Is Owning a Classic Mercedes Long-Term a Financial Disaster??

[@jmcbike]

A lady at work had a 240D. It looked nice, but the battery wouldn't charge, stranding her on multiple occasions. She took it to the dealer, got a new alternator. Didn't fix the problem. Took it to an auto electric place, got another alternator. Didn't fix it. She finally asked me to look at it, so I went to the library and got the wiring diagram for the car. Next, I used a voltmeter to see the battery charging voltage, noticed the battery was always discharging, but not as much at higher rpms. So something was likely drawing a great deal of power all the time, and the alternator couldn't keep up. Referring back to the wiring diagram, I noticed the glow plug circuit and glow plug relay. I disconnected the relay, and got lots of charging current again! The relay was really expensive, so after starting, she would remove the relay wire so the car could charge. She eventually bought a new relay. But I am amazed the the Mercedes dealer couldn't figure out the problem.

[@andrewray656]

That happened to me in my 240d. I ended up figuring it out too. Mercedes didn’t

[@Veezyjung]

To quote Jay Leno when talking about his Mercedes 600: When it works it's unbelievable : D When it breaks down, it's UNBELIEVABLE D:

[@craigtiano3455]

Had a 1977 6.9 as a daily driver. It was an amazing car, but even the dealership was confused as to how the suspension worked. A set of repair manuals, in 4 very large volumes, was available from MB USA. Inside the suspension book, it was very simply described with color pictures. It's no wonder, however, the dealership mechanics were clueless, since so few of these cars came into the US and I doubt any of them ever cracked open the manual. In my case, the whole rear end of the car slammed to the ground after hitting a bump. No oil on the ground. After towing it to the dealership and waiting days for a response, I cracked open my manual, saw that the only possible cause would be a broken height level bolt. I called the dealership to look there. They told me the mechanic had the car up on the lift waiting for a retired mechanic to show up and take a look. Fifteen minutes later, I got a call that the repair was done. One bolt $3.50, and $15 for labor (by the book). So, if you've got one of those low production MB cars, expect to become an expert in how to repair it.

[@acalthu]

I really like the direction TFL is taking with the new talent. Quirky and eccentric younger hosts to appeal to the majority, while keeping the Boomer and Gen X'ers (like me) happy at the same time. Very good move TFL, well executed.

[@davidberkovits9738]

Roman is a GREAT Dad to Tommy and friend too and it shows and Tommy has enthusiasm . Tommy you can tell Loves being in the family business and Roman is a good mentor to others.

[@Conrad.99]

I owned a 1971 280SE 3.5 when it was 30 years old and it was one of the most dependable cars I've ever had. Parts availability from the dealership was beyond belief. I didn’t say cheap but unbelievable. They had virtually everything.

[@vladpcgamer]

Mercedes classics still sell most parts, but as you said, not cheap HAHAHA

[@jamesdonald7485]

Whatever they cost - and you need to find a reliable service garage - they are worth it. I had 6 older Mercedes in NZ between 1978 and 2010 and at the age of nearly 78 I now have a 1993 W124 E320 in Antioquia, Colombia. It will probably be the last car I own and I am very happy.

[@bottledwaterprod]

My first car was a 1977 300D. Found it under a tarp in the corner of a used lot and got it for $600. People said you'll never find a mechanic or parts. So I found a good online parts source, official and unofficial manuals, and worked on it myself. It was in amazing shape considering it had probably been stolen a few times over. Electric windows and seat warmers that still worked 30 years later! Plus an enormous sunroof that you had to open like a submarine hatch with all your strength (the ladies loved that one 💪😎). The diesel engine got great mileage, but was excruciatingly slow. And it wasn't fun walking in snow at sunrise to connect the block warmer and get the glo plugs going. However, I loved it. I would but another one, though probably the TD model. Which still ain't fast, but at least you don't have to pray your way up long hills.

[@daweigo6851]

I drove the same car, it was so so slow, if you lost momentum up a mountain climb, you were in trouble as you held up traffic 😅😅😅

[@bottledwaterprod]

@@daweigo6851 Yup. Pedal to the floor as soon as I saw even a mild hill. 🤣

[@krh007]

Awesome to see you younger guys getting into the old classic mercedes at your age and learning how to work on them, maintain them and enjoy the experience of cruising in them. When i is was your age i was into HP and all it did was get me into trouble, fines and all the pain that goes with chasing power. I grew out of that addiction and moved into the wonderful world of old school classics and the art of cruising in style and having fun which everyone can enjoy including wife & kids. I now own 2 x Euro AMG 560SEC coupes (87 white & 88 black) and an 89 midnight blues Euro 560SEL "full hydro suspension" also with the full AMG treatment (AMG bodykit, AMG Aero3 wheels, AMG interior). I built a fully equiped workshop at home with a hoist and learn't bodywork, welding , spray painting, engine rebuilding etc etc so i do all the work on the cars myself at home and it is so satisfying knowing that i have touched every single part of these cars and know them inside & out with my eyes closed. Even the 560SEL full hydro suspension i fully restored to as new condition myself sourcing various parts from UAE & US (new hydro rams, pump, self levelling valves, hoses etc). German engineering back then was amazing (just like a Swiss watch) but at the same time user friendly as DIY cars to work on. The added bonus is their appreciating value when they are in prestine condition

[@TrinityDestroyer]

About 10 years ago (when I was 19-20), I had a 1986 Mercedes 420SEL. One of my favorite cars I’ve ever owned. Bought if for like $4k, and it only had like 20k miles on it. Such an amazing car! Great shape, no leaks, it was perfect. Used to love driving around it in late at night partying with my friends. Lol Then one day I took it in for an oil change at Meineke, and they totaled it…

[@bleekman9763]

Please continue the story!

[@rajdosanjh3588]

lesson learned 😐

[@barrykochverts4149]

Back in the '90's, I had a short wheelbase version of Kase's car, a '73 280SE 4.5 that was pretty tired (it had the "sad face" front bumper position indicative of terminal rust underneath), but it was still a magnificent locomotive. My first trip to PA from NY to show it to Dad was a revelation; a massive rain storm hit route 80, flooding both lanes, but the big lug seemed completely unperturbed by the torrent. It plowed right through, in complete control. Yes, the a/c transmission and vacuum operated stuff were less than optimal, and the MBTex leatherette seats were like rocks, but the driving experience actually trumped that of the BMW Bavaria that preceded it. All in all, it was the most secure feeling and best balanced car in my memory.

[@xliquidflames]

Seeing kids enjoy 70s luxury cars like the one I had just warms my heart. Luxury cars from the 70s have a special place for me. I ALSO inherited a 70s luxury car... My very first car at age 16 was a baby blue 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan "glass house" with a Chevy 350 and a 4 barrel Holly carb. It had power everything, seats, locks, windows, and cruise control. It had an 8 track player. It had different keys for the doors/trunk and ignition. The headlight dimmer was on the floor. The fuel filler neck was behind a flip down license plate in the middle of the back above the bumper. I absolutely loved that car. And, like I said, it was a family heirloom. My great grandfather bought it brand new in 1976. The original bill of sale was in the glove box. He paid $8,399 for it brand new. It sat under his carport for years never being driven. He also had a little Ford Ranger he drove so the car just sat. He died when I was 10 and the car went to my grandfather. It sat under a cover never being driven at his house. He died when he was 16. The car got signed over to my dad and because I was 16 and needed a vehicle, he gave it to me in 1997. It had 33,000 original miles on it when I got handed the keys. I drove it all through high school. All my friends nicknamed it "the blue tank" or just "the tank". I graduated high school and drove it through my first year of college. But then I got a job where I had a 2 hour commute every day. This was in 2002. So, putting gas in a 350 to drive 2 hours every day was killing me. I was spending $30-40 a day on gas. Yes, A DAY. So, I sold it and got some crappy little Dodge Neon 4 cylinder. It was the right move economically but sentimentally, I still kick myself 20+ years later for letting that car go. I wish I could get another one. I know my dad would love to drive one again. Those old Mercedes are long but my Caprice was probably longer. My favorite thing about my Caprice, and it's hard to pick a favorite thing, there was no pillar between the front and back windows. That's how it got the nickname "glass house". And I am a native Floridian. So I could comfortably fit 6 or 8 of my friends in The Tank, ride out to the beach, put the windows down, and it was just one big open hole from the front to the back. I've tried finding another one but the ones that are left have all been modified to heck and back with giant wheels, hydraulics, gaudy paint, ect. Besides, I'm disabled now and could never afford to buy one even if I found a good one.

[@sirjosephwhitworth9415]

I have had a 280S W108 for nine years and I love it, so does everyone else that sees it! Here in the UK the cost of maintaining one via a specialist dealer is high, but if you are a competent DIY type they are not complicated. As you commented, some parts can be scarce. Buy the best you can afford initially, body corrosion or lack of it can be a prime reason to buy or walk away. My Zenith carburettors were rebuilt in Germany and have proved reliable, some people swop them for Webers, but these are not as good a system as the factory choice (I guess some will disagree). They are a great car, not by any means road rockets, but I have new 5er Touring for that work! Good video.

[@dave3657]

Great video 👍🏻 The great thing is you will never have to pay a subscription fee to listen to your radio or heat your seat. I just consider maintenance costs my ‘car payment’. And it don’t have to be a Mercedes, it could be an older American car too.

[@PeterCombs]

I had a nice 280 sel 1968, bought it with 35,000 original miles in 1995. Drove it for 12 years Spring, Summer and Fall and garaged for the winter. (New England snow and salt) Never had a major issue, in the end it cost me nothing other tires, turned ups and oil.Sold it for more than I paid for it after adding on 120,000 miles.

[@paulg77]

I owned several MB diesels model years 1976 -1983. They were the most amazing cars I've ever owned in many ways. I even had a small business converting these cars to be able to run on vegetable oil! The tolerances were wide enough in these diesels to be just fine with the veg oil, but it had to be warm enough to have a proper spray pattern in the combustion chambers. My local sushi shop gave me oil. The exhaust smelled like tempura! My favorite was the 1980 300SD, one of the largest cars ever built by MB. Such a tank, but that turbo diesel really pulled hard. Rode flat and smooth over almost any bumps you could find. Finally, I had to sell the cars and my oil pre-use filtration setup because I got divorced and had to live lean for some years. But it was a great chapter in my life! Long live the most bullet-proof engines in modern times...if we can call 70s era cars modern LOL!

[@hughbarton5743]

Thanks for the video. I would, as usual, like to offer an alternative explanation for real old cars that are a blast to own. I was in the car business for almost 40 years. I owned and drove a variety of high mileage cars for entertainment. Old domestic cars were really well made. And plentiful. The problem is, aside from that exceedingly rare garage princesses, they are worn out....7th or 8th owner, half assed repairs, unfixable rust, dubious "restorations", rust rust rust.. The old European high end stuff is rare, but usually belonged to people with enough money and passion to keep them nice. If you find one, buy it, with normal cautions and caveats.

[@malanne1]

Great content! I own a 250,4 door, manual trans in a similar color. Mine has the European headlights. It’s a game changer when it comes to looks. I highly recommend converting it and it will make it look like a well tailored suit.

[@benfidar]

I had a '69 230/6 sedan in tobacco brown with a cork interior and a four on the floor. Loved it. When you consider the watch like quality that you describe it is a choice with a downside. The American cars of the period were not as well made, but, and it is a really big butt, the parts to fix them were cheap and still are. Now, to fix a Merc with quality parts and a mechanic who knows them is really hard. Which was the right strategy and which provides more to the vintage car driver? If you have the bills, you will always go Merc. If you don't, Olds or Buick for sure. (I drive vintage BMWs and have for 30 years).

[@charlestimmis273]

One important point. If you are not a DIYer and not willing to work yourself on most items. Do not buy.. Very very few mechanics know these cars, and the ones who know them will charge an arm and leg and might still do shady work...

[@GermanCarGuyMN]

Great point. When my dad was healthy enough to do his own work , old Mercedes made sense for him. Once he wasn’t able to do his own work, he took his Benz to the local Euro car specialist, who like you said, charged an arm and a leg for shoddy work. Now that I do my own work, Mercedes ownership makes sense for me, and I love owning and driving older Mercs

[@Cstoreri]

Absolutely!!!!!

[@cbotten106]

@@GermanCarGuyMN So owner-mechanics only apply. Kind of a throwback to the Barney Oldfield days. Personally, I love it: If you can't fix it, then you cannot drive it!

[@GermanCarGuyMN]

@@cbotten106 it’s kind of what keeps Mercedes and other Euro brands exclusive, even when they’re used. You either need to have enough money to buy one new or enough passion for them to keep them running. And frankly, even as someone who could afford a new Mercedes (not an S-Class or anything, I’m talking about a more basic Mercedes like a CLA or A Class) I honestly prefer the slightly older stuff like the w204 and w212, they still have some of the old Mercedes charm and build quality as opposed to creaky, all screen interiors of the new Mercs

[@bldontmatter5319]

As a valet, I can tell you the newer Mercedes cars are so embarrassing. Only the top of the top Mercedes cars are worth anything ​@@GermanCarGuyMN

[@teokastelan2930]

I own an old Mercedes. The car is well kept, and when you put some money in it. It’s not a problem too maintain the car. The biggest issue of old Mercedes is rust.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Apparently my late Great Grandfather had one of these in his last 2 decades of life, while he was retired in California. I never got to see the car in person, but i know my mom and my aunt used to ride around in it all the time when they would go visit. The way they reminisce about that car even to this day, makes me want to go down to Cali and try and find his old car. White, sedan, petrol. Sort of a rare combo being a gasoline sedan. Somewhere in the San Bernardino area. Hope it's still alive and putting around town at the very least.

[@SSV-i-c-e]

Love classic mercs had a 64 190 and for the base model with a small 4cyl it use to amaze me how well it drove on the flat cruise at 80mph no problem.rebuilt an extremely rusty slc for a client total floors ect then his girlfriend totalled it and i fixed it again love how well built they are.hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@stanislawcadenas4025]

Cars are meant to be driven. They are not meant to be parked gathering dust in a showroom/garage. The kid is right when he says that they stay "happy" when you drive them.

[@frankbaird9672]

I drove a W115 240D & a W108 280SE for years when in my 20s. Great to see them on the road & that you are both enjoying them. I wish you the best with your ownership & your channel

[@axia24]

Hey Case, From a former 4.5 owner, open the back door and push the driver's button down to lock the driver's door. The resistance could be the mechanism needing lube inside, or the diaphragm may be failing (I assume they're replacements as is since they work). Did you know that the fuel door locks too, if the system holds a vacuum while it's locked?

[@randyfitz8310]

Further suggestion: Do NOT lock it using the rear door method unless the key unlocks it (or try doing so with windows open for the diagnostic process).

[@axia24]

​@@randyfitz8310 😂 I chuckled... But yeah I suppose the disclaimer is important if the key won't unlock... I haven't had unlocking be difficult, though.

[@memorimusic420]

A money pit is never something I would associate with old Mercedes. Extreme reliability is tho

[@nanettehansen1146]

Try locking and unlocking the sel from the exterior trunk release button. It should be tied in to the vaccum locking system. Nice video, guys. Beautiful cars.

[@johnkauppi7078]

Australia here. Best advice I could give is buy a car that has been looked after well maintained. They will cost more initially but will cost less in the long term. Old neglected Mercedes cars can get to be very expensive. And then finding an old school mechanic is another problem. The dealerships don't seem to want to touch old Mercedes cars beyond a service--oil change. and lastly, there are plenty of older Mercs out there, some common, some not so common. A rarer model type is a better investment. Coupe's for example. I bought an '83 Gold 380 sec, after a long search. It was a 37 year old car at the time with 250,000 km. It was a surgeon's car. Well maintained and serviced with Doctor money. Immaculate? No. But very presentable.

[@carguy53]

Gotta love the classic Mercs. Despite my being primarily a VW guy (8 in my collection, 5 of which are pre 1980 air cooled cars), I have two classic W123 Mercedes as well. A 1983 300 D Turbo which has been in my family since 1987, and a recent addition was a rare, one year only in the U.S 230. 4 cylinder with a carb. They're two complete opposite ends of the spectrum. A fully loaded, power everything 300 vs a base manual everything in the 230. Both are fantastic drivers too.

[@scanman690]

My grandmother owned a classic Benz. It was an '88 560SL so a bit newer than yours. I have been in love with it and other old Benz's since I'm old enough to remember. We called her car White Lightning. I personally had it to over 100mph and it was rock solid. Unfortunately, it was sold about a year before she passed. I miss her and the car!

[@tkewrestler2662]

My Father owned a 1970 220 Diesel with the 4-speed automatic and air conditioning. It was plug slow, but it was dependable. Dad bought the car used in 1972 and had it more than 30 years. It cost 5000 dollars in 1972, which was pretty big money.

[@Lurch-Bot]

I'm getting to the point where my Mk IV Jetta VR6 is getting to be a challenge to keep on the road. Parts are starting to become unavailable. I was recently unable to get a rear powertrain mount. Good thing it is such a smooth running motor. I figure I have a couple years left using it as a daily driver before it becomes a resto-mod project. I think it will make for a great amateur rally racer. I plan to graft a Quattro AWD system to it and make a custom ECU. It will get a full cage and racing seat, along with replacing door panels with sheet metal and getting rid of the stock dash for something more racing oriented. The interior is falling apart anyway because it is all bioplastic. I'll blueprint the motor and rebuild the transmission (manual, of course, but I've been compensating for worn synchros for years). I will be resisting the temptation to use forced induction and keeping it NA. Only really need 300HP to be competitive in amateur rally anyway. More about finesse than raw power. The Mk IV was a revelation for VW. They gave it a slippery 0.25 CD (you wouldn't think it by looking at one), which was a rare thing on a passenger car for the time. They made a substantial advancement in vehicle safety and helped make turbos more commonplace. The NA VR6 engine is one of the best engines ever made. It is smooth running, powerful and sturdily built. The timing chain is a bit of a weak link but you just have to be religious about changing it every 100k mi. Best of all, it is a 6 cylinder engine that fits in a 4 cylinder engine bay, making for a nimble vehicle. 6cyl BMWs need a longer engine bay and have a rather nose heavy balance by comparison. Not that I would be against owning a vintage BMW at some point, but I wouldn't try to turn one into a rally car. Would be better for road racing or drifting, not that I haven't done some drifting in my Jetta, lol. But it just isn't the same in a FWD car.

[@Surestick88]

With regards to the fuel injection. It's not like a Holley Sniper EFI system couldn't be retrofit pretty easily and hide under that air filter housing. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous Megasquirt would work as well.

[@kclefthanded427]

I'm a huge fan of blue seats and Mercedes-Benz nailed on these models of that era

[@dmorga1]

I think with Mercedes especially (but other European makes too) their cars have continued to become more complex over time. As the cars age, service becomes an issue. I have a '94 R129 that I love but I have found nothing but snake oil and hucksters who want to work on it. A lot of shops just won't touch it. At the time, Mercedes was looking to the future and computerizing everything. It also has lots of plastic. The seat frames are magnesium. The number of sensors and modules is staggering. And the Mercedes troubleshooting procedures from the DIS often involve a pin-out or breakout block that if you could find it would cost over $2,000. So, it's like the old fuel injection problem, just different technology. In the end, a bunch of old timers told me "you're better off working on it yourself," and they were right. Bought a Mercedes STAR system laptop with multiplexer and off I go. Mercedes are not for the faint of heart. I sometimes look at the engineering and think, "y'all engineered this in literally the most complex way you possibly could have."

[@budw.8362]

I loved the Mercedes I had not in the same league with these guys but it was a 1997 E420. Best car I ever drove BUT yes, have to keep driving it. I let mine sit for about a year and the computers began going! Great car! Love your stuff and your ethos!

[@hlk5887]

These classic cars videos are the best. So entertaining and at the same time packed with useful information. I would love to see you guys get an old Rolls-Royce in good condition. Wafting along those roads would be heaven. You have to get the best one you can afford or they'll be a money pit. An RR used regularly is actually quite reliable. Most of these are troublesome because of sporadic use. They don't like to sit!. I know of an old Silver Shadow that's been reliable because of proper maintenance and regular usage. It is a rolling statement though.

[@H2SO4H20]

Mercedes cars of old quickly turned in to rust buckets when driven where road salt is used in Winter. The W123 240D I bought new in 1979 was rusted through under the front bumper within 3 or 4 years but at least Mercedes supplied new body panels for only the cost of shipping which seemed to indicate that Mercedes recognized the problem. It was in 1968 or 1969 that as a teenager I rode in the 280S my sister was driving for the first time. She let me drive it a couple of years later when I visited her in the Michigan U.P. and I thought it was incredible. The 1973 450SEL that I bought used in the 1970's had the same engine and transmission as the 280 SE 4.5 shown in this video. I'm a little confused about the 280SE in this video since it appears to be a European market car. I didn't think the 4.5 liter V8 was offered in Europe in the W108 and that only the 3.5 liter V8 was available there but I could well be wrong. The W116 450SE/SEL was a HUGE improvement over the W108. I've owned many nice vehicles and the 450SEL is still my favorite of all the cars I've owned. Its perforated door upholstery was literally "cool" with air conditioned air flowing through the perforations. It was incredibly superior to everything else available in the 1970's and was called "Best Car in the World" by one of the major enthusiast auto magazines of the time. When I sold my 450SEL to an auto broker in 1979, he promptly drove it from Kansas City to Los Angeles where there was more demand for it. He told me later that he made the 2,000 mile trip in about 24 hours stopping only for fuel, snacks and bathroom.

[@matsujarvinen]

Nice memories.Some people prefer W116 over W126.

[@stebo-pv2hq]

I had a '72 280se 4.5.The only problem I had,except for changing the timing chain,was the fuel injector.This was in the mid 1990's,so there were still mechanics who would work on them

[@General_Madness]

My mom owns a Mercedes Benz 280SE, unfortunately it has some problems and is sitting in storage, tho hopefully soon it will be sold so someone can give it the care it deserves

[@memorimusic420]

Depending on which model they can go for some money!

[@l.g.8028]

Hopefully you can fix it and keep it…

[@General_Madness]

@ yeah, I would personally def love to, but my mom isn’t into cars like me and doesn’t care as much about it. It also could sell for quite a bit as it’s been in our family since purchase and has some amazing history, and the interior is still in excellent condition and the exterior isn’t that bad either, so that’s why my moms probably gonna sell it

[@HypocriticYT]

Had a 1974 280C. Great straight six DOHC, 4bbl with dual exhaust. European model, no power except brakes and steering. No radio or sunroof. Cloth seats.

[@verdict1163]

I have owned several classic Mercedes (190E 2.6 and a W123) and other cars feel cheap and plasticky in comparison, even luxury ones. They are extremely reliable and parts are readily available with a bit of digging. They are built like a Swiss watch, with a tactile quality that hasn't been seen before or since. The fact that you can buy these cars for under $10k is ludicrous.

[@jjkbigman]

Reminds me of the Mercedes I had in the late 70’s a 190d four-cylinder diesel with a four speed manual on the steering column I was too young and two underpaid car had something like 200 some thousand miles on it with 13 inch bias, tires, beautiful car, beautiful interior no radio and no heat wouldn’t get out of its own way so much so that I would take turns in the intersection at 35 to 40 mile an hour so I wouldn’t have to goback up through the gears

[@coasttocoastphoto]

My father had several Mercedes in the 70’s including a 250C. He would buy them used for about 3K and fix them up, keep them for a couple of years and then start over with another one. They were beautiful driving cars with great handling around town, but they were in the shop a lot, mostly with carburetor problems. He was sold on German engineering and would take me out on the drive and show me the difference in between an American car and a Mercedes.

[@vincentrobinet2713]

I bought a 1973 220D in 1985 for $5000 CND. It was a fantastic car to drive. It had four wheel disk brakes, an MB Ted interior (vinyl) and power steering. Everything else was very basic. The 2.2 litre diesel with four speed transmission was a pleasure to drive but it was extremely slow to accelerate. The blow plug and starter switch were controlled by the same pull switch on the dash. Pushing that control toward the dash shut off the fuel, stopping the engine. When my car was in for service, the shop lent me a 2.8 litre gasoline powered automatic 73 . It seemed under powered at first, but when I had to scoot across several lanes of traffic from a stop sign, I was amazed that it burned rubber in the first two gears. I looked under the good to see what it was and was surprised to see a double overhead cam inline six. I can't imagine that the car (the 220D) would have appreciated much since the 80s as it was so basic.

[@vincentrobinet2713]

That should be MB Tex

[@patdbus]

i own a 1980 280se and its a dream to have and drive, even though it needed a lot of maintenance to get it to this point and there are still a few hiccups on it. But what do you expect from a car that has seen over 230k km and 13 years of sitting in a garage. its expensive to vind original parts, but since there has been messed with the car before it doesnt really matter if it isnt original, as long as it works. Movement in the steering wheel, rough transmission, worn out seat, broken airco and much more, but it is still a way better car then most other cars i have driven before, with only new higher class cars topping it. It doesnt even cost much more to daily drive then a normal car.

[@joanstehlik235]

I had a 300D with blown motor. Put a 200 Ford in line 6 with C4 trans. Ran and drove great.❤

[@cbotten106]

That's kind of heresy but I like it.

[@NomenClature-o8s]

So now it’s a Ford Maverick.

[@bjornaltmann8184]

Very nice review from young people, being classic cars enthusiast, very cool!....Best Regards from a 6.9 owner from Germany,

[@squid667]

2024 is the fifth season we have owned our W123. So far we have had to buy a set of tires, a coil, two gaskets, a carburetor flange, upper control arms, a fan switch, two belts, a carburetor rebuild kit, a light bulb and ignition points. Pluss regular service items like filters and fluids. Most of it was done right after buying the car. Parts are mostly cheap and insurance and road tax is incredibly low. But our car was solid and complete when we bought it. If it had been tired and worn out it would probably have been different. It is often said that there are nothing more expensive in this world than a cheap Mercedes.

[@endlesssummer162]

These cars are delightfully analog; built to stand the test of time. I had a 1972 250c and miss it every day.

[@twolaneroad]

I got a 1980 manual 240d and an 1987 300sdl in recent times, both rather neglected and quite cheap on facebook. the 240 has needed some stuff (motor mounts, carrier bearing) and could use LCA bushings. the 300sdl has needed nothing. I might give it its first oil change soon. they're both delightful in different ways. I have no plans to restore them beyond as-needed maintenance, which will be stuff like guide rod bushings and such. if you buy cheap and carefully and just want to drive them, they're a good deal. I wouldn't want to play the game of making one perfect.

[@palebeachbum]

Classic Mercedes feel like you're driving a block of stone down the road. They are solid and substantial. That was the case into the mid-90s, then they started getting plasticky and cheaper quality and it was downhill from there. I owned an '87 300E. It was glorious to drive. I couldn't help but feel special behind the wheel, but man that car was a pain to keep in good working order. Always something wrong. Power windows, locks, antenna, power head restraints, cruise control, stereo head unit. Always something failing. The auto transmission kicked the bucket at 108k miles.

[@matsujarvinen]

I´ve had some classic era MBs.Right now W123 but also W210 and W220 which are very high quality cars,also.And what is quality?If you have a newer car that is better to drive,more safe,more economical,pollutes less than an older car,then which one is better?

[@johnandrews3568]

My first car was a '73 280 sedan, blue-ish white with blue leather. I beat the living crap out of that car and it would not die. Uber reliable and tolerant to me drifting and sliding it all over the place. I miss that car. Such a tank.

[@johnanchovie2b]

Two beautiful classic Mercs. Love those cars. Had the the W114 and a w116. No car I have had since compares to those beauties. Great and very enjoyable review, gentlemen.

[@robbobsjobs8456]

My first car was a 1973 Mercedes 330C when i was 16 in the mid 90s. I still have pictures of me working on her covered in grease. Dad said i could have it if I could get it running. You bet I did.

[@acalthu]

Mercedes never made a 330 anything in 1973, the biggest model they had was the 300. You probably mean 230.

[@robbobsjobs8456]

@@acalthu i have the pictures. But ok

[@sebjebofficial6230]

I daily a 1984 W126 300SD and I love it.

[@bobdobalina838]

Absolutely wonderful exposé. One thing you didn't mention is that if there's ever an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) -be it from natural disaster like a huge Solar burst, or a nuclear war - at least one of those suckers will still fire up where as this computerized crap we have today will all be bricked. 🙂

[@johngifford7725]

I bought a 1981 240D for $800. We drove it for a couple of years and got $1,000 trade in when we bought a 2001 Ford Windstar. I would recommend Them if I was able to. Fun little car.

[@b4804514]

You guys are cool. I owned Mercedes S, E, SD. TD TE for 22 years and had the same mechanic. I also put 2 of my mechanics kids through college. He was a genius mechanic... you had to be. Best cars I ever owned UNTIL Tesla

[@danielreyes6225]

Thanks guys have had w116, w123,w124,w210,w111,w108 and w113. All super cool.. ironically the w123 or w108!’ihht have given the most smiles per gallon…I had a gray (think undried clay) w108 280S 1970 that was among the smoothest riding car I ever had. Thanks

[@jamesmichaelfrank]

I owned a beautiful early 70s 220 and what I can tell you is : If you can locate and friend a mechanic that REALLY knows how to repair early Mercedes, keep him close and treat him well . These cars were so well made and will run forever if maintained well . Parts are expensive but they will last and last .

[@Niterider73]

I'm all for people customizing their cars, whenever he said he had a flowmaster put on a Mercedes-Benz, that just made me cringe a little bit. Gorgeous cars nonetheless

[@ElliottTucker1050]

😂don't ask him about his push button air suspension then

[@MelODeon-l9b]

Fantastic content! These cars are from a time when the engineers built the car as they wanted, and it was then up to the marketing department to figure out how much to charge for them to still make money. Not like today's cars (and everything else!); built down to a price, longevity and reliability be damned. I adore my 1990 500SE!

[@chrisallen766]

Nooe. They're great once the previous owner sorts everything out

[@petervandoren2984]

My grandfather was a salesman who put 100k on a car in a year. He only kept his cars for a year, except the 2 Mercedes he bought and ran for 3 years each. European cars were ahead of American one's in regards to safety. My dad bought a Rover 3000T when stationed in Europe and it had padded dashboard, as well as a track mounted engine so that it would go under the passenger cell in a head-on collision and that was in the late 60's.

[@drwisdom1]

My dad had a similar Mercedes coupe diesel with a manual but he didn't like it because during the Winter when he returned to the airport from business trips the diesel could be gelled and it wouldn't start. One day he was at the dealership getting it serviced and a guy had come in looking for a diesel but they didn't have one. So the salesman comes over and asks my dad if he would like to sell his car. He came home with a low mileage 280SE gas sedan.

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

These guys didn't even mention that amazing door thunk noise. It's like a bank vault... Kachunk!

[@pigatt1]

I really enjoyed this! I have a coworker who has an older Mercedes who I will share this video with!

[@bernieneufeld4297]

I love these old MB's. nything made before 1998 is desirable. I bought a rust 1976 220S for $1500. It was mechanically sound, drove like a new car, but the vacuum controls were a mess. Regardless, I drove it for 2 years trouble free and sold it for $2500 to a guy who restores MBs. Looking now for a 300se, probably the best car ever made.

[@charlestimmis273]

The last real Mercedes w126 and w124..... They still made them to mid 90s

[@stankythecat6735]

I have a 1968 Mercedes 280 sl. I live in Los Angeles and I tell you … I get more attention in that car than guys driving around in a Lamborghini. I love her , her name is toonses

[@michaelmaguire9330]

You are driving a classy car and not a piece of Italian bling…

[@stankythecat6735]

@ she’s like a stunning older woman…

[@a456987]

I wonder how difficult it would be to swap out the Bosch system for a modern Holley system

[@digitaljon1109]

My dad has a 1977 Mercedes 450SL, and it doesn't pass emissions, and I'm not sure why. Shops want a ton to work on it, so it's been sitting since he bought it, in 2018.

[@rekleif]

That 280SEL 4.5 would be sweet, maybe entertain a procharger for another 50-60hp and I would cruise the heck out of that car, and enjoying every single minute of it. Beautiful car.

[@user-wh7hs2bc6m]

Hi, ich glaube hier war der kleine V8 ein 3.5 also ein 280c/se/sel 3.5. Der 4.5 war wohl den USA vorbehalten und der größte war ja der 6.3. Da waren allerdings die " Basis " Modelle wohl andere, die späteren waren wohl 300se/sel mit den größeren Motoren.

[@TheMoodyLoners]

Very entertaining! It would seem that the smartest thing to do if you're considering those cars is to do most, if not all the repairs and maintenance yourself. The mechanics who can competently diagnose and repair them have either retired or passed on. There are some great specialists remaining on the job but they are getting really scarce.

[@Jonatan_SE]

Tommy and Kase are just the best and their love for these old Benzes shines through. Still great cars, and I would argue easy to maintain. My dad has had the same W123 for 30/years and it keeps on trucking! Just gotta keep it off the salt roads! Great video! 👍

[@johnmohanmusic]

My Dad had a '72 280 SEL. It was BEYOND gorgeous. Basically a German Rolls Royce that put Rolls Royce to shame.

[@douglasthompson9482]

The best quality cars in the world. A masterpiece of excellence. I have a newer 1990 300sl….glorious.

[@charlieanddadreviewsandcha2243]

Imagine out on track day you see that giant flying up in your rear view with a mile long hood and Cadillac symbol. With 3 guys having a blast. 😂.

[@johnportilla4978]

Love those old Mercedes Benz I drive an oid 67 250 Sl I bought it in H.S. 45 years ago. It's like a fine wine just gets better with age. I agree with you not for everybody.

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

I used to have a 1972 BMW Bavaria that would have been a direct competitor to the sedan equivalent of your 250C. I love that era of German sedan and feel that they are worth the trouble. There is something just amazing about those cars. Yeah a lot of stupid things break, however compared to a modern Mercedes, these are MUCH easier to work on and a lot less stupid stuff to break. As far as the carbs go, the dual Webers are far better than the Zeniths which are a pain in the ass. I am assuming the FI system is Bosch L Jetronic where BMW used a Kügelfischer which cause mechanics run and hide.

[@stanislawcadenas4025]

I know of a guy here in Brasil who bought a crashed 2015 Mercedes (no clue what model exactly) and swapped all the driveline into one of these. Modern functionality (can't say reliability cause modern Benz's...) and old school looks.

[@olikat8]

I got a '76 Valiant "Custom" sedan for free from the original owner. 88K miles, weirdly optioned (V8, sure-grip rear end, handling & HD cooling packages, passenger door mirror, map light), and solid. It's an automotive cockroach

[@1aikane]

I've owned 3. Yes, they were money pits. But I loved them. We all spend our money on things we love

[@martinsvensson6884]

The older ones are not money pits if they are in good condition. Restore them to that point.

[@1aikane]

@martinsvensson6884 i kept mine in great condition, but every year it added up to thousands to keep them up

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@1aikane They are very cheap to run with very low maintenance and repair costs compared to a new car if they are in order. Its when something break and is not fixed that it can cause those domino effects.

[@1aikane]

@martinsvensson6884 I had a 1982 380 SL, a 1980 300SD and a 1991 300E.

[@nye307]

You guys should do a full 20th century S-Class comparison. We've got a 126 and 140 to contribute to the cause!

[@zach359]

I’m 34, have an 82 300SD, 84 300SD and a 96 S500. I will pay any money for parts that need to be replaced, do my own work in the cars but. The ease of mind that I know the cars will never let me down out pays any maintenance that I might have to do over and over. classic Mercedes forever!

[@prograde_adv]

+1

[@cbotten106]

Hope you can pass that down to somebody someday. Like the attitude.

[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

Beautiful cars. But the warnings are due. They are not cheap to keep. A really basic, no frills "Beirut taxi" manual diesel version is more wallet friendly and not hard to fix. Ever lasting engines and less stressed components. Embrace the lack of speed (but once they get rolling, they do keep up). And please: A bonnet star is REALLY not a vaccine against the worm. Here in Norway slash eight models had a bad reputation for rust compared to older MBs. Maybe because these were expensive cars, possible because of many double skinned panels, but more likely because MB did not respond in tim to how common road salting had become.

[@Nakkisampyla]

When you mix finance and old common cars , it's always some kind of financial disaster. However in othwer perspective you invest happiness when you purchase old vehicles which are meant to driven , not parked in garage as an "investment"

[@marko6128]

You may think you don’t need a proper seatbelt, but you definitely do if you’re driving the vehicle at all. I hope you put the 3 point seatbelts back on and and practice your 10-second elevator speech to passengers on how to assemble them.

[@1crustyoldmsgtretired870]

Heh! $10 says the blower motor isn't working in your W114. I love the way W115s and W116s of that era drive. Smooth and docile, and they will start to "yell" at you long before start losing control when driven hard.

[@Visionery1]

Old MBs are pretty well-engineered and reliable, one of the reasons why many are still in use all over the world, particularly in Africa. I doubt any of today's MBs will still be around in 40-50 years. I've owned several W123, (200/230E and 280E) and currently drive a 32-year-old W124 230E, which has been extremely reliable with basic servicing. Being a Jaguar mechanic helps, but hasn't really been a prerequisite.

[@tokslut]

Good job guy's! New cars have no souls

[@Queensizemusic]

These cars are both astonishingly beautiful.

[@danam0228]

I owned a couple of American cars from the 70s that had over 100k on them when I got them, lasted another 20-40k. All of the ones my family owned also lasted longer than 100k. All by doing basic maintenance and washing, vaccuuming fairly regularly in Northeast at a tume when salt and sand was still used during the winter. So, I have no idea what these two were going on about when discussing longevity of American cars from that time period. Cars from '60s being slightly better if maintained more religously. MBs supposedly much longer lasting, or so I have always heard, but rarely saw in the Northeast. They seemed to rust out quicker unless washed more often which few people apparently did as I rarely see any '60s or '70s MBs on the road around here, but do see quite a few '80s and '90s MBs. Same goes for car shows

[@bilbojenkins5276]

Beautiful cars! It seems like in the 90's, Merc went from making very pretty, reasonable, and dead reliable cars, to wanting to be on the cutting edge of everything. I wouldn't buy a new Merc if you paid me. But I wish they still had a line of cars equally reliable and reasonable and pleasant, that could keep up with a Toyota mechanically.

[@martinsvensson6884]

A new Toyota is likely not going to last longer than a new MB.

[@bilbojenkins5276]

@@martinsvensson6884 You're funny 🤣

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@bilbojenkins5276 Haha yes.. MB has had the most miles on them of all brands before junked. Questionable if that is going to change with recent models... Toyota has been declining in line with trying to make their cars more modern.

[@gregorymalchuk272]

Bosch Jetronic fuel injection was NOT reliable.

[@sdrjr3562]

Man!! I loved this video! Learned so much. Beautiful cars! Thank you.

[@sunahamanagai9039]

Not that old but, as much as I wanted to keep my SEC, it was just too expensive to maintain. Expense per mile was just too much, drive a little bit and something would break. Parts are expensive!

[@jonboy9912]

Nice to see young bucks with a few bucks enjoying cars when they were modes of transport rather than consumables full of game gear.

[@unknownunknowns]

What’s wrong with having BOTH?😂

[@Bizmyurt]

A reletive had C114 250 C when I was a child. I didn't really like them. We had a W123 250. Today even the C 114 is ok.

[@user-wh7hs2bc6m]

Hallo, ein Mercedes /8/114/115 250c ist aber schon die obere Motorisierung. Es fängt doch beim 200 D (Diesel) mit 55 Ps an und hört glaube ich beim 280 ce mit 185 Ps auf. Der Motor ist also nicht der kleinste, da er aber einen Vergaser hat vielleicht nicht der stärkste, Einspritzer hatten da ein wenig mehr Leistung. Da weiss ich allerdings nicht ob es den 250 auch als E/CE gab.

[@user-wh7hs2bc6m]

Hallo, ich denke einige Ersatzteile sind bei " Mercedes Classic " erhältlich, die werden wohl nicht preiswert sein aber da lohnt sich wohl eine Suche.