The pitfalls of first time Mercedes ownership

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[@dieselbenzrevive6820]

Modern cars will never have the road feel of a sorted out W123. But it takes a few years to sort one out correctly.start by replacing ALL the rubber underneath the car and any suspension or steering parts. Once you get to this point there is no turning back. Just dont expect to much from the CCU.

[@airkingflyer3515]

I purchased my first Benz in 2014, a 2011 W204. I have done all of the maintenance myself. I did want to purchase a w116 however because of our salty winter roads I was very apprehensive on that decision. I do love my very very reliable 4matic W204. Keep up the great work Pierre 👍

[@gjemd459]

Quite often, when I'm parked sitting in my 90 W 126 waiting on the wife to complete her grocery shopping, someone comes up and says "now that's a real Mercedes".

[@charlestimmis273]

how could you compare the gorgeous w126 to the ugly w220 and w202.. ... The older designers of the w108, w115, w116, w126 and w126 were awesome.. after that down the drain.... Paul Bracq, Friedrich Geiger, Werner Breitschwerdt, Bruno Sacco are irreplaceable.....

[@VITOSGARAGE]

Thank you Pierre!!! You're awesome! I need drive out there to you someday in my old school Benz!😊🚗🚗

[@dieselbenzrevive6820]

I'm so jealous he mentioned your channel. you deserve it though your passion for these cars is real. keep up the good work.

[@TheAtomicdeathmonkey]

Love hearing your informed perspective, dailying a w124 300d and mad to get into an w126 sec in time !

[@markcline2287]

Absolutely correct. You're the best! Thanks for keeping my old W123 running perfectly. It's my first and probably last Mercedes since it will last the rest of my life.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Vito’s Garage is awesome! I’m a subscriber!

[@vmlelectronics]

I have my 1990 260E since mid 2017 and it's a very good car to drive and mantain, as I do most of the repairs. Guys like Pierre share valuable knowledge and it encourages me to keep the car. Of course it looks classy, as I use to hear from people, but not too old due toa a streamlined body and some "techies". I only get affraid os some expensive parts of the injection system, as EHA, Fuel pressure regulator and accumulator... if fact, any car older than 15 years is old, the main difference are the skills and tools needed to work on them, specially the electronic ones. So, I'm not a rich guy and have this car for passion, trusting in my few skills and my big will to learn, as in Brazil most of the shops try to rape you when you drive a Benz...

[@richkemp8521]

You continue to make me glad I got a 126 for my first Mercedes. It was just luck and no great skill on my part. I still have much to sort out but with your help and encoragement I will get there. Thanks

[@zenjamin6262]

I was a datsun guy till a co worker asked if I wanted his dads old w126 I didnt even give them any attention 1500.00 later and a well sorted 126 at that after 2 days of driving it I'm like omg what have I been missing all my life! I lucked out and it was over from there. If you really like mercedes it better be a real mercedes.

[@tcbgarage2845]

Your both very right. I’m also a long suffering Datsun fan. But I grew up in my Dads W126. So I had to have one. Can’t compare a Datsun and a W126. But fun contrasts for sure. I will always have a Datsun but currently I’m saving 4 W126s including my fathers one which started my love of Classic Mercedes Benz.

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. An enjoyable wealth of knowledge much appreciated by those like me nostalgic of these gems of the road from our childhood.....those who yearn to ditch our computers on 4 wheels for a real car intended for real driving. Great resource here.

[@flyntmyrick6291]

I love my R129!! It makes me smile to look at it and to drive it and yes the hydraulic top cylinders leak. It is being repaired now.

[@ihamptonii]

Thank you for your candid honesty :)

[@douglasfrye6462]

My first Mercedes is a w126 500SE 1984 And I am very happy with it.

[@nosoupforyou425]

Class act with great advice 👍

[@walterstrahota2956]

Good points and I have owned those older cars but I love my 1997 W210 diesel.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

Mercedes ruined the diesel 210 by making it control unit dependent. Nevertheless, it does offer some value for money with great fuel economy and exceptional safety

[@tomburke1687]

Pierre----------I think it is reasonable to provide a video titled " THE PITFALLS OF NEVER OWNING A USED MERCEDES." A full explanation would be needed stating this applies to drivers you seek exceptional build quality for a modest amount of money. The explanation would include only the models you recommend with the understanding that people need to avoid any car that has been abused and not taken care of, etc., etc, etc. As you pointed out, people will easily avoid buying a W126 in good condition because it is " OLD." So they buy a 2014 Korean car with 90,000 miles because it is " NEWER." Excellent Video !!!!!

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Vito is a hard working guy to be sure.

[@ryancang3627]

W126 here, thank you!

[@b4804514]

Having owned Mercedes for 22 years through the "glory days" It was obvious in 1995 they stopped making cars that would last forever or even 5 solid out of the repair shop years. I stopped buying Mercedes in 2000 after spending massive on repairs that never really fixed the problems. It was over for me and off to Lexus. Mercedes could make quality cars again but that is not the corporate mindset. Capitalism is filling the landfills

[@chuckfinley3542]

Not that anyone has asked, but I’m a boxer-briefs kind of guy. After listening to Pierre’s priceless quip about the R129, I’m switching to Depends. In my region, folks think that a classic Mercedes is one that’s just out of warranty!

[@FstopPicturesByAlunDavies]

A 87 or 89 560sec euro spec was always my fave Great channel btw

[@leetaylor7257]

Where as I agree with 90% of what you say I daily drive a 97 W202 and it’s been totally faultless and reliable for over four years now. I’m my opinion it offers a very high level of build quality and was way ahead of its rivals back in the mid 1990s Here in the UK the w202 models are seen as the last of the real old school Mercedes that can be used daily while not being too expensive as far as running costs go..

[@matsujarvinen]

I could have written all that,although my car is E200,W210 -97.The best of the Mercedes´s I´ve had,including w123,w124 ,w201. Only weakness is rust,of course,but not a big problem in my car.

[@leetaylor7257]

matsujarvinen I totally agree as you can imagine the weather over here in the UK is absolutely terrible most of the year and there’s salt on the roads for most of the winter, so that’s the only real issue I’ve ran into with my W202. The car is relatively rust free but does have some miner corrosion on the under body. I find that some under body protection at the beginning of winter keeps the rust at bay. Another up side to the w202 over here is that they extremely inexpensive my car only costing me £800 over four years ago now.

[@DanielReyes-ut9xi]

I could not agree more. I own a 1996 w202, manual, and it is a pleasure and joy to drive. Also have a w203 which after major repairs proper to the engine model has been such a joy and pleasure as well.

[@canadianmarauder1923]

Like ur channel. I got no Benz but ya never know. I’m a Ford guy at the moment. I fix my vehicles myself. No exceptions to date but once again ya never know

[@johnathanlong9425]

The R129 has a manual override for the roof mechanism that works fine if you dont want to screw with the roof, which is the only weak spot. I have 2 that never fail mechanically.

[@As_129sl]

Hehe, once my hydraulics fail the manual override will be the new normal.

[@darens1926]

I would love to know your thoughts on the 300 TE auction on bring a trailer right now. I have mixed feelings about the current bid versus the condition of the car. The document show the owner has spent over $25,000 in repairs. There is also an ancient German mechanic involved😊

[@zenjamin6262]

When I sell one of my benz I want to be a patreon supporter! Pierre is a true mechanic look at his muscles ! He has a six pack on his back took a lot of serious wrenching to achive his knowledge. Let's support this guy !

[@azmike3572]

Yeah...he looks like he could've been another Jack Lambert, but I think he prefers soccer.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

Thank you

[@carlchilders9538]

I'm looking to get an E550 Sport and have narrowed it to either a 2010 or 2013. Any thoughts?

[@sheldonm3535]

What do you think about a W202 C43 or C36? As a daily/Auto Cross.

[@renerenteria1]

totally agree

[@michaelharrison500]

Great video as always Pierre Love our W126 300SE My wife has trouble driving it as the seat doesn’t go far enough forward Saw a half nice W201 last night. Said to Denise do you like that ? She said yes ( more her size) Hmm might end up with 2 Mercedes in the driveway

[@vmlelectronics]

This car was made for german drivers... lol My legs are short too, I'm 1,62m tall (or not) and have some difficulty to press the clutch to it's end...

[@michaelharrison500]

Vini Terranova I get what you mean!! I’m 6’5” and my wife is just on 5’4” We wear out seat runners in cars before anything else lol

[@embajadoresboy4535]

Patience and money are the key to own a 2000 W210 E55 AMG . My own experience paying dealership prices. Let’s be clear not everyone has the gift to work on their cars, I believe that’s a talent few have.

[@tonychavez2083]

It’s been said a million times , end of the quality and durability era ended with 124, 201 and 126. There are exceptions for this with base model 211’s with M112 and standard steel coil spring suspension. But I do agree with his comments.

[@billrbca]

Pierre, my pants are still dry :) and I still enjoy my 90 300SL. Yes the top cylinders are a challenge, but I am a patient tech nerd type. Other than the top I don't think its that bad. The 129 was designed in the late 80's based on 124.

[@fixittony]

Thank you for this video…as I own a 1994 C280 (January production month) I appreciate you honesty about not covering this model on your channel. I will unsubscribe because I probably won’t own another Mercedes after my current one. I plan on keeping it. I’ll check out whether Vito fixes W202….

[@ericbitzer5247]

I think you're crazy. CRAZY SMART!!

[@kevinbriem986]

Well that just took the wind out of my sails in looking at a 99 e300. It has 2 glow plugs broken off, which I feel cautiously optimistic in getting them out, but from what I'm hearing you say is that there is likely more frustration on the horizon. Maybe, take the 606 engine and swap it with my tired 603. I'm sure that last comment rolled your eyes. Just a thought Pierre.

[@atb154]

Go for it. They are very solid cars.

[@atb154]

Go for it. They are very solid cars.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

Have fun getting the glow plugs out. I would just fix your w126

[@kevinbriem986]

@@thisisnightshop2037 yes, I'm hoping a head/valve job will suffice on the 603. The glow plug nightmare might be beyond my pay grade.

[@buzzpedrotti5401]

My wife had a used USA '94 S500. Painful experience. Never ran right. Eventually gave away when the combined repair costs exceeded $10k. .

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

The r129 was launched in 1989 . I love mine as much as I love my w126

[@austinramsay]

I feel personally attacked at the R129 comment hahaha

[@lewdecker1442]

Beautiful car. Worst problems are the roof electronics which can be expensive.

[@stefpatras]

Whats with the later versions of the 124?

[@darens1926]

stefpatras exactly. I have a 93’. M104 300e 2.8. Other than eroding plastics it all seems serviceable so far. Pierre never seems 100% supportive of this era I think mostly due to eco-junk wiring (which he has mentioned plenty). If I had a car which was more reliant on vacuum systems, I’d be more nervous. But I guess any system can be sorted.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

@@darens1926 your close. It's because the car requires a control unit to run

[@darens1926]

Pierre Hedary ahhh. I think I recall you mentioning that as well. I would love to own a W126 300 SD some day. Beautiful car and I’ve never owned a diesel.

[@mr.kaufman2970]

It's pre-1986 all the way for me!

[@Dave-le6ng]

I do prefer the older models owning both a 190SL and 111 230S sedan. But - I have had a 202 C43 the past two years. Bought the car from original owner with 197k miles on it. At 200k I pulled the 4.3 liter for a 5.4 creating a C55. I found the car to be very well built and very easy/intuitive to work on, parts available/reasonable, and I did all this work myself. I wouldn’t write off the 202 chassis (it’s an updated 201 essentially) It’s still a great Mercedes. Personally I think the R129 is also and may get one next - yes I know about the top hydraulics. How is this any different then 107 subframe flaws and single row timing chains? Almost every generation of MBs has some flaws. In my mind MB went to hell when the new or updated models started phasing in from the Chrysler merger. From 2004-2010 I had a 463 G500. The car was a nightmare. Dozens of door handles, window regulators, switches, etc - all garbage poorly designed and under-speced. At least the chassis and all the major items were still rock solid as they were carryover parts from earlier years. Contrast this with the 203s - which I had constantly as loaners - they were junk.

[@christopher6161]

what do you think about sorted w202's

[@thisisnightshop2037]

With items like throttle actuators costing $760, many parts becoming NLA, w202 is becoming a tough car to sort out. I don't think that Mercedes really made these cars to be restorable, but they do make good daily drivers

[@MariottiMichael]

Always enjoyable to hear your opinions Pierre... "W210...worst car ever" SMH.

[@philjohnson796]

Seriously, he throws that out there with zero explanation. Enjoy this channel, but sometimes...

[@edouardtinelli3787]

My R129 never failed and if ones the hydraulic top failed it’s only 80€ to fix the cylinder here in Europe

[@Johnathan_Waters]

Pretty sure the W140 was designed (at least partly) before 1990. :D

[@thisisnightshop2037]

Objectively speaking, you're correct. But it was basically the first modern Mercedes, along with the r129

[@tymwalt]

I ‘kind’ of agree with the W210. I got it really cheap and had to put $ into it. However it wasn’t ‘that’ much money considering & it’s a stellar driver’s car (2000 E55 AMG). I really would like some interior trim pieces and seats. They are $$$ to reupholster. Rust is the biggest bitch of the car. As much as I would love to own a W124 500E or decent SEC, I am priced out of the market. My 1977 450SL has been a great car! No complaints.

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I have friends and family criticize me for owning classic MB. For everyone else purposes - because Pierre already knows- ‘75 450SEL and ‘80 450SL. They speak of which they do not know and claim it’s overly expensive. Telling me my car’s are luxury. Pfft they think I should buy a Korean car (think Hyandai Santa Fe) that I can’t work on effectively myself- thrown money at it because I don’t have $30K in equipment. Yeah ok- meanwhile I’m keeping the Benzes. Haters gonna hate.

[@TheLuisg92]

Newer= Less water leaks, rust (except for those water based paint rubbish from the late 90’s), less dried up seals and better A/C but more electronic and plastic parts. Older= Less electrical problems and more repairable parts but more water leaks and dried up seals to replace. Choose what you can deal with because either way, you will have problems.

[@nathanrosario4407]

All I can say is,AdVintage Hedary🧐

[@colewhitfield9313]

Jokes on you, I already replaced all 11 of my cylinders. 😅

[@boyasia5874]

The models mentioned are not available anymore, so with the parts. thus people buy the newer models.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

All of the parts for the pre-1990 stuff seemed to be available, but for the mid-nineties stuff parts availability is getting thin

[@ACabral711]

Mercedes still keeps most of these parts around. Just had the timing chain+guides+tension in my 560SL done, along with the water pump, radiator, all the steering links, valve seals, a noisy lifter, a monovalve, and a few other things. All of the parts came from MB North America, and were reasonably priced compared to parts for modern cars. I also used to own a 190E 2.6 (sold to my brother), a 300E (it literally rotted away), and a 420SEL - parts for all of these cars are easy to get except the 3rd brake light which melted in the 190E.

[@renierdutoit1]

I’m from South Africa and I absolutely love your channel! Personally I own a W115 230.4, a W201 190e and a W204 C180 Kompressor. Although I haven’t experienced problems with my W204, I must agree the older models are solidly built and generally very reliable.

[@atb154]

I own a 2001 and a 2002 W210 E320. Based on my ownership experience, the w210 is a very reliable car especially the rear wheel drive sedans. I completely understand that the w210 comes from a different era for Mercedes. The w210 is far from being the worst Mercedes-Benz on the planet.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

No, it's not a classic but it is a pretty safe reliable vehicle.

[@atb154]

@@thisisnightshop2037 absolutely agree it is not a classic. I love your channel and keep up the good work!

[@christopher6161]

man i have seen a c36 in a junkyard

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

i remember working on those under warranty and the head gasket alone cost 800$.

[@gerryfimiani4504]

Long live the W-108..............

[@cherkas009]

Diesels after 1990 are very reliable I don't know why you never mentioned w124 are just fine particularly 1995

[@charlestimmis273]

Not as reliable as the older OM617 300 SD or 300D...... They run with no ECU....

[@daveh2612]

You're insane or at least just really slanted towards the Mercedes that you love, rather than being objective. The R129 is a chassis to avoid, really? The W210 and W220? And yet the R107 is great? The R107 has a garbage interior, bizarre auto climate control servos, rust problems as bad as any of them, timing chain issues. The other thing is "later model" Mercedes like R129 W140 W210 W220 are all super cheap to get parts for and tons of info on how to do repairs yourself. If you want an R129, find a nicely maintained 90-92, or 96-02. W210 is fine if they are rust free/not from rustbelt areas. W220 get facelift 2003-2006, Airmatic is super easy to repair and maintain. For you to give people advice like "All the NEWER Mercedes are junk, just drive a 1961 190 Ponton or something" LOL