 and E420s but no E300 Diesels were eligible for C4C as the EPA fuel economy had to be an avg of 18MPG combined or less

[@nwezetx1]

@@engineer_alv Oh sorry, I meant W124s in general. I had thought about editing it, but preferred discourse like ours if need be.

[@hellkitty1014]

W124 was an amazing car. Literally did everything exceedingly well during its day. I'm pretty sure there are still versions of this exact car still pulling duty in Europe. The later upgraded turbodiesel models of these cars were considerably better. Overall, he W124 just had a classic German heft and solidity to it when going down the road. You knew you were driving something of substance. These and W126 S-Class were just amazingly built cars. "The best or nothing at all"...

[@Hubjeep]

NICE! I have the exact same car, two-tone silver exterior and ash 🤤 interior. Mine is a Special Edition with car phone in the armrest (hands-free as well), heated seats, ASD. After 10 years of production I suspect it was more difficult to sell the W124 so they made many the fully loaded SE I daily drive mine, 229,000 miles.

[@KenanTurkiye]

Year 2024 manufacturing plants across the world: Yeah we build (so and so - insert accordingly) cars. W124 enters the chat: I am The Car. Everyone: (deafening silence, respect)

[@mwinner101]

Awesome quality and looks. Not much for performance. Still 100X better than what MB builds today.

[@Henchman1977]

Needs a turbo so badly, that thing can barely get out of its own way.

[@DrizzleDarth]

When he said those power numbers i literally lol'd

[@kevin9c1]

Man, that really needs a turbo.

[@brandonlynchock9553]

0 to 60 in 13 seconds what do u mean 😂

[@campingkillen]

The father of a friend of mine had the 5 cyl version of it (250D) used as a taxi cab. Last time I drove it it was well passed 500K miles. Still ran like a champ with no rattles or any other noices! Had a 200D myself, but I had to scrap it due to severe rust issues at only 300K, but it still ran fine though....🙂

[@davidaubin3902]

3:28 John: BUT THE PASSENGER'S COMES AT THE EXPENSE OF A GLOVE BOX! LOL

[@philsmgb4393]

And still no volt meter!!!!!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I have owned two of these and it is the very last of the best! You cannot convince me any different

[@dohc1067]

It's a nice combination of comfort, power, efficiency, and good looks.

[@genyazaqqq]

It's underpowered definitely!!!

[@frederikebert1985]

I own a ‘94 S124 E320, 260k miles, runs like a champ. Best car I have ever owned.

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

Fun fact - the OM606 3.0d 100kw/134hp is the most powerful mass produced naturally aspirated diesel in terms of power per liter. I had the exact same car 1995 E300 diesel - drove so smooth and I loved the sound of a NA straight six. But the W124 4 speed transmission doesn't have overdrive - the 4th gear is a direct 1:1 ratio and that's it. The late 124's had a 5 speed auto but the diesels and the V8 models never got it.

[@llegacy1870]

Remember seeing these in the car mags and would love if my parents would get one.

[@amgjens]

The eighties and nineties were a golden era for cars with many companies on top of their game, whether it's MB, BMW, VW, Toyota, PSA,... many delivered their best cars in these years.

[@andrewsmactips]

Oil pressure but no volts. Missed by “that” much.

[@modernworldiscrap]

W124, the last true Benz

[@tylermacconnell217]

Actually, the W140 S-Class that ran from 1992-1999 could be considered the last true Benz. The W124 ended in 1995.

[@modernworldiscrap]

@@tylermacconnell217 w202 w124 w140 w460 good old Benz

[@basshead.]

r129, w463

[@oldmercedesdiesel]

Definitely the last great e-class.

[@Nikola_W211]

W210 and w211 are great also.

[@nicolasdepaoli2387]

When Mercedes were a real German car

[@giorgio.]

History will later teach us that this generation of E-Class Mercedes Benz is be one of the best, most reliable, durable and over-engineered to last cars ever made.

[@texan176]

This was the pinnacle of E class styling and engineering. The coupe version of this body style is even more stunning. It’s so sad how these became junkers once the W210 chassis was in fashion. These became $4999 specials in the early 00s, then people tried to get them fixed on Autozone parts, and it was off to the junkyard soon after. The hand built convertibles that were made expensive new are still commanding around $25-30K for a good one. Those have been preserved well.

[@PeterCruze-f1u]

Bullet-proof car 🚗 in Europe, you still see thousands of them as taxi beautiful 😍.

[@mediocreman2]

So weird to look at a Mercedes that's not ugly and built poorly. Have to go back at least 25 years to do it, unfortunately.

[@olivers7686]

A very nice car - but there were problems with corosion since 1992 because of water-based paintwork.

[@Cheezwizzz]

A rock solid car, even by todays standards

[@agnostichuman7369]

Legendary car legendary engine

[@jimkanellakos4699]

A classic design by Bruno Sacco. These and the W140 were tanks!

[@albertolodi752]

Probabilmente la più robusta e longeva auto del mondo!

[@agnostichuman7369]

w123 300d is more durable.

[@mrdflash2127]

Alright!!! My baby, 280k miles and going strong! Thank you Stuttgart for relieving me of car payments:))

[@M0stlyH3lpful]

I wish we still had diesel today but diesel gate killed it

[@bobbbobb4663]

Truthfully, GM killed diesels in the U.S. market with the infamous 5.7L debacle in the late 70s.

[@westhavenor9513]

I thinks it's many things: Cheap gas, more efficient petrol engines, DEF/emissions standards, higher option cost, high repair costs, and yes a some really bad engines along the way.

[@westhavenor9513]

Still love my 328d AWD though. 40-50mpg and pretty fast for a diesel.

[@Nikola_W211]

Legendary om606 engine made to last forever.

[@tomanderson6335]

And remarkably hot-rod-able.

[@antonioroncone8179]

The last era of mercedes benz Good quality and confort

[@hsinwulau]

W124 is like tank

[@youtoobe169]

One of these just sold at auction not long ago for like $150K and another one just over $100K not that long ago.

[@성태김-c1w]

21st Century Diesel

[@trixie9867]

the soot the smoke - the rattle - THATS ALL GONE

[@cellpat7392]

MB are the best Diesel cars in the world. I'd own me one of these if I could find one. very rare today. a turbo is a must for these.

[@tenolamacintosh]

$40,000 30 years ago?! That's exorbitant. Then again, this was a far superior car to the tech-laden plastic trapping of modern day MB fare.

[@marshalmagooo3899]

W123 and 124 were beasts

[@angryshoebox]

Not very much grunt for a diesel engine. Usually diesels have a lot of torque, which makes up for what they lack in horsepower.

[@robertisaar]

That's every diesel without some form of forced induction.

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

Someone already beat me to it, John did say it" lacking a volt meter" at 3:33 ... Anyways, nice looking car with quality and clean wood inside. Too bad MB don't look like this boxy style anymore..

[@howebrad4601]

Looking back they were nice but certainly not all that luxurious making me wonder why they had such a huge price premium here in the us. They were however certainly well engineered.

[@zillsburyy1]

back when they didnt have as many problems

[@kevinbarry71]

12.6 seconds to get to 60 mph. That was ridiculously slow even then. And to pay luxury car prices for it. And to be told that you don't want leather

[@genyazaqqq]

Probably the slowest car of its time in that price range!!!

[@pawek9143]

not bad. Base diesel model in europe - 200d had 75 HP and 18-19 seconds to 62 mph ;)

[@MercOne]

Yep and it was higher quality than just about anything else on the road. When you have to argue leather is luxury you lost the plot when this car was around. The build alone made it worth it. That said a E420 or E320 would be my choice. This is just too slow.

[@philsmgb4393]

In 1995 we got rid of our Isuzu Trooper because gas went up to a staggering 1.15 per gallon.

[@waynerogers6621]

You could buy a grey market version for half the price. No warranty and some mods had to be made to pass u.s. standards but it was doable

[@ianyeh75]

One of the nicest looking MBs ever built, unlike the bloated jellybeans they make now that lasts about 50k like before problems start to crop up.

[@robrobchen2343]

car made for ever!

[@seanhershey3390]

Beautiful..

[@samartz]

love my w204 c250 CDI!

[@nwezetx1]

Per February 1994 tape date, $40,000 excluding Federal Luxury Tax and TTL, comes out today to an estimated $85,900 in August 2024. It’s astonishing how overpriced MB cars quickly became in the early 1990s and how MB had to reverse course painfully to avoid sales drops. BMW and Lexus hurt MB sales quite a bit, although the strong Yen resulted in Lexus cars themselves becoming expensive by 1995.

[@Bubblun1]

That's about what an E-Class costs now though.

[@성태김-c1w]

Taking The High Road

[@GeeEm1313]

Classy, but one year before the redesign.

[@dmer-zy3rb]

never quite got why youd take a diesel six instead of a decent petrol 4 cyl. not even here in germany with the fuel prices. a 4 cyl diesel has the economy, a 5 cyl has the awesome sound, but a six is like the worst of all worlds.

[@RaymondHaley-lv2mo]

I miss oil burners, I'll never get used to EV,s

[@bobbbobb4663]

There are plenty of good W123 Mercedes for sale at reasonable prices. Those really are tanks.

[@trixie9867]

aging vw rabbits still smoking up the neighborhood

[@sansar44]

then they put a turbo on it

[@adstix]

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Once upon a time, this was a pricey and desirable vehicle! Now, the cheapest Kia comes loaded with more tech and better fuel efficiency! The things we idolize today may become laughable in years to come! Let us enjoy transient pleasures for what they really are!

[@ianclaudio777]

A one milion miles + car made for!

[@glennvernes8305]

Nice car but I’m surprised by the lack of power and torque the engine puts out and the less than stellar mileage. A smaller turbo diesel would have been better.

[@osman_zengin]

These vehicles are still being tortured with veggie oil.

[@daviddaniel387]

historic lows, fast forward twenty-nine years later, and you will be saying gas prices are at historic highs.

[@TrailBlazerSS502]

I’ll take the E300 Diesel over an EV any day.

[@90boiler]

Todays mercedes are jokes, basically a180 is considered amg however, this true Mercedes will outlast the new, cartoonish design Mercedes

[@sammyt3514]

The W124 was probably the last over engineered, cost no object Mercedes; everything that came after it was noticeably inferior in terms of reliability, quality and longevity.

[@ahmadfaisal6778]

Malaysian people will surely 'pengsan berdiri' if they see this model nowadays.

[@hedihimeur6399]

The best w124 are between 1989 and 1992

[@2.3_44XD--]

All Mercedes in America did one big mistake. Put together miles and kilometres together in the dashboard (or what's the name of it). Only miles would have been much better. It loses soooo much attractive look instead of the simple European only km.

[@prins_af_danmark]

THAT'S FOR THE CANADIANS;

[@2.3_44XD--]

ok. Good to know I never saw one with only miles

[@aaronbryan5095]

When Mercedes wasn't targeting the kids of rich a-holes that love to showoff their newest toy

[@lunarthespacecat7772]

disels have glowplugs

[@zillsburyy1]

a diesel will never win any races

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Now they make junk

[@paulh6096]

What's interesting here is comparing (to today) the price of this car and features. 40k with no lane departure assist no adaptive cruise control, a very cheap looking interior, and slower than a Nissan Versa. Are cars today "expensive" as many people complain?

[@nwezetx1]

Cheap interior? You are so misinformed, if not worse. Comparing a car from 30.5 years ago in early 1994 to some Versa today is off base.

[@paulh6096]

@@nwezetx1 and you are totally missing my point

[@nwezetx1]

@@paulh6096 I most certainly did not. Your point falls fIat, when you describe a car you've likely never sat inside of as "cheap". The W124 interior was anything but "cheap". An Infiniti G20 maybe so, but definitely not this or even a J30 or Q45 of the era. A 30 year old eco diesel being compared to a traditional gas powered engine is apples to oranges also. Look for the 1994 E320 and see if your "point" still holds...

[@paulh6096]

@@nwezetx1 yeah ok. Never sat in one. Keep telling yourself that. You didn't get my point which is to ponder the cost of a new car at 50k with much more technology and certainly a much nicer interior is not as "expensive" as people keep claiming cars are these days. Your focused on one point. My point goes beyond your thinking.

[@nwezetx1]

@@paulh6096 You seem so focused on people getting your point, maybe you can’t remember there’s something called disagreeing with it? MB vehicles in 1993-94 were unusually overpriced (exl C-Class), but it’s absurd to be comparing the modern day equivalent of a tincan with a 30 year old luxury car. Are you going to start complaining how crappy the 1977 450SEL 6.9 was to a 2007 Honda Civic Si?, The metrics you go by are ludicrous.

[@ryanhowell4492]

Beautiful