Is It Worth Buying a Classic Mercedes-Benz? We Share Why It Absolutely Isn't (& Totally Is)!

( / tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team! In this video Tommy and Kase discuss whether or not you should buy a classic Mercedes. Kase has a 1972 Mercedes 280 SEL and Tommy a 1982 Mercedes 300D.
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#Mercedes #W123 #W108
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[@HooviesGarage]

I guess I'm an old Mercedes owner now. But still, NOT WORTH IT, but SOOOOO worth it

[@vwsaiphone]

Did you really comment !!! Wow ! I love the W124 my self

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Hi Tyler! What do you think about the bagged 280SEL 4.5?

[@TFLclassics]

Hi Tyler, big fans of your channel! I would hardly call you old, what are you like 32?

[@amiruladli7592]

@@TFLclassics maybe he's referring the "old" to the car he owned.. Not to himself, haha cheers..

[@emiliorodrigues1924]

Well... I'd prefer the W123! 😇

[@firebir11]

Rare to see young men enjoying the old classics…as owners. It gives me hope in our future.

[@trustyoldiron5416]

I daily a 1976 300D W115 in orange. I'm 26. Love that car. Just wish it was faster.

[@AKJeeper]

@@trustyoldiron5416 swap in a M110 Inline-6 as an easier swap, or go all-in with a M116 V8 ;)

[@rahimi4762]

Where is this rare at? Young ppl love old stuff

[@raakaranualainen69]

I had my first "old" mercedes when i was 16😁 im 18 now and looking for a new old mercedes again😊

[@caddyguy5503]

I am 15, I own a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham. I am in love with vintage cars, and overall vintage life. Beautiful.

[@HooviesGarage]

Also, when I was your age, driving 123s, the headlight doors for the W123 were still available to buy at the dealer for cheap. I wish I bought 1000 of them.

[@vwsaiphone]

The W124 is an amazing car aside from the green wiring ! But the w123 is a tank amazing car

[@tosickristian7365]

Buy them in germany at mercedes

[@v.dembsey3355]

Meh, it's cosmetic. Plenty on eBay including brand new aftermarket. You haven't been keeping up with W123's. The parts that can truly sideline a W123 that are NLA are the brake booster vac line and the Bowden transm cable.

[@gotham61]

Headlight doors are still pretty affordable, about $70 each

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Virtually nothing is available from Mercedes for any classic Mercedes. Whatever exists has to be sent from Germany.

[@sharvesvargunasegaran7047]

I'm 19 and my grandfather has a W123 and it's absolutely gorgeous and I would really love to drive and own it. He promised to give me really soon! I'm so lucky to own a classic beauty as my first car ❤️ Have a nice day everyone 💝

[@KGisthename]

Make sure any modifications can be reversed easily. Dont make any holes or permanent changes.

[@vijayandrenvadiveloo7064]

Take good care of the Merc and your Grandpa!!

[@danalito3693]

I drive a 1985 300SD (W126) as my daily driver. After doing all of the repair work myself - - I almost finally sold it, but as luck would have it, I found a mechanic who knows how to work on the older ones without charging a kidney and a leg. He got the entire HVAC system working properly and now the car is a complete Joy to drive! Love everything about the experience and looking forward to many more years of enjoyment. I don’t feel so alone now when something does go wrong with the car.

[@MrRossharrell]

w123 enthusiast here. your videos stand out amongst my favorites and I think I've watched them all! my w123 hobby took me from musician (aka loser) to Class A CDL truck driving for two years to now I'm starting school for diesel tech next week.

[@jdfleetguy28]

I love Tommy's old Diesel Benz, my parents had several diesels like that back when I was a kid in the 70s and 80s both wagons and S class models. I remember them all fondly.

[@gregorymelatti5189]

Good job on keeping the W123 in its most original state. I was disheartened to see the change in the W108 to its current "stainless steel low-rider refrigerator" look---especially having been a family heirloom.

[@Eduardo-lw6nd]

Yes, that was a crime

[@1575murray]

The 280SEL 4.5 looks like a W109 with collapsed air suspension.

[@rnrs0016]

Yes! I felt exactly the same! It looks ridiculous.

[@cruiser6260]

Looks godawful, but unlike most that change springs, that's on airbags and can ride normal height. Bonus points for not fitting super wide wheels as well

[@tepidtuna7450]

I love it. The original is so tacky, esp. in yellow.

[@chrispage7295]

I had a 69 300SEL 6.3 back in the eighties. Beautiful to look at, wonderful to drive and a nightmare to maintain.

[@Nam-id7kj]

Yes, air suspension is a nightmare & $$$.

[@ryanphee1183]

You guys are awesome... so gratifying to see younger guys liking these classic cars. The one thing about the designs of these cars is that you don't feel like you're sitting in a bath-tub with the window sill up to your shoulders. There so much green house in the design with those unsightly thick pillars of today's cars.

[@bdub03]

Purchased my 72 W108 back in 2014 for $2900 from the original family. The M130 MFI has been extremely annoying over the years replacing, cleaning the injectors and adjusting linkage so I decided to swap with a more modern M113 5.0 and 722.6. It has been a FANTASTIC ride since. Once I finish the AC it can easily be used as a commuter or for long trips without stress. In short sum I'm a huge fan of the W108 but respect the W124/126s as well :)

[@chuckersw]

You fellas are the best! I love that yall appreciate the old stuff and that silver is EPIC!

[@jeeper5264]

Great Video guys...both great cars..had them both over the years along with a few 126 body cars...the best era for MBZ... I currently have a 68 280sl California Coupe. dead reliable and fun.

[@junkorbust9498]

It was interesting to hear the views on these cars from a younger man’s perspective. I have one of each of these and much of what you said is spot on.

[@phil3924]

My parents bought a used 80 300td and kept it about 5 years. For the first 4 years we didn’t know what the glow plug light was and would have to crank it forever to get it to start. Once we learned what to do it went much better. It was embarrassing to hear mom in the parking lot at school always struggling to start it. Fantastic car.

[@BrendanJMcMahon]

My grandparents had a W114 which unfortunately was passed down through the family until it was damaged in floods and written off. I've always had a passion for these cars, particularly for their classic style and brightwork.

[@dqwaszx]

I wish I could understand the obsession some people have with lowering a car to the point of it looking cartoonish. It cant be an age thing because even as a teen I hated that look. It's especially sad to see a beautiful classic euro car that's been slammed. 😢

[@Rimrock300]

There are plenty of the original ones around. Don't worry about it. The clue is that the car is often used, out there among the public, not dusting away most of the year in grandpa's garage

[@denislesperance852]

And doing that KILLS any semblance of handling as the suspension geometry is ALL WRONG and might KILL YOU also!

[@faroman7781]

I absolutely get you. Here in Germany it is very rare to see one of these models lowered, it is not only a question of age, though, because there are classics from other brands that seem to be made for it - but just no mercedes, it destroys the whole aesthetics and proportions...

[@classicjalopy]

Also the swing axle cars like he W108 don't cope with it very well. Try and buy a used diff for a W108 these days, hard to get now because of damage caused by these slammed and bagged cars.

[@Rimrock300]

So much crap. How can you come up with this guys?? 'Lowered vehicles will KILL you!' 'Can't come over w108 diffs that are not damaged due to slammed cars' It is better that the cars are used and taken care of, so be it if some slam them, instead of being wrecked or dusting away in some garage hidden to the public most of the time. Again, don't worry about it, there are more than enough original ones out there. It's absoultely NOT of your business what people should do or not with THEIR cars.

[@teutone5866]

We had a 170V (there was no S-Class yet), followed by a W180 220S, which was already an S-Class, a W111 220S, W108, and so on. Your 280SEL 4.5 was only 1 step from the top of the S-Class, and the 6.3 was the ultimate. Very nice cars, congrats. And you are absolutely right, a car that was driven frequently, or at least every few weeks is always the better buy. I bought a 30 year old Benz with very low mileage that was parked 15+ years in a Southern California garage. From suspension, subframe, and other bushings, to hoses, belts, and of course tires, all the rubber (dried out and/or rotting) was gone. While I was at it, I replaced the door and trunk seals , and all vacuum connectors around the engine engine as well , plus a hood pad too. From a time when all Daimler-Benz were over engineered, the build quality of those cars cannot be found anymore. Apropos W123, the wagon prices are going through the roof.

[@blautens]

Kase's car is baller vintage MB. But as a former W123 owner myself, that 300D is much more practical to own today, and while not as "premium", its body rigidity alone still never failed to impress anyone who ever got in mine. Ironically, I never liked the amber lights on the front of my 300D, I thought clear lens lent a sleeker appearance.

[@jimcady9309]

240D had a stick, though! I learned to drive because I bought a 123 240D for $200. A second 123 240D 4 speed manual, a Pontiac Vibe (yeah, Toyota Matrix) with a 5 speed, now a '12 Kia Soul with a 6 speed. With all the Kia thefts, I'm glad to have the millennial antitheft device!

[@peterarsenault2671]

Good job on the video. Both cars are masterpieces in their own way. I've lost all interest in new North American cars. Lucky some of these older classic German cars can still be had at a bargain. I just acquired a 190e and absolutely love it. More vids please!

[@timfitzgerald109]

Beautiful cars & also great to see so much enthusiasm & passion for them both from the 2 of you.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

7:50 I remember when i was a kid, my grandpa did have one of those old 240D you mentioned. I don't remember how many kilometers he had put on it, but I remember it was a lot - still it ran perfectly. When I was in my teens he got himself another car for a couple years, before getting another E-class Mercedes which he drove until the day he died a couple years ago.

[@jdfleetguy28]

Very cool old cars. Benz use to design some of if not the finest cars in the world. Beautiful designs, rock solid construction. Kase does such a great job on fixing up old vehicles, and he is super well spoken just a great video auto journalist .

[@KristoferOlsson]

Both cars has it charm. Great episode.

[@danialk8387]

W123 is way ahead and more daily need oriented. God I love the diesel sound. Its music to my ears. Both are nothing ,but the best.

[@htorres1stk]

Great to see two young men who appreciate craftsmanship. Love both of the cars. Like I love my 75 450 SLC

[@mbw123_diecastgld5]

I’d like to think of myself as a “young” (23) w123 owner… i love my 300 D Turbodiesel. I personally have 358k miles on mine. Love the video. Always so nice to see other enthusiasts.

[@SJ-EOR]

So cool to see both you young guys saving some awesome classics. Love both the cars.

[@FBPrepping]

"I look like a Morocco Taxi Driver"...LOL. Youngsters with a taste for vintage cars. Nice to see the new generations appreciate quality. Great video guys. Once I have my own ride (which will be a Prepper´s Special Edition) I hope you dedicate me a few seconds in one of your videos. Regards from Venezuela (where many Mercedes were assembled back in the day)

[@BengtRonning]

When I was young, this was late 1970`s early 1980, I was a taxi driver up in the northern Norway, for a few winters. This was an island not far from Soviet, in the Barents sea, with heavy storms and a lot of snow. We had MB 300 TD which I was driving. A fantastic car in the winter storms. Not front wheel powered, but you got used to it sliding in the snow. Nearly nothing could stop this heavy car. If I saw a huge pile of snow in the middle of the road, just hit the power pedal and you where out of the trouble. This was the winters I learned to drive in snow. 40 yrs later I do not think I have ever been stopped by snow piles. The interior looked exactly like the one you had in your video. And the sound of the doors..... Thanks.

[@denisletourneau3398]

Hi! Being a classic Mercedes lover, your video and the enthousiasme you are demonstrating here is the same than mine for those cars when I was your age. I drove a lot of them in the seventies. I remember the smell inside when it was new...Thank you for this!

[@rayeast9825]

My first Mercedes of the 7 I have owned is a 1982 300D and it sites in my garage. I drive it once or twice a week for it is a joy. my lates is 2019 E300 that I found on line with under 3,000 miles. It is an amazing car with all of the safety features. I have put over 700,000 miles on these cars since 1982.

[@jeremybryant614]

Great video fellas. Love them both, but Case’s is gorgeous.

[@Scoharr]

Keep 'em running with enthusiasm and love. My '99 C-Class has 258K miles and runs great!

[@ericmuthaurakoronya6663]

wow. Nice comparison. Anyway for my case its the w123.am so in love with it, I own a 1981 w123 E230 petrol. Never had any issues with it, I have done crazy mileages' with it around my country Kenya in East Africa. Actually people here in Kenya have started buying them and restoring them. We normally have meet up after every two months to discuss and help each other acquire spare parts and stuff. but so far so good. Its a very reliable car on my side.

[@ashleygordon3467]

Completely worth it and great video. Valid points too. I come with a biased view however - my brother and I have a collection of these things consisting of a W108 280SE (1969), w111 280 SE 3.5 coupe (1969), w111 220 SE cabriolet (1965) and an R107 380 SL (1981). All wonderful. You are right to say you must run them - each of ours gets a run every fortnight. Stagnant classic Mercedes can become very expensive to bring back. My mechanic had a gorgeous 1968 250 SL in that had been fully restored to an incredible standard 5 years ago. The owner - took a contract overseas and it stood idle for 3 and a half years. Wouldn’t start on return…..due to fuel degradation it needed a new petrol tank, new fuel lines and new injector hoses/pipes plus a complete clean pit of injectors. VERY expensive! I didn’t even know damage like that was possible.

[@vincemolin8645]

Nostalgic! My Grandparents used to own both W108 and W123 sedans. Unfortunately we had to sell them. Great memories! thanks for the review!

[@markiangooley]

My family visited Germany in 1965, bought a 220S new at the factory, drove it in Germany and Austria, and had it shipped back to the USA. It was Mom’s car well into the 1970s. So much rust by then from salted winter roads in Illinois. Saw it around town for a few years after we sold it to a fireman, then it disappeared. Probably scrapped decades ago by now.

[@syddguy73]

Hi guys Great cars, both of them. I’ve a 560SEC and just love the quality of the older Merc’s. Keep up the great work and ignore any haters.

[@tp5367]

I wanna buy a 560sec, any issues with it?

[@Nam-id7kj]

I owned an 86 560SEC, picked it up new on European delivery at the factory. Very special motorcar. Wish I still had it.

[@debbiedagostino6392]

I own a 1973 280SEL . I’m the 2nd owner . It was left in storage for 20yrs so it’s been a REAL project of love ! You’re absolutely correct in describing these cars as Love /Hate . My car is NOT a diesel of which I think I’m glad 🤷‍♀️ I really prefer a very vintage look so I do prefer the 72 in the video . My father had a late 50s Mercedes shortly … lol . I’ve spent a good bit on getting her “running” Hopefully in the near future I’ll have the chance to actually enjoy driving her … at least for a while 🤷‍♀️ On the interior my car looks almost identical to your 72 . What you didn’t cover was the value of the 72 … You guys did a great job ! Best wishes .

[@ronfussell8244]

the first one I owned was a 20 yr old 280ce,that was 89,great car.great to hear your takes.

[@dantheman9395]

I’ve driven one like Tommy’s. My thoughts were the same as Case’s thought the brake was on. However when that turbo hit it was on!

[@brettowen7174]

We still have our 1968 280se manual with custom specs for tropical Africa. My dad ordered a 250se from Germany 1967 but they replaced the order with the new 280se which apparently we were the first to get. We picked it up in Germany from the factory's agent through which my Dad ordered from Zambia. Special suspension and upholstery amongst the custom specs for tropical Africa and dust roads. Now in Cape Town at the family house waiting for a go over after a covid rest. Everything still original and looks splendid.

[@LilaKuhJunge]

I had the W123 300D and it was cluttery when I got it (used). However, a Mercedes mechanic adjust the motor (especially the valve adjustment) and after that, it became really smooth. The 300D engine has no automatic (hydraulic) adjustment of the valves afaik. I should mention that after the W123 I got a W124 200D and it was much better in all aspects.

[@dB_944]

My uncle had a pretty blue ‘78 SEL back in the day. I thought the sun roof was so cool!

[@alexandercardozo1844]

They are amazing cars. I have a W123 (1977 230) as my only daily driver. It's a jewel

[@verdict1163]

I love the W123 for how usable it is. Perfect size, and easier to work on. Less dramatic looking, but I find all classic Benzes are so timeless that I can grow to love the style of any of them. Euro 280E sedan in Astral Silver over black cloth/MB-Tex for me please

[@americanzero]

It may be easier to work on, but I found that removing the starter on my 300D was no joke. Then again, I didn't have the proper tools for doing so

[@muliawansutanto8795]

Tks for the video. I owned 2 W123 one with Fuel Injection and another one with Carb. Lovely car to own and maintain. Always do the job nicely.

[@willjam465]

That W108 is one of the most beautiful sedans they have ever made imho. Love what Kase has done with it. Also dig Tommy’s W123 as well. Love that Gen wagon even more. A preference? I would probably go with Tommy’s car actually. I grew up in the 80’s.

[@Rimrock300]

The w123 will be much more comfortable to drive daily. Then the w108 for a cool weekend car

[@beytanerkmen4613]

w108 is beautiful and w123 has character. I have the w123 coupe which, to me has the best of the daily driver and just a little more design style.I also have the W116 s-class 280se which is my Sunday afternoon drive. lovely story from you both, Thankyou

[@lifetree4623]

Great video! I love the compare & contrast yin/yang. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my '99 C230K Sport that still looks "vintage" but has all the modern conveniences (except Nav/touchscreen) and still runs great with over 260,000 original miles.

[@georgewettig1860]

You did a really great video guys. I love your choices of MB's. I am German heritage and these cars run thick in my blood. Thank you and please do more videos.

[@fordgtjr]

As a young W109 300SEL owner (factory air suspension) I love every second of it. I don’t care how much it’s going to cost me.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I would love to drive a 300SEL 6.3, but I don't know any private mechanics and I don't have my own shop to fix things myself.

[@charliecutter3078]

I love the 300D TurboDiesel and now just making some calculations and plans about to how to find a really good low mileage original with a good engine etc. I fell in love with these cars in about 1978-1982 when I was in high school and now I'm lookiing at getting one for a daily driver. I plan on doing much of the maintenance myself. Looking forward to watching more of these guy's videos.

[@sup2316]

I just love how these old rattling diesels start. Shaking the whole car as the engine starts. As the driver you actually feel the engine. I own a 190d (my first car) and im absolutely proud

[@gotham61]

Great to see younger guys into these cars. I've owned about two dozen 108s 109s and 123s, including four 6.3s, and I currently own a 1970 6.3 and a W124 diesel. I ran a 6.3 as a daily driver for years. As for that headliner panel, it's not leather, In fact, there isn't a square inch of leather in either of those two cars.

[@stlswagger]

Whoa. My 1981 300sd has 272k and starts every time even if sitting for months. Love it. Sitting on classic Brabus 2-piece staggered 19's. Rust free classic

[@1Sniper101]

I have 1979 W123 300D which i drive daily and as you have said no matter how bad it gets this car will get you home everytime!!

[@HypocriticYT]

Had a 76 280SE four speed, always took off in 2nd gear. It had mechanical fuel injection that worked well.

[@thedaimlerden]

A w123 will for sure always get you home. Just after the German reunification in the winter my dad and my mom drove up north from here in Bavaria. My dad used to have a manual 300d back in the day. Somewhere in the Erz Mountains the clutch gave out. So my dad had to drive home, on the completely clogged Autobahn, in a complete snow chaos, all the way back half across Germany. Everything went smoothly though! Just had to find the right RPMs and roll start it in 1st gear.

[@richardirish2153]

As someone who grew up with a new and then an old Mercedes 220 gas , I loved traveling around Europe when I was a little boy and then for many years when we returned to the states and when I was old enough I was able to drive my dad’s car and still enjoy it! They are totally worth it but can get expensive as they age , especially if you can’t wrench on them yourself! Things like the original valve train had to be replaced because the original ones were for leaded 120 octane gas and the unleaded gas ate them alive or figuring out that a pinhole leak was causing the downdraft carburetor to not work, a simple fix but you need to be able to figure these things out or pay a huge price to have it fixed by the local Mercedes dealership. Ouch! Enjoy your cars and keep on passing the love for these old Mercedes to the younger generations! Thanks for the content!

[@seanhershey3390]

I had a 66 230s Fintail... it was amazing...dual carb..it would chirp the tires in 2nd gear..tank

[@jasonmorahan7450]

The technical reason for some observations you made would be the period technology of the mechanical/vacuum systems featuring a score of rubber seals, plastics and hoses which petrify if they sit and maintain themselves if driven regularly to be oiled and warmed. If you sit them for even periods as short as six months you start losing true seals. Sit for years and you'll have to replace literally hundreds of secondary parts and seals in a full vehicle reconditioning or else you'll have a buggy mess you'll spend years continuously troubleshooting for new issues. This holds true right up to the 90s models. It is also where log book maintenance history is so valuable since there is a very big quality control difference between classic Mercedes/OEM parts and general manufacturers and reproductions, for example in the 280E W123 (Euro) which is rated for reliable normal operation well in excess of 7000rpm from factory the weights and balances listed in the workshop manual for factory piston kit are the same tolerances for an aftermarket replacement conversion for professional track racing in an American engine, aside from being cast instead of forged they are literally race track quality in the standard factory trim and the pricing reflects this. What a lot of owners do, who are only interested in driving the car for some years and replacing it, without preserving it is replace genuine/OEM parts with reproductions at as much discount as a third the price. When you buy one of these cars as a classic purchase you have a lot of work and expense ahead of you, with significant performance deterioration in the meantime. For American buyers there is also the significant factor of separate production requirements for NAM models compared to Euro models for all V8 classic engines through to the 90s and four and six cylinder engines through to the mid 80s. The style of European engine development was generally smaller capacities with limited production high quality components for high revving performance and low speed economy, this duality long before the wonders of electronically controlled management systems generally led to higher emissions and to meet California restrictions they lost a huge amount of power and most of their performance duality. For example the 280E W123 lost about 30hp and wasn't exactly a light car, performance went from something roughly equivalent to a small V8 in an American contemporary to a lot more like a small 6, which it was but used to perform like a small 8. This should influence model selection for American buyers because in many cases you get a completely different performance between a NAM and Euro version of the same car. In some engines the loss of performance was compensated by increase in capacity for NAM production, so the 280SE 3.5 Euro translates to a 280SE 4.5 NAM production although it is noteworthy this was simply to achieve the similar performance to the smaller engine with the Cali restrictions in place and is not a better performing engine, in fact the net result was usually some loss of upper range performance regardless and a significant hit in fuel economy under normal driving. What you then have is Euro Mercedes would later offer this larger engine over there without Cali restrictions as a model upgrade option in cost recovery, in which case it becomes a higher performing engine than the smaller capacity. This is important for American buyers to understand. With gas engine Mercedes classics you will generally be buying something with unremarkable period performance in American deliveries, whilst a Euro version you would have to consider still reasonably high performing by modern standards. Effectively in America you were paying for build quality and prestige but in Europe you were paying for high performance luxury and all the prestige was entirely just because of the high performance. The 300SL gullwing which beat Ferrari V12s in racing used an identical engine from the standard road production saloon with superficial modification for the track, none to the engine itself, which was rated for, IIRC 36 hours continuous full speed operation at the engine redline without failure in factory testing as a sales publicity stunt. If serviced correctly it was unbreakable, with genuine sportscar performance and that's typical of Mercedes factory cars of the period. Feels like a luxury boat, goes like a race bred engine, reliable as a locomotive. The theme continued at least to some small degree in the affordable classics of the 60s-80s era general production of flagship models, like the 280SE 3.5, the 300SEL 6.3, any 280E/CE M110, 450SL 5.0, 500SEC, 500SL, in Euro trim these are all cars with no problem keeping up with a period muscle car or maintaining respectable, surprising performance even by modern standards in acceleration, handling and top speed. The classics tend to be a lot more unmarkable when detuned for Cali regs and give the false impression that Mercedes owners are just buying a badge and just want to be quirky. Take your basic 72 Mach 1 Mustang to Europe and a basic 280E will match up remarkably well in a street race, run rings around it in handling and have twice the economy all with mom driving and that's the reason for the price tag. It's not even on the same planet as American market versions. Same rules apply for young classics like the W201 series 190E with early NAM 2.3 SOHC being the same performance as a Euro 2.0 version with poorer economy, the 2.3-16 detuned by about 30hp and the 2.5-16 completely unavailable, the only common engines between continents was the 2.6 and later production 2.3 SOHC engines which were developed as high output low emissions projects so satisfied Cali regs in Euro trim. Similar tale for the adjoining W124 E class model in 2.3, 2.6 and 3.0 SOHC and later 3.0 DOHC versions and the limited production Porsche variant M119 V8 versions based on the AMG Hammer customisation flagships. From about 1986 fours and sixes became common between NAM and Euro performance and in the V8s it was from 1991 with the M119 DOHC engine loosely based on the AMG modified M117/119 Hammer engine. Basically from the 90s Mercedes NAM and Euro are really the same animal and the AMG variants in particular are real young classic bargains these days, in some cases the NAM ones actually have higher performance than Euro trim or availability in other countries, reversing the trend. Australia for example never got the V8 W124 90s models here, which is a big shame. The highest performing W124 we ever got was the 300E-24 and CE-24 and 320E with the DOHC six cylinders, we had to purchase the heavier W210 420E to get a V8 in a midsize so that was just a bit sad given the W124 is a far nicer looking car with great handling. In the US you have quite a few V8 W124 floating around and they're a real period masterpiece, better than an S-class IMHO.

[@dangerousdave1004]

I don't think I've seen Tommy so happy before, nice one boys.

[@broward123]

I really enjoyed this video. All the respect to your Euro antiques. My daily driver is a 1982 Volvo 240 K-Jet Turbo. I totally get the passion.

[@keviemac]

i owned the same '72 in yellow, great car, i was very fortunate NOTHING ever went wrong with mine. I'm in a Benz convertible now and the main thing i miss was the sensation of floating over the road that i experienced with the classic "72 sedan.

[@tomkruze2749]

Bro, I have a old school ML55 it’s a heavy maintenance vehicle but, as a second car it’s a pleasure to drive. Old Mercedes have incredible build quality

[@aussie2uGA]

I knew a guy in Miami that made an entire business out of exporting these to the Bahamas. He’d buy them cheap when the original owners wanted something else, clean them up, sell them for huge profits to the islands.

[@mattys8525]

I have a 240d manual if you want to review it… I love it! It’s an amazing contrast to my Tesla 3. Or my electric smart for two. I drive them all weekly. Review and compare them all if you want.

[@aa777flyer]

Definitely the Diesel! Built like a tank. If my current situation was different I would be in the market for one. I currently drive a 2014 E350 4Matic, good solid car. I stopped by Mercedes a few weeks ago to test drive a 2018 and the salesman told me I would be nuts to trade it for the newer E300 4cyl Turbo. The 3.5 V6 is bullet proof

[@impala5819]

Really cool video. I love your 280SEL. One minor nitpick though the SEL is the longer wheelbase so its a W109 chassis.

[@THIRSTYGUMS]

absolutely love both of them. think id pick the 108 and suffer the pain though... go hard or go home

[@curtiso.162]

I have a 1978 300d and love it, I also had 1983 240 which I also loved, that stick was awesome.

[@sumeetbajaj9667]

Used to drive a w124 wagon diesel back in the day. W123 diesel coupe in silver is one of my favorite and w108 and w111 are really beautiful to look at but the rust on them is crazy. The 6.3 on w108 is my dream.

[@barskuleli8612]

I like these kids’s passion, knowledge and taste about these classic Mercedesses. Good video guys…

[@paul6894]

I like the silver one. I had a 1995 s420 for five years. I remember it was always expensive to fix and it took a hundred bucks to fill the gas tank. However it was the most comfortable and impressive car I ever owned. Now I drive a Toyota Prius that I have never had to repair.

[@rahimi4762]

What currency was this?

[@HypocriticYT]

Had a 74 280C with the 110 model dohc straight six with 4bbl. Stripped down version didn’t even have a radio just a plate with 280C on it. 0-60 in 7 seconds fast for the time. It was Euro spec with halogen headlights and slim bumpers

[@fbezza]

W123 is still the daily driver in Morocco. We have a huge park of old Mercedes Benz 🇲🇦

[@kaikendall3]

I've driven my 1979 300D 40,000 miles so far (the chassis now has 1.2-million miles on it). $500, plus about $1000 in deferred maintenance that I took care of. Zero issues, zero payments, $15/month extra insurance cost.

[@awiranggayudha2063]

Hi Guys , I now owned the W108 since 1995 and I am loving it. My mother owned the W123 and they were also very good. Thanks for sharing. If i am allowed to say, the W108 - Americana Style looks more charming than the European one; but that is just my personal opinion.

[@Bikerbug2020]

Tommy you need to find the Euroheadlights for that MB.. It looks much better with the Brick lights.

[@BrainFuck10]

You guys should get a 190e for the channel

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Were 190Es ever imported into the US? I don't ever remember seeing any americans talk about it.

[@andrewkessinger5966]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge They only imported roughly 130,000 w201 cars. I have 2 diesels.

[@BrainFuck10]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge yeah early US cars had the 2.3 engine then the later US cars got the 2.6 engine

[@Vaudotusker]

I’ve had plenty of old Benzes because … well I’m old. My Australian spec 190E is the best of them all easy to run feels like the bigger ones without the cost and I can fix things myself. It’s not fast but on the highway it’s not slow either. It will cruise at 100mph all day happily

[@arthurwagar6224]

I'm making payments on one. Wish me luck.

[@madwookie3084]

Good looking cars. Keep bringing on the content.

[@gabrielqchan8124]

I’m slowly going back in time. From my daily drive W204, I got the 2000 W210 E240 and just acquired a 1990 W124 230E. I’m in the process of acquiring a 1981 C123 280CE. I’m not sure if I love the 60s and 70s enough at the moment to explore getting one 😁

[@jonastsatsi1414]

That 5 cylinder diesel sounds so good🥺 I'm just obsessed with the W123, the 6 cylinder 280e has to be the one I'd go for

[@verdict1163]

Good luck. Only 1 comes up every two years or so. 280E sedans in good condition are extremely rare

[@CJ-zc8xn]

I still own my grandfather's 1990 300 SEL. One day I really hope to be able to do something with it. It's discouraging seeing it sitting and rotting away, but at the same time I'm going to keep ahold of it so the dream of being able to fix it one day doesn't completely die

[@hari200ye]

I own 1984 230E which is great car. Also I own 2007 350E. I love both Mercedes. great cars..

[@gkstanfield]

I currently own a W111 Heckflosse, and have previously owned a W123T non-turbo Diesel wagon. Growing up on Mercedes (thanks, Mom & Dad!) the W123T was always a dream car of mine from way too early…I valeted at a posh Country Club in the early-‘80’s, (when a Mercedes Diesel could’ve been a cosseting Nighttime-Sound app?) I bought a 1980 non-turbo 300TD in 1993 with high miles because of my huge admiration for the Boomer Lifestyle and their throw-away luxury wagons; I fixed her up and had her repainted…we did well until I discovered the Next Level of Mercedes Ownership: R107 SL..! (That’s another chapter…but let me say I WISH I could daily another W123T!…they are amazing cars that won’t quit!)

[@dumbdog2924]

I prefer reliability over fast lol I’m currently looking at a 1981 240d with about 180,00 on the clock! It’s been pretty beat up but as long as it moved I think I’ll be a happy camper!

[@wasabitoburrion4409]

I like both of them, I can’t say the same for the late model Mercs.

[@andrewbintang4591]

The sound of the w123 is among the most beautiful ever. If you take good care of that car it will be an excellent daily driver. The only thing is that it's a bit more expensive to maintain in the USA than it would be in Europe where German cars like these are much more common and repair costs are low.

[@JA-ui3gg]

The 72 is just wonderful. I had a 1966 230S Finnie.

[@feackmorais838]

Cool guys, i've got a 240d 1977 couple months ago and it is not worth it but so worth it... I'm daily driving it and so far the only thing that stopped me was the primary fuel filter, always keep one of those around and it will get you where you need to go.. My first old Mercedes and i'm in love with it.. Almost no vacum on mine which make me love it even more hahah

[@j.b.5675]

Great Video 👍 I'm driving a W 123 200 D , Color ist also White, and i Love it... Greatest sound ever!!😊 Greatings from Germany😉

[@douglasdwight1]

Awesome video. Great observations.

[@jamesclark9791]

I love what kase did with his car it looks so much better than when it was that horrible yellow

[@marshallc.t.2554]

That yellow was much better.

[@6208ccm]

@@marshallc.t.2554 absolutely 😢

[@aleoimpala]

I like both of your car with little preference for the 280 SEL. Congrat for your nice machine.

[@paulchenpanther5]

That noise at 14:18 is called "nageln" in Germany, which is "nailing" in english. Such a lovely sound!

[@drwisdom1]

So in 1972 my dad brought his diesel Mercedes coupe in for service. When he was there a customer wanted his car and offered him too much so he sold it and came home with a dark brown Mercedes 280 SE. I always liked it.

[@HypocriticYT]

The air filter on my 280C was like a racetrack, huge and expensive. A tuneup included valve adjustment