Speed on a Budget - Fastest Mercedes Under $10,000

[@fcpeuro]

Yeah...we might have gotten a little carried away with the Mercedes chassis codes on this one. For W's and numbers converted to year ranges by chassis, see below! W208 (CLK430 and CLK55): 1998-2002 W209 (CLK500, CLK55, CLK550): 2003-2009 W210 (E300TD/E55): 1996-2002 R170 (SLK230, SLK32): 1998-2004 W203 (C230 Kompressor Coupe, C55): 2002-2007 W163 (ML55): 1998-2005 W220 (S55, S600): 2000-2006 C215 (CL55, CL600): 2000-2006 W211 (E320 CDI, E550 4Matic): 2003-2009 (CDI only sold for two years in the states) W212 (E550): 2010/2011 with M273 engine R171 (SLK280, SLK300, SLK350): 2005-2011, switched to M276 engine at end of production

[@WarriorsPhoto]

You have good taste!🎉

[@gregsrandomness7876]

thank you for the decoder ring!

[@ivanparrish-zc3bz]

W211 E350

[@LoLeQ88]

what do u think about m276 engine in e350 2013?

[@FraxinusExelsior]

This is about as good as a car-tip rundown video gets. Great stuff FCP!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for the kind words, Allmoge8888!

[@RoadRunneR69]

I agree! Brilliant work you guys! Just bought a W210 and love it!

[@Worldfamous888]

Having owned most of these cars I can confirm these cars are silent heroes and amazing cars I love seeing the aftermarket get bigger and shoutout FCP for carrying the parts to keep these cars going 🙌🏽

[@fcpeuro]

These are all a great way to maximize the amount of car you get for your dollar! Happy to help support you as you enjoy your cars 🤘

[@ANDERZENAMG]

I’d add the W164 ML63 too! You can find them under 10k if you look and are a boatload of power and automobile for that money. Good video Danny 🤙🏼

[@fcpeuro]

That's a great shout for this list! Very few M156 cars can slot into this price range, which definitely makes it cooler that the one that CAN is also a full-sized SUV.

[@wagonswest]

If you do, it'll need the unobtanium rear ADS/AMG struts.

[@ryananderson6321]

Are they not available? ​@@wagonswest

[@Changingtesting]

As a owner of a W208 CLK55 AMG, I feel like the W208 is highly underrated and forgotten about, it’s an amazing car that I feel gets overshadowed by the W210 E55, both are amazing cars, but the W208 CLK55 AMG has almost no coverage or video about it on youtube(about 200 or less videos that are over 30 seconds) which I think happens due to the its sister car the W210 having such a big fanbase. So I appreciate the inclusion of the CLK55 AMG, because any new video covering it is an amazing thing since almost nobody talks about it. I always check youtube again and again looking for new videos about the car. And for those wondering the W210 E55 shown at 9:40 is actually a pre-facelift version and most likely a 1996 to 1999 model, the post facelift versions from 2001 and 2002 have a slightly updated speed gauges a bigger information hud on them, buttons on the steering wheel, an possible infotainment screen in the console and the possible option of being all wheel drive(an optional choice from factory not many chose, so it is a bit rarer). And like said in the video the E55 is appreciating in value and I personally believe that the love the E55 gets is completely valid and that it is a perfect 4 door cruising sports car that gives that feel of the late 90s early 2000s.

[@gerbrandicus]

I can vouch for the SLK32 AMG. R170 is old school Mercedes and therefore bulletproof reliable and cheap to fix when something breaks. No AMG specific parts on the body except bumpers. So if you need anything, there's plenty of cheap parts around. I recently sold mine with 378,000 km on the clock (236,000 miles) and ran beautifully and lots of fun. Silly power in such a small roadster. But rust was an issue, mine was used for daily commuting in The Netherlands where we have salt on the roads in the winter. R170 is not a dynamic sharp handling car though, the steering rack is slow, it handles like any other classic Benz. But it must be the most bang for your buck and the lowest risk entry into AMG.

[@w203_b]

Great video! I got my 2001 C320 two years ago at 64k miles, its at 84k miles now. It has the 3.2L m112 v6. I got the car for 6.7k and I have put 5k+ into making the car reliable, fun, and comfy. I installed a 10" touch screen headunit with a backup camera, removed the muffler, removed secondary cats, increased the throttle body size, installed a pedal commander, and installed a custom dual cold air intake (with a tune in the works 😃). So fun to drive and very rewarding to work on. It's a bit of work whenever there is a problem, but I love my car so much.

[@tymwalt]

Fantastic video! My friends who own a MB Repair Shop here in South Florida set me up with a 2000 E55 AMG. They were looking out for my best interest value & overall ownership costs/experience. I appreciate them for that effort each day. Car has over 220,000 miles (badge of honor), an interior that desperately needs love (dogs don’t seem to mind) & stellar mechanicals/drivability. I am grateful for that car. It’s so good. I intent to never sell it. 2000 E55 AMG 1994 E320 1977 450 SL

[@roberthyde8147]

A really great car. the first AMG car I ever drove and it was totally docile until you stepped on it and then it became a beast.

[@brodydbb7573]

Finally some appreciation for the M273. 100% agree these motors are underrated I've had two m273 powered cars and they've been great super easy and fairly cheap to maintain. They have good power and decent fuel economy what more could you want for the price.

[@fcpeuro]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Mr_CJ_rambo]

thank you for showing love to the 550 motor, DOHC with the 7 speed.

[@fcpeuro]

M273 with a 722.9, dare we say the most slept-on Mercedes pairing?

[@Spainnyboi]

Great list! Some of these aren’t easily under 5 or 10K anymore without being an absolute mess and even then. Thanks to bat people think all cars are worth gold even in poor condition 😢

[@mercedes.c63_audi.q8]

I concur. I just came across a pretty clean low mileage 2000 CLK430 at an estate auction and it sold for $7750. I was all in at $5000, and again, I was at an estate auction. 😮

[@farleytron]

@@mercedes.c63_audi.q8 You just gotta be patient and constantly looking. I got my dream CLS55 AMG for $7500 and it's not perfect, but it's still freakin' awesome.

[@x_sirsteez]

Appreciate you shouting out the diesels! People don’t understand how amazing the w211 om648 combo is. It’s a blast to drive when you throw in some mods!!!

[@windowsdown3684]

I have one and put 100k miles on it in 5 years and it’s a beast

[@windowsdown3684]

I have one and put 100k miles on it in 5 years and it’s a beast

[@jeffbarstow5685]

Danny, DUDE, awesome information, super thorough and fun presentation. CRAZY with the chassis numbers, the years are most helpful. Your previous guidance on the 2016-2021 Mercedes W213 E400/450 was SUPER helpful and informative and has fully engaged my interest to pursue a wagon as a replacement for my "I LOVE THIS WAGON" 2005 V70 R(6-speed manual, sunroof, lots of IPD cool stuff) as my family is protesting the reliability since i just turned 295K. looking for your guidance as i really like the E63 wagons and wanted your take on these compared to the E450. and am very interested in the reasons for excluding the 2022 & newer cars. Thank-YOU for the most excellently informative and fun video!!! jeffB

[@gavinhassett479]

E63 motors are prone to eating their own cams

[@denzelfashington3110]

I want this guy and Scotty Kilmer in one room

[@0tterthekulakking620]

Snagged a W210 E300TD this summer for 3K. Love this thing to death even with having problems with the fuel & HVAC systems as well as the turbocharger. I cannot imagine how much I'll love it when I get these fixed. Definitely keeping this car fro a long time!

[@franklinpatterson3693]

I agree 2004 s600 ebay buy, $4500, 12.72 109mph . Shuts down at 130mph, Coils packs are easy, abc is a headache. Also 2 r129 sl600. Could all be bought

[@fcpeuro]

R129 is also a great call, especially with the M120! Reasonably affordable, awesome soundtrack, and pretty reliable to boot. It may not be the fastest out there, but it's one of the prettiest and best to drive.

[@nataliegrn17]

By "shuts down at 130" you mean it tops out there, right?

[@franklinpatterson3693]

​@nataliegrn17 no its still pulling hard, speed limiter, don't know how fast it would, the r129s are limited to 155,

[@askbascombe]

@@nataliegrn17non AMG speed limiter for that car is 130mph, AMG 155. Both can be coded out.

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

Yes! W220 let's go! @14:37 is that a feature through xentry? What is the purpose of doing that?

[@fcpeuro]

Sometimes referred to as "Rodeo Mode," it's a method of bleeding/testing the ABC suspension by cycling the entire system. Useful, and also a fun party trick!

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

@fcpeuro wait a minute that's a cool trick. But is there a way to modify the airmatic to make it move faster? Like maybe w bigger compressor and bigger tank? I just saw the tank and it's like a size of a personal watermelon.

[@ndg49]

Excellent review. I've owned a few of the cars you recommend, and still own a 1998 SLK230 kompressor, with just over 50k miles. We bought it in 2015 for $9k, and it had 34k miles on it. Great car, just about completely trouble-free. It's under wraps now for the Winter. We also owned a W210 E320D, with that great inline 6 TD. We'd still own it, except it was, alas, totaled (no injuries) accident. Furthermore, we also purchased, for our son, a 2007 W203 C280 4Matic. Great car and it was only $7k at an estate sale. Had just around 110k miles and in perfect condition. It's only needed a brake line and a front axle (torn CV joint, and it's cheaper to just replace the axle). We also, with the SLK230, now own a 2013 W204 C300 4Matic Sport. Great car... the M276 is great, solid as a rock and we get over 33mpg on the road, usually at 75mph. Handles like a dream, even at 117k miles on the original suspension. The 7-speed trans is fine and properly maintained, as is the entire car. I like the idea of the later CLK coupes. I would not mind the E55 W210 chassis version, but they are tough to find. Have a great 2024. Keep the shiny side UP!

[@addisonlessing8709]

Lol, I have 2 on this list. W208 CLK55 and an '05 R171 SLK350 6 speed. Currently selling the R171 for $9k in Tampa, FL.

[@fcpeuro]

Seeee just under $10k Like we said haha. Feel free to link people to the video to find out more about what you've got!

[@Changingtesting]

How do you feel about owning a W208 CLK55, I own one and it feels great, just wondering what your opinion is on it?

[@addisonlessing8709]

@@Changingtestinghands down the best car I’ve ever owned. I bought it almost 2 years ago at 89k miles, I’ve got a little over 100k on it now, only issues I’ve had are the common ones. Throttle position sensor, MAF sensor, leaky valve covers, trans mount, but it never fails to start. It’s never left me stranded, plenty of power to hang with even newer cars (I’ve got a couple sub 5 second 0-60 sprints on draft), comfortable cruising at any speed, just an absolute gem of a car

[@greenlener]

Are the E500 any good? I was looking at 2004

[@windowsdown3684]

I bought an 04 S55 AMG and have spent 20k in parts and labor making it as close to showroom and up to date as possible. I love it. All in for 30 something k and it’s everything I want in a daily. If u wrench at least halve that to 10k parts and 10k car and for 20k you have a right stonking animal

[@briansmith2570]

Talk about a surprise, I am the owner of the silver E320CDI in your presentation. It’s a fantastic daily driver and totally enjoyable. If you are a diesel aficionado, and can find a decent 05 or 06 you won’t be disappointed!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

This list includes so many Mercs that I lusted after. Even some non AMG models. I wish Mercedes Benz made reliable models like these. Someone correct me if I am wrong? 😮 😅

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

These are all arguably the most reliable Benz's after the Heavenly Sacco era. Great list. I still kick myself everyday for going with a C207 E350 instead of 550. I was newer to wrenching then & afraid of doing rear main, engine mounts, or dealing with dynamic suspension out of the gates as well as far less working room. Don't care about that now! Hahaha

[@fcpeuro]

Right as always, Roth! A lot of these cars are a part of a different Mercedes period in time than the "golden age," but are fringe enough that they maintain some of those key elements...keeping them cheap and modern, but reasonably tough as well. Nothing wrong with an M272, especially in as lovely of a chassis as the C207! The M273 is great as well, but that's definitely a large engine for a tighter engine bay. Always wise to look out for your future self!

[@V8kompressor]

Thank you for making this video, M113K + 722.6 alll day!

[@defjodor1]

I bought me a r170 SLK230k for 2500eur in fair condition, everything working, only had put in new airfilterbox.

[@yungxsixbigswagdady6970]

City prices throw 1-2k on top of anything.

[@egod9935]

I paid 1900 for my s55 and switched over to coil overs and a standard power steering pump

[@HawaiiDreaming]

2002 to 2004 M112K C32AMG are a really nice vehicle, and you can make a lot of power with a few bolt on. I have owned 1 C32AMG 13 yrs. now and its still going strong and purchased a project 2003 C32 in 2021 that now has a 188K. The supercharger charged air intercooler are the weak link however in the M112K and M113. They start to fail leaking coolant into the cylinders and then fouling the upstream Cats. I will be replacing the intercooler on my project C32 this coming weekend and have already replaced the charged air intercooler on my 13 yrs. old vehicle for this issue, they run anywhere from $581 to $1600 for the charged air intercooler and are a simple fix. The M112K Supercharged engine is also in the Chrysler SRT6 Crossfire.

[@jay_tarantula899]

When I got my 02 e430 4matic in feb 2023 for 2k😅 only needed tires.

[@fcpeuro]

That's a great buy, and a near-unbeatable daily driver at that price point!

[@rlscustoms]

Great info couldn’t agree more and for those wondering about the M156 cars, unless you can wrench yourself and willing to invest in fortifying that engine with all its issues just stay far away.

[@fcpeuro]

They are PHENOMENAL engines, but they definitely need some TLC here and there to stay happy. Though, the same can definitely be said for something like the M275 on this list!

[@rlscustoms]

@@fcpeuro yes great engine with loads of aftermarket support but definitely not budget friendly so can’t be included here. Absolutely love a W204 C63 and have done many engines on them at various levels, such a monster but boy oh boy it drains your wallet lol!

[@rlscustoms]

My dream build would be a W204 C300 6 speed car, swap in a M273 5.5 V8 using C63 suspension & brakes ultimately creating a more modern C55, with LT headers, exhaust and a tune it should be good for 450Hp. Not as cool as a C63 but definitely something different and cool you built yourself.

[@theradimalgames3773]

Me watching this waiting if the Facelift W220 S600 showed up! I have an 04 S600, put YSR Coilovers, the car runs fine! Also installed the AMG bumper, S65 Carbon Fiber engine cover, Great car!

[@kmatlaker]

The 2010 E550 sedan RWD was in my crosshairs until I learned about the rear subframes rotting away on the W212. While MB USA extended the warranty to 20 years, these cars are currently 14 years old with only 6 remaining. It would seem depending on winter road conditions the still unimproved subframe would need to be replaced every 75 miles.

[@fcpeuro]

😢

[@V12Smooth84]

I daily drive a 2004 S600 with 175K KMS. I bought it in Oct. 2020 with 144K KMS for $7000 + taxes CAD. I’m about $20K total (car purchase, parts, labour, maintenance) into it 3 years later and 30K+ KMS. It had the StrutMaster suspension kit installed previously. This car is a great sleeper, specially in silver. It Runs 13.00’s at 110 MPH all day long just planting your foot to the floor. This is not a 1/4 mile car. It’s a rolling start Autobahn boat :) Going down the highway, the Merc sticks to the bumper of any newer 500 hp car period. Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers hate this car. Not saying it’s faster but you ain’t going anywhere :) AMG, M and Audi RS guys are usually pretty impressed. It’s purely a big cruiser that likes to go very fast in a straight line under the right circumstances. 590 lbs of torque from 1800-3600 RPM is super usable in every gear and creates effortless acceleration at any speeds. The car has some many modern features, keyless go, proximity key, pre collision warning, adaptive cruise control, cooled message seats, dynamic seats, heated power rear seats, Navigation, killer sound system, soft close doors, spotless leather and Swede headliner, etc. Sites like FCP make owning cars like this possible so thank you. If you have a good mechanic and don’t mind sourcing parts sometimes these cars are great. I could talk for days about the W220 S600 and the wonderful M275 but honestly words don’t do it justice. People talk down about these cars but have never owned or experienced one. I drive a lot of nice newer cars in my profession and I can say this car is a keeper for me and I hope the values never go up on these V12’s as I want a S65, SL65 or CL65 someday soon :)

[@omercarrothers7537]

While I found this informative, I think it would have been more helpful to have the model years associated with the chassis codes and drivetrain configurations you mentioned. If only because some of the used car websites out there don't really allow you to search by chassis codes, unless it's in the description.

[@fcpeuro]

This is a really good point, and one we'll definitely keep in mind in the future. If it's helpful in your searching though, check out our "Mercedes Chassis Codes Explained" article on our blog (which you can also find with a Google search). That will lay out year ranges for nearly every US Benz model! Happy searching!

[@AngelRojasSpaConsultor]

Great information thanks

[@Eddie89]

W212 E550 absolutely! I love the damn thing. Juat having issues with the air suspension blowing out now 😢

[@rlscustoms]

Airbag delete and a set of quality coilovers like Bilstein PS10’s or equivalent would solve that problem, did that on a W212 E63 and it totally transformed the car

[@roberthyde8147]

keep the air bags you won't regret the silky ride. The hardest part is trying to detect the leaks. Just replace the rear bags and be done with it. I tried for several weeks to absolutely be sure I could confirm the leak and eventually got it down to it just had to be the rear bags and once I replaced those I haven't had a problem since.

[@dr.kim.314]

Love my X164 GL450. Easy and fun to work on, all with parts from FCP

[@cyberdrakon]

Have had the W209 CLK500 and currently have a R171 SLK55. Both have been great cars, fun to drive and cheap to run! Had a W163 ML320, nice runabout when it was new, but build quality was really poor.

[@fcpeuro]

A great spread! All three are fun cars in their own unique way. We've been waiting for the R171 SLK55s to dip under $10,000, but they might just be a biiiiit too much fun to ever depreciate enough!

[@nataliegrn17]

What kinds of build quality issues have you heard of or seen?

[@cyberdrakon]

@@nataliegrn17 in the 4 years I had the ml320 as a work vehicle, a lot of the interior parts started coming apart, and panel gaps weren't as consistent as my other Mercedes. Mechanically the W163 was great.

[@fcpeuro]

The "Alabama Trashcan" nomenclature is a bit harsh, as it refers to the W163 being assembled in...you guessed it, Alabama. This was a bit of a change-up from how we knew Benz to do things at the time, and people are often a bit more critical of them than necessary as a result. Some folks will complain of panel gaps, accelerated wear of plastics and interior parts, and some extra squeaks and rattles in the cabin, but in terms of driveline, they're pretty stout and will generally get you where you need to go.

[@NLDMesa06]

If I'm interested in one of the 220 chassis you listed, did the 2004 - 2006 model years avoid the rust issues so common on the early 220s?

[@fcpeuro]

Tales on the forums and beyond purported that the facelift helped a lot with some of the rust issues on the early W220s, but we would still suggest you're vigilant when shopping. Grabbing a later-production W220 from 2003 or beyond will generally keep you safe from any severe rust, and models in this age range are generally the ones you'd want. They're screwed together a bit better than the earlier ones!

[@simun55]

U also forgot to add w211 e420 sadly not sold in usa but in europe its a crazy 4.0 litre twin turbo diesel om629 is a fire engine

[@bernardyoung6474]

I really love my 2007 CLS550 I have had it for a little over 9 years now its it still a GREAT car!!!

[@crdsaleen]

Great list. I bought 4 from the list cheap for drivetrain swaps

[@mervynmontague1811]

Interesting and informative 🇯🇲

[@ftby59mikeD]

Owned a 2001 CLK430 Cabrio, most reliable car I ever owned.

[@gadgetdealz]

I have multiple S55 AMG and a S600 w220. Great cars

[@wagonswest]

Good show! Gave me lots to think about.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobroberts4934]

This year i purchase a 2008 SLK AMG 55 with 40k and I love it. What a great motor. I have a tangentially related question: Im looking for a new work/camper tower/mild off-roader. Looking at the Porsche Cayenne 957 S or Turbo and a Mercedes ML550/63 or maybe a ML diesel though im not sure of the reliability. Thoughts? Oh yeah, i live in Colorado so towing will be in the mountains as will the mild off-roading. I have relationships with a Mercedes shop and a Porsche dealership. Im a paint and body guy so i also have a shop

[@fcpeuro]

R171 AMG is a fantastic car! As for the all-rounder, we love the MLs. Cars sporting the M278/M157 engines are fantastic, but are proving to have some reliability concerns especially when they've got some mileage; bore score is a big one popping up as of late. Staying NA may keep your life easier in this instance. Outside of Benz though, a Cayenne is a great shout! Check out our "Yippie Cayenne" build series on here, Ben set out to achieve nearly exactly what you're looking for and (despite some trials and tribulations) was very successful with his quest for the "Ultimate Tow Rig!"

[@bobroberts4934]

@@fcpeuro I just learned about that series today. I only discovered your channel yesterday and am eager to watch quite a few. I'll keep hunting through your content and hopefully learn what I need to be able to make an informed decision on which way to go, Cayenne or ML. Thanks for the reply and info!

[@uzzle21]

this list is VALID. i own m275 and m113K . where can i get some downpipes for an 03 S600??

[@theradimalgames3773]

I own an 04 S600, there are only websites Ive seen that sell downpipes, they’re 2k+

[@uzzle21]

@@theradimalgames3773 i was doing research cant find much either on it

[@sedanzzz_guy2488]

All ima say is also change your crankshaft position sensors if you buy one it will bite you later my died 2 days ago in my s500

[@JHZR2]

I’m an MB Diesel fan, but have interest in an MB v8 or even v12. The clk 430/500 seems like a great option, but finding anything decent at the prices claimed seems impossible. Maybe a rusted and beaten on copy. Anything half decent is starting at $10k.

[@danielgielchinsky6951]

Excellent video and content, thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks you, Daniel!

[@tboHammu]

Blomppo's S124 in the intro, nice

[@fcpeuro]

We've watched that clip a couple two or three hundred times!

[@ChrisEnglish-j4h]

I watched this video and currently own an 06E55 AMG. I would love toe have a W220 S500 or the S55 but both of my mechanics say that parts are difficult to obtain. Your thoughts?

[@fcpeuro]

Genuine part availability is definitely tougher on the cars older than 15 years, no denying that. Benz has definitely been trimming down the number of chassis they're willing to support once they're a decade or two older. Fortunately though, a lot of awesome OE, OEM, and aftermarket suppliers are out there keeping these cars on the road. Brands like Lemforder, Arnott, TRW, URO Parts, and SO of others are all available on our site with the pointed goal of being able to keep the cars that have been on the road for a long time on the road even longer. I'd always recommend that if you're considering a car, hop around a bit on our site (and even others) as if you're planning for a somewhat comprehensive rebuild; a full suspension service, or a brake overhaul/engine tune-up. If you can find everything with ease, it suggests you'll have a pretty easy time across your ownership. If the results are more piecemeal, you might have to get a bit creative through your ownership. We're always rolling out sneaky retrofit solutions though!

[@polak1porsche]

S55 and cl55 have 493 HP I own them 😉 the best cars

[@AUTOMOBILZ]

That ABC suspension is unreal, it’s literally like your floating on a cloud

[@iamcarl4591]

Hi I have a question to ask regarding the capability difference between M111 and M271 I have the M271 EVO in my car, I just want to ask if it is safe to push 300hp or should I just get a more powerful Mercedes? (I really don't want a V6/8 on my c204 or a front wheel drive based AMG as I'm using it for touge run)

[@chrisgillstrap4795]

Does anyone here think the R 320 CDI 4MATIC (Long) is equivalent in the diesel realm for modification ? Issues with the 4MATIC maybe ?

[@ImNuhxy]

The CLK is a ruskly built on the E class im pretty sure. The rears and the hoods are comparable and almost exact as both the w210 and w211. Not to mention the interior also being much closer to the E class and more luxurious than the C class.

[@askbascombe]

That's not how that works my brother. W208 CLK is built/based on the W202 C-Class chassis, W209 CLK is built/based on the W203 C-Class chassis, W207 E-Class coupe is based on the W204 C-Class chassis, W238 E-Class coupe is based on the W205 C-Class chassis etc. It's a formula Mercedes has been using for the last 25 years. Take the C-Class chassis, make a sporty two door variant with the looks and interior appointments of it's bigger brother E-Class...and print lots of money :)

[@kevin9c1]

​@@askbascombeReliability is up as a result. The C class they are based on is a few years old when the coupes go into production (at least in the US). Plus no Airmatic or 4Matic.

[@ImNuhxy]

@@askbascombe But it literally looks more like a E class than C class. The same as CL being the Coupe version of the S class…

[@askbascombe]

@@ImNuhxy looks can be deceiving, but you’re right about the CL. 140/220/221/217 etc all based on S-Class.

[@ALLvideogamesFANBOY1]

only 250 clk55 AMG were made in 2005. very rare, after this video finding one might be impossible

[@K1NGKQNG]

How about 2002 CLK55 amg coupe convertible? I’m also looking at models 2007 S550 and the SUV 2011 ML550. There’s a 2008 ML63 AMG with a Weistec supercharger with tune on one I’m looking at but it very high mileage so I’m quite nervous about front turn key costs. Which is what I’m looking for in immediate needs. Turn key ready, but not afraid to handle maintenance when it comes up. Just not initial upfront costs lol

[@kevin9c1]

I bought my 07 S550 4Matic in late 2021 and a little over 2 years and 21k later I can report this is the best daily driver I've ever had.

[@K1NGKQNG]

@@kevin9c1 07 S550 is a solid purchase including to invest in maintaining, correct?

[@kevin9c1]

@@K1NGKQNG Maintenance has been quite reasonable. I can list the things I've done but mostly preventative and not much for actual repairs.

[@K1NGKQNG]

@@kevin9c1 any info helps. As these are things I will put in to forward thoughts when examining the vehicle before purchasing.

[@HotMike]

I need more content on the M272 powertrain found in the W203 C230 Sport sedan. I have a crack in my valve cover and I'm told there's NO WAY to replace it. So, welding? Hot weld? Cold weld? I mean, otherwise, the engine has been amazing. Help a brotha out! 😁

[@fcpeuro]

That's a tough one, as the cam bearings are integrated into the valve cover on the M272 and M273. Typical recommended procedure is unfortunately to replace the entire cylinder head, but depending on where it's cracked and if you can find someone willing to try to seal it, it may be worth the effort.

[@abdullahz4804]

Rip it out and swap in a m111k

[@ALE5six1]

This is exactly what I love to see. Great review!! Sub'd for more!

[@SkywardOne]

The CLK500 got me started into Mercedes ownership. Great car, reliable and fun to drive. Good job on the list, so many good options out there! Seriously, HP per dollar ratio is off the charts with many of these choices. And, you don't have to be just another Mustang at the meet. 😂 I personally just got into a 10' E63 AMG for 20k. What more could you want?

[@nevermind2534]

Owned my 05 7g clk500 for 18 months now and love it.

[@grovap]

So whats the best performing manual, for a daily driver under $12000 USD ?

[@fcpeuro]

An R171 SLK is a great pick for less than $12,000 as long as you avoid the balance shaft issue, which is easy to check for using the VIN! But for other ideas, check out our "Every Mercedes Sold With a Manual Transmission" blog article, or our video here on KZbin!

[@BahamaSmooth]

OK, slice provide me the yr on the V12, please.

[@BahamaSmooth]

seeking your help, where can I purchase reliable parts for a fair price for 02 S43? thank you.

[@fcpeuro]

Our catalog covers nearly everything you'd need for your W220!

[@oskartross8459]

clk500 is pretty slow. better go with clk550

[@gg2324]

nah the 388hp engine isn't really that reliable compared to the older m113

[@oskartross8459]

@@gg2324 If its serviced than its pretty okey engine. I live in East Europe where service cost many times cheaper than USA, UK or Australia

[@colindavidson4297]

Hey Danny wondering about your thoughts of an ML270 with the 5 Cylinder 2.7L turbo 2002 v the ML55

[@fcpeuro]

Check out our "Best Benzes Never Sold in the US" video from a few weeks ago and you'll see Danny is a big diesel fan! The OM612 is a great engine. It does have a touch of diesel complexities that make it different to live with than the M113 V8 in the ML55, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's worse to live with. Each definitely have their own strengths and weaknesses, but any durable Mercedes turbodiesel engines get a big thumbs-up from us. It may not be quite as fast as the ML55, but it definitely has the cool factor.

[@Mikrrii]

Are you sure S and CL 55 are ABC? They have Airmatic , 600 and 65 i know that have ABC

[@johnmorris1764]

Man, I wish we could buy them for that price in Australia.

[@John_Manuel]

What about the w204

[@erwocoolis9451]

CLC?

[@ng-ht1vx]

I think you missed the W211 E500

[@CarPlebs]

If only these cars had a manual 😞, I would be all in!

[@fcpeuro]

Some of them do, and a lot of the ones on this list that don't might be a lot easier to swap than you might think...Mercedes manual-swap guide in 2024? 👀

[@johnnyt2832]

@@fcpeuroplease do, new subscriber!

[@nvkulk]

240D c123

[@freddygalvan669]

Forgot the w211 e55

[@kevin9c1]

That's not $10k. Well, mine WAS in mid-2020 but not now....

[@adareone]

I would like to get one of these but all the numbers and "w" can someone convert this to years.

[@fcpeuro]

Checked the pinned comment! This will give you a year-window based off of the chassis codes discussed (some variance on AMG and limited models as they're generally not produced all the way across a chassis, but this should help you to get started in your search)!

[@Pahang.bend17]

any 35i >>> this list (maybe not stock but potential wise)

[@nicochicobean1395]

Beamer boy onna merc channel, next level of dicksuck

[@AJ_C300]

W204 c300 4matic for me😂🔥

[@fcpeuro]

😎

[@andredya9867]

I got two CDIs w211

[@speedtrapchannel7326]

Please Find me a s55 for less than 10k .. they all around 20k

[@ericmyers5797]

You can’t find a s65, s600, sl600, or sl65 for under 10k no way

[@lemons4315]

More 606 and 648 content 🤙

[@fcpeuro]

A 2024 full of high-horsepower diesels sounds pretty good to us...

[@kyleflowers2641]

You can buy my w211 e55 for under 10k!

[@0-60STYLE]

I hate videos like these These are the types of videos that messed up the car market

[@Nd_72]

I have most of the cars on this list lol lol

[@fcpeuro]

Most of them can do it all! Drag strip, highway cruiser, project car...you name it!

[@Nd_72]

That is why I have 15 amg lol @@fcpeuro

[@supermoop]

5k to buy. 60k to keep on the road.

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

Couldn't be more wrong. Excluding the V12 & S class electrical extras, these are all the most reliable "modern" Mercedes out there & arguably the most reliable German cars that aren't pre 1990. I've had my 3.5 M272 car for 4 yrs now & so sorry to tell you it's been more reliable than my last 2 Acuras & is 100% easier to wrench on than my mom's 3rd gen TL. Same applies to my sister's W203 C230 sedan.

[@speedtrapchannel7326]

S65 for less than 10k ??? On wath planet do tou live 🤔

[@jalenh435]

First!!