Mercedes W123 vs BMW E12 5 Series - 70s German Luxury!

[@GentilsGarage]

Thank you very much for reviewing my E12 guys. What a fantastic video and really pleased with it. Hope to catch up with you soon!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Our pleasure!

[@renierdutoit1]

Beautiful vehicle👍👍👍

[@GentilsGarage]

@ thank you!

[@christopherwhitehead8946]

No passenger safety belt ffs.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@christopherwhitehead8946 it originally came with fixed 3 point seatbelts at the front and nothing at the rear, except for mounting points. Just before this video was made, I was in the process of converting it to inertia belts, but I was only able to swap the driver side because the inertia kit had a missing bolt and I could not use the ones from the old belts as it didn't have the right length. This has been sorted now

[@topofdescent]

I am biased. I grew up in the W123. Until 5th grade, our family car was the 230. Then they bought the exact same car again (color and all) as a 230E. The neighbours never noticed. Just before I got my own driver's licence they bought their last one - again a 230E - just months before the W124 was introduced, which I found way cooler, but they loved thei 123 so much and wanted to keep the feeling as long as possible. Years later they made the astonishing shift to a BMW 520i which was a whole new generation of cars - but it could never reach the appreciation of "the Benz" which was like an extended livingroom. It felt, smelled and protected you like a home. Loved your video and your thaughts. Thank you!

[@rolhoreis6187]

i drove a 1971 W115 from the mid seventies through the early nineties . although the 123 was alluring , i felt no need to replace my friend . as you say , [it] " was like an extended livingroom. It felt, smelled and protected you like a home " - couldn't say it better . best of all it offered confidence in all conditions and imparted warmth and safety . sadly , my 350E doesn't hold a candle

[@robsawalker]

How nice to see young guys reviewing clasic cars. Great video lads!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EyesWideOpen61]

@@robsawalker nice to see young guys who can operate a manual shift

[@peterriggall8409]

I think they were both autos.😆 But yes, I’m sure these fellows can drive a manual very competently.

[@EyesWideOpen61]

@ these two maybe, none I know

[@martinkrautter8325]

I agree completely with your highlighting the bandwidth of the W123. Here in Germany, it was the backbone of the taxicab fleet for decades, farmers drove their 200D s with subsidised agricultural fuel, while corporate Vice Presidents drove the 230E and Managing directors the 280E, as the S-Class was reserved for Board Members… and of course the 280TE for getting the aesthetic surgeon from his clinic to the golf course…

[@akafede4351]

In Spain's last flooding, there was a w123 that was on a subterranean parking lot, the car was fully underwater for a couple of days. It got off the parking by its own wheels... Also there's a video of a w201 190e 2.3 running after the same happened to it

[@Rudyw1977]

where can I find that video?

[@akafede4351]

@Rudyw1977 search for "Mercedes dana"

[@Hugothester]

@@Rudyw1977 Search in google: "Mercedes w123 sale del barro dana valencia" If you want the youtube video it is called: "El ‘indestructible’ Mercedes que ha sobrevivido en un garaje inundado por la DANA en Valencia"

[@paulnash7663]

I bought a W123 230 TE when it was 5 years old . One of the GREATEST cars I ever had. NEVER NEVER let me down. Wish I still had it.

[@TheVAMPIREMARIUS69]

I drive an E12 daily in South Africa!

[@GentilsGarage]

That E12 is originally from South Africa

[@peterriggall8409]

Saw it featured in latest Practical Classics mag. Lovely.

[@renierdutoit1]

What model do you drive as a daily? I’m from SA as well and grew up with my father owning a 1982 520i executive e12/8.

[@GentilsGarage]

@@peterriggall8409 thanks. Ineed to buy that mag!

[@GentilsGarage]

@@renierdutoit1 I'm from Portugal and the car was bought by a Portuguese couple living in SA, who then exported it to Portugal in '79. They had residence in both countries but sold the car in 2001 after having too many issues due to dodgy mechanics. I bought it in 2002 from a friend, sold it 2004 and years later, in 2022, that same friend saw the car for sale and I went and bought it and brought to the UK. There's far more to this story though! My daily is a Vauxhall Astra, but I had 18 BMWs in the past

[@sdry1688]

I used to service these in period - BMWs of that time had distinctive smell inside - and they were a head turner. Great review

[@rustybearden1800]

I'm starting to think that the back and forth interplay between you two is becoming the best of Classics World - great job! On my first visit to Europe (Milan, Italy) as a teenager with my sister, my first cab ride was in a MB 123 diesel. "Mercedes as a taxi?" I asked in a surprised tone. "Yes, they're very common"

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We always enjoy filming the twin tests!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We always enjoy filming the twin tests!

[@-DC-]

E12 and E28 are both Absolutely Beautiful Designs, What they are smoking at BMW these days must be Incredible 😂.

[@e28forever30]

I fully agree, I adore my E28 525i!

[@ashleygordon3467]

Great video, thanks. I drove an E12 for a few weeks when it was new- a total revelation compared to anything else I had driven until then. The 123 is iconic for all the reasons you said and more. I have 4 classic Mercedes and now feel a need for a 123. Really enjoyed the commentary by the way.

[@arthurdardalis]

Love both of these, I had a 280E, father had an E28 524tds. Joe, you need to fix the seat nets, ten minute job per seat to tighten the nets and improve their appearance

[@bartbosma7799]

Lovely two timewarp vehicles and especially the 5 series with the early interior that is so rare, well done

[@bevinboyd1838]

I own a w123, but have always admired the e12. Thanks so much, very enjoyable.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DP-tk9qk]

Thank you for the really interesting video! I have got a M535i e12 and it's everytime a joy to drive this fantastic car!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you enjoyed it! We're *very* jealous of your car...

[@kevindoyle5402]

The W123 is one of the greatest cars ever made, end of!! Incredible motor car!!

[@sanderdegroot6628]

Being 61, many cars you future here are my teenage-kinda stars of cars. I really love it; to see two young guys knowing quite a bit of them, succeeding in communicate the feeling of the time-areas. SO to you & your channel, love to spend my time at it, thx😀👍!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks very much!

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Both are lovely cars . If you purchased one of these new back in the day you didn't get much kit as standard. But what you did get was great build quality and excellent engineering unlike MB's and BMW's of today. I prefer the styling of the BMW but in the end the Mercedes is the best in my opinion due to it's better build quality and engineering.

[@aluminati9918]

Always loved the BMW 5. Paul Bracq and Gandini were both really talented designers. I believe Bracq did the Merc Pagoda too

[@RuperScooper]

Fabulous review on two rivals - very enjoyable well done guys 👍👌

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petercollingwood522]

Great comparrison, long time coming. Growing up in South Africa these two cars were literally head to head against each other in the marketplace and I've always wanted to see a direct comparrison of the two. I think the E12 is the best BMW design ever (possibly alongside the 635csi), but the W123 is the best car ever made - by anyone - in the history of the automobile. I've owned several and love them. Don't have one now but hope to again one day soon. I'd actually really like to have an E12 as well but there is no doubt that the Mercedes is simply the better car.

[@Ben-jq5oo]

This was a great review, thankyou fellas. For someone who remembers the e12 arriving in 1974 in the UK it was particularly special. Both cars here are two of my favourites; however for me…it has to be the e12. Full of character and as you said slightly quirky. The most beautiful car inside and out. I love the “safety colour”, (Inca or Aztec? There were two oranges quite close together). I followed Gentile from the first time he started it up and I’m so proud of him for rescuing it.

[@GentilsGarage]

Thanks ben. The colour is called Castan, I think, and it is specific to the South African market and was carried over from the 5 series predecessor in SA, which was the GLAS based BMW 2004. it wasn't availabe for too long, but they had other colour exclusively for that market. also, some colours from Munich were not available in South Africa.

[@robinfriedrich9067]

Thanks for the great video. Tough choice and well summarized. I own a 77 e24 and a lot of the e12 reminds me about that. So in a roundabout way there is an e12 coupe, the series 1 e24 😂 I also owned two w123s in my life and they are just unbelievably well engineered and like a pet or companion in your life. Loved it!

[@Lonewolf-kw8gg]

I had a w123 200, W123 240D and E28 520i, loved them.

[@joeseeking3572]

Back in the day our family had and I drove both an E12 and a W123. The BMW was a later 6, manual - the poor 123 was a 300D auto. So no comparison possible in acceleration. But in terms of driving pleasure I would take the E12 any day. The 123 was built like a tank and could be driven almost flat out all day. The intrinsic build quality was undeniable; but it couldn't dance - the E12 could (though it could also bite if you got a little carried away). What would have tipped me however, if I'd been the buyer was the considerable difference in price (US). In 1979 a 530i was $15.9k base, the 300D was $20.3k and the 280 was $21.7k - for my money it would have been very hard to make the case for the Benz - except that the diesel would run forever and this was just about the second gas crisis..... One area where they both sucked from an American perspective - the AC. Geez - you'd think with all that development they'd have been able to get that right. (Indeed while both were supremely capable in ways no American car was at the time, some who came from a world of Cadillac, et al were in found a profound readjustment!)

[@arditbajraktari5631]

The US w123 280E were underpowered because emission regulations, The european one had 186hp vs 148 in the US.

[@ianlowden6168]

Love your channel guys. Superb❤

[@joachimdippold8763]

I am surprised, the BMW is tiny! Just look at the space above your heads.;-) I can feel your passion in this clip, cool! Also, you are not bashing the "other brand" but rather praise it, respect, man! To both of you!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

We're both fans of both cars and brands, we'd happily have both :D

[@ItsAli4]

For me, hands down the W123 is the better car. I drive one and absolutely 💯 love it.

[@crazyforcars]

Two brilliant classic cars and two brilliant presenters. Thanks for the video guys. Lucas, with that Mercedes F1 shirt you look a bit like Lewis Hamilton 😊.

[@fhwolthuis]

Great video! 💪🏼

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you liked it!

[@vetex007]

My dad had Yellow E12, bought in South Africa and imported to Portugal too. Because it was assembled in South Africa it had a 6 cylinder 2.5 manual. It was definitely sporty.

[@MLC...]

I would have the BMW, but in a manual naturally. Mercedes W123 is a lovely car, but the BMW is more of a drivers car. I grew up with E12's and E28's, just love them. Love the sharknose styling too. BMW build quality was also excellent, not only the Mercedes.

[@rustysickle2528]

Epic comparison! I hit like even before watching the video! ❤❤❤

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Good on you!

[@MrNikodemus5]

The 520 series in my opinion, was the car that turned BMW around. I had a 123 250 1981 in period got it second hand from the Norwegian prime minister office, 140 hp 6 cylinders carburetors. A fantastic car :) Greetings from Norway

[@TheCienporciento]

My uncle bought a new 250 in 1979. My four year old self wasn't that impressed with it at the time as his previous car was a Volvo 244 which had a big flashing red light to tell rear seat passengers to fasten their seat belts. Those sorts of things are more important when you're four years old. My uncle kept the 250 for about 15 years until an accident meant he had to write it off. He replaced it with a new W210 E230 which didn't impress him as he replaced it with a new W220 S320 after about a year. I think those last two cars were such a disappointment that I don't think he bought another Mercedes again.

[@runepedersenDK]

I love the W123 - build like a tank, super reliable and with a wonderful majsetetic timeless design!

[@davide9849]

I recall several battles in auto magazines between the 528i and the 280E.

[@anthonytang5198]

Would love that W123

[@DouweBuruma]

I was always impressed as a passenger in a w123 when I was a child, but later on when I got my driver license I never bought one, instead I bought an e12.

[@danstill4716]

I had a manual 2.8 e12 beautiful car very quick for the time but under geared was quite buzzy at speed

[@sailingelleray]

Yes I had one too with the 4 speed no-overdrive gearbox. I always longed for a 5th gear...

[@adebrade172]

I had a 525e 1988 model nice motor

[@jasonkok9942]

my family first Mercedes Benz was an W123 300D back in 1980, so reliable and never let us down, traded in for an W126 in 1983 and brought an Bmw E21 320 at the same period…

[@markf4720]

I want both! But then I do want pretty much every classic I see 😆

[@hansrhavinder]

The W123 has my vote. 👍🏻😃

[@blinkstoofast]

The e12 is good. The W123 is a pure icon.

[@josvandencamp8441]

I've owned a 518 and a 520/6 E12. Both lovely cars to drive.

[@Koulis_]

The W123 was the favoured taxi in Cyprus back in it's day with a clattery diesel engine. The refinement inside was good though, it isolated outside sound and felt like it was hewn from stone.

[@stevedickson5853]

Gimme that gorgeous orange e12 anyday

[@aaron___6014]

I dont recall every seeing an E12 in the states. Tons of W123's, even this year.

[@AledPritchard]

Another Brilliant review. I’d say I’d choose the BMW, but I can’t decide definitively which one. This is a tough choice, I’m 50/50.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Fair enough!

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

Luv these cars!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@watthaile2053]

I had a magical 14 yr love affair with a Mercedes 123. In fact, I'm looking for a nice one to buy now.

[@mb280sl7]

Great vlog, But you E12 is missing it's passenger shoulder belt and it has a bit of rust! I loved BMW's of this era!

[@johnmatthews1095]

that's a tricky one. I've owned a surprising number of 70's 80's and naughties bmws and not one Merc. I did really fancy a navy blue123 estate for 4k back in the 90s but while they are lovely, you know they'll always be there if you want one. ubiquitous even. I chose sporting over practical every single time (Caterhams, 60s 70s porsches) and when it came time to settle down i chose a van :) I still run a 60s porsche , 4 seats, solid build, so much character. in summary I guess it’s neither the bmw and /or the merc, it's a 60s porsche + van :)

[@aalabbasi]

I had an E12 528i, it might have been the most engaging car that I owned. I regret selling it. I still have an E28 M5. Little known fact is that the doors interchange.

[@kramnam4716]

Lovely chat gents !

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks!

[@Koulis_]

This 5 series is the only one I liked in terms of styling, It looks athletic and trim. I always wondered why it looked similar to the Fiat 132 and then found out that Gandini had a hand in both cars.

[@ngshinong9812]

Is that "Auto Bavaria" sticker at the back screen of the E12 from Malaysia?

[@GentilsGarage]

South African BMW dealer

[@lawrencemuga6366]

What is the purpose of that piece of timber behind the co-driver?

[@leonardoelpetardo]

I have a E28 525i and a W123 230TE, both are good made cars the 123 is robust the E28 is very powerful, for me they are examples of a golden german industry time, which main characteristic is innovation but top quality, sadly today things have changed...

[@e28forever30]

Nice, I own an E28 525i too! 👍

[@puristM]

E12 for the win

[@johnmatthews1095]

for the record I had a 1972 2000ti estate, a 1972 2002tii saloon, 1984 325i saloon, 2006 330d estate.

[@trevorkendall4720]

Is this a specific Check capacity/bhp. Difference in countries mean different specs, local tax etc.Portuguese model? Never seen seats like this that in the U.K.

[@GentilsGarage]

It's originally a South African car, which was imported to Portugal in 1979

[@trevorkendall4720]

@@GentilsGarage Thanks for the info!

[@jonntischnabel]

8 mins: " there is no coupé" yes there is, the e24 6 series was based on the E12, and later on, switched to the e28.

[@Chillednfunked]

That car is from South Africa, Auto Bavaria were a dealer in Johannesburg

[@RedversCross]

No passenger seat belt on the beemer?

[@roygardiner2229]

I am glad it was not just me who noticed. That is more important than ANY other considerations.

[@Romiman1]

You can seel the fixing hole at the pillar. The belt is just removed (or not fixed already) for some reason.

[@ColinMill1]

In that era I would have gone for the Merc but by the time the E34 arrived I think BMW had the edge. I'm sure many would disagree!

[@davidjames2910]

5 series was too narrow to take 3 in the back so we didn’t consider it back in the early 80s. Merc was wider but even more expensive. Both turned out to be wonderful and their qualities showed best when their cheaper rivals fell apart.

[@sanderdegroot6628]

That crazy talent of Marcello Gandini (R.I.P.)..... For that alone, to me, it must be the BMW🙂

[@KeithCramerLongfield]

Paul Bracq styled the E12.

[@carloscanziani1644]

The e12 was magic, but cannot compare to the w123, never ever

[@flyme195]

All hail the W123! Rejoice

[@marcelhandsome6042]

I think lookswise the BMW and its driving dynamics but the Merc for durability safety and engineering excellence the Merc estate especially, including the W124 was such a great estate car this is where I think the Merc excelled in its niche that's why taxi drivers still worship them.

[@marciodomingues3653]

I had a 240D it was slow but it was the best car in world❤️. I miss my w123🥹

[@Lot76CARS]

Great video, but Joe sort those net rear seat pockets😂, it’s an easy, cheap fix that I did on my 190E!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Do tell! -Joe

[@Lot76CARS]

@ Fixing Mercedes Map Pockets kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqC9aaGejMyDoqc

[@yerrie1908]

My mother had E12 M535i from new (1 of 6 in the Netherlands, different now with M’s on BMW’s) and in the time there was no competition besides 911’s en 308’s , later the Sierra cosworth came other M’s and the Merc 190 2.3-16 , good times, not much police, roads not that busy, no speed camera’s yet so we drove it fast a lot and raced a lot of cool cars and bikes until the car was literally finished 10 years later worn out

[@ianrobson4588]

Why no passenger safety belt ? Surely an easy and essential fix.

[@RodrigoOliveira-tb7zf]

I've daily driven both. And a Volvo. I drifted my 520 manual with my hand out of the window all the time. But this is how I would sum it up: The Merc is your wife The BMW is your lover The Volvo is your friend

[@danbernstein4694]

Mother had an E12 and my Dad had a W123 ( among other E clases). I had a 3.0si ( sedan)

[@renierdutoit1]

BMW for " sheer driving pleasure" and Mercedes for quality, durability and parts availability.

[@richardhumby8704]

My special car is a w123 280 ce…. Not restored, just been maintained. Lovely car for high days and holidays. Never gets wet, only way to keep a 40 +year car. Would I like the saloon as well…. Yes

[@rob5944]

Now I'm older these solid Mercs really apoeal. They don't make 'em like they used to, ah the good old days blah blah lol.

[@flypawels]

W123 ❤👍

[@waseemal-haddad5828]

Merc W123 always ❤

[@iranclassiccars]

I had both, and i love driving the e12 more than w123, but w123 is "more" car than e12.

[@BomberFletch31]

As a Mercedes fan, I think out of these two, the W123 is a foregone conclusion. But honestly, I've never warmed to the W123 as much as I have to the W116, which was my first experience with the brand (as a 6 year old back seat passenger in a W116 280 S), or the W126, which was my dream car growing up. So I'd take the W116 over either of these, if I'm honest. Aesthetically, I'm also not sold on the W123. I think, parked next to the W116, it's the W116 that looks like the more modern, cohesive design, although the W116 is actually older. So while I won't say no to an immaculate W123 if an opportunity were to arise, I still lust after a W116 just that bit more.

[@Jambo-u2k]

The E12 M535i wasn't really a M1 engine, same block but was a single cam engine.

[@KeithCramerLongfield]

They weren't really rivals. The Mercedes was a tough old beast, a known quantity. BMW's were a bit fragile (cracked heads, cam wear, drivers seat threadbare etc) as well as being smaller and cheaper. It wasn't until the E-34 that BMW could really stand eye to eye with Mercedes.

[@jonntischnabel]

I went to look at a blue 230 on a B reg, in 2001 for £300. It had a rotten door so i walked away. What a stupid mistake! 😂😢

[@paulmcgee1867]

Surprised myself by liking the BMW!

[@moh2502]

Wouldn't the E28 be a direct competitor to a W123 than an E12?

[@darrenwendell1723]

You youngsters didn't even mention it: The best Taxi ever made.

[@JimmyShields-z2h]

BMW n MB were ahead just like Volvo here in Australia if you look same era we had Holden Kingswood, Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant n Leyland P76 all great muscle cars but refine cars wasn't until VB Holden Commodore like BMW, Ford XD Falcon like MB. Which one would i choose MB just bit bigger, smooth luxury interior although i be happy with 4 cylinder engine.

[@AdmiraalHelfrichstraat]

3:12 Wrong.The Saab 99 was the first car with a compressible steering column and a body with crumple zones

[@sundar999]

Even the 1967 Vauxhall Victor had a collapsible steering column and the 1953 Mercedes 180 had crumple zones forward and rear

[@paulschneider9286]

No front passenger seatbelt fitted??

[@GentilsGarage]

It originally came with fixed 3 point seatbelts at the front and nothing at the rear, except for mounting points. Just before this video was made, I was in the process of converting it to inertia belts, but I was only able to swap the driver side because the inertia kit had a missing bolt and I could not use the ones from the old belts as it didn't have the right length. This has been sorted now

[@rigsiebear]

I enjoyed seeing this comparison. W123 is the clear winner for me too. It's amazing how the switches and controls still have a positive and satisfying click or action. The aerodynamics are worth mentioning, ,the side and rear windows stay dry and clear when it's raining. You mentioned diesel variants having 4,5 or 6 cylinders. What model had a 6 cylinder diesel? Happy motoring guys

[@jamessmith-on3jf]

only only 4 and 5 cylinder diesel

[@joekurdish3385]

Definitely Mercedes ❤

[@andreashoegl5381]

Hi, i own a E12 520 carby and a 1974 520i as well as a top notch 124 merc. The engineof your 520 automatic seems to be a later 520i engine with Bosch injection, not original for a 1972 car....

[@GentilsGarage]

It initially had the 2l with the twin stromberg carbs. But the engine was in such bad shape that it was easier and cheaper to put one from a 318i E30. And it does go well despite the slow auto gearbox

[@ofmanynicknames]

Joe says "gooouurgeous". Drink!

[@jagolago-bob]

The BMW every day of the week. More style, more fun. I always thought those Mercs were so boring, and staid. ETA: The Merc is way better quality, though. BMW weren't very good in those days.

[@richardharibo]

I wonder why the BMW only had a drivers seat belt and missing on the passenger side 😊

[@olisipocity]

I really appreciate your enthusiasm and the connection you show to your cars, but let's not let that get in the way of objectivity. When we talk about the 70s, these two brands, but Mercedes in particular, you can call them many things, durable, comfortable, recognizable (no wonder, they were sold by the millions), even cheap to repair due to their simplicity, but innovative?!!! It's a word that doesn't fit, especially in the 60s/70s. Other brands come to mind, and I won't list them. At the time, even a Ford Transit was more innovative. Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@cbca6567]

The Alfa Romeo Alfetta of 1972 was technolgically very innovative with a rear dedion axle (weight saving) and transaxle with gearbox and clutch together at rear, all alloy twin cam engine at front, torsion bars at the front to save unsprung mass, inner discs at the rear to save unsprung mass and rack and pinion steering and front double wishbones. Aut Motor Sport of Germany tested the E12 520i against the Alfetta in August 1973 and the Alfetta won on practically every comparison and was a major upset for BMW at the time.