Surprisingly Great, the Mercedes E430

Occasionally you're surprised by a car that you've seen your whole life but never paid any attention too. That is, until you spend some time behind the wheel and you discover just what you've been missing.
Music by Bensound: Retrosoul

[@blessedandhappy3921]

Hello Sir, really miss seeing you out there on the auction trail looking for interesting rides. Please give us sign or word to just let us know that you’re doing okay. A response to this video would go a long way to easing my mind . Wishing you the best .

[@ttano1117]

Just came across this channel, really enjoying it until I realized you've been MIA. The comments show that it's very loved. Hopefully you're doing well, but we would love to hear from you. Car market is coming down! Good time for auctions, also I'm a fellow Pennsylvanian

[@speedracerjeff]

Love the W210 platform. Incredibly reliable cars, and underrated in how great they drive. Whether it’s the M112 V6 or the 4.3 V8 or the 5.4 M113 V8, they’re all awesome performers. These cars have a silky smooth power band and handle incredibly well for their size and weight. Only downsides about the W210 are they are prone to rust esp on the east coast, and the cup holder was an afterthought by the designers lol.

[@halvaraspegren7635]

Still most of the rust is visible and comes after 15-20 years of daily use not like asian cars rusting from underneath starting the second they leave the factory.

[@the8419]

@@halvaraspegren7635I think you mean American cars..

[@danieltarr1619]

Will you be making more videos. Always looked forward to viewing the next one.

[@cynthiakaralla]

My 99 E430, 300,000 miles and is in mint condition.... Love this car.

[@malcolmSC]

I've found the seats in mine very comfortable, you much want to check the cushion. You can drive for 300+ miles at a time and you'll be as fresh as the time you got in. The mpg is astonishing for a V8 on the highway. It's got features mainstream cars haven't got 10 years after that. Don't forget the wipers are rain sensing from that era too. The engine power is addictive and sublime. The car rides and handles better than anything even today in 2023. This car is easier to work on than putting Ikea furniture together. Rust is the biggest drawback of the w210 as is with the w220 S class of the generation. This w210 looks like it is in very good nick and is fixable.

[@daveh2612]

Chris, what happened with your channel?

[@forrestiwaszewski4970]

I miss his videos, too. Love his positive disposition! I've seen this so many times in the past. Either he had grown tired of uploading videos, got divorced, and had to change his career (no time for videos). Or Unfortunately, had a major life change, i.e., prison, illnesses, or worse, death.

[@fastnout1]

Ese Sr.habla muy rapido

[@chiarascuro]

Man I hope your ok Chris, you were my favorite channel

[@m3technologies236]

Hey, Chris, I was thinking about your videos. They have this good times feeling to them. I hope you're doing great. Post some videos with stuff you've been up to, if you feel like it.

[@swishmar0308]

Been driving one about 4 years now definitely one of my favorite cars I’ve owned ever 💯

[@jesscarey7666]

Great job! I enjoy watching the videos!

[@superspak]

Love the channel. Subscribed. Love the camera angles and editing. The Greenbrier video is what made me find the channel 😁

[@lugnutgmc]

I love watching Mercedes like that turn in parking lots. The front wheels almost tip over in a way. Cool front geometry. I think it has to do with them being rear wheel drive. Newer Chargers do the same thing, they must be on a Mercedes derived platform from days of Daimler-Chrysler.

[@joe6096]

You are correct, in fact, that the Chargers and Challengers are on a chassis derived from Mercedes. It contains components from the W220 chassis.

[@chrislambert2889]

Congratulations on 50 k subscribers 🎉

[@hullinger]

Thanks my friend, and thanks for following along too after all this time. I really do appreciate that.

[@JohnAdorjan]

Very related is their CLK 430, an excellent machine.

[@marcelcovaci9922]

99k miles and the price was 2100? That’s a steal. I found one with 239k miles and the stealership is asking over 4K $!!! That’s insane

[@dustinwalker9468]

I really like your content sir! Also that’s a very nice Mercedes with great mileage! Maybe see if paint correction can be done to it and could possibly double your money on it!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Nice! These have actually always been on my radar (mostly because I love the funky headlights), and they can be bought for way cheap. Good middle ground of Mercedes reliability too...This was AFTER they made all that degradable wiring, but BEFORE they went nuts with the tech/air springs/etc. Is there any way to polish those faded sections to shine again? Feels like a good detailer might be able to.

[@felipeiturreyes3385]

You can get one too... great,, prowerful and confort cars!!!!

[@codycrawford2385]

Mercedes age SOOOOO WELL, I have a few my self and LOVE THEM all

[@joe6096]

This was really the end of the "real" Mercedes Benz. When these cars were new, you were somebody when you arrived in a Mercedes, even the E class. Not everyone could drive a Benz. When engineers had the final say on everything that went into their cars. Engineers ran the company. Then the accountants and bean counters came in. Now we have any schmoe who makes a thousand a month can get into a new Mercedes on a lease. Today Mercedes builds cars full of whiz bang technology but they don't drive or feel like a Benz. I'll take this 25 year old E430 with 100,000 miles over any brand new Mercedes.

[@mxc2272]

Chris you are killing it with the editiing . Can I call you Spielberg? TY!

[@hullinger]

Haha, thanks man but really, I'm just trying to up my game in order to be more like Scotty Kilmer! REV UP YOUR ENGINES!

[@martinsv9183]

Seats were considered among the best in its class back then.. Might want to check if something is not right with the cussion. I had a facelifted E430 4 matic with + 250k miles on it. Still comfortable seats.

[@altg5708]

Hey there Chris. You haven't been posting the last 6 months. Are you alright? Are you still selling cars?

[@XXGunzNClipzXx]

My dad has one, been reliable and the work I've done is easy. And the seats is what I love lol they are comfy. My 2016 civic or odyssey van aren't as comfortable

[@ddk80]

Haven’t seen any new videos lately. Hope you are doing well and are just super busy with other things.

[@forrestiwaszewski4970]

I checked Facebook - his group had 6 new posts last month - 3 in the last week. So either he is posting or his members.

[@paulsheehan5010]

Check the bumpers for cyl. damage.

[@stevesmith6554]

Really nice car Chris. You have the best of luck at these auctions. Thanks for the great video.

[@hullinger]

Thanks my friend for watching and the comment too. I always appreciate you.

[@timothythegreat6294]

i like your style im sitting in one 🎉👍

[@patstiff]

I may be in the minority, but I would make those investments you rattled off and make the car what it should be. My guess is that it will then get top dollar when you decide to sell it.

[@honeyblunt5150]

Sorry to hear of your early retirement, be well

[@matthewgodwin3050]

The W210 Mercedes never had a great reputation for build quality or reliability compared to its predecessor, but it's still a damn fine car. Quite rare these days too. Take one to cars & coffee, and I can guarantee nobody else will have one. Like fine wine, these old Mercedes get better and better with age. Find a cared for example, and it will utterly delight you.

[@halvaraspegren7635]

These seats are made for long drives, softer seats will make your body really tired. Thats one of the reasons mercedes always was the mot common taxicars. Actually comfortwise theres really not many cars that comes close to w210, especially if you drive all day. I mean after a 1000km drive not even feeling tired you will understand how damn good these seats really are made.

[@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835]

Actually the seats get comfier the longer you are in them. Whilst not up to Volvo standard they are extremely good. The paint blemish looks like automatic car wash rash where the bristles have abraded the clear coat.

[@hullinger]

Spielberg? Heck, I'm just trying to up my game to compete with Scotty Kilmer! REV UP YOUR ENGINES!

[@kevink.2719]

Really like this car

[@daniell888]

I love this video omg

[@riverboris]

5:44 Do not add the spare to your regular tire rotation. The spare also lacks the three pointed star emblem in the centre designating it as a dedicated spare.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Chris, If it weren't for these great cars, Lexus would not have had anything to copy for the LS430. They even copied the name. Lol WJ Handy Dad has a GMC Acadia with a rebuilt engine he'd love to talk to you about. Lol -Chuck

[@bwofficial1776]

Nice ride, but dump it as soon as it starts to give you trouble. Never own a Euro car out of warranty. These got cheap and were bought by people who couldn't keep up with the maintenance requirements so it's nice to see one that's not roached out. A good detailer could make this look classic again. Car interiors and exteriors have come so far that this looks like a much older MB. The interior has that classic MB layout for all the switches and gauges. I don't understand why carmakers decided all seats had to be hard and sporty with tight upholstery. Bring back thickly padded thrones that you sink down a few inches when you sit down. I want to sit in my seat, not on it. Bring back color-matched soft cloth and soft leather.

[@mikeatv]

great honest Description.... save your money dont fix the bumpers....its running good so its time to sell it

[@hullinger]

Haha, you have me a good chuckle when you said it's time to sell since it's running good. Thanks for that and thanks for the comment too!

[@frankm8533]

That's a great car

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

Drivers quarter panel looks like it may have had an accident and a lower quality clear coat with less UV resistance applied.

[@Andy-Fox]

I had one of theese several years ago, Also the E420. 2 fantastic cars with diffrent characteristiks. that was allways overlooked why? Because the rust ate them all away. And they are getting quite expensive for what they are. Finding one in good condition is rare and costs a fortune. All others are either rusted trough or got tons of ugly fixes. The spring seats gets eaten away by rust, Behind all the lists on the door side and front fenders etc. The break lines on almost of theese that i've seen are also rotten. Gear boxes get issues usually a seal that breaks and is not funny to change. I say they are wonderful and I love how they drive and look. But sadly the rust is too big of an issue on 99% of theese. even the ones that look good on inspection usually got hidden rust holes slowly eating them up. And there are several other common issues with theese cars. On the positive spare parts are cheap from germany and in alot of quantity still. Would I buy one again? No it's not worth it. Too much to go wrong besides the rust and there's not alot of room to work in. However fix the exhaust and you got a really lovely sounding V8. When they were still cheap there was alot of room to repair and fix now there isn't and thats why they arent worth it in my opinion spend a fortune on the car then a fortune on repairs that will last a short while. And one they reach 30? spareparts will start to fade out. and once they reach 40 they will most likely be very hard to get spareparts too if you managed to keep one alive that long. With all that said the E430 was one of the nicest cars I ever driven it just feels right all the way trough and the seats are so comfortable.

[@quicksandproductions]

I know how great it is - I own a E430

[@jaimealvarez4722]

Donde data eastcoast?

[@clevejason]

Channel dead?

[@andyleo8418]

As dog sh**. What a shame.

[@showlowvlogs]

I Wonder If Monkey Wrench Mike Will Come Across This Video Like If You Know Who I'm Talking About

[@Sally-nd5pc]

Hi, could you help check your email about the product sponsorship?

[@kevinbarry71]

a very good car from back when German engineering wasn't a sick joke

[@pmr413]

Nice car for $4,000, it's too bad the seats are not as comfortable as one would think.

[@baddad63rt5505]

No new videos in over 1 year, must clean up my subs so bye.

[@charleshenshaw9099]

I would just enjoy it and not spend another dollar on it. Maybe get an alinement.

[@bojanfuckar9773]

dont lower this car, its a mercedes. and check out rear wheel arch for rust. In europe they are all rusty

[@matsujarvinen]

I´m a big fan of W210.I´ve had mine for ten years,and it´s still pleasure to drive.The car´s never broken,it´s like a miracle.

[@mrpowerlifter1413]

I' ve bought very very nice E320 '99 yesterday in Switzerland for 2900 CHF. 220.000km and 39 options according to VIN decoder. I' m from Poland, now living in Switzerland and in Poland people wish to have 3 times more money for worse 210. For example Duda Legends, polish Mercedes Benz dealer wish to have 38900 PLN, only the mileage is lower and the car is in multiple point of view worse than mine. Sorry to see, that such companies in poor countries are only interested in selling the cars for rich and stupid people, which know nothing about these cars but want to have them because one season idol from Instagram have such one.

[@mikeatv]

dude... hope alls well we all miss your great content....

[@blessedandhappy3921]

Does anyone know where this man has gone? Hasn’t made a video in quite some time. Prayers that he is doing well. Please reply if you know anything about him.

[@Allister-w3o]

He passed away…

[@MichaelJacobi01]

Hope you are okay Chris. Miss watching the videos.

[@ntt1713]

He has since passed. God bless his poor soul.

[@BlazinTexan]

What happened ​@@ntt1713

[@tdtvkc1]

Hey dude, you haven't posted a video in a long time, I hope all is well with you and haven't caught covid or something. I miss your video's but most of all concerned about your health. I really do care about you and your video's. I just hope all is well. 😀✌❤

[@1994CPK]

what happened?

[@baddad63rt5505]

No new videos in about a year now, guess you guys are gone. Oh well goodbye and good luck.

[@buddyrevell6369]

4200 bucks for that is a great deal. Looks great.. still young at 100k miles.

[@andyleo8418]

You haven't posted in a while. Are you really going to walk away from a channel with 51k subs?

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

Love your videos Chris…but what’s up with the length between uploads? Hope everything is ok.

[@TheJoncic]

Where you at? I get nervous when my favorite youtubers disappear. Hope as all is well.

[@danieltarr1619]

Wondering what happened to you ?? Miss the videos.

[@forrestiwaszewski4970]

checked Facebook - his group had 6 new posts last month - 3 in the last week. So either he is posting or his members

[@mirandasBros]

Hey. We miss your videos! Hope everything is good!

[@chris347438]

I bought my blue e430 for $1500 works perfect. I’ll never sell it.

[@itsnotme07]

Love the "Invisible your whole life, but is right in front of your eyes" comment. Very true! It's unfortunate the seats aren't more comfy...so maybe find a seat that is and swap it? I couldn't daily drive a car that wasn't comfy, 20 miles or 500 miles. One of the reasons I really enjoy my 2015 Lexus RX350. Comfy seats ALL DAY! So is the E430 worth fixing? Not in my opinion, unless you enjoy doing that stuff yourself. I say drive it until you want something else.

[@halvaraspegren7635]

The seats are great, the w210 has some of the most comfortable seats ever actually. Dont change them. If you want plushy seats just buy a citroen.

[@halvaraspegren7635]

One of the most uncomfortable seats i ever sat in that felt just too hard was in a lexus, and the rest of the car was like bumping around in an container with random plastic crap thrown in. I never understood the lexushype.

[@michaelmalagoli8652]

One of my most favorite body styles for Mercedes-Benz. The V8 is Rock Solid.

[@mcpdmcpd7937]

hello Chris hope everything is ok with you miss ya I watch your videos when I'm feeling down hope you do some more pre auction videos Thanks be Safe ✌

[@Brad.whatthe]

Hope your ok and just enjoying a holiday

[@thebruniverse276]

I love my 2003 clk320 cabriolet You’re spot on with the gripes and accolades Still great cars after 20 yrs Worth the cosmetics needed These are keepers

[@brianpimentel]

Anybody knows why he stopped posting ? Loved his videos

[@jasonm8897]

Chris, I miss seeing your content! Hopefully you are doing well and just taking a break from KZbin.

[@Sonoma_Coast]

Good job sharing the story and with the videography and editing.

[@hullinger]

Hey man, thanks for watching and for the comment too!

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@hullinger great video....but .... you should have kept the DeSoto

[@hullinger]

@@clevelandmaker386 Aww man! You're so right. I still think back to that car and realize I made a mistake with selling it. In fact, I've been shopping for another Forwardlook car but nothing is gonna compare to that '61!

[@mannygonzlz1630]

Awesome I have a 2002 E430 with 260,000 miles originally and runs or drives like a Champ, very happy with it.

[@lifeonbicycles]

I think it’s worth trying a DA polisher on the dull parts. The paint might come back 🙂

[@joespittle1]

Was going to suggest that or a wet sand if he feels confident enough

[@wernerdanler2742]

I have a 2001 e320 with AMG sport appearance package. I Googled that once, and it supposedly came with lowered springs as part of the package. It doesn't ride like you would expect a Mercedes, but on the freeway, it's great. I don't have any trouble with the seat in my car. I'm 73, 5'11", and weigh 140 lbs. So we are of a size. My seats have some tears, too. I've had it for almost six years and have not had much trouble with it. I did have to get the transmission fixed early on, but with 156k miles, it runs good. They do not get good fuel mileage! The paint on mine is much worse than yours. It is black and the Vegas sun has not been good to it. I dought it has ever been garaged in its 22 year life. I really like it better than most cars I've ever owned.

[@michaelkrezenski3018]

Where did Chris go!!!!

[@stratcat4450]

That is a beautiful car for what you have invested in it. I don't think you have to worry at all about ever putting to much money into that car. Thanks for the great video, your content is always the best.

[@dennisbrown2571]

Love how you give all the details of the cars you buy. From bidding to repairs made.

[@alexm6340]

From the angle at 3:01. the seats genuinly look brand spanking new. Mercs from that era are special, they truly are. I remember my dad had W123 with 1.7 mil KMs, roughly 1 mil miles and NEVER visited the mechanic shop other than regular maintenence and the gentlmen who bought it from him found the engine in such a good shape that he ended up using it in his build.

[@Novaman66]

Chris, You never disappoint,your narrative is always sincere, informative,and well thought out! Your demeanor and delivery are spot on. You give a lot of information in a compact time. I only wish you had the time to developed more content more often. I think you could do a video on a “ laundry basket” and make it interesting!😊 Thank you sir!👏

[@hullinger]

Aww man, you're way too kind! I do appreciate the kind words and especially you taking the time to share them. Thanks so much!

[@dietersmythe9649]

No new government auctions lately? Miss that!

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

I miss this guys videos.

[@aaaa0050]

I love your content, I hope you are doing well

[@kevinfernando3167]

For an extra cool factor you can tilt the front seat headrests forward 😎

[@lilstoopa9392]

we miss you

[@ChevyBM]

These are nice cars and they still feel like a old school Mercedes in a good way. The bad thing with these is that some of them rust like crazy... I had a E-230 A Elegance from 1996 as a daily driver it was a good car! Mercedeses have an insanely small turning radius :D

[@herleyrobinson5965]

Guy, you're awesome and I enjoy your videos so much. You are very knowledgeable and your passion for cars comes through. I also enjoy your "folksy" manner. More new videos please!!

[@Zenk61]

Im on my 3rd W210... I recently bought a 12k mile E320. Paid up for it, but it will bring many years of miles and smiles!

[@dixonrenyin95ugo]

Hi Chris, congratulations on this recent purchase. Keep enjoying your ride.

[@hullinger]

Hey buddy, thanks man for the visit today and for checking out the Mercedes vid!

[@mexicanspec]

Did you get your dealer's license back?

[@hullinger]

No, I don't have that dealer license back yet. I'm completing the paperwork now in hopes to get it back by early spring and get back to some of those dealer only auctions again.

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice car, Chris! The seats are supposed to be like that, you just have to get used to it. In Europe, cab drivers spent 100.000s of miles in these and they didn't have burning butts 😂

[@rescueteam6706]

I always enjoy your videos, Chris! Thanks

[@hullinger]

I appreciate that and thanks man for watching too!

[@paulsheehan5010]

German cars, cost a fortune to fix.

[@hullinger]

Yeah, I'm finding that the parts for this Mercedes is costing about double that of other cars the same vintage. Radiator, A/C compressor, double the number of spark plugs. Everything costs twice on this thing.

[@chrispietrzak21]

My guy where are you? Miss the content

[@forrestiwaszewski4970]

checked Facebook - his group had 6 new posts last month - 3 in the last week. So either he is posting or his members

[@chrispietrzak21]

@@forrestiwaszewski4970 Thanks, miss the content

[@jasontroy4723]

i had a w210 in a e320 straight six sedan . it was a 1996 model that i purchased in 2011 . Had no issue for entire time i owned it . 5years , used as a daily driver . everything worked but i found it heavy on tires . Great car reliable as hell .

[@21Piloteer]

That is a good looking car, but I'm mainly a fan of the W126 chassis.

[@richardwilson57]

The seat discomfort is a common issue and can be easily rectified with a professional tear down and rebuild by an upholstery shop…… i had it done to my w210 and it completely transformed it……. I drive mine 5hrs (360miles) straight with no breaks