I Bought An Old Mercedes For $100... But Only If I Can Get it Running

Today we have a new challenge, a new car, and more leaks... A 1991 Mercedes 300e with about 200k miles and it doesn't run. Well documented survivor car thats been maintained nicely. Can we get it running and what will we do with it next? Watch to find out!
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[@backspeedboys]

Part 2 is now up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6jVfJSVpKqmjZY&ab_channel=TheBackspeedBoys

[@TheWarback1]

bro scraping this car should be a crime

[@AndrewWillson350]

I will buy it before it comes to that

[@TheWarback1]

@@AndrewWillson350 that car in that good condition would sell for 4000-5000euros here

[@tommyolsen8224]

@@TheWarback1same in Norway 🇳🇴

[@nordvestgaming1238]

@@TheWarback1 Shoot even if he just decided to part it out he could probably get close that amount of money, especially with how great of a condition the interior is in.

[@be8w]

The paint look amazing

[@Johnathan_Waters]

I'm a Mercedes-Benz mechanic with over 15 years experience... I know just about all there is to know about the W124 and have worked on many others. Your video makes me worried and sad lol. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me! Please!

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

Nice to see someone here who actually knows what this is. As in, what it is beyond just reading the badge on the trunk. As if there's heaps of 124's just lying around this clean that are 1 owner....worried and sad indeed.

[@richardrigg9916]

The 300E was used as a taxi in Europe for decades. Diesel version especially.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@richardrigg9916 I wonder if there's anyone around who DOESN'T already know this lol. Thanks!

[@loeihardepuch5543]

​@@Johnathan_Waters well it might surprise you how many Americans i come across on the internet that think we are all driving maybachs and amg's here in Europe 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mkwiipro5912]

Do you have any experience with w638?

[@V10.combustion]

*$100* is a bargain for what it is

[@vimalmazdafuraiconcept1112]

bargain of the century it is!!!!!!

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

Beyond a bargain. I literally don't believe it. 3L m103, totally clean interior, 1 owner, seemingly no rust whatsoever being a western car....this literally doesn't exist. Easily starting at a $6k car near me, but again it would never be found because it doesn't exist like this.

[@williamhorsley7799]

kzbin.infoShsBiEL7AiI?feature=share

[@williamhorsley7799]

@@vimalmazdafuraiconcept1112 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnauq2WZodWcgJosi=3paYnHHWgue9vJ0v

[@l.a1532]

Parts alone could get more than 1000 on ebay

[@mimom1839]

Finally you have a good old German Car

[@hmmmtietmetmosterd]

The bmw is a german aswell

[@dinispaulino7512]

​@@hmmmtietmetmosterd You forgot the "good" 😂

[@hmmmtietmetmosterd]

@@dinispaulino7512 uhhmm yup i did.. nevermind.. lol

[@naturedetectiveminecraft6362]

German cars are trash

[@mimom1839]

@@naturedetectiveminecraft6362 shut up and rethink what you said

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

What you SHOULD do is put it in the hands of someone who actually knows what it is and has a full understanding of the significance of the w124 chassis. That someone is very clearly neither of you or the previous owner. In this day and age where all golden era cars are forever in the past, it's sad seeing a TRUE Mercedes like this in hands that haven't the ability to appreciate what this car really is.

[@olikat8]

You realize this might be a bit of shtick, correct? No need to be condescending. It's better to be encouraging, improve the chances of something getting done with this car. These things are cheap in the States, most are not worth fixing from an economic standpoint

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

@@olikat8 I do realize it's a bit of a shtick, but still incredibly sad. They're cheap when they're trashed, but not only does this actually have the 3L m103 (which I may have never seen for sale), but it is 1 owner, freakishly clean, still original (you will never find 1 with original stereo still fitted, etc), AND has no rust!! No rust!! This specific example is not a cheap one, & they seem to have 0% of a clue the historical significance of the w124 chassis. Given what today's cars are, a w124 this clean needs to be with people the opposite of them.

[@olikat8]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXWyZ59ugtaDqck

[@jackcrisci2957]

If it means that much to you make them an offer.

[@AndrewWillson350]

Everyone's gotta start somewhere. Getting thrown into the deep end is a great way to learn about these cars imo as long as you don't need it to get you to work the next morning lol

[@janfswedane]

It will start... Its a W124.... Unbreakable....

[@christophers7070]

Oil gauge is pressure, not level. It operates at 3 bar (45psi).

[@SanjeevSinha30]

Was going to comment same as you did

[@baffourohene-kena4962]

The loud beep sound you're hearing when you turn the ignition on is because the parking brake is engaged. Once you disengage the parking brake, it'll go away.

[@rudiknapen4867]

BULLSCHIT you dont know nothing about this car !! its part off the seatbelt warning system

[@hectorohara5316]

If the alarm does not go away when you try to turn on the car when you release the parking brake, it is a reminder alarm to put on your seat belt.

[@user-fp4tx8pi5s]

It could possibly be to warn you the drivers door is open ??

[@MarinChanev]

This is not an alarm. This sounds like a vacuum leak. Probably from the lights switch (for the level up/down). I had similar issue.

[@rudiknapen4867]

@@MarinChanev YOU must be fun at partys my friend

[@kritloyalka1547]

Save it bro & please don't LS it , if possible use some other mercedes engine

[@billyork9588]

It is not the engine it is the transmission and it probably just needs a good cleaning and a change of ATF fluid.

[@kritloyalka1547]

@@billyork9588 could be , but i just don't want some LS put into it

[@eg39701]

LS Swaps are the McDonalds of the engine swaps. Cheap, easy, and boring, it's food but its nothing too good. Quickest way to make a car into unoriginal slop.

[@kritloyalka1547]

@eg39701 yup, i am bored of ls or hellcat swap. Everyone does that

[@kritloyalka1547]

They could just use some mercedes engine for it

[@ivankirola2707]

16:14 I wouldn't suggest doing this. 16:34 That's compact casette player. No need for apple car play in this car.+ I'd keep it in it's original state and fix what has to be fixed.

[@victoryepik1950]

Man keep that car bone stock and restore it to is former glory these cars when they are clean they are worth a decent amount of money weird to see that your neighboor wanted in the junkyard even tho they arent that hard to work on and they made more than a million of them so part support is plenty and also when they are running they are reliable cars

[@olikat8]

The amount of money to get it "Perfect" or even really nice...it would be a labor of love & plan to use it as a daily to recoup the investment. I do agree they are nice, solid rigs. My point of reference, BTW- a D2 Audi A8L that is all blacked-out, that I inherited. I spent about $10K; everything works, all consumable parts replaced, all serviced up, head unit with NAV & back-up camera recessed in the trunk lid, Hypergram wheels, Bilstein struts, sport springs and a new paint job...I drive it daily, no worries or payments

[@jazz3481]

AMG hammer with this clean of an interior would be legendary. do NOT scrap this car

[@mozeyad4573]

it already looks cool and elegant, just fix the transmission and whatever is plastic or wood broken and call it a day.

[@germanchiller17]

A message to the Camera Man: Focus on the stuff hes doing not on him all the time especially when hes in the engine bay showing stuff just pointing at him gives us no Info

[@NONAME-bm5fd]

i love how they are ducking under the hood and dont know it can open all the way 🤣

[@vloors1981]

I kept screaming to put the bonnet in service mode.. These guys have no idea about Mercedes cars

[@christophers7070]

That Becker radio cassette is worth $500.00 alone

[@dinispaulino7512]

No, it isn't. There are some sought after and valuable Beckers, but this one is the BE1432 that was fitted as standard to all the 2nd generation W124's in the US market, so they are very common and easy to find for under 200$ on ebay. If it was a Mexico 2000, maybe it could be worth 500$ if it works properly.

[@christophers7070]

@@dinispaulino7512 Fair enough. I'm in Australia, and you'd get AUD500 (350USD) any day.

[@r.a.h.175]

I am shocked at how this car is being sidelined. This car could still fetch a good price where I come from. This E 124 model is sought after and a collector’s item. These solidly built models goes back from 1988 to 1995 I believe. They are comfortable reliable over-engineered cars made to last a lifetime until the accountants took over in the mid 1990s to compete with especially the Japanese and the Koreans in the money-making chase hence cars these days are deliberately made to last at most 10 years. 124 parts are still available across the world but difficult to get in some countries though. What a pity. In many countries the beautifully kept ones are still running around in style. Less electronics those days made for lesser problems. There is a certain indescribable feel when you sit behind the wheels of these 30 year olds not found in modern day cars. Guys, set up a project to rebuild it to its former glory. You will enjoy doing it and appreciate these cars better.

[@abridgingpanda7372]

Good to keep an old Merc' on the road.

[@dinispaulino7512]

Hat's off to you guys for saving this one from being scrapped, but please do some research before working on it, this isn't the kind of car you mess around and find out, you gotta know what you're doing. And since it's in such good condition, this one deserves to remain original.

[@faroukwasswa3588]

Please don't do all the conversions and what not, just find out what's happening with the transmission and it could be low on fluids, that could be the reason for not engaging gears, keep it original and enjoy it.

[@bkkfarang4749]

If it's low on fluid it probably has a leak somewhere.

[@Toyotacorollaaltis-cn9fd]

@@bkkfarang4749Well maybe they should I don’t know fix it a leak is most likely just a seal in the gearbox

[@SpeedyGeneralMotorsINC]

I love this generation of Mercedes

[@anewk9868]

Been a Mercedes collector,builder for over 2 decades and rescue gems like this all the time (currently at 37) & the worst thing to do with an example such as this is to LS swap etc but to each their own. If you need a transmission I have a few or you guys can easily get a decent used one on your own if you want. Even if you guys decide to sell it the value will absolutely plummet when you swap out stuff to “make it cool” 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@christopherpetrov2694]

Your front pump on the transmission needs to be rebuilt. Nothing else is wrong with the transmission. I doesn't create pressure on the transmission and that's why the car doesn't go anywhere. To do that the transmission needs to come out. Make sure to replace the fuel filter too.

[@Svafner]

That thing has a transmission oil cooler with rubber lines and also prone to leak from the plug on the side . Pump works it blew all oil out so a line most likely cracked.

[@rudiknapen4867]

you can put the hood up 90 degrees just click the two clips on both side ...Greetz from a Mercedes mecanic from Belgium PS there is no fuel pump Inside off the tank and that is a oil pressure gauge and not an oil level

[@davem8790]

Arguably (but not by much) the best automotive chassis ever made. Loads of potential.

[@unsichtbar08]

With a little care, this car will still run, and the Teslas will be piling up in the scrapyard. It's worth investing some money.

[@Maksim0238]

Sad to see these guys absoluetly violate this marvelous machine.... :(

[@MatthewGill-qo9yy]

These things are well known to be a workhorse. Diesel versions of these are still roaming around Europe. They were used as taxi's. This is arguably the last over-engineered E-Class.... obviously this one is aging and it's got a few issues... Oh, and that buzzer is just the door buzzer because your door is open. Yes, it's extremely annoying, but that's what they aimed for at the time I think! haha.... we have pleasant chimes now, but back in the 80's that's what you got.

[@rooseveltlyons5020]

Black on black with the brown interior mafia style

[@512woogy7]

Please change those weird headlights with the originals

[@carft1234]

Those are the originals, I think you ment change it to Euro version

[@512woogy7]

Yes. I meant as in the original eudm lights by mercedes not American regulation lights that make it look awful

[@jeromep3182]

Those are US spec headlight for that era the flush euro light where illegal in that era I believe

[@drews6616]

That’s a nicely specced W124, and looks in great shape. Well done for getting it running, but please keep it standard trim, or sell it to someone who will keep it stock.

[@killerrxdtm]

😮 Neighbour's definitely a cool guy.

[@NasrallahAli7]

Brother I’m the Sahrawi refuge camps in Alegría and that Mercedes with that price it’s a dream car for me specially because it’s a Mercedes with leather interior with beautiful condition Interior and exterior It’s literally my dream Car

[@nordvestgaming1238]

As a huge W124 fan who is currenty in the process of restoring mine to its original glory it hearts my soul that someone would even consider scrapping this car... especially for a mere couple hundred dollars... also at 10:08 that isnt actually the throttle body, its the airflow sensor, the actually throttle body is beneath the fuel distributor/airflow meter assembly.

[@mick-berry5331]

Why didn't you open the hood all the way up on service mode? Easier to work that way. Gloves for your hand and a blanket for fender protection would make it look more professional and safe.

[@visiblegiraffe812]

These long videos are dope boys keep it up!

[@V4_madnes]

AMG Hammer please

[@sidlazzar1002]

These are so cool! I’m restoring an 03 Volvo s80 and I have those lil wipers on my headlights too. Older cars have much more character and are definitely worth restoring 👍🏼

[@visiblegiraffe812]

Amg hammer build for sure. Ls swap even just kept NA would be super cool.

[@dinispaulino7512]

In this condition, it deserves to be preserved in original condition.

[@Changingtesting]

It’s in such good condition it doesn’t need to be overly modified, it’s a classic at this point, don’t tarnish it with modifications that you see everywhere

[@Toyotacorollaaltis-cn9fd]

Yea sure it would do you thunk before you speak? AMERICAN SHIT SHOULD BE KEPT IN AMERICAN SHIT

[@rooseveltlyons5020]

Oh yeah this is the build we’ve been looking for

[@Changingtesting]

People in the comments really want to destroy this classic of a car by swapping engines and oem stuff in it. The car is in absolute pristine condition for 200k miles(except for the tranny), but with the trends nowadays everyone wants to see a stock car be modified out of the wazoo to get that dopamine rush. this thing could be an amazing daily or weekend drive car just the way it is, these w124s are extremely hard to find it such good condition especially for that cheap of a price. Keep the car as it is for the sake of it’s age. It’s already an eye catcher as is no need to make outlandish mods on it. Only thing I feel would be right for this car would to make it into a pseudo amg hammer

[@bozzy7946]

90s-early 2000s cars are my favorite because usually when I fight these no start problems it's typically something electrical.

[@sk1pb1n89]

This is my dream car excited to see how this build goes

[@FrossYT]

That’s actually a great car man.

[@southernstreamer1092]

With it leaking trans fluid, it’s probably too low to engage the clutches to shift. Check for where the leak is coming from, fix it and add the proper amount of fluid. Transmission may not be bad, could be a seal that dried up from it not running.

[@jonathonbaker-guntang4163]

Mercedes can be finicky, but they are glorious automobiles overall! Nothing better

[@mikeroberts5646]

Just let you know to save bumping you Magen into the grill,A great feature on Mercedes is you can make the hood stand straight up by pushing a button on your driverside Hoodhinge then go to the Passenger and do the same and push hood straight up

[@michaelherrmann3423]

Leave it originally and check the fuel system. This car is great. Greetings from Germany.

[@tonielezi8458]

Open the hood in service mode to have more visibility. And that Mercedes is the best car ever made

[@tywn9835]

In morocco all the mercedes cars are beloved and especially classic cars like this ,we get it for around 3000 to 8000 usd while for 100 usd it's a steal

[@vuracrewsa]

From how that motor is swinging, there’s definitely no spark in there.

[@jols6401]

KEEP IT STANDARD!!! Best resale value!

[@xtsm_ketchupx2055]

The jag in the background!!❤❤❤❤

[@vernongamble1115]

Those are very special Mercedes. Please don't hack it up, you will regret it! They can be pricey to repair, but worth every penny.

[@capitanyt35]

Small tip might be useful or not. While working under hood you can put hood in a vertical position by pulling like small clips on bought sides and the hood will go up (just to protect your head from the grill )

[@minorityofone1510]

Owned a 1990 260 E for about 5 years and my friend owned it for 6 years or so after me. One of the best designed cars i ever owned. I will own another one when i have the space

[@johankan3757]

That is a goooood car ! Drove these for miles!

[@williamhorsley7799]

It's the CONDUCTOR PLATE you do not have to drop the transmission I PROMISE ITS EASY!!! THEY ALL GO OUT after they sit the conductor plate is 500 dollars

[@rasic7041]

doing the widebody and engine swap would make this the coolest car on youtube, genuinely

[@ashtonbailey3970]

My C240 straight 6, had 12 spark plugs… 2 for each cylinders. Top & bottom… check if this has the same setup

[@AgentShabeer]

AMG Hammer with the supercar killing performance 👌

[@zacharyherrera-df1hl]

bro literally doing all the cars i have it’s insane i have the benz and the thunderbird

[@keisera]

oh hell yeah! my first memories ever are from the backseat of a 190 or a w124

[@willhunt1143]

The fact that someone would think about scrapping it is astonishing.

[@Wargasm54]

I’ve owned one of these. Exact same color “champagne “. It was rock solid and the only reason I don’t have it anymore is because I wrecked it. It was pretty fast for a straight 6 bone stock. I’ve owned AMG’s and other V8 benzes since. But it was my first Benz and it was a great car. You should definitely bring it back to stock and just enjoy it for what it is. The 124 was one of the last great Benz that were built like a tank.

[@duckasm3007]

This is a mint example of a super iconic car. If your gonna do a v8 keep it Mercedes at least.

[@MatthewGill-qo9yy]

I'm gonna add one more comment on this. This does appear to be a really, really nice example of one of these and it's in great shape. Many people, including myself would prefer to save it and enjoy it as a classic vehicle. That being said, they made over 200,000 of these models. The world will get along just fine if you guys do decide to modify this one.

[@shaggings]

Except that there is probably 20K of em left nowdays in the world. And maybe 5K of em are in respecatble condition, the rest rotten shitboxes that their owners abandoned and sold to chavs that wrap em around trees.

[@themindofthemechanic.2221]

AHHH...the beautiful Ke-jetronic fuel system.

[@JaySvpreme]

Put a Japanese 1uz V8 in it! Can hold 800+ on the bottom end. Reva to 8k with a tune. Bangs limiter. Never breaks

[@tommyolsen8224]

Really want a W124 ❤ extremely reliable cars

[@hectorohara5316]

The VIP you hear is the reminder to put on your seat belts

[@VPassat6]

Please don’t scrap that 124; those are one of the best built MB’s from their golden era. You will find a buyer for that car as is, guaranteed.

[@marlonwebber4952]

Do I see a general lee’d jaguar in the background across the street?!🤣😂

[@AdityaSharma-xs9tz]

You can check a wire for damage by checking the continuity across it

[@fatihjr]

What a lucky hit. His neighbour literally gave him my dream car for a 100$ Where can i get a neighbour like this ? 😂😂

[@eraseraj]

Restore it! Better then the ones made today.

[@jaredblair3047]

Hood will open wider and stand straight up 90 degrees....this car is easy to work on, it's just gas n go!

[@xaviervigil]

You need to top off the transmission with fluid after finding the leak. A transmission with low fluid won’t shift correctly or at all.

[@youxkio]

Those ones with diesel engines were heavy beaters duty city taxis. Some are still running and driving in some North African and Middle Eastern cities.

[@vernongamble1115]

This car will get you a lot of views!!! You're going to find out the power of Mercedes!

[@Kool_kids_klan6.9]

How did I know Lenny was gonna be in the trunk😂

[@MrRudolphsmit]

Great cars. Give little problems like that but mine has over 560000 miles on it

[@Sennin265]

In germany that car would sell even non running for $4000 easy lol

[@capiberra4118]

So, find the transmission fluid leak, fix the leak, refill the transmission w fluid and test the car again. Isn't this the obvious next step?

[@regane.bartko7247]

The great thing about owning an old car is that it has very few secrets. A simple Google search of the year, make, model, and concern will likely result way more than enough information to correct the concern.

[@thetravellingpicker5096]

I owned one of those. It was a great car. Mine was a 4Matic (awd). One of the nicest cruising cars I've ever owned. They're built like tanks.

[@jaredblair3047]

Transmission might be a trans pan gasket/fluid if clunks when gears are changed replace the heavy rubber disc in the drive line

[@bernardkavanagh9284]

It's probably immobilised only a brand new battery and leaving it to clear faults for at least 24 hours will work. Check the driver's door to see if a green immobilising light comes on on the door handle. It's just immobilised. New Battery and leave it to clear faults and use the ignition key button to unlock and lock.

[@krazyfiend]

Look up how to put the hood into service mode. It will go straight up for when working on it.

[@toomasoopik7035]

Guys, all I want to say is such cars are extremely expensive and rare here in Europe. I am suprised someone could sell them that cheap in the USA. I think you could do some basic maintenance and resell it making a hefty profit.

[@nordvestgaming1238]

If it wasnt for the tranny that thing would be worth a couple grand minimum, however even in its current conditition its arguably still worth that much in parts alone.

[@user-vx5in3uz2v]

100$ is a steal

[@irdibasha391]

This would sell over 15k in that condition here in europe

[@Zodiark4250]

I would love to see this turned into a amg hammer

[@josemarin8304]

Keeper. Find out where transmission is leaking and fix it. You have a car for another 200k miles worth over $15k.

[@reinaldoaponte4872]

That’s an excellent car and is worth the money to fix it, it has excellent mileage and conditions.

[@alexvella8209]

0:19 save the guy he is kiddnapped

[@syahirnizal6284]

Try to look for the transmission leaks...if you can just replace the seal then top the atf back and drive the havk out of it😂

[@mikecooper7816]

Did you know there's two levers on the bonnet to open it all the way up so you don't hit your head on the grill

[@youtoobe169]

The transmission is probably fine if you fix the leak and top up the fluid