European versus American W126. What’s the difference?

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Dude you are a freakin riot. No one else would kill a roach in the middle of a video and keep on rolling. 🤣🤣

[@VintageCustomCars]

Best comment ever on youtube video :D

[@CEEPMDEE]

Pierre Hedary does NOT give a F! These other wimps would have restarted recording the video after killing the roach. This guy keeps it ULTRA real. Excellent channel btw.

[@ulrichskaarsgard7848]

I love the Euro version w126. Parts are not as difficult to find as people think, and I think they look better with the headlamps and bumpers.

[@12pagani]

Not to mention the weight savings on the bumpers and the better visibility of the euro headlights

[@Ryan2022]

They do although I’m always shocked to see the euro version with cloth seats

[@waltpartymiller6802]

The new prologue video/intro is a very good update. Good content & audio. Interesting information. Thanks!

[@dharyalrasheed557]

My late father had a 1986 260SE. Bought it in 1987, I was 10 years old when he received it from the MB dealership. I was there and remember the smile on his face while he was driving it home. He drove it for 19 years. Was a brilliant piece of engineering with some issues (rear window regulators and the climate control) apart from those hiccups it was bulletproof. He was a loyal MB fan. Prior to the 1986 W126 260SE he had a 1983 W126 280S and before that a 1981 W123 230S. Remember the smell of the cloth seats, the car oozes quality. They don't make them like that anymore. Thanks Pierre for all your content, information and insight. I'm currently entertaining the idea of owning a W123 soon.

[@dharyalrasheed557]

Oh and I forgot to add, when we were residing in England between 1984-1985 he had a 1982 W123 250T estate or station wagon blue on blue. Wonderful memories in them cars.

[@gravytrain416]

Another great video. I love the W126. I've been in them for 23 years. I respect everyone's taste; mine just isn't with the Euro cars. I'm a diesel nut, so the performance issue isn't something that I have to deal with; they're ALL slow, lol! 300SD and 300SDL were two of my all-time favorite 126 cars. Guess I'll drive them until I die, or until I can't find parts for them any longer. Thanks, Pierre, for another great video. I look forward to seeing them every week!

[@stevenroland7472]

I would like to withdrawal my suggestion of a "Lunch in the Shop with Pierre" Event.

[@sixpoint3]

Because of one (now deceased) little critter ?, come on, get over it.

[@obhobo]

Just avoid the chocolate covered almond bowl.

[@Rick_Kn]

Palmetto bug. They are the Florida State bug.

[@stevenroland7472]

@@sixpoint3 You must be an Optimist. Where some see a disease carrying insect you see a handy source of protein. : )

[@H-H69]

In Europe you had also the W126 260SE with 160HP.

[@joaquimteodoro8570]

I have one 300 SD from 1981. My father was a portuguese man with residence in the US and, because of that, he could by one Mercedes with US package. The 126 was my daily driver until the benning of 2019, when the starter motor blowed up and I needed to by one other car, a 250 D 124. For me, Mercedes made 126 really great, better than 116 or 140. It is a car that if you look well, handling is good, have the quality built of the old Mercedes pedigree and reminds a little bit one w100. And, make sence, because Mercedes end the 600 in the late 70's and did not really replace the big car. The only not so good point was the gearboxes available, I think that one OM 617 or M117 could perform better with one 5 speed automatic. So, I think the 126 represents that, the affordable old Rolex that you can buy, use, maintain and have fun. Always with big bumpers, automatic antenna, eletric seats and weird headlamps.

[@JoeGomez1]

Yeah I'll take the 280 SE with a 5 Speed , Manual Heater control and sunrof in Cloves Green ( 261) with a Brazil ( 173 ) interior 😁🙏🙋🏻‍♂️

[@antonphagoo6730]

I can attest to the options being available on euro w126 as my 1990 300se has front powered seats, headlight wipers, sunroof and a very rare factory Engel trunk refrigerator...did the Vin breakdown a while back just to see what it came with

[@karmann20v]

As the proud owner of a 300HP Euro 560SEC here in Canada, I can say that the Euro versions are the ones to get if you find one within your desired condition, options, color, budget, etc. The differences go beyond the cosmetic ones and the driving experience is a bit different from their North American counterparts.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Ooh I want a 91 560sec all blacked out gangster style, what a smooth looking car.

[@silverstarrestorations1633]

They where all build at the same factory ! But Grey market Euro cars are the best . Good video .

[@nosoupforyou425]

Poor Roach - LoL

[@Nortonork]

Welcome to Florida...

[@dermotohalloran6482]

Great video, thank you! Do you happen to have a video on changing the front parking brake / handbrake cable? Trying to do this on my UK 1991 420SEL but seems impossible.

[@MAGNESIUMBURN]

Thanks for putting this info out Pierre. Currently have a Euro W126 300SE but liked the extended US version bumpers more ... I guess you can't have everything.. ;)

[@ItsTimePictures]

Love my Euro 500 SEC. The only things I miss from the 560 SEC I once had are the telescoping steering wheel, memory settings for the seats and the antenna button. What I do like is the extra horsepower compared to the American SEC's and the look of the short bumpers. The 126 line is suitable for modern driving because they still handle well, look sexy and have some very important modern safety features, such as crumple zones and ABS brakes. You'll even find air bags in many. For me the 126 is the Mercedes Benz to buy for those of us who fear constant maintenance nightmares. Just find one that has been properly cared for and you are ahead of the game.

[@MrRjnr]

Thx, I'm looking to buy my first MBZ: 1990 560 SEL, with 123,000 miles; 1-owner!

[@alexandrebeinotti3359]

@@MrRjnr go for it

[@IlistentotheRadioRadioStereo]

I have a German gray market black 84 500sec. Bought it in 2014 to flip it to use the money for a my wedding. I didn't fully finish it so I kept it. I am glad I did because my bmw 540i a year later had problems with the timing chain guides so I drove the benz for a year. While I had the bmw at the shop. It was so easy to work on it. My problem thus far is the the AC actuators, driver side window motor, vacume lines for the jetronic carb, and a little adjustment to it so it won't iddle over 2000 rpms. And sound like a washing machine. Still drives but it is starting to overheat so I'll have to work on that. Anyway...good to know still good mechanics working on these classics.

[@naveeneipe1284]

Which would you recommend- a W126/1991 420SEL or W126/1991 350SD?

[@JC_2014]

is there a difference between euro and US 560 sel exterior body? looking for a front lip kit, any suggestions

[@danpicocfp6276]

Keep good going!

[@MrRedcelica]

lol he interupts the video to kill a roach, classic pierre!!

[@murraykriner9425]

Would be caution against roach killing, as even they may fall under a classic at some far off juncture. Glad to hear that EU models are still out there to be had. My 85' 500 SEL, though having some amenities is a sound auto, even if it hasn't the punch that others have. It still has more get-up than my 97' Mercury Cougar with its 4.6 ltr engine, and far more street credits. Great content. Keep em coming Pierre. Have a terrific day.

[@SEC420]

Ahahaahahahahahahaha

[@SailingRegulus]

I love my 85 500 SEL....such an honest car!

[@Picklerick20]

What do you mean by honest?

[@SailingRegulus]

@@Picklerick20 it is an unpretentious machine, designed to deliver comfort, performance and great durability for decades. Are there more luxurious, better performing, sexier....maybe, but none of them have the complete package of this car. I love it for all of those reasons....it makes me feel classy and elegant while I drive it! Bear in mind, I also own a 85' 500 SEC, a 94' S350, and a 95' S600....yet, the SEL trumps them all!

[@Picklerick20]

@@SailingRegulus thanks for sharing your experience. I just bought a W 126 500 sel and the car is intimidating me. I don’t know what it exactly is but i feel like it’s a stranger to me. I don’t have the same feeling with my W 123 300D.. :/

[@zenjamin6262]

Will a 1985 euro 500sel out perform my 1989 560sel ?

[@lewdecker1442]

Who cares? Are you racing it? To much on fast performance instead of the workings, condition, originally of the vehicle

[@zenjamin6262]

@@lewdecker1442 my brother bought one and I was making a bet we raced ... my 560sel did win but it has a manual 6 speed conversion

[@cav4290]

You should do the same for W107 models.

[@williamburrows6589]

I liked a friends’ 380 SEL blue with blue cloth interior.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I’ve heard the European cars are better too. Grey market cars, if I am correct, are the same thing. I could go for one!

[@thisisnightshop2037]

That's correct, the terms are interchangeable

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Pierre Hedary thanks

[@OscarGarcia-sk8px]

That is a lot of info compacted into 8 minutes. I'll have to replay it slowly and make notes. BTW glad you changed the intro that image of the red SL with a loud exhaust was annoying specially since I have never a 107 SL with that loud exhaust note.

[@maxsanjulian2556]

In some states, the W126 are enough old to not need emissions compliance. What it would be needed to bring an American spec v8 w126 to the performance numbers of the European version?

[@12pagani]

You would need (560 mainly here) the full tri y exhaust system and a kidney muffler delete, new pistons, new 822 spec cams and lifters, transmission tuning, alloy torque dampening rear suspension, upgrade the springs and shocks, 225 section tires and wider wheels (r129 gullies work great and look factory) and then the interior has all the other features you can go crazy for. My USA spec 560 I added the tri ys, oil cooler, euro bumpers and lights, trip computer, ortho seats, amg bits, curtains, shades, headlight wipers, fridge, and upgraded all the suspension and an even adding the full hydraulic suspension system from a euro 500sel

[@hollandibolygo9172]

Not to mention that, in Europe 560SE and 500SE models were also available.

[@kevinblanchard611]

When you say euro do you mean built in Germany? Mine was built in Germany but shipped to Ca. So emission equipped. Is mine euro still? It has a kkk turbo which I thought was kind of neat. Anyway thanks!!

[@archygrey9093]

The country it was made doesn't matter so much, If it was made for the American market with American specs then its an American model. I don't think Mercedes had any factory's in America until the mid 80s so everything before that was probably made in Germany. My 560sel was made in America but is actually a Japanese model, made for Japan befor ending up in Singapore and then Australia. It will usually say on the id plate what country specifications it was made for, or if you look up your vin number.

[@joepaterson7947]

Hi Pierre, I am one of your UK Pateron’s. I am presently looking for an early m110 manual. Or a 560se. Both seem very hard to find, do you have views on the manual and any idea where I could find production figures?

[@nabeelel-amir1580]

Hello Pierre: I own a 1986 260 SE euroversion car originally from Florida. I am in need of a radiator for the car but can't seem to find one. Can you suggest where to get one or would another year model car in the American market would work. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@bobratu9029]

When I am in Europe I miss american cars,when I am in USA I miss euroboxes.Personally I prefer the American Mercedes in any way and model.Better quality overall.That is a fact.Export quality.

[@12pagani]

The engine comments are interesting as I've had 2 high milage 560 cars. My former 560 sec was an 86 and it would spin the 245 rear tires in second gear and yet my 560 sel, it will barely chirp 225 tires in 1st. Same motor but one just had more stones than the other

[@tcbgarage2845]

Christopher Penovatz I had a Euro spec 560SEL here in Australia and It could fry tyres.

[@stabbs_15]

I didnt hear the mention of the 280S, carburated W126 :o

[@certainsomething3714]

Sorry I had to kill a roach...hahaha, priceless...

[@ronyvilleda9292]

We're is your shop location

[@faizrahman7671]

great video Pierre thoughts on removing all federalization crap that was installed on grey 500's when they came over....speaking of Lamda boxes, frequency valves, egr etc...and putting the car back how it would have come from stuttgart? And even the cat converters........ would doing so be best to optimize power and performance of these cars.. and in that same line.... tips on how to best tune these cars, esp CIS K Fuel systems cheers

[@Bogi_Maramski_Garage]

(frequency valves) can you be little more specific ? what valves you talking about ? Thanks!

[@faizrahman7671]

@@Bogi_Maramski_Garage i dont know what the techinal term is, but from what i understand it was added to euro cars to work with lamda to manage fuel .... please pierre correct me if needed

[@Bogi_Maramski_Garage]

@@faizrahman7671 (EHV) electro hydraulic valve this not come from any kind of federalization this is invaded from BOSCH to K system making the KE system

[@martinsuperstar6049]

Not all correct here. The lowered the compression ratio due to the lower quality gasoline available back then in the us. Which makes the us m103 3.0l perfect for turbo conversion, if you dont go to high on pressure, so that's the reason the engine's are a little weaker. Bumpers where build different. They also added a egr to meet emission standards in the us.

[@Uc9uE3pKsS6uQ]

I have US 560SEC feeding him with low octane. On stop sign, I smack down gas pedal to the floor, and bearly screech tires.

[@JuRM560]

I'm in love with my w126... 560 SE... I think there are only 1200 in the world...

[@ItsTimePictures]

I officially hate you for having one!

[@JuRM560]

@@ItsTimePictures I bought it from a German man in his 70s. He was the first owner. He had it semi abandoned in his holiday home here in the Canary Islands. Ten years ago...

[@hollandibolygo9172]

1252 according to Wikipedia

[@garyhyman7492]

where can I get european parts in the US

[@soccerwiz97]

W126 is in my opinion the last of true REPAIRABLE ride. These things are tanks. My good friend has a merce shop, second gen german mercedes guru. Euro vs usa. I have had 2 euro sec. First was 85' 500. It was fast, really different than my 89'...yea, got lucky...822, triy... The 85 "downside" vs 89 is the fuel management. The 89 u can upgrade tge m119 with the mosselman supercharger and sauber turbo. I tried on the 85 but...fuel management was...difficult. Engines are rock solid. Night and day euro vs usa. Me....only the eruo has the real value.

[@michaelharrison500]

Love our 89 300SE even better now I’ve solved its horrid driveshaft vibration ( that’s a story on its own Pierre ) But spec wise it’s a poverty pack compared to others I’ve seen here in Australia Electric windows Yes But no power seats or sunroof I’m nearly 6’5” tall so sunroof delete is cool with me

[@gotham61]

I actually think the bumper overhangs are too short on a Euro W126. The trunk handle sticks out further than the rear bumper. Love the velour and especially the rare trip computer though.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Good info. 👍

[@12pagani]

What's weird is that if the usa cars where supposed to be loaded with options, then why no velour, trip computer, hpf suspension, and other cool European options. But then again euro got manual transmissions and other 'base model' simplicity

[@classicjalopy]

Good video. The later 10:1 compression cars, even on the 420 and 500 are great to drive. And if you have the parts catalog, you can order the parts you need by part number in the small number of areas that they are different. Pierre references the code 822 560, for more info see here: www.classicjalopy.com/2019/02/the-m117-968-560-engine/ On the plus side in North America you got the diesel models that the rest of us didn't get!

[@spacemonkey2829]

Get outta here dude! The Americans were putting out the electronic injector Tuned Port 350 , 5.7 liter engine, starting in 1985 and they would eat a Mercedes V8 for lunch.......and yes, they were very reliable. You can't compare the power and speed of an 1987 Iroc Camaro or Trans Am GTA or Corvette, to a 1987 Mercedes 5.6 liter. KE Jetronic Injection was primitive in comparison, and much more problematic long term, than what the Americans started doing in 1985 with computerized engines. Doesn't matter if the cams are overhead or not.

[@yvesalepin3486]

Pierre, please please...you should had reshoot your video mostly because you were at the beginning of it when you killed the roach...frankly...

[@Bogi_Maramski_Garage]

LIGHTS

[@manuelrodriguez-bb7ru]

people say get the euro one. cuz just sounds better lol. yet if you like american go out your wy n upgrade it

[@BEUSA42]

W126 is different from Europe Headlights Engine tranny bumpers horse power

[@Bogi_Maramski_Garage]

BUMPERS

[@leemail4946]

Thank you Pierre for excellent info, as usual. Pierre, what is a gray market and how or where to find it, please? Many thanks and best wishes.