As Good As Many Modern Luxury Cars and Cheaper To Run! Mercedes 420 SEC

[@aromaticsnail]

Mercedes survives as a car maker because of the reputation of this car's era

[@arthurdardalis]

Well said, spot on comment👍👍

[@johanankarback6821]

That´s very true! In the 80´s and 90´s they were the best. Nowadays the accountants rules and they are just like any other car.

[@Brukner841]

@@johanankarback6821 competition and demand are very rigid now so they all compete with each other, but Mercedes still makes some superb cars, and some turds as well

[@christianvanneuves9958]

29th most reliable car brand in USA. Nuff said.

[@dinispaulino7512]

Absolutely!

[@limyrob1383]

You know you are in a "real" Mercedes when you have 2 ashtrays and no cup holder😂

[@21stcenturyozman20]

I have the joy of owning a 500 SEC. Of the 17 Benzes I've owned, that SEC is the pinnacle! Definitely the era of proper Benzes, before all the bling and failure-prone gadgetry that followed. *A cupholder story* A few years ago a Mercedes commercial in the USA showed a seminar presented by Mercedes engineers, touting their accomplishments over the years. The audience were engineers from other carmakers. The Germans held forth ... In 1908 we introduced the supercharger ... (the others all murmured). In 1937 we standardised on independent suspension on all axles ... (more murmuring). In 1954 we introduced direct fuel injection ... (yet more murmuring). And in 1959, the disc brake ... (same response). Also in 1959, the occupant safety cell and progressive crumple-rate end sections ... (more murmurs). In 1961 we made seat belts standard equipment ... (ditto response). And in 1964 we went to four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment ... (mumbles from the audience). In 1965 we introduced side protection rails in the doors ... (murmurs again). In 1972 we improved and strengthened our side-impact protection system ... (mumbled responses). And in 1975 we added ABS to our braking systems ... (increasingly bored murmurs). Then the speaker gets a twinkle in his eye and says with a slight smile: And last year we even added a cup holder ... and with that the Americans jump up, shouting "We had that first!"

[@andrewallen9993]

@@21stcenturyozman20 I have a 1964 w110 200d. Whilst it has Jaguar disk brakes (Dunlop) in front it has drums in the rear. Oh, and pre combustion chamber direct fuel injection, a British invention from Harry Ricardo.😀 It has three ashtrays and no cupholders.

[@bustjanzupan1074]

Yes, it just should be a little more beautiful (a little less ugly) ... although it is still not so bad.

[@SveinMBortne]

@@bustjanzupan1074 a friend of mine also a former high end Merc owner he says that many of the Mercs look like German laydies... He mean square and not so pretty. But there is someone for every body.

[@Calislav96]

Its because the person buying this wasn’t in a rush or on the go like the rest of us scrambling 9 to 5 commuters

[@rolandsaucier1006]

YES! This is why I am so happy with my 97 Mercedes C280. It cost me 7000 to get it purchased, sorted out and inspected. Now it simply runs like a dream. I have no car payments. Just insurance and fuel. The car is safe. Has plenty of power. I drive it daily and haven't had a single issue for over a year and a half. I'm very happy.

[@volvo24091]

Used to have one of those. Great car. But it did have a massive oil leak which I could not fix due to the crumbling engine wire harness. The leak fixed itself when I moved cross country to cooler climes.

[@listenmullahsb]

Will ULEZ allow you to use it still?

[@kwaynr1301]

Just wait another year. Keep us posted

[@brianmilligan1787]

SERVICE THE CAR YOU LEFT THAT BIT OUT

[@scslre]

2/5 safety rating. sounds great.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Agree with what you said regarding Mercedes during the production of this car. Today Mercedes are just a shadow of its former self being only averagely reliable and offering their customers so so service.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Having had several newer Mercs, this is not my experience, but it's a trendy thing to say that they don't build them like they used to.

[@Nord_Mann]

@@worldofrandometry6912but they don’t no more, and you know it😉 On my grandfather’s Volvo 760, my 964 or this MB 420SEC you could hit your fist at absolute max power into the roof without making a dent whatsoever. Try it on your new MB and get back to us with the result😂

[@roelfkromhout]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@worldofrandometry6912 the word ‘several’ tells me a bit about why this has not been your experience.

[@houseyUK]

@@worldofrandometry6912 I am pleased for you, but being the owner of one of their halo cars I can confirm their service (across 4 dealers and counting) is fairly consistently dire. Not my first Mercedes either and their network is average to rubbish. The stories I could share. Additionally my GT R has had significant warranty work done too. Engine mounts, dampers, airbag/seat belt sensors and buzzes and rattles. Not ruined my experience, but annoying.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Every day, the car world gets worse. Mercedes will never be the same ever again. German luxury will never be what it used to.

[@jgg02]

This represents for me when Mercedes was at the height of their line up. Understated elegance and not as vulgar or plastic as later generations

[@DavidRamsay-Kerr-n3p]

I think the quick shot of an SEL that Jack showed as the sister to the SEC was not, in fact, the Bruno Sacco-designed car, but the model that preceded it.

[@terry7893]

The govt EPA regulations forced all cars to get better mpg. The only way mfgs can do that, is by going with lighter weight plastic.

[@richardmason1392]

I'm the model register captain in the Mercedes-Benz Club for the W126. I love them. Couple of corrections about the SEC. First it wasn't launched until 1981. the saloon was 1979. Likewise the saloon in N America could be had with a diesel but not the SEC, that never had a diesel. I drive a 560 SEC & I would happily use it daily except I want to keep it looking pristine.

[@jenseninterceptor1065]

I daily my V126

[@hendongooner7383]

When Mercedes made proper cars and not the dross they serve up today.

[@ianwatson3315]

I had a 1992 190 2.0 and various G wagens from 88-92 and all were flawless cars which never let me down.

[@richy69ify]

@@ianwatson3315 so great that you got rid? 😌

[@LowreyContractorsUK]

@@ianwatson3315 why did you stop buying them. ? I have had them constantly for the last 40 years My Mercedes now on my drive CLS shooting brake owed for 6 years , and E Class cabriolet, owned 8 years Only time a Mercedes has let me down was in my SL 380 years ago. I snapped the key off in the ignition lock

[@grumbo39]

I cant get over so many younger people today, who buy the A series (Renault) and other complete junk. Theres no personality there, nothing to see.

[@syedwaji7011]

I recently sold my 420SEL three days ago. The car sat on my driveway for about a year since I was preoccupied with other vehicles. We installed a new alternator, checked the fluids, and the buyer was able to drive it from Florida to Kentucky without issue. Just goes to show how wonderfully these automobiles were built. Now I need an SEC!!

[@micha3828]

But the BMW e38 7 series was and is a beautiful car, too. I love these 6 cylinders. I have one in my 3 series convertible.

[@cupwithhandles]

Do you mind if I ask what you sold it for? That has always been one of my grail cars, and now it's a classic.

[@dappergent9422]

Beautiful car. Sadly, we'll never see cars like this again.

[@hughoxford8735]

Dunno. Have you seen the Lexus LC500?

[@danieleregoli812]

I still have the very vivid memory of seeing my very first 560 SEL in a sort of grayish baby blue, spiritedly sprinting from a standstill, and leaving me speechless and fascinated... That car was perfection on wheels. That was in 1986... I was out for a walk with my late Grandfather and late cousin...and I was but a short, chubby boy...That memory is etched in my mind.

[@steveelliott3591]

I have always thought this car was one of the most beautiful MB ever designed and built. I still to this day want one.

[@antking8847]

the drivers side mirror not being electric will have saved weight - everyone forgets the added kgs of all the motors added to modern vehicles for seats, bootlids etc. Great car - thanks Jack

[@marcusjohnson488]

Possibly why they chose to put aluminium bonnet and trunk lids on the SEC

[@Assimilator1]

A minimal amount, wouldn't be noticeable in MPG. I'd fit LHD passenger electric mirror to it :p

[@jamesgraham446]

Also one less thing to potentially fail.

[@taunuslunatic404]

Do you think the weight of an electric mirror would be noticeable on a 1.5 tonne+ car?

[@Assimilator1]

@@taunuslunatic404 Exactly!👍(Nope)

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

My Dad had a blue metallic 560 and he let me use it whenever I wanted as long as I put the same amount of petrol back that I had used,I was only 18 so it was a painful balance of fun and expense.I remember it was built like a tank and went really well while making a great noise.Thanks for reminding me Jack 😊

[@user-pt1ow8hx5l]

Waouw. Pappa B had an Xj-S in our life. 12 cylinders. And then changed to a Merc 560. The consumption of those engines kept speeding excesses to a bare minimum, didn't they?

[@rnb250]

Maximum speed achieved? 🤩

[@NinoPrez007]

The 560 SEC was my favorite car of all time!.... that's awesome to hear!

[@garethdavies2538]

I bought a 560SEC with only 60,000 miles on it 12 years ago and drive it less than 1,000 miles a year. It will outlive me!@@NinoPrez007

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Jack, as much as I enjoy almost all of your content I am genuinely salivating at the thought of owning an SEC. This era was the zenith of Mercedes build quality and now I'm retired and do less and less mileage I would relish the 500 SEC as a daily driver based on my experience of my R129 weekend car which is a bit less practical but still wafts along beautifully without creaks or rattles after 174000 miles The car's value hasn't changed over the last 6 years and because everything is so simple to fix with cheap and readily available parts the only time it visits a garage is for it's MOT.

[@stocksxbondage]

Miss my SL500 very much! The hydraulic convertible was too much to keep fixing for me so I let her go. Phenomenal car! Engine aside, I miss shutting the door. The tank like seal and window motor sound 🤤 It really makes modern cars feel like children’s toys.

[@marko7843]

​​@@stocksxbondageWord... When we found out the SL 300/500/600 had 18 hydraulic cylinders to operate the top, we were scared off. That little thing was more complicated than a four-door Lincoln convertible!

[@lbowsk]

Wise move. That's just idiotic and guaranteed to cost you money and aggravation down the line.@@marko7843

[@monsterkillsports3499]

This car screams "Old money" when the cars music and people were honest.

[@dandare1001]

To me it screams new money, and little taste. It's funny how opinions differ.

[@nova-oy4qy]

@@dandare1001 new money? these are cheap.

[@dandare1001]

@@nova-oy4qy I meant when they were new.

[@dj_efk]

Couldn’t agree more. Contrast that with what one of those brand new RR Sports says nowadays.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Gents (my assumption you’re both male), it depends what age perspective each of you are looking at it from. “Old money” you’re younger, sub 45 “New money” you’re older 50 plus… you might remember this Merc when it was new. Still a lovely motor with such presence - it’ll turn heads for longer and with more admiration than the afore mentioned Taycan…

[@leegurbutt]

Hi Jack, I did the same maths last October when the lease termijn for my Tesla Model S came to an end and I needed a replacement. I have surprised all that know me by choosing a 21 year old Jag XJ 4,2 V8. I found one that had just 50k miles on the clock and was as good as new. I’ve enjoyed the car now for 5 months, 5000 miles and it hasn’t missed a beat. I’ve decided that I don’t want to burden the planet with the production of a new electric car, but to enjoy these old machine whilst I still can. So I will be changing every 12 months. Now looking at a Quattroporte 4,7 ZF or an Merc SEC. I’m loving the experience. Keep up the good work pal!

[@ian-nz-2000]

100%! My daily is a 2002 XKR which has cost me no more than its annual service and a few bushes.

[@timonsolus]

Absolutely. Best thing you can do for the planet is to never, ever buy or lease a brand new car.

[@johnpearson492]

I fully agree with your method and personally purchase similar vintage vehicles to enjoy them and run them. They are inexpensive to buy, it prevents a new car from being built (better for the environment). I currently have a 99 BMW M3, 90 Jeep Comanche, and an 09 Honda Civic Si. I almost went the route of the supercharged Jag from the early 00s or late 90s, but found the Civic I wanted first. Enjoy yours and feel good that keeping an older vehicle on the road longer is always the cleaner and more financially responsible option.

[@geekandguide]

Top man!

[@maxnicholls7254]

For a very similar reason my daily is a "95 XJS convertible and despite popular misconceptions it has been utterly reliable

[@luiscarlosvieira3966]

"As good as many modern..." ... I think is "Better than many modern..." A new set of suspension and steering bushings and a set of shocks ....and you get an awesome ride....

[@danf4447]

a new suspension and steering bushings and shocks= european vacation or a second car. every car is a great car if money is no object

[@luiscarlosvieira3966]

@@danf4447 no... aftermarket parts are really cheap.... and bushings are the cheapest parts you can buy... and makes huge difference on drive feeling...

[@JohnJoannou-xq5rq]

My uncle had a 420SEC, went to Cyprus and back in it. Loved every bit of it. Them were the days of Mercedes and they are long gone now. Good looking machines and they are not really looking their age!

[@shabbos-goy9407]

must have got a bit wet!

[@BernardAsare-bh9gp]

To understand the amount of distance traveled ɓy your uncle, I need to know where he traveled from and to what area in Cyprus

[@free_gold4467]

Paphos to Larnaka? 😂

[@free_gold4467]

Was that the 'James Bond' version?

[@sjjw43]

My Dad owned 3 of these from new, a 380, 420 & 560. The 380 & 420 he did 80,000 miles in 2 years each (he was a busy guy) & between the two the only non cnsumable failure was a broken spring. The 560 was fab & I was old enough to drive this. He acme from series 2 & 3 Jaguar XJ6's culminating in a Damilar Double 6 Vanden Plas that set fire on the A1! Within 2 weeks he secured the 380 sec that a customer had failed to make the final delivery payment on otherwise he would have waited 2 years for one. He order the 420 sec after the first year with the 380 sec. Thank you for your video's!!

[@sjjw43]

I saw a 500 sec yesterday in a supermarket carpark & I was suprised how small it looked compared to modern cars. At the time it was an imposing car that people looked at. Now it can seem low key.

[@Bob-nu3xe]

you were lucky we never had a car!

[@sjjw43]

@@Bob-nu3xe Do you have one now?

[@christianvanneuves9958]

The heady days of the mid 1980s, when having a Mercedes on contract was something that could be sold on at a substantial profit. Mercedes employees got their Benzes with a discount and could sell them ("Jahreswagen") after a year for better than full new price. The situation may have been somewhat different with RHD cars.

[@marcusott2973]

Two years ago, I bought a W126, the best I could find. But it isn't exactly luxury. A 1982 280SE 4 speed manual, electric passenger mirrors, front electric windows. Cloth seats, 80k km. It's my pride and joy, it belonged to a fastidious pensioner. The underside suggests it's never seen a winter and possibly very little rain.

[@truxton1000]

I would say it’s luxury due to the way it looks and the build quality.

[@michaelhilton8439]

The 300SE is a vastly more refined drive, especially with the automatic gearbox. The 280 engine is a leftover from the w116 and from a different era, although it's very robust.

[@marcusott2973]

@michaelhilton8439 In German, this lowly edition is unofficial called the "BuchhalterAusstattung" = accountants trim. Normally reserved for government vehicles. It's eye-watering in its originality, the spot welds in the wheel arches are still perfect.

[@user-pt1ow8hx5l]

Wonderfuel. They even sold the 190 with only 4 gears in 1988. In poverty-spec.

[@michaelhilton8439]

​@@marcusott2973sounds fantastic!

[@GeelongVic7140]

This car speaks of Peak Mercedes era, without a doubt.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

When Mercedes really was the best or nothing......now every single Mercedes is an "AMG" with Dacia build quality! Cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👍

[@ageandorange9514]

And they even have Renault engines if you get a 4cyl now. 😖

[@ryanmccormick2150]

@@ageandorange9514 I know..... crazy!

[@stormtrooper9404]

@@ageandorange9514Funny thing since you mentioned… Renault engines are more reliable today than the “mercedes” ones! (Just God knows where are they put them together, and with what parts! 🤮)

[@thomash2806]

That’s my all-time favourite car, the C126. I fully intend to buy one soon. It will replace the 2002 W220 S320 petrol that cost me €2250 3 years ago and that I run as a daily. I’ve done 50k km and I get 7.5l/100km (37 uk mpg) on a run, 9 (31) on average. My mum had an automatic 1.4 Corsa that struggled to get 30mpg… So yes, I think with a light foot the fuel consumption figures of the 126 will be surprisingly good.

[@LorenzoWood]

The driver’s side mirror was manual because it gives you easier, more precise control of the position than you got with the electric actuator, and because it means you didn’t need a mode selector for the mirror joystick. Like the larger passenger side wing mirror in the W124, it’s a lovely example of a detail that’s there because it works.

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

The days when a Merc was a Merc.

[@markiehunter5535]

I owned a 500SEC (220k km - 450k km) and it was largely trouble free. I installed new oil rails and a new timing chain at the start. New alternator brushes at about 250k km. From about 350k km the valve guides on one cylinder began to leak a bit of oil, and the spark plug on that cylinder required cleaning every so often. A magnificent vehicle.

[@AaronRandolphChen]

Love this! Love the design too. I had a '86 420 SEL in the US when I lived there. The engine idle was so smooth that you had to look at the tachometer to know if the engine was running or not. What a marvelously refined V8 that was.

[@pandras8312]

Great video! Couple of interesting things about the c126: The philosophy of the mirror adjustment is as follows: Mercedes at the time figured using a switch in the centre console and looking down to do it would be more dangerous than a simple manual knob, so they made the driver's side wing mirror manually adjustable. Since you will probably use and adjust it more frequently than the passenger side, the safety precaution works. However, when it is time to adjust the passenger side mirror, using a centrally mounted switch is still less risky compared to reaching across the cabin while driving, so they went with that as you tend to adjust it more rarely. The exterior door handle was never black but also never color matched, it was always a blurry grey color. Many SEC owners had them repainted, including Bruno Sacco himself, having admitted that the grey door handle was a visual flaw. Thankfully they never made a diesel c126, the OM617 and later OM603 engines were only offered in North American market saloons, with 300/350 SD/SDL model designations, depending on engine model and wheelbase. The c126 was not the first Mercedes coupe with automatic seatbelt arms, I believe it was introduced as early as the c114.

[@cliffcrabtree4359]

I had a Mercedes Benz 190E years ago, lovely 2.0 automatic. Drove like a big Merc. Wish I still had it. The bonnet opening was even sweeter on the 190E, you released the bonnet catch inside the car ,and a little tab popped out of the front grille, pulling in that released the safety catch. So well built like all the Benz of that time, never been the same since.

[@Dreyno]

The VW Passat 1998-2005 had the same feature. Far better than fishing around blindly for the catch.

[@melcu1990]

ive got an '89 built 190E 2.0 auto just like yours was, bought it in 2022 and its a bit of a dog but still beautiful to drive. mot on monday, wish me luck...

[@davidcharles7446]

My 1989 560 SEL, purchased from the original owner, has been with me for almost 12 years. It is a hobby car, not a daily driver, in pristine condition. I have absolutely no intention of parting with it. The most common words people use to describe it is “beautiful car.” Totally agree. Yesterday I drove it on a 300 Km round trip which was mostly at 110 KMH on a highway. It still beats most other modern cars. One thing I noticed following them is that they are more affected by bumps in the road. Whereas the S class is stable and unperturbed. Yes, they truly are better than modern luxury vehicles!

[@philip4193]

I've got one of these (an '83 380SEC) and driving it around town & on the freeway it feels similar in performance, braking and handling to a modern car; I sometimes forget that I'm actually driving around in a 40 year old car with 155K miles on it when I'm behind the wheel. Sure it doesn't have all the screens, gadgets & gimmicks of contemporary vehicles but it is also so much more of a driver's car that you really don't need all that stuff; the large greenhouse and lack of B-pillars gives the driver outstanding all-around visibility and offsets the need for blind-spot sensors and parking assist etc. And one thing most modern vehicles can't compete with are those wonderful soft, comfortable but supportive front seats; modern car seats tend to be firm bordering on hard and I find myself with an aching lower back & sore backside after a few hours behind the wheel in them. These are wonderful old cars and unfortunately an end of an era too, as vehicles of this high a level of engineering design, materials and build quality are just too expensive to make today.

[@JMc.D]

The other use of the ridged lights was that in snowy climates the snow would accumulate on the back lights. The air would get pulled into the recesses and the snow would fall off.

[@oliverlondon5246]

I really love this car. My family had a 500 SEC in baby blue metallic back in the days

[@kingfisherphil]

My boss had one of these, he loved it and when he showed people it, his favourite part was demonstrating the seat belt!

[@iarpak]

I was a teenager in the '80's and fell in love with German cars. Back when they truly were head and shoulders above everything else. And the SEC is my all time favorite. Agree completely with you, this is one of the best modern Mercedes designs. Absolutely love it, and love the saloon as well. Thank you for this video. Loved it. Edit: I am from the USA. Love your channel, as well as Harry's.

[@tim1polman]

I've been daily driving a couple of Saabs now for the past 4 years. I wholeheartedly agree that you dont miss out in terms of luxury. (My Saab 9000 Aero was cheap, because it wasnt mint. Sorted the engine, and chipped it (255hp/450nm now) so it can hold its own in traffic quite well. Its got cruise control, heated seats, sunroof, parking heater, electrically adjusted seats, 1800kg towbar, huge boot. I mean, i think its brilliant.

[@jonwarshawsky5288]

Well done - really enjoyed this. I’d add that Mercedes, BMWs and Porsches of that era have a panache unmatched by anything in showrooms today. To be fair, though, you’re going have service and potentially expensive repairs on an older Mercedes, whereas a Taycan on a four-year lease is effectively free in this regard. Still, the depreciation is steep.

[@javic1979]

he added 2000pounds per year for maintenance. so that 8000 pounds over 4 years or 32,000 mile would be more than enough

[@SimonWallwork]

I still run an Audi S8 from 1999. There were some great motors made then- your Merc is a honey.

[@ralfhtg1056]

One of the best looking Mercedes ever! And I alwys find it astonishing that in the UK and in the US the fuel consumption is measured by taking a certain amount of fuel and look how far you can get with it, while many other european countries take a certain distance (100km) and look how much fuel it takes to get there.

[@ssadelaidian3811]

There was a time when Australia used miles per gallon. These days it is litres per 100 km. I've always thought it should be km per litre. This makes it easier to mentally calculate how far you can travel on a full tank or to estimate how many litres you need if you already know the distance.

[@ralfhtg1056]

@@ssadelaidian3811 well, I know the habbits and range of my car. Simple Observation.

[@blackvulcan3]

I've stuck with my 2014 Audi TDi Quattro for similar reasons. I do around 5000kms a year and new cars cost a fortune and depreciate. My car is the last of the cars without all the interrupting 'safety' features. Its frugal enough, has plenty of torque and with the Audi dual exhaust sounds fabulous, not like a sewing machine. I will keep my car for a while yet, do some modest upgrades (I have 19 inch rotors on the way & blacken the badges to modernise it a touch) but otherwise its a great car, reliable (as I've always serviced it) & since I own it outright costs me pennies to run.

[@Leo555ZZZ]

At 1.33 the W203 is pictured , which was designed by Hartmut Sinkwitz.

[@ilmelangolo]

Bellissima. A timeless design.

[@lebojay]

I went with the XJ-S. No regrets.

[@UberLummox]

Cool looking. How long have you had it?

[@romac9516]

You chose the best looking car ever to exist sir. Enjoy.

[@UberLummox]

@@romac9516 Really????? 1960s cars says hi...

[@nigelbond4056]

Me too 👍

[@romac9516]

@@UberLummox 😢

[@THECONTROVERSIALCYCLIST]

Oh yes, this is where its at. Beautiful engineering to the max, and just sublime looks with car manufacturers willing to take up the mantel and admit what was better and try to beat them..... This was a Golden era.... More please

[@jonathanjackson9208]

We never had an SEC diesel in North America. The only diesels we had in the W126 were sedan based variants. We also never had the 420 either. We had the 380, 500, and 560 in later years. I personally had a 300SE in that exact color and loved driving that car even though its wasn’t all that powerful!

[@vornamenachname5589]

He got this wrong. Diesel was only available for the sedan.

[@bicyclist2]

I've always loved the look of this era of Mercedes. It's so classic. I remember seeing these back when they were new, and thinking how gorgeous they were. If I had the money, this is the only era of Mercedes I would consider. I once got to ride in the 4 door S-class of this era. I remember seeing pictures of the modified versions of this from Styling Garage, and Sabaro in car magazines. Thank you.

[@motorfab7014]

Bruno Sacco's masterpiece

[@ilmelangolo]

with the R129!

[@antoniocalimero1173]

The C124 look the best.. its perfect

[@woodrimcars2324]

Great video and not a silly comparison I'm 62 and don't want EV or Hybrid been driving a 96 Jaguar XJ6 4.0 for 9 months trouble free here in France works perfectly for me. Must point out I'm too young for a Mercedes Benz but a nice 635 with a manual box would be nice.

[@eoinosullivan2636]

Love my C126 560 SEC. Great review, Jack.

[@simonelliott5956]

Worked on a lot of these back in their day, fitting alarms stereos and car phones etc. the interior build quality of these cars has never been surpassed by any manufacturer at any price in my opinion. Agree with you Jack, we should be making efficient and light electric cars. Great video and lovely to see this wonderful Mercedes in such fine condition.

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Gosh, the last of the true Mercedes engineering & bullet proof build quality RIP! 😢

[@howardsportugal]

This era of merc really was the end of the line in terms of absolute quality - love them! I had an E320 & it was a brilliant car...biscuit leather, metall8c light blue...would have kept it forever except that it saved my life when I was hit at 70mph whilst stationary.

[@harpo7226]

Always wanted one of them in black. After watching roadhouse. 😂😂😂😂

[@arconcritter]

Further to your discussion of the reasoning behind the huge door handles. I had a conversation with a Mercedes salesman back in the 80’s at the Toronto Auto Show, where Mercedes had a huge display focusing on the safety features in their cars. Looking at a 560 SEC, I was told that the reason for the large non-flush handles was so that in the event of a catastrophic accident, the rescue services could put a winch line on the door handle and literally rip the door off. The reinforcement of that handle assembly into the door frame itself is substantial as could be seen from the cutaways MB had in their display. The good old days when Mercedes engineered things in their own bank-vault way 😊 Oh and the door handles here in Canada were chromed and looked 👍🏻

[@sebastiend.5335]

Next time please let us have a listen on both horns!! ;) Greetings from the Netherlands

[@alanthomson1227]

Had a 57 plate c class for 5 years + . All I did was put on a set of tyres at reasonable cost , not even wiper blades . Pity to hear that they have gone downhill .

[@derekheeps1244]

A W126 a modern luxury car . I had three of them , all at the same time ! best S Class of the various ranges .

[@roccoboy32]

We owned several W126 in my family growing up, and I drove a W201 for many years. Mercedes of this era were the most solid build of any car I have been in. Recently rented a GLB, not even the same company.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

A bloke here in Burry Port had a 560 one in white but doesn't have it now. Still has two Bentleys, and Audi A8 mk1 and his late dad's Jag XJ6 though. Be honest Jack, when that seat belt came out, you were dying to say. 'Ooh, I 'ate you Butler'.

[@johncalberg1573]

It was actually replacing the SLC which is why that series stopped. The SL continued

[@laurencehastings7473]

When cars werem't computers. When every garage could repair it.

[@richardscott4631]

I know you don’t like them, but I have a 1989 300SL. And love it. My ‘daily’ is a 2010 Audi A8 (which is great), but I’m now looking for a Merc W126 se (I need the 4 doors on my daily). This era of Mercedes are just timeless and they’re so well built, they put newer cars to shame. I’ve run the numbers so many times and running a new car is, in my eyes, a colossal waste of money.

[@phillipevans9414]

R129 and W126 are peak Mercedes and my two personal favorites, and would be looking to acquire one of each to play with in a few years when I retire. I am with you on new cars being a waste of money too. Surely used/classic (ie "100% recycled" cars) make more sense both economically and environmentally. Cheers!

[@richardscott4631]

@@phillipevans9414 mines actually an R107, but yeah, the 129 is also a great car

[@vittorio870]

Back when Mercedes Benzs were over made to LAST !! ❤

[@marcelhandsome6042]

I remember driving behind one of these in North London last year and was captivated! in a dark matt black C reg 1986 version and it looked absolutely AWESOME! upstaged everything on the road! made every car look so ordinary and ugly in comparison! This car like a Merc W124 will last forever!! unlike the brand-new Mercs.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Yes, it is a silly comparison, but it is valid. My wife runs a 2010 Saab Cabrio as a work car and it is: A. Lovely to be in. B. Absurdly cheap to run. C. Reliable. Of course, there are occasional "big costs" on a car with six-figure mileage, but over a tax year or over the life of the car, the maths make sense. It was a good era for cars... Heated seats and powerful aircon. Cruise control. Funky adjustable intermittent wipers. Six gears, all of them madly long. A funky cup holder. Lots of leather. And on a nice day, no roof.

[@montazownianr1]

ugly

[@turn1210]

I own a 500 SEC and wouldn't trade it for any modern luxury car, everyone gives the SEC so much respect on the road, people crane their necks to look at it, It looks beautiful and is so relaxing to drive.

[@mattb4353]

Save the planet and buy an old car.

[@stocksxbondage]

Exactly! Give tax credits for buying 20+ year old cars if it’s really about the environment.

[@svonkarmo433]

I am driving a 24 years old car and happy to see this video.

[@DevouringKing]

My dad had an C Class 230 Kompressor from 1997. (First C Class) We drived it until 2022 and it was still 100% in good shape. no rust, interior as new. it had over 350.000km because we droved yearly to holiday with it. He just selled it because my parents got older and wanted an SUV. I got an 19 Year old Mercedes B Class from 2005, B200, without Turbo. Its Solid too. For the last 4 years i just made Oilchanges and drive and drive. No Rust and Interior and Seats are like new.

[@kettle_of_chris]

If I had the money, I'd buy a triple black 560SEC, do an LS7 engine swap (and everything that goes with it) and use it as my daily driver. For me, new cars inspire about as much passion as 5 pounds of Tofu.

[@michaeltutty1540]

My brother had an 85 300SD saloon. It was a lovely car. He bought it for $1,000CDN and spent $3,000 bringing it back to life. It finally became a parts car when it was about 30 years old. The transmission failed and the rust was sufficiently bad that restoring the car would have been prohibitively expensive, particularly with roughly 500,000 miles on the clock.

[@johan8724]

I have a 89 model 560 sec bit rusty here and there but runs fine

[@ziggymx5]

My daily driver is 1991 300SE. Superb machine. Made when Benz were built for the life of the owner.

[@Anirossa]

I really like that they made the driver's mirror manuel, besides the cost side of things, it also gives you less failure points, making the car more future proof.

[@kobuserasmus2934]

LJK Setright once wrote in Car magazine that the W126 was the best car ever, I think he was spot on.

[@sprezzatura8755]

Here in California I drove a 560 SEC for a while. Serious car.

[@Wargasm54]

I had a chance to buy a 560SEC for peanuts about 20 years ago. Still kicking myself in the ass for not getting it.

[@bandidol200]

Beautiful design, don't forget the Bruno Sacco penned the R129 SL's and co-penned the R230 SL's as well. Fabulous car you've got there! 😎

[@TheSkapaw66]

I had an 1985 500 SEL that I found with 42,000 miles. The window sticker was $52,500 in 1985. It had a proportioning valve go out which fixed it to go thru passing 4k miles and rotors in 8k. That was the only problem it ever had. Unmatched for luxury.

[@johnmatthews1095]

I ran classics as daily drivers for 30 years. Fix it yourself, no depreciation, cheap insurance and FUN

[@jonathanfrankel6787]

I remember pages of these on Ebay for under a grand , in the mid naughties.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

The 124 Coupe looks much sharper to me. A pre facelift 300CE in a dark colour - and absolutely standard - would do me.

[@SveinMBortne]

Exept from bad dicisions about relationships with a few women the badest was when I sold my Mercedes 230 SL Automat 1967 17 years ago. The value of my lost love have gone 5 times up and my understanding of my stupidity have risen equivalent. Thanks for a exelent run on the 420 SEC!

[@idesignyou...9257]

Totally agree Jack its a stunning car! My brother use to own a blue/black 560sec back in the early 2000's, if you google search its reg you will find it F31 TLY. Such an amazing Mercedes with unbelievable build quality! The bonnet hinges could be extended back further allowing you to work on the engine easier, such great ideas back then!

[@TheOmniscientOne]

I had the use of a 500SEC for a couple of weeks a few years ago. Can't say I was enthusiastic as you are about this model, though. I found it a bit ponderous and very easy to lose rear end grip. 12 mpg was another feature that put me off buying it when it was offered to me for £1500. It was an 84 and quite rust free. I should have bought it 😁

[@sgp5047]

I have had my 560SEC for around 8 years, a fantastic piece of engineering, and a solidity that you can feel and sense. The thing I am fascinated by is that - even after a London commute - you leave the car calmer than you went in. It literally shields you from the annoyances of the road. Almost all that is, apart from ULEZ. That’s where my Taycan fits in ( and where the calculation changes ), but that’s another story.

[@turn1210]

Yes, its just a pleasure to be in one of these. They are long though! not so good for tight roads.

[@Lotterboy]

I owned the 500 SEC version - in gold.. Jesus, did i love this car. I drove it from Berlin to Istanbul on an epic Roadtrip. Trip down memory lane..

[@martinlagrange8821]

Another car worth owning instead of the Jag. I have fond memories of a 380SEC in green metallic in South Africa, the first V8 I ever drove, owned by a friend in University. Very powerful, and light - probably the sportiest of them.

[@MacarthurfitnessequipmentAu]

I'm not surprised by the figures. Its the reason I daily drive classics like a W126 300SE, W140 400SEL and a few others. I get to drive cars that I absolutely love for the fraction of the junk thats sold these days.

[@rainbowwarrior2635]

I loved my 300SDL. It revolutionized my concept of what a car was. It had 380,000 miles on it, and unfortunately the main seal had gone on the inline 5 diesel, but other then that the chasis was perfect. It was amazing how reliable it was. Now I drive a 2006 E320CDI and that's the best car ever!! 50mpg, and it hauls ass! plus sensotronic brakes, ESP, automatic lights, 11 airbags, great visibilitly. It's the best car ever.

[@bzilla-d4i]

Before Mercedes put an emphasis on turnover and focus on building quality products, my grandfather had one of these while i was growing up. What a car, what a tank.

[@ThorneyedWT]

In this era of Mercs go for diesel and you'll have decent mileage too. They are bulletproof, parts are still mostly available, and what's hard to buy is easy enough to rebuild. Next step would be to slap on turbo (or bigger turbo if it already has one), and that won't really hurt reliability much. Engines are so overbuilt that people are doubling stock horsepower and keep driving for several hundred thousands km without any problems. The biggest downside is rust. They had good paint but it was long-long time ago.

[@benjaminvolant2469]

I'd have this over pretty much any EV. Pure class.

[@giuseppe397]

I used to see a red one with chrome wheel arches that was very well looked after. It looked well cool.

[@hughbarton5743]

In my years in the business, sold about half a dozen of these used. Customers literally came back to thank me for suggesting a 420 or 560 to them! Wondrous gizmo, in a particularly aloof German manner! They have a reserved and effortless quality....just take proper care of it, and drive some more..

[@carlenser6872]

I've owned a 560sec, in the same colour "Almandine". for the last 6 years in Melbourne. During covid I sold my other can and used the SEC as a daily. It's fantastic. Relatively low maintenance if you get a good one and has increased i value during my ownership. Performance is great and driving it just makes me happy. Good ones are getting harder to find though.

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

Must be something in the air here in Melbourne Carl. I’ve kept the old family ‘89 300E in tip top condition since inheriting custodianship in 2001 and also closely contemplating taking it off the club plates and pressing her back into full time service. Nothing better than gliding along St Kilda Road in it. 350k + never missed a beat. Enjoy.

[@carlenser6872]

@@jamesrebbechi5247 Great idea James. I think the 300e is probably the ideal daily classic now. Easy to maintain (especially the pre 24 valves like yours) plenty of go and not too big. Prior to owning the 560 I had a 1978 300d that was my only car for 10 years, before it went to god in an accident, and a good friend has dailyed a 300te for the last 15 years. It's a really viable proposition.

[@wooster85]

@@carlenser6872 She's Smoke Silver Carl and still does most of her distance back and forth into the Central Highlands. If I see you on the road I'll wave! Keep enjoying that 560 - you've started me thinking about that spare spot in the garage.

[@CC-qe1gq]

my uncle used to have a 560 SEC back in yearly '90s. I was still a child but I remember it and I loved the design.

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

While living in Marbella years ago had an 83 240D with a 4 on the floor.....loved it. Wish I still had it.

[@foreverpinkf.7603]

The best thing about the car is that there's no mouse cinema to distract the driver and no assistants beeping and lighting up. Just drive. Concerning e-cars I´m totally with you. Every new model has more power and can go from zero to 100 (cause I´m German) in ridiculous times. These cars aren´t sports car but daily drivers or family cars. I foresee difficult times for insurance companies.

[@chriswilkinson1991]

Love this era of Merc

[@johnjoseph911]

You do choose some excellent classics to run Jack. The perfect classic garage is a 4 door Range Rover, an SEC and a 911 SC targa. All pre 84 and classic status so no tax, no ULEZ , they gently appreciate and all run on classic insurance. You can then use an electric for business.