560 SEC vs 300CE | The Best Coupes Mercedes-Benz Ever Built

[@charlesb7019]

We have owned an ‘87 560sec in smoke silver with a palomino interior since 2008. Purchased with 41000 miles, now with 96000. Love love love this car and will never sell.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Such a timeless classic! Great color combo

[@the8419]

It is a great car, but it’s fuel economy is absolutely horrific. I hope you have other cars to drive regularly.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes, it’s definitely not good on gas mileage. I do have other cars that are better but when it comes to cars that you love, sometimes the gas consumption is less of a concern.

[@ace7821]

Same will never sell or let go of my SEC

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

@@AutoAfflictedi hear that, at first i tried not to but now i basically daily my w221 s65, the gas is worth it when you love a car

[@ArthurDayneFirstOfHisName]

2 timeless rides ! Congrats

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 timeless indeed

[@GS-bx5hd]

These 300ce's have aged so, so we'll!. A true Mercedes, with the 6 pot, and solid build. Definitely a highly collectible classic in the future 👌

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! The looks are👌🏼 and the interior vibe is strong! This one is in process of getting the turbo installed, just as I had threatened to do

[@GS-bx5hd]

@@AutoAfflicted I can't wait for the update video! All the best

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 same !

[@frederickh4942]

Two of my favorite Mercedes! Great review!

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 thank you

[@davejohnson3860]

Your vides are the truth...And that killer shirt! @4:12 Emphasizes my point!

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 I appreciate that! Looking through your playlists, I see we have similar musical taste

[@davejohnson3860]

Road trip 2024!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Haha yes! Where is the destination

[@davejohnson3860]

@@AutoAfflicted Utah.... to buy the 300ce...lol

[@AutoAfflicted]

@davejohnson3860 call your bank 🏦

[@compassmediallc]

Ali... Stoked on your new show and journey with these two classics. I am a big fan of the pillar-less design as well. Ill be watching to see what you do with that CE. The SEC is the sleeper luxury mobile. In my childhood growing up in the 80's - Benz with the sheepskins.....these cars were what we wanted to own. RIP J2. respect. Gary Hansen

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes man! Love the pillarless coupes. Back in the 80s sheepskin covers were a big thing, I just remember how disgusting they usually were. Thanks so much for checking it out

[@compassmediallc]

@@AutoAfflicted new leather seats are gonna be sick

[@compassmediallc]

I was looking at this car like a month ago in Bay Area ! I think you got a good deal if it’s the one I saw also.. always diggin in the crgslist!!!

[@AutoAfflicted]

I did find this on eBay, at a dealership in the Oakland area... I have been watching it since last June. I called them up directly and ended up getting this car for $2900

[@eriks9417]

Best coupes ever!! Love these bodies! White over grey is my favorite colour combo!!!

[@AutoAfflicted]

I like white and grey

[@stillsearching1284]

My Aunt had a champagne metallic 560 SEL. It was awesome!

[@zulusmith]

Both are nice. I love that M.O.P. was playing when you turned on the radio. No way that you're a fan?!?

[@AutoAfflicted]

I do enjoy M.O.P.

[@aaroncostello8812]

It's like driving down the road in a bank vault with an extra door.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Absolutely ! So solid

[@kyleschneiberg]

Super cool episode getting to know the FaM. Thanks AG

[@AutoAfflicted]

Thank you always for checking it out! It’s been fun finding these and restoring them

[@SARCASM_IS_MY_FIRST_NAME]

That is no contest , C124 and C126 are equally great !

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! I had to let the C126 go as I had much equity in it… and now the C124 is turbocharged with 300hp !

[@jasonnelson316]

Beautiful. Just Beautiful

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! I juts love these pillarless coupes

[@Pikachu10-11]

the 124 model does not leave me indifferent. I am very happy with it🥰

[@AutoAfflicted]

Beautiful cars for sure!

[@davidraezer5937]

I discovered the 126 model line a couple years ago. Just sold my 87 V126 560 but I still have a 86 560 SEC and a 86 W124 sedan both are smoke silver with burgundy leather. I’m curious to see the outcome of your turbo install on the 124.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I sold the SEC recently. I miss it every time I see one

[@Ashantiblack79]

nice! I'm also working on my sec560. blks560sec

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes 🙌🏼 I’ve been seeing on Instagram ❤️🇩🇪

[@brianhoefer7148]

Thank you for the video. Nice 560. Just picked up a mostly clean 186k mile 1989 300CE for $1k us. Been wondering about the side mirrors.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Sound like you scored with that pricing !

[@ToddtheLoneDroner]

I'm going to buy one tomorrow for a $1000.It's at a tow yard and it's red

[@AutoAfflicted]

Congratulations

[@Restobenz]

Amazing cars. I always owned a w116 from 280s to 450 sel. Now Iam thinking to swap to a w124 300...my dad get one 300 e Sportline and I just fall in love. Really hope to find one nice 124.

[@AutoAfflicted]

You’ll love the w124 for sure

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

Awesome combo brother, i hope they treat you well for many years!

[@stillsearching1284]

The wheels on the 560 SEC are nice. Were those the original wheels?

[@AutoAfflicted]

@@stillsearching1284 those are 17 inch AMG Monoblock 1 wheels - the original wheels would be the 16 inch “Gullideckel”

[@keithgreenaway2690]

How can you pick a favorite, it’s like saying which one of your kids is your favorite. But I am biased as I have owned a 1990 300CE for almost 20 years. I like the tighter handling, and to me the proportions are just perfect. Great video.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I’d have to agree, but I guess I just sold one of my kids🤣 I chose to keep the 300 CE and now I’m going to strap a turbo to it

[@keithgreenaway2690]

@@AutoAfflicted What a turbo???Keep us posted. Mercedes gave the 300CE a new M104 DOHC in 1990. That gives it about 50 extra HP over the old M103 in your 88. It is an amazing engine, not quite as smooth as the M103, but it has an awesome growl when you rev it up to redline. I put over 200k on my old 300E that had the M103. Great engines.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes, a turbo. The manifold came from kangaroos team racing in Bulgaria and then the kit itself is a simple eBay turbo kit for now. Should add 100 hp with the stock set up on low 8 pounds of boost, I don’t have any plans on building the engine for big power. But 300hp should be plenty for such a small car. The M104 engine would’ve been a better starting point for a turbo conversion but the 103 is what I have. And I too have about 200,000 miles on this engine, pray for me 🙏🏼

[@ItsTimePictures]

The SEC is certainly the better vehicle, though I am biased as I have a euro grey market imported 500 SEC. I also once owned a US spec 1987 560 SEC. Both vehicles have an amazing feel and are head turners.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! The 560 is a much better vehicle and more sought after... mine is actually going up on Cars & Bids next week

[@ItsTimePictures]

@@AutoAfflicted NOO!!!!! Shame on you. 😆 Mine was rear-ended last month. Very minor. But finding a good rear euro bumper is not easy.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I’m about enjoying as many cars as I can but not keeping any one at this point

[@Kidmayham]

Can you please list the specs for the wheels? Whats the off set and tire size etc for the 300ce

[@AutoAfflicted]

18x8 et38 on all four corners with 225/40 tires. I have now increased rear tires to 245/40 but they rub once in a while under heavy compression. You can see on www.Instagram.com/bruno_saccoupe

[@openureyes]

Agreed

[@angusnz7910]

Is that bumper on the sec standard)? It looks so wrong. I’ve got a 85 500SE 4 door shorty, repowered with 5.5 v8 and 7sp from a 2010ish e class. Nice classic sleeper looking std but a spring to its step when needed. Cost me more than cars worth to do, but love it to bits

[@AutoAfflicted]

It is standard US spec , a little longer than euro spec. Your 500SE sounds fun

[@fasteddy07]

The 300CE has some mad gangsta lean on the seats. 😎

[@AutoAfflicted]

The passenger especially 😎

[@davejohnson3860]

Ikr! Lol

[@douglasthompson9482]

I loved both models. After driving both, I think that the 300ce is what I would choose. A little smaller and rarer in my area. I have looked everywhere for a 300ce and have not found anything. Presently I have a 1991 300sl….another gorgeous car. To have both cars is incredible. If you still have the 300ce and want to sell it, please let me know.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I agree with you 100%, the 300 CE definitely is more of a drivers car and the one I have definitely has a lot of 90s specific features that make it a time capsule. I did end up selling the 560 and rolled that money into a turbo set up on the 300 CE, which you can see on the channel. Once I have the 300 CE, dial the end, how I like it I will probably put it up for sale and see if anyone is interested in giving me what I would want for it. I think unless it’s over 10 K would be hard to part with this amazing car in its current condition…. I have seen quite a few 300 CE’s on the Facebook marketplace in the last six months though you should start hunting there if you’re not already.

[@plissken94th57]

I just bought a 300ce last week, and I must say, it’s a fucking an awesome car!

[@AutoAfflicted]

@plissken94th57 I concur! Congrats on your coupé! Turbo charging mine has breathed new life into it, made it a completely new beast. Check out the turbo build series if you haven’t already

[@plissken94th57]

@@AutoAfflicted oh I definitely will!! But I was wondering, have you tuned the engine and the transmission? I kinda wana try to get some more MPG out of it before attaching some turbo to it. It’s also experiencing a slight issue, where it starts right away cold but when warm it’ll stall out right away but second or 3rd time it starts right up. Sometimes on some turns it’ll turn off. My pops is a mechanic but a lot more familiar with Nissans, Toyotas, Fords, Saturns, Hondas, and all their respective luxury or lower end brands. He’s mechanically inclined but German cars are just slightly different for him but he seems to know the basics so well that I feel like we’re going to figure this situation out together. It’s a possible adjustment on the EHA valve, but we’re going to go change the fuel filter and fuel pump and go from there.

[@AutoAfflicted]

@plissken94th57 I did all the main fuel and spark maintenance prior to turbo install. I adjusted spark gap, AFR, and increased fuel pressure with the EHA valve once the turbo was installed . definitely start with the basic tune up items - check the idle air control valve, sometimes those need to be cleaned as well. There is tons of KZbin videos for the w124

[@Johnathan_Waters]

What about the successor?? The C140??

[@AutoAfflicted]

I do like the C140 but as an S class with all of its groundbreaking amenities the reliability suffers. I would definitely own a S600 Coupé for the right price, despite its manky front end…. Bruno Sacco and team really let us down by not using the W140 front end on the coupé

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@AutoAfflicted I own a 1998 CL600. I only mentioned it because the title of your video and then seeing the two you chose it's like WTF?

[@AutoAfflicted]

@Johnathan_Waters hahaha if I owned a c140 I would have included it 🤣 I need a v12 , probably a scary CL600 or CL65 C215 🫣

[@plissken94th57]

I just bought a 300ce not long ago, it runs nice but has that issue of randomly shutting off when slowing down or idling. I already have it factored down to something electrical or the fuel system mainly concerning the fuel pump or fuel filter, next will be the FPR, overload voltage regulator or it’s relay.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Have you looked at the idle air control valve ? Sometimes those need cleaning

[@koenbrouns6241]

What's going on with the ce's headlights ???

[@AutoAfflicted]

How do you mean? These are stock US version 2 piece , pretty weathered. I’ve since installed some aftermarket dual rounds that I found in a salvage yard … if I find full glass euro style lights I will upgrade to those

[@georgecurtis6463]

500sec is my favorite. Dark chocolate interior.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I did love the SEC, recently sold it on Cars and Bids kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4uuZGCYltiph8U

[@Steven91637]

Mercedes’ Benz as it’s Best!!!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Absolutely! These coupes are tanks

[@F_r_a_n_y]

What BMW coupe seat did you get for the 124? Thanks.

[@AutoAfflicted]

From an e46 - I haven’t installed them yet as the bolt pattern requires new mounting holes drilled in floor pan(not a big deal) but I’m considering buying new MBtex covers for the front seats, exact replacement of existing skins

[@F_r_a_n_y]

@@AutoAfflicted thanks. You can swap the tops or bottoms of any w124 seat onto any other as long as you use the original seat rail. I've got a sedan drivers seat on my coupe rails for now just doesn't tilt forward without operating the controls.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Tru - I gotta keep the coupe functionality-

[@mbeenz]

I’m Taking My 1990 560 SEC TO THE GRAVE WITH ME!!!! She is Such A STYLISH BEAST!!!!! Black ON Black WITH STAGGERED CHROME AMG MONOBLOCKS, EURO HEADLIGHTS!!! I’m ALWAYS GETTING OFFERS ON HER!!!! IV HAD HER FOR 24YRS AND SHE IS PRISTINE! MY SWEET WIFE LOVES HER AS MUCH ,!! And She SAYS , DONT EVER SELL THE SEC!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Hard to argue with that, if I had an SEC that was that well equipped, I would certainly have held onto it. This gold one was fun but ultimately it had to donate its equity to turbo charging the C1 24.

[@waltpartymiller6802]

Take the 300CE to the self-spray car wash and for a few dollars clean that engine bay- the water won't hurt anything, take a towel to wipe the surface dry. I've had my 300CE for 22 years and it is so beautiful, no problems, great driver Diamond blue metallic with beige leather, 140K miles. Perhaps an upholstery shop could mend those seat tears get free estimate, those seats are super comfortable.

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 yes totally - It’s clean now, but can use a further detailing - this video is from shortly after purchase in may

[@Thabyrd9]

Soon as he said earthquake I'm think yeah it's hitting

[@AutoAfflicted]

Can’t believe I found this system

[@garethdavies2538]

I have a 1992 560 SEC with under 60,000 miles on it white with palomino interior. I drive it about 1,000 miles a year and since I am 84 there is a good chance it will outlast me !!!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Sounds beautiful! Enjoy it

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

The E stands for Einspritzung....Injection in German :) Lovely two cars you got there.And i reallllyyy love the Palamino interior in the c126,,its just sooo tasty :) Im in the "process" of getting a c126 myself..as it is about time.Always wanted one ..and its just gotta be done :)But i really do not want to sell my w210 E50 Amg,,nor my Mitsubishi..but i need an Sec :) Greetings from fellow "MB " /Car youtuber :),from Norway , Stefan :)

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 yes an SEC is a must have ! You must fine room for all the cars 😬

[@dejanmrsic7460]

E stands for E class and CE stands for coupe E class

[@AutoAfflicted]

@dejanmrsic7460 actually, that is incorrect, and the correct answer is above from car taker garage. E class did not come in to play until after the 124 ended.

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

I need that t shirt!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Adidas mark gonzales shirt from 2021

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

@@AutoAfflicted already ordered one from Amazon lol, thanks brother

[@myplast8263]

Hi alec baldwin ! ....nice vidéo and you look like alec !

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 I guess I’ll take that as a compliment 🤷🏽‍♂️🤣

[@myplast8263]

@@AutoAfflicted first i love mercs...second of course it's a compliment...Béchir from tunisia

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼 lots to love about a Benz ! Cheers 🥂 from Utah USA

[@myplast8263]

I lived in illinois for four years and i had an 82 i guess w 123 240d 60 milles one owner ...

[@AutoAfflicted]

Nice! I’d like a c123 turbo diesel - take it over to Diesel Brothers and roll some coal

[@mateolopez7225]

The one thing I hate about mercedes is the US bumpers

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes! They are so gross

[@izyfication]

The word COUPÉ is a French word and his prononciation is COUPAY in english 🙂🇫🇷👍🏻 Thank you

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes, I should embrace my French roots with the correct pronunciation, Coupay 🗣 🇫🇷 🙏🏼

[@thefranz77oi]

Bellissime,!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 lots of love for these coupes

[@Bizmyurt]

Unfortunately you have detuned engines in us. Originally it had 300 hp.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Sad for US, 300hp would be much better in the 560sec … my 300CE has almost 300whp now with the turbo added

[@Bizmyurt]

@@AutoAfflicted That's life but you have compensated it with your w124.

[@N1120A]

It is not too difficult to get the 560's HP up, through relatively easy and inexpensive modifications.

[@N1120A]

Mercedes could put out the SEC today and still have a hit

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed!

[@riaanpotgieter475]

You have to include 380 SEC, 500 SEC, also remember W123 280 CE..... You know what????..... up until 1997 when the last 560 SEC was produced Benz was my most favourite car of all!!! ❤️🌹😼😎..... since then it became just another car, regardless how good, how fast or how technological advanced....... 🤷‍♂️..... instead of leading the race..... they just joined the race 🤷‍♂️

[@AutoAfflicted]

All of the Benz pillarless coupés are awesome. Certainly Benz was leap and bounds ahead of other manufacturers, pioneering technology into the early 2000s… the others have definitely caught up… I’m not nearly as interested in a new Benz as I am in theses more classic ones

[@dejanmrsic7460]

Last 560 SEC was produced in 92🙂

[@AutoAfflicted]

I would buy another one

[@mrndnjn]

Which do you prefer? 300 CE or 560 SEC?

[@AutoAfflicted]

Well they’re both great in their own way. The 300 CE being smaller is definitely more nimble but with a little less horsepower. The thing I really like about the 300 and why am keeping it is that it has an amazing 90s alpine stereo install. It’s also pretty rough in some regards when you get rid of close to it. So ultimately the 560 was going to bring the most money and I’ve decided to put a turbo on the 300 before I sell it. The next car will likely be CL600 biturbo

[@mrndnjn]

@@AutoAfflicted I have a 93 300 CE and it runs like new. It's outrageously good for a near 30 year old vehicle.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Nice! Mine runs really well considering it sat for years. Some love and it should provide another 100k miles of enjoyment

[@Bogi_Maramski_Garage]

I like it cars vid

[@AutoAfflicted]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️🇩🇪

[@ranger_who]

I know a V8 is a V8 but when the 3.0 inline six of the 300CE could boost up to 300hp it embarrasses the fuel thirsty big brother 5.6L V8 there.

[@AutoAfflicted]

I don’t really get caught up on the engine configuration.. I opted to keep the 300CE and turbo it, couldn’t be happier! The power delivery is exciting, the engine and exhaust not is music to your ears .. and if you want to listen the music the Alpine has you covered

[@ranger_who]

@@AutoAfflictedEither of those handsome coupes will put a smile on your face, but yes the sound system that come with the C124 packaged is a wise choice for keep.

[@wescobarseason7701]

300ce the absolute best benz coupe ever made

[@AutoAfflicted]

Big fan of the 300CE !

[@DonAl9114]

The beautiful shape of these cars get destroyed with these us required bumpers….😮😮😮

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! The SEC is so much cleaner with the euro spec bumpers

[@siegfriedbarfuss9379]

B pillor less is the best and the new e class coupe successor CLE fails to offer it. What a shame!

[@AutoAfflicted]

Agreed! That’s my gripe with CLK, well it’s pillar-less but the rear windows don’t go down so you don’t get the visual effect

[@SamLukie]

Old money pits now. Strictly for wealthy collecters.

[@Bizmyurt]

Sacco had Italian roots but he worked for Mercedes in german headquarters his all life. Actually I do not like his design filosofi that was formless flat design but something he couldn't do due to technologically reasons.

[@AutoAfflicted]

Yes, Italian designer for a German company… his design have aged well in my opinion