Best Daily Drivers! | Modern Classics | Merc Estate, Micra & BMW | Classic Obsession | Episode 47

[@charlesbrimson]

What a therapeutic treat to watch - well done ~Gary and thanks!

[@barryobrien7583]

Isn't this just great. I even like the music. Top bloke! And this praise from an Irish man.

[@ericlocastro220]

Love the piano music in the background as you work. A different kind of maestro. Very relaxing watching things get fixed and preserved rather than thrown away

[@broomad]

Thanks Gary - I love fixing older cars that otherwise would have been scrapped, all for the sake of a little bit of easy maintenance

[@johnkay3277]

Doesn't matter what car you work on you do the job, with as much care as you do for you classics

[@stewartevans3875]

Hey Gary - Different this one but very enjoyable as usuall 🙂I ran a W211 E200 Kompressor Estate for about 4yrs, bought with just 42k on the clock and traded in 4 yrs later with 149k ; oil and filters every 10k miles and discs and pads as and when required; no other maintenance other tha that . I ended up trading it in for £2k as the cylinder head gasket had gone and replaced it with a 530d Sport Tourer with 90k miles on it - same maintenance cycle , oil and filters every 10k and discs and pads as and when required - ran this to 170k miles 4 yrs later and got 4k for it when I sold it . Both motors were brilliant and so reliable - cheap motoring even 10 or 12 yrs ago ! Keep up the great work ! cheers stew

[@robbrady4649]

Nice cars, nice video, nice house!

[@wolfganghobelsberger6720]

Another excellent video, and as always very relaxing to watch . Please show your little dog more often. He always makes me smile😊.

[@aalabbasi]

Another issue that can cause limp mode is the brake switch which ties into the traction control. The rust problems on the earlier W210 models was mainly because Mercedes Benz switched over to water based paint. It was brand new technology at the time and I don't think they used sealer on them. I had a 1997 E420 between 2003 and 2013 and it also had rust even though it lived in Texas most its life. The 2002 E55 that replaced it held up much better.

[@scottstrails9369]

Cheers Gary for another tip top video..My motor trade mentor always taught me back in the day when we were jockeying all sorts of cars around the Liverpool motor trade ..’A third class drive beats a first class walk’ Thanks Again

[@Theoriginalbigbrillo]

That's true , exactly why i own a ultra reliable Honda CRV these days 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Solargold1]

Great video 👍 THATS IT!!! From now on I’m going to play classical music when I work on my classics, very calming 👌

[@gro9465]

Gary, thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I confess to having negligible mechanical skills, however when I bought an early Range Rover (1972) that had been sitting for a couple of years, with a helpful and knowledgeable friend we got it back on the road, therapeutic when you have a stressful job in the city, and very satisfying too. I eventually had the car restored, and mildly enhanced (Holly carb, overdrive etc) and then made the crazy mistake to sell it. Must get another one again, and now I have more time, enjoy the tinkering 😊

[@MrBoom246]

My last Mercedes in that model a 220 diesel I brought at 58000 miles and sold it some years later with 362000 miles 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@neilharrison7555]

The dark arts of an auto gearbox examined/explored/fixed - great stuff! Love the Micra maintenance - then a "brush with a skip" !! Probably looked BETTER after the new wing, door and a lick of paint! Beemer - a quality car indeed. Thanks for a "different" type of video, really enjoyed it.

[@B16YUG]

Nice work Gary! I really admire the fact that you still do all this on axle stands on your cobbled drive! - Credit to you! I'm in my early 50's and I'm lucky to have recently moved to a place with a barn for my car storage and even luckier that I had enough room to put a 4 post car lift in there too! (Need to retire to get the full use out of time though so that's the next challenge to overcome!) Really enjoy watching your channel and your explanation of the problems you solve - Thanks for sharing your life with your daily drivers and your classics! Hope to meet you at cars and coffee when I'm next up in Liverpool or at the NEC Classic! Cheers Guy

[@classic.obsession]

Nice one. See you at the NEC. Regards.

[@adrianriley780]

Well another relaxing video. Thank you for bringing old cars back on the road.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

Great job keeping those beautiful cars on the road! And that's what really protects the environment, keeping the old cars in use as long as possible instead of buying EVs.

[@pedrosalas4460]

Always a well spent sunday morning watching you work Gary. Tnanks,your knowledge always amazes me

[@adrianbyrne6676]

Gary, just discovered your videos. They are a joy. So well made and you clearly have a passion for some great older cars! Keep up the amazing work!

[@rogerpritchard]

Yes different to your usual videos Gary!, but don't worry, your dedicated subscribers such as myself would probably watch you take your washing machine apart.

[@jeffhammond8969]

Agree with your comments. Most cars will live a long life with good maintenance. On the Mercedes, please polish the headlights! In their current state, night driving would have greatly reduced visibility.

[@classic.obsession]

Hi Jeff yes I’ve ordered a new st from hella. Regards

[@jamesellsworth9673]

A key is that you are able to do the work and do it properly.

[@BMan100]

man, that is A clean merc, most i've seen here in Ontario Canada are just covered in rust bubbles / rusting around the fender lines.

[@hamishcruden7623]

Thanks for the informative video... makes me feel as if I can do simple jobs on the car... o ... 'two little black pugs...' love it!

[@wernerdanler2742]

I've never seen an e240. There are a lot of European cars that we never get over here across the pond. I had an 85 300d turbodiesel. It had 280k miles when I traded it. It was immaculate, ran like a top, and did not burn a drop of oil. I did all my own maintenance on it. My last car was a 2001 e320 sport. Shortly after I bought it, I had to have the conductor plate replaced. It was not cheap, but it was not something I could do. I always thought there was something weird about the transmission. Give it a bit of gas, and the shift sounded like someone double clutching a standard gear box. You could not feel it, but you could hear it. The shifts were the smoothest of any car I've ever owned. But as I said, you could hear It do that. My ecu went out and I could not afford to fix it so I had to sell it on. I'm already 74 so I don't know if I will ever get another car but if I do I will try for another e class mercedes.

[@ianmedium]

I really enjoy these fix it episodes (well, al the rest to) and to do the more affordable cars it makes it even more interesting! A suggestion, how about taking on a classic or vintage cars, preferably pre-1940´s Thanks for another great episode Gary.

[@simonelliott5956]

Great to watch as always, you are so right, a little bit of money and some time can keep an old car running well.

[@davidcooks5265]

That Merc is so quite I forgot how good they are! Good upload Gary 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@sdry1688]

Fab video Gary - can't be many people who would have repaired that Micra in the cold - I take it that was last winter? - a wee vid cleaning those fogged Merc headlamps would be good

[@jules19671]

I had a W reg E240 back in the day. Bought it as an ex demo. Great car , sweet engine, really refined but a bit underpowered. Biggest problem was rust though. Used to go in for a warranty respray every year. They never replaced anything. Just treated and painted. Surprised yours is in such good condition. Chopped it in 5 years later for W211 E270. Even better, great economy and much more powerful. And no rust!

[@lgriestra]

I agree. Three modern classics, particularly MB E 210 (state or sedan), one of the less valued great "old" cars in the market.

[@johnstout64]

You are a balm for the soul!

[@herbmckoy1491]

My Mother has an E320 sedan with 93k mile on it. Still looks brand new! She doesn't drive anymore so I put about 1k miles on it each year. This video motivated me to fix the head gasket (oh boy) and rear main seal. Just too good of a car to let maintenance take it off the road! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@classic.obsession]

I have a gold e320 diesel…fabulous car. Favourite of all I’ve owned. Regards.

[@finallyfinishedclassics]

Really enjoyed that one Gary well done

[@brettnewman5230]

Loved this video! The mix of cars and approach is what makes this channel fantastic. I have a w210 e320 wagon in same color scheme as yours that I’ve used daily for kid hauling for five years. They’re fantastic and underrated.

[@russmanZ34]

Gary, very informative episode. I have followed you from day one and seen all your videos, many of them more than once. Keep up the good work, you are showing that anyone can do anything to their cars if they just use their head and go slow.

[@life_on_cars]

Gary get those headlights polished on the Merc ! Good work 👏

[@miketherefurbisher8000]

What a fascinating insight! not only to your choice of vehicles, but you as a person who we see on our TV from time to time. Great Stuff Gary "thanks"👌

[@Tartanwallet]

Really enjoyed this one Gary

[@jimreece7615]

Really enjoyed this episode Gary, please can you cover some more runarounds / future modern classics etc?

[@TahoeRealm]

Greetings from Lake Tahoe🌲 this was a great episode. Thank you.

[@davidwebb8877]

Great channel this,and a local lad.

[@jacquesvilleneuve754]

Great episode as always, continue the good work Gary

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

It is about time you did what all us car geeks want to do Gary... Demolish the house, build something new with one room and 10 garages 😀

[@classic.obsession]

Haaaa!!

[@JamesParus]

That mercedes interior fits your look perfectly.

[@LiquidAudio]

Always enjoy each new episode, it’s a very relaxing channel Gary!

[@ContinentalMotorcars]

job well done Mr. Mavers

[@ianhannington5945]

Excellent content and presentation as always . The background music is a great choice , should play it when I work on my cars to keep me calm when a 30 min job turns into a few days . Keep it up Gary , best Classic car channel on KZbin for me. 👌😎👍

[@llamamanism]

You make it look so easy, a practiced hand I suppose

[@lucfranssen226]

Another beautifull video, and a MB (German car) !!!!Thank You, greetings from Belgium!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@robertcampbell1307]

Thanks for doing maintenance for the common man! I enjoy watching you work on your vehicles, very calming! 👍🏽

[@classic.obsession]

From one common man to another!! Regards.

[@andyharvey2864]

Great video Gary, along with my “Classic” classic 83 500SL I also have what I think is a modern classic, a 2004 Mercedes A190. A perfectly useable everyday car and far better than they have been given credit for.

[@gotham1-ken588]

Good watch,thank you 👍

[@donalheaiy2087]

Nice to watch

[@matsujarvinen]

W210 really is one of the best MB´s ever made.

[@stephenkayll5241]

I had an E46, 328i SE, steptronic auto, also titan silver, loved that car, i'm seriously thinking of getting another, its the best shaped 3 series ever.

[@peterconnor4193]

Great video on the mercedes gearbox, very informative, didn't know there was a cars and coffee in Liverpool will definitely look it up next time im there , great content in your videos, obviously a labor of love

[@davebarron5939]

Triple Threat! Good stuff, always enjoyable. Cheers!

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Another great episode, keep 'em coming 👍

[@jonboy9912]

I owned a E200 1996 R Reg saloon manual for 10 years I had the rust problem but loved the motor, I sold it 10 years ago for a 2007 CLS 320CDI gen 1 car in black that is absolutely immaculate and must be a classic of the future. Mayor Khan has outlawed such cars with the ULEZ charge where I live but he aint getting mine off me! Funny to notice that the gen3 cars have reverted to the sleeker look of the gen 1 motors! It goes like stink and I have got 47mph on a run driving like a vicar on Sunday! While I miss my old 200 bus I think I did the right thing!

[@TheLuisg92]

Always worth putting a little effort and money to keep a good old car on the road

[@allansmith7948]

Juat discovered this channel and I'm absolutely hooked . I can see this channel growing. Hope to see you at a show etc your welcome to drive my 78 series 2 xj that has a chevrolet v8 👌

[@leepilkington6498]

Great episode Gary, thanks again

[@karstenfoege6431]

Unfortunately the W210 had horrendous corrosion because Mercedes goal was reducing cost from the W124 by 30 %. So most of this cars had rust already in the brochures! Water based paint was also a new task

[@lgriestra]

The problem came from environmental restrictions with the paint. The last models, 2000-2002 have no problem of corrosion, in fact they are excellent. I live close to the beach and only two little problems easy to fix. Look at the car of the video, it is in great condition.

[@datsunruss]

Yep - Your Micra was also built in sunderland- yours is the first refresh with the larger headlights - factory model designation is 090. Nice.

[@bentaylor9021]

Really enjoyed this episode. I enjoy all of your content but this is probably the closest I come to being able to relate to it - in terms of something that I can afford to run. BTW- the designer of the micra interior being on drugs made me laugh 😂

[@kurtbrueske]

Great episode Gary….thanks for sharing your can do attitude and insights, you’re an inspiration!

[@patrickhostler5939]

I don’t know how you do it Gary, but you just make me want to go into my workshop and fiddle about with engines and mechanical stuff!! My first car was a Honda Jazz… absolutely brilliant car. All my mates used to take the Micky out of it, calling me an OAP… but it never once, ever let me down…

[@robandchristheateam5053]

Presentation, content and restful audio create a masterpiece of auto motive high art. Magnificent Mr Mavers. The Leonardo of your profession. Am not easily impressed!

[@classic.obsession]

Much appreciated. Regards.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary. 👍🏻😀

[@MartinvonBargen]

There's a few of them Mercs that go past me every morning on the dog walk in Norway. Normally diesels, driven by workies who live pretty far away from the site. Can always spot them a mile off due to the sad looking French yellowed up headlamps. You still see the odd one over here too that had been taxied in Germany and they left the ivory coloured body-wrap on.

[@mb280sl7]

Gary, great vlog. Love watching. Your attention to detail is fantastic.

[@914Performance]

great video gary

[@Vince_uk]

Great video, strangely enough my son and I had a chat about Micras on Sunday and just how good and underrated they are.

[@phillipallardyce4848]

Thanks Gary for this episode. I am amazed at how you will tackle anything that is needed. Do you do a lot of research before you takle these jobs? That removal of the door hardware looked too complex.

[@j14phe]

Gary another great video your absolutely right three cracking car's little bit of love and they'll run for years well done John

[@sim6699]

It's a surprise to see you talking the praises of the Mercedes E Class. I looked at them with the legendary om606 diesel engine in the early 2000s. Looked at two covered over 200k to see both had rotton front wings and falling apart interior putting me off. I view a few E36 three series with similar mileage in much better condition and bought a low milage 325 TDs se. Since the ULEZ & CAZ I've moved towards 40+ year old cars. If I was to buy a Mercedes it would be a W123 240td or 300td although sure an om606 swap with all Bosch parts could get me near 240bhp for relaxing driving. You're so thrifty, I would of waited to buy a whole door in colour to save my time. You make me feel lazy P.S. for a cult tiny car rising in value, Lupo GTi for trips to London.

[@classic.obsession]

I agree. As I explained as Ines in the video the Eclass suffered from corrosion due to bad steel sourced from Poland in the late nineties. But Mercedes recalled them all and put them right. Yes, a w123 is a hood option but four times the price. I also own a E320 diesel saloon with 200k on the clock. Never any problems and the best car I’ve ever owned. Regards.

[@sim6699]

​@@classic.obsessionany car which can cover 200k is a sign of reliability.

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

Those Micras were made in Sunderland and had a very high UK content. I worked at one of the suppliers for it

[@Erwinhooi]

Great episode, thanks!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@highwayman1769]

Great video as usual. Sadly, I fear ULEZ will claim a quite a few cars like these. Makes no sense to me at all.

[@ti5543]

Excellent video (as always) and a nice change to see your more everyday/modern cars. I used to have a 2001 E320cdi and you’re right… they’re great! Looking forward to the next video already!!

[@lukemallory7832]

Wouldn't complain if any of these cars appeared on the channel from time to time. Back around 2007, my best pal drove an E46 Coupe and my other best pal drove an identical silver Micra. The only car you're missing from our majestic fleet was the Volvo 940 Estate I was flying around in, but I guess the W210 is a good stand-in..! (edit, mixed up my Merc codes)

[@SuperWayneyb]

ULEZ Will prematurely kill off a lot of future classics . Great video as always 🤘😎🤘

[@Badger66]

Really enjoyed this ... Thanks 👍😊

[@vincenttarling5902]

Cool beans ol chap

[@csnelling4]

A great video Gary 🥇but you must have a magic wand!! No spanner rash, everything go so smoooothly, no swearing unbelievable also you should be a Yorkshire man, you certainly got your moneys worth out of those brake pads mate. Thank you for your lovely videos, whack😉😊

[@stevengriffin7873]

Car covers are a good idea.

[@classic.obsession]

They blow off!!

[@stevengriffin7873]

@c.obsessionThey come with tie down straps so they don't blow off.Maybe it's more windy where you are.My little Yaris is not under cover unfortunately but I do put a cover on it occasionally.

[@marts500]

Thanks for taking time out Gary to produce interesting content....i think we should all try and enjoy our classics.The writing is on the wall ☹️

[@simongriggs4351]

Thanks Gary I had two Jaguars both 10 years old dun me well love the videos

[@DillTart-xl2ft]

How do you know all this stuff!!!! Very impressive.

[@donbrads4523]

Good work Gary top vids

[@Dg-zj6jo]

lovely hse gary what an amazing job on the auto box had 4 micras brilliant you still make eveything look easy sorry about the skip lorry charrming hope he payed for it

[@classic.obsession]

Thankyou..

[@paulyandle6081]

Gary....how could you...let that lovely Merc sit there accumulating that grime. Seeing mine ($2,500 '83 300 sd daily driver for 20 years !) covered in just a bit of dust drives me nuts. Old Mercs are so good to us...give her a cover !

[@classic.obsession]

She was garaged until something else took her place!! Busy busy!! Regards.

[@martinboulden4388]

A fantastic episode Gary. Really appreciated the content. ❤

[@darrenbyrne4622]

Great vid gary always good keep them coming mate

[@berwhaletheavenger]

Another great video, thankyou. Every time I think about buying a seven or eight year old BMW I wince at the thought that it's already at 'that' age where it could go spectacularly Tits Up. On the Merc though - the W210 was very rust prone. In reality the one after (W211) was a much better car as long as you avoid the dreadful M271 four cylinder petrol and the M272 V6. Stick to the C220CDI (OM646), E270CDI straight five OM647 and pre 06 M112 V6 in the E240 and E320, all with the same type of five speed auto. After this they were 'improved' with more complexity and less reliability. The M271 is garbage and the M272 V6 has balance shafts, swirl flaps etc that all cause expensive trouble. Just stick to 02-06 cars. Plenty of good ones about still, the last of the good Mercedes. I'm not a fan of E46's but a good one (rare now) is a worthy machine.

[@PeterCox-k1w]

I drive a 04 clk240 Benz, not so quick but right for me, only drive 4000km a year. Being in Australia no rot issues.Have had it for 8yrs about total 112 km, agree older Benz if not to complex is a good buy.

[@classic.obsession]

I love the 210’s and think rather than the 211’s these were actually the last properly built Merc’s. I feel they cut corners (especially on electrics) on the 211’s to compete at the time with the likes of Audi. But that’s just my personal opinion. I also have an E320 cdi which is the best car I ever owned. 200k miles and not ever gone wrong. Ticks all the boxes for me. Better than all the amazing cars I’ve owned over the years. I pulled up at the services in it last year and I guy bowled up ‘bloody hell Ga! What are you doing in an old man’s car?’ I quickly answered ‘because I am an old man!!’ Regards.

[@richardgreene3460]

​@classic.obsession Agree 100%! The W211 was riddled with reliability issues here in the states, especially the E350! The best was the 2005/2006 E320 CDI!

[@lgriestra]

@@classic.obsession Very interesting video and excellent advice for your viewers as not all of us can buy very expensive classic cars. I have a E210 2.2 cdi and gives me 5.2 l/100km in the highway at 120kmts/h, it's a great engine ; unfortunately bad diesel affected the pump, injectors and tank, so I had to do a major repair but worth it as used cars are very expensive nowadays. Regarding the gear box, the leak of oil directly up (capilarity is amazing) to the computer was detected on time, no issues. All my friends and my mechanic love the car and is great to drive, specially in long trips, which I do as soon I can as it consumes very little. Back in its time this engine war revolutionary, now every body copy and develop it. Best regards and congratulations for the great job of your channel.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

@@richardgreene3460 The early 211 combined the last good engines with a galvanised body so you don't see rotten ones. The M271 had cam chain and EML problems, the M273 (E350) had the infamous balance shaft gear nightmares (engine out) plus the 7G Chronic auto and it's woes. Mercedes electrical problems? The W124 was riddled with them at launch, as was the 210. Quickly fixed though and the only real dramas on the W211 were the Valeo radiator splitting internally and mixing coolant and trans fluid plus the silly brake 'counter'. W210's do drive superbly however and a rot free one (watch those front spring perches!) is a solid old car.

[@josephroddy6191]

Pugs, make you look strong and wise.

[@martinclapton2724]

Actually prefer the Micra you have was better looking than it’s successor, manufacturers often do that , make a revision which somehow spoils it

[@michaelhorner2722]

A great video......as usual.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

How did the Merc pass its MOT with those milky headlights ? Or do they look worse on camera than in person.

[@Theoriginalbigbrillo]

Gary owned a 2009 E320 last of the W211 sport Estate cars with the 3.0 V6 220BHP Diesel engine Low mileage example with folders full of service history, including the gear box ! And guess what, bloody nightmare of a car, the rear end sits way to low and mine had springs no air suspension , took a eternity to fuel (common issue even Mercedes have no idea how to cure that one) final this car's not for me , the gear box ;-( started to go into limp mode maybe once a month , god rid tried a CLS Same engine that was even worse lol Mercedes diesels NEVER AGAIN for me , 🤭🤭

[@classic.obsession]

I know they’ve really cheapend the build quality of these once bullet proof cars to compete with Audi and bmw. I think the w210’s were the last of the dying breed. Regards.