Iconic Mercedes-Benz W124: A True Masterpiece in Design and Engineering

[@BT-zw2ix]

The designers and engineers of the W124, if gone, must be in heaven right now. A timeless marvel of engineering. They still turn heads until today.

[@Itsmereno]

Dude, Mr. Bruno Sasco is still alive

[@BT-zw2ix]

@@Itsmereno "If" in my statement means hypothetically. Bro, that' s basic reading-comprehension. Come on!!

[@marc7983]

@@BT-zw2ixsettle down man. If you wanna say something then correct his name. Bruno Sacco not Sasco

[@rocfella]

it's just a car

[@19tuureluur86]

​@@rocfellano it's not just a car, it's the best car ever built. But you won't understand.

[@zpetar]

Reliable, drivable and comfortable without gimmicks and complicated gadgets. That's all I want.

[@junkyarddawgfixit8970]

Everything about the W124 model was a compliment to the W123 and more, both models are what we call world cars and lifetime cars......keep rolling

[@mtdteedee2856]

My dad had the one before the 123 I still remember twiddling the star on the grille I ended up with a career in Benz with car then cv 😂

[@johnsvensson6540]

This is what real sustainability looks like!

[@ralphtwum5645]

The W124 is an indestructible car. It copes with the terrible roads in Ghana pretty well. I haven’t owned one, but I’ve sat in several, and enjoyed the comfortable ride.

[@1unsung971]

Unless you get condensation inside the distributor, which wreaks havoc with the exquisitely engineered 3 litre engine. Very frustrating to diagnose and fix.

[@DersNoNem]

@@1unsung971 thanks for the insights. Will add to list what to watch in the future for.

[@chiefdenis]

​@@1unsung971just convert it to efi, problem solved

[@ericwambua8037]

I've always wanted the Mercedes Benz W124 as my first car. That's something one doesn't forget.

[@lanctermann7261]

They’re just so extraordinary, and it wasn’t intended to be such an enduring icon! It was the result of the dedication vision of this great company. I had 2 W123 Mercedes-Benzes, and my next car will be a W124. Vielen Dank für diese schönen Autos!

[@MohamedHesham-xs7ef]

Simply love it,its efficient in every aspect and makes you feel secured specially models with air bags and ABS.just love every thing from the fuel consumption to the very acceptable performance . It always gave me feeling that I can drive it around the world ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@michaelhefner7365]

You need to do a video on the w126. I'm 21 and as my third car best decision I've ever made was buying my 87 420SEL.

[@rodrigooliveira-tu2mw]

My favorite w126 280S , 81, 82,83 ,84 very nice car waiting for a video too.

[@Sepi-bx5qd]

I have such fond memories of my S124 250D (S means wagon). It was very reliable, comfortable, economical and excellent to drive in all conditions. It could go for hours at top speed while still being relaxing driving experience, maintaining civilized levels of noise and not overheating or causing any other problems. Only real problem I can name is the model's tendency for rusting in northern climate where road salt is used.

[@tismeDenis]

I used to manage a Mercedes specialist parts & accessory shop in Central London with many international customers & many many Nigerians used to buy just these w124`s due to their build quality.... They used to call them 'V' boots due to the inner angles of the rear lights (like a V) great cars ❤

[@enricoterranova5389]

i love w124

[@alisharifian535]

Speaking of indicators, my dad's W115 had a very distinctive and charming clicking sound too. I really miss it.

[@fasilvoilesu1464]

Ohh ! I forgot I have a 1987. W126. 560 SEC ... Beautiful car. ...

[@michaelschneider-]

+1 .. Our USA 1994 E-Klasse 320 Coupe (C124) is like new .... "The best or nothing" ... Rings true in the W124 series. . Cheers, Vail, Colorado

[@matsujarvinen]

I´ve had a few of these "classic" MBs like W124,123,201.All great cars,but even a W220 is very much a DIY car,it just needs more studying,but basically it´s very reliable if well kept.Also W210 is known for it´s great quality.Rust may be the issue,but the late W124 are vulnerable also.

[@19jacobob93]

You forgot the W140. Much more reliable and better built than the W220

[@doggSMK]

Can confirm, I own 3x W124, 3x W210 and one W140. Rock solid, I have rebuilt one of the W210 because of rust problem. 😁

[@anassnouri6129]

I loooooove to see content about w124

[@khalifahjamaluddin]

My father used to have 260E W124 from 1993-1999. It was imported used from UK to Malaysia. Somehow I bumped with quite bad moments including stalled at roadside lol.😂 However I do love it’s handling, the inline-6 roar sound plus I managed to hit above 200km/h speed behind it’s wheel.

[@nizamaris7896]

The Best or Nothing 🥰

[@TIB1245L]

My dad used to own a E200 W124 when I was younger. Absolute bulletproof reliability (only broke down on us 2-3 times) and built like a tank. Once the car got rear ended and there wasn't even a single ding or scratch on the bumper. The other car however wasn't so lucky lol

[@martintaylor8034]

Only broke down 2-3 times!!! Bulletproof?????

[@supervation9579]

It will be really nice to do a W126 S-Class report as that car is still going strong worldwide and remains the greatest S-Class of all time by production numbers and is (not was) the embodiment of the S-Class philosophy 🌟

[@BaasYT]

You just can't beat a classic 80's mercedes like the W124! There's a reason they are still seen so often on the roads 😉

[@danialk8387]

Legendary cars, love by all around the world. The design is easy on eyes and stunningly beautiful. Proud owner of 1995 E300

[@AhsinSHABBIR]

hello everyone... I drive a 1991 W124 200E and it is a GEM... Timeless design and INDESTRUCTIBLE engineering....Best of BOTH! Mercedes at it's PINNACLE!

[@BalyAlbert]

I feel lucky to own a w124. Best car I have ever had

[@ofermashiach4519]

This is arguably the best car ever made.

[@brahand]

I have a W124 300 D from 1991. 3 liter, 113 ps. I will most likely die before this car.

[@ramibouchlama6933]

So few know that Porsh did some fair engineering and manufacturing in it

[@yuris6125]

Porsche

[@atatexan]

I replaced a troublesome W201 190E 2.3-16 with a C124 300CE-24 Sportline with 5-speed Getrag. Marvelous car to drive.

[@Hubjeep]

My daily driver here in the USA is a 1995 diesel (3.0L NA) W124. 2:26 That same two-tone color. Mine is a Special Edition with cellular phone in the armrest. Doors shut like a meat locker. Also has ASD (now the light is on). A/C works (R134).

[@fasilvoilesu1464]

My Marcs 2 Dieses '93 and '94 and the 👑 Queen S500. '95. I love lo❤ them All

[@george_kimani]

Mercedes Benz should bring back this car

[@tonychavez2083]

glad to have owned 3 124's in my life...

[@fatihk.8896]

Wish there were some interviews with w124 engineers…

[@mgithaiga1]

It's my favourite Mercedes model

[@frederickarcala4749]

1987 W124 300D ❤❤❤

[@mrlover4310]

Beautiful cars

[@taulant9792]

In albania they are millions of w124 and thats true best car ever made

[@ranjitchaudhury4521]

The most imposing and impressive look amongst all cars of all times. Do not know why Diamler Benz had to change this design. To me from the front of the car with the classic mercedes polished metal net and three pointed star was as imposing from a distance as an approaching powerful steam locomorive .

[@sidz0001]

would like a comparison between W124 and LS400

[@19jacobob93]

The LS400 is more comparable to the W140. I have owned both and can compare the two well. The W140 is surprisingly easier to work on and feels much more solid overall. The panels, doors, interior etc. are unmatched by literally any other car ever made. The LS400 feels less special, and the doors etc. Don't feel much better than on other Toyota products I.e. Camry. The LS400 is maybe slightly quieter than the W140 and the suspension feels better in my opinion, although my W140 needs new control arm bushings and shock absorbers so it will feel much better once those have been replaced!

[@sidz0001]

@@19jacobob93 Thank you for your inputs from your lovely combo. I'm curious to know what led the LS400 impressed by all from its competition. Were the low price and oil crisis helped it by far margin? Also want to know about how the BMW 7 series fared in this era. No comparison I assume?

[@leon-lh737flyer5]

Is this video also available in German?

[@DWREV]

Good news, we’re working on this. - We’ll post the link for you here soon.

[@rawanderer4737]

Does it make sense to run them today, won't the cost of maintaining the car be high, sourcing parts, keeping the rust away. I haven't driven the car so cant comment on the experience.

[@engwengheng836]

E220 masterpiece W124 1995 gold brown color I got one may I ask some body it is a nice car?

[@Teo4.7.8]

opinion of 300d 24v 136hp :?

[@blitzkreig000]

These were created when Mercedes Benz was run by engineers not bean counters trying to maximize profit.

[@nonofyourbusiness-q5g]

Back in the days b4 the accountants & shareholders hijacked engineering

[@dariusdevonking]

Just bought my first car and it’s a 1995 w 150,000 for 2k

[@John-Tonic]

Warum fehlt bei den meisten Fahrzeugen, der Stern im Embleme?

[@koenneyens6416]

At 4:52 : That is not a W124 but a 190 (W201)!!!

[@conradpaul489]

If the w124 is heavy metal the w116 must be iron block followed by the w123. w124 has quite thin sheet metal.......

[@pervertt]

When people talk about "German engineering", they are referring to cars like the W124. Not the under-reliable, over-complicated cars that come out of Germany today.

[@dokedensiuya1559]

The W124 is the epitome of excellence in mechanical auto engineering. There's just no other car like it. I'm glad to still own one😉

[@tanaka90]

Lexus LS400, Toyota Camry, Toyota Hilux, Land Cruiser, Century, Lexus LFA, Suzuki Jimny would like a word w you

[@MichaelJones-xl1uu]

The w140 is better I should know I own one 99 w140 best car I've ever owned the Goat!

[@anewk9868]

I also have a W140 and although it’s a great car, it’s not gonna mess with the W124 reliability and maintenance wise and that’s why I have 4 of those and sold off my other w140’s and kept only one lol

[@tanaka90]

@@MichaelJones-xl1uu and now look at where Mercedes is at, and where Toyota is at, both their resale values and consumer ratings loool

[@tanaka90]

@@anewk9868 yawn

[@detonater1348]

The last true E class ever built, the last true benz ever built is the W140. It was a billion dollar project since there was no price constraint. And it was made till 99 unlike the W124 ending at 97. So that makes the W140 the last true benz made to last forever. W123,W124 and W140 will forever be remembered as the best benzes ever made.

[@19jacobob93]

Don't forget the R129! That was built up until 2002. The W140 was the last to still have the old M104 engine, which is an absolute tank. I daily a 1992 300SE W140

[@TinLeadHammer]

Actually, it is the first E-class.

[@detonater1348]

@@19jacobob93 how could i forget that masterpiece. That definitely makes it the last since it was made till 2002 as u said. M104 is definitely the best straight 6 engine ever. I also daily a 95 S320 with the M104.

[@detonater1348]

@@TinLeadHammer the first E class, also the last E class built by true Mercedes standards.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

He said "probably the last". Why are you making such a big deal out of this?

[@kevin-haggerty]

One of the greatest cars ever made. Nothing and i mean nothing beats this era of Benz

[@HotRod16]

I have driven my 230E sedan from Malaysia to Thailand and back Kuala Lumpur and then to Singapore in the same week without any glitch or service. Then it got submerged in big flood in end of 2021 (11 feet flood). It was part of restoration but become revival project. It still going strong but with minor issue of misfiring. Will still keep it and repair it, and if possible will try to restore back to mint condition. The W124 is respectable car. It just simple mechanical and human connection mobility. I love it. Unlike todays car that have no souls, all electronics disturbance.

[@-Muhammad_Ali-]

Electronics disturbsnce - very well said

[@yugathwickramarachchi6173]

Including W123 ,W124 if the last great Mercedes and the Eternal W140 the glory of all Mercedes .After that Mercedes made heavily electronics filled cars with very high repair cost as opposed to affordability pre 1994 era Mercedes.For this reason many stayed with their Japanese brands even if they were able to afford Mercedes or BMW .

[@buddhijayawardena5370]

Very true

[@TheBieberblaster]

It’s unanimously agreed amongst all car enthusiasts that, this is probably the best car ever made.

[@CM-kt9hj]

Nice cars but I think the W123 is better

[@mtdteedee2856]

Your Probably right mate 👍

[@sherwindcunha9239]

The W124 was the car that Mercedes-Benz entered with in India in 1994. We were the last market where the W124 was sold. At the time, people were unhappy with Mercedes bringing this instead of the W210 that was unveiled at the time. But today, the W124 is enormously popular wru modern classic lovers in India.

[@siddhrajsinhparmar8852]

​@@8rick1anewe do & we love W124

[@dravidian667]

@8rick1ane they were locally assembled too

[@akhilramd3909]

India had mercedes from ponton era ! What are u talking? Old mercs running and w123s are many on sale in olx ! U might be thinking ablut assembling

[@dravidian667]

@@akhilramd3909 previous to w124 they were direct imports not through authorised dealer. Cars bought through authorised dealers are able to avail service and parts

[@DWREV]

Do you see in general a lot of Mercedes in India? Would be interesting ;-)

[@karljokkerlukkas_974]

🤔 From 0 to 10 ! I give him a 12 !! 😂😉 I don't have a W124 !! But, I have a '92 W201 2.5TD And I love this cars !! The last real Mercedes-Benz !! I had a W115, W123, W202!! My father bought a new W201 in 1992. And never had a problem with it !! She have now 380.000 Km's . Love it. From Lisbon, Portugal with love for old Merc's !! Keep them rolling !! 😘

[@axellludvic3490]

I really like the w124 and w140 of this era in the Mercedes Benz line up, simple yet classy design.

[@rzpogi]

I think the reason also why the W124 became durable since it was most unstable time of the Cold War since the 60s. Multiple leaders in the USSR in a short period of time. You need a reliable vehicle that could easily high tail away of West Berlin or West Germany in case the USSR and/or GDR becomes crazy and invade the rest of Germany.

[@eminemking4]

You are not albanian if you didn't drive a mercedes why didn't you include a little albanian in your video. We love Mercedes Benz.

[@DWREV]

Hey we did a report about albanians love for Mercedes. Watch our channel 😄

[@danielvieyra3057]

I have one. W124 Coupe, 1989. It is true. This an engineering piece.

[@hereigoagain5050]

"So as a result, driving a W124 makes you a really laid back road user." Most modern cars go for aggressive edginess. Thanks DW for a break from Putin's War.

[@patriknilsson2175]

Best car I've ever owned, and still own since 2004. A 1988 230CE, not much power but very pleasant ride. She got 470.000 on the clock. I had a T model as well for many years ago, but the flooring and beams was heavily rotten with rust, so I had to scrap it, such a shame but it was too muck work to do.

[@Elixir9]

back in the day Mercedes was elegant and reliable ...not anymore sadly.

[@MrMfaust5]

The W124 is the last true Mercedes-Benz (Engineered like no other car in the world).

[@1unsung971]

Built by engineers, not accountants.

[@jaxish]

I may be a little biased as I have a ‘91 230TE wagon, but it is my most favourite car ever! I adore my Mercedes and happen to think they are just wonderful. The thought, engineering and build that went into them are few and far between

[@ChristopheZ]

I daily drive a 1993 W124 400E in the USA... With over 323K miles

[@DWREV]

Wow, maybe you can send us a pic to [e-mail]

[@Eskimo251]

This was and is and will remain the masterpiece of Mercedes. Many people associate the brand name with this vehicle. On the downside, it's also notorious for being the favorite of every dictator also

[@renierdutoit1]

I’m still in love with my W201👍👍👍

[@patrickkaiserliew3691]

My dad owned a W124 200 in the 90s. It's a recond model imported from UK. The car is great & very stabile with a top speed of 196km/h. It's powerful for a 2liter engine without fuel injection.

[@DWREV]

Do you still have the car?

[@mauricioaguirretobar3010]

@@DWREVI do, well no his, but I still got my fathers E220

[@cahyoh.harimurti8554]

Enjoying life...already owned W124 for the last 23 years and W123 for 36 years. And never think to own another.

[@TechthroughToni]

05:16 🔥🔥

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

'95 E280 Masterpiece limited edition...in Malaysia

[@hansmannens7236]

The W124 is a fantastic car ! My one is 32 years old and still going strong !!!

[@DWREV]

Wow. Where do you live? Maybe you can send us a pic to [e-mail]

[@mirkosergio]

Amo el Mercedes Benz w123 y w124, mecánica, ingeniería y diseño de lo mejor.

[@vdobrovo]

My very first car was a used mercedes 230E 1986, purchased in Germany in 1995...what a great car it was; I still can't find a car that i would feel comfortable and satisfied, and proud enough to sit in and drive it. Its always on my mids to buy another w124 as a second car. To be honest, Daimler -Benz should treat 124 the same way as it did to Geländewagen and continued production of slightly refreshed and updated W124, and I can bet you it would find so many happy customers around the globe

[@christiankeller4962]

The best Car in the World! Greatings vrom Switzerland! I drive a 400e , it was a taxi in Geneva! A great Car.

[@jironmeister]

Diesel OM 601-602-603, and the OM606 customizable to have more than 700hp.

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

Great episode, really enjoyed this one! 👌🏻 I’m in my 30s and for me the w212 E-klasse is my indestructible tank that I cherish 😊

[@DWREV]

Thanks

[@arnakis1981]

the W124 is peak Mercedes. It's ride quality is unmatched considering how accessible it was price-wise.

[@dayrongarcia7804]

The last great car from Mercedes !!! With the w140 also. It is a shame where is Mercedes now days in term of reliability !!! Lexus is winning that race with so respect and trust !!!

[@DWREV]

Are theremore cars than the W124 in your mind which perform similarly?

[@mihranmatosyan7317]

Most important note is that to be mentioned that w124 is most beautiful sedan in the world. I own 2of them. The funniest thing is that w210 is the ugliest.

[@DWREV]

We want to know: In which countries have you all already seen the Mercedes W124? Or have you even driven the W124 through several countries yourself? We are curious about your stories!

[@craftedwithart]

Do one for the legendary W126. I'm daily driving 560SEL

[@senolylmaz5097]

W124 IS THE MOST MASTERPIECED CAR BY MERCEDES. BRUNO SACCO WAS THE BEST DESIGNER...

[@mtdteedee2856]

Almost miraculous what Bruno did 👍

[@patrickcannell2258]

W123 was even better. Indestructible. I have an issue about dropping a Benz though. Too classy for that.

[@rodrigooliveira-tu2mw]

I just love w126 and w124 my favorite cars.👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍😀😀😀😀😀

[@davidbowne122]

This was a great car, but it did have one Achilles' heel. The W124 was prone to rust if it was exposed to the road salts used on roads in New England. Many a W124 died an early death due to rust or underbody corrosion caused by such salts. If you kept your W124 in a part of the world where such salts were not used, the W124 would be just fine.

[@phantompower6839]

Just avoid 90's versions with the biodegradable wiring harness!!!!

[@jasonknight5863]

Not really because I have a 95’ E320 and it had the biodegradable wiring harness needing replacement back in 2012 i bought one new at Mercedes for $1,300 or so and installed was $1,800 but the new ones will last 20 years or so. I’ve had it since 2010 and it’s still going great after getting the harness replaced now 11 years ago. It’s not a big deal really. The head gasket went around then too but it has been fine too since. Nothing else failed. The only thing it needed since was regular oil changes and brake pads. I love mine and will never sell it. I believe it will me my entire life as it’s an extra car that I have especially so.

[@doggSMK]

W124 is not just tough, it's a car you can go on a wedding in, and a car you can go to the farm (and even do some work) with. 🔝👌🏻 I am happy to own 3 of them. ❤

[@DWREV]

Cool! And do you have a favorite of your three? If yes: Why?

[@doggSMK]

@@DWREV they are all 2 liter petrol, so they are the same. But I also have a W140 and 3 W210. I would love to have a W124 with M104 engine and Getrag gearbox. 👌🏻

[@gijsv8419]

Dutch farmers used to drive W124 Diesel, Estate.

[@wimspreeuwenberg2516]

​@@gijsv8419im farmer and have 3 300d sedan

[@myredute]

The W124 might be alright to those that know no better, but it's not a patch on the W211 Mercedes. The 2003 W211 E320 has better brakes, better steering, better throttle response, better paint, better gearbox, better suspension, better fit & finish & is an overall better package. I own both, a 1994 E280 W124 in pristine condition& a 2003 W211 in likewise condition & I should know. Both have AMG wheels & both are comfortable to drive, the W124 has 478,000 kays, the W211 has 134,000 kays. End of the story!

[@francis8062]

Designed by BRUNO SACCO 🇮🇹

[@kasparsgrinbergs6001]

no, it's not a timeless car....if you're talking about mercedes, it's a w140... the French, Italians, Americans have many timless car...

[@DeutscheBundespost]

I have one w124 and s124 with > 100000km in my Garages

[@sashatodhunter7060]

Sorry DW, I'm disappointed with this video. The title suggests it would highlight specific design and engineering features that make the car iconic. Instead, the audience is greeted with only very general information: neither interesting or useful, and facts totally irrelevant to design and engineering. One of many examples, was how many W124 vehicles a Japanese enthusiast owns 😏🤦 If it's not about design and engineering, and instead, popularity, say so. Popularity alone, doesn't make a masterpiece.

[@fasilvoilesu1464]

Yes. W124 is an exceptional car ,,but still expensive. .. I like My w140's ( I have 3 of them ( 2 diesels and the Queen S500 ... ( may be one day I'll l be able to get an W124 ...

[@prestigeplays5115]

Have two W124 currently: one a '96 E320 manual bought since new, and another '94 E320 manual bough a month ago. Really solid cars.

[@kaspars804]

A man knows what he likes

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

Why would one buy a manual Mercedes? In my country manual Mercedes do not exist anywhere. I think people regards manuals as laborers’ car.

[@kaspars804]

@@RealNameNeverUsed i own a manual w210, love it. I wouldn’t get a manual s class or a manual newer mercedes. The old ones are fun to drive and you can get more mileage out of them than old autos

[@Rambo4President]

I own a W204 C class manual because, well, it’s more puristic and anyone can drive an automatic. mastering the manual is something else. it’s about having control and developing a feeling for the transmission. it connects you more with your car.

[@doggSMK]

All cars I have are manual, only the W140 is auto. I love the manual, 3x W124, 3x W210 and one Lancia Dedra 1.8 👌🏻