This 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W126 May Be My Favorite Car and Represents Peak German Engineering

This review is going to be more like a love story - I always find myself gushing about the W126, and almost view it with a mother's love - the car can just do no wrong.
To me, it represents peak German engineering - when that phrase meant the finest wood, leather, nuts and bolts assembled by the most talented people available. It blends in some of what's new, but the car is 100% analog.
I particularly like the 6-cylinder cars. They feel lighter and more nimble than their V8 siblings, and the car just feels moe responsive to spirited driving. That said, I do love them all.
Review by Bill Curious Cars - vehicle is avbaible at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at AutohausNapls.com, or by phone at [phone].

[@audioisgood]

“You’ve got everything a wounded German might need.” This is the shit I come to this channel for.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

"Another muggy, shitty, horrible Florida morning!" We need Bill as our meteorologist! 😁😁

[@philricci2012]

I wish I thought of that.

[@mark_osborne]

I laughed out loud Michael Bacon 😂

[@WhittyPics]

He is more accurate than the fools on my TV

[@philricci2012]

@@WhittyPics and infinitely more honest.

[@walterwright8454]

Let's get this AC on, it's hot as balls in here....

[@backpi]

Bill this is the era when Mercedes Benz had class. My favorite body style. The new Mercedes doesn't even appeal to me anymore. You definitely had money and status back in the day if you were driving one of these baby's. Thanks Bill 😊👌🏾❤

[@BerraLJ]

Remember the old 240d,300d the diesel sound was very noticeable :) but nice cars and the fuel economy was likely quite good.

[@alanmorrison3598]

Spam!!

[@backpi]

@@BerraLJ Yes I remember those quite well my cousin Robert had one it was burgundy with matching hub caps with that diesel engine.

[@egold2071]

@@backpi Robert the Polack?! 🤗

[@backpi]

@@egold2071 🤣🤣🤣 No my cousin looks more like George Jefferson. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ihaveacoolhat1]

One scene that always stuck in my mind was seeing a W140 600SEL in Burgundy pull up, an old man get out and half-run to the passenger side to open the door for his wife. Both impeccably dressed, and the car was in great condition. The W140s and W126s were just pure class.

[@stoneylonesome4062]

W140 is a pretty nice car, but it’s not really a “forever car”, like the W123/W124/W126 were. The latter were infinitely serviceable and maintainable, with analogue components, not a single part in those generational chassis codes was undocumented or uncounted within technical data packages. The W140 contained the downfall of the modern automobile; plastics and electronics. I’d take a Lexus or Acura from the era over a W140 any day, at least in terms of long-term reliability.

[@badgerbuddy]

"The Pope shows up with a temp spare, everyones gonna scratch their heads, and they may become methodists" hahahhaha that line killed me Bill!

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

😆

[@frankie2806]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 funny line

[@frjer11]

Best line of the whole video. Bill at his best.

[@letscuthairtoday9038]

🤣 Spit all the coffee in my mouth, thx Bill! Thankfully no one was around…

[@emidiojoao9333]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👌✌️🇵🇹🇲🇿😎

[@RubOneOutRosie]

Now that's a Mercedes. When you saw this coming down the road you knew what it was. Today's Mercedes blend in with every other car.

[@matty6848]

Yes that was then owning a Mercedes made a statement. Now modern mercs look just as cheap and crap as any other mass produced car..

[@goral705]

Bruno Sacco the former chief-designer said : first of all it`s got to look like a Mercedes . Those where the days.

[@marcovega7451]

I was blessed this year with finding an immaculate one-owner 1991 420SEL...you are so right...I feel like I'm in a time capsule...loving every drive

[@furkankavsur7638]

My Grandma had a green 260 SE, yes there was a 2,6 6 cylinder version of the w126 with a manual gearbox, a cassette player and a sunroof. That's it. No air conditioning nothing, of course power steering but it was one of the most naked ones you could get. She always got furious when we called it a 'Stripper model'

[@AJpro88]

Wow, what a G!

[@ulflei]

Furkan Kavsur I think you are mistaken there was a 280SE as a shifter never a 260SE

[@ulflei]

I stay corrected the second series had a 260SE ,what a bummer I would have bet on it

[@rebeltvr6046]

you're lying

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Sometimes small engine in big car gets worse mpg than bigger because it has to rev higher not sure how it was in 126.

[@juliusmushkin8194]

I had a white one of these with a chocolate brown leather interior. 1988 300 SE. Drove it 280,000 miles in Orange County, California. The kids grew up driving this one. Absolutely the best family car one could buy. Solid. Elegant. Reliable. Beautiful. Miss it.

[@PeterRoos]

Great review - I had a W126 300SE when I lived in Europe, absolutely terrific car. Beautiful, built like a tank, easy to maintain, and highly reliable.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Much respect to Mercedes for building such a vault of a car back in the 80s! I totally get why you're into this Benz!

[@pretzel1a]

You've got it, Bill! 100% agreed! This is peak engineering AND simplicity (which is true genius) when MB was still a top carmaker and not a ccp owned conglomerate, churning out plastic garbage which thousends of chips inside that can't be updated anymore after 5yrs!

[@ericgiddio1259]

I daily drive an '88 300SE here in Australia. An absolutely rock solid vehicle that just keeps going and going. Give me a classic Mercedes-Benz anyday...

[@daveleephoto]

Bill! Trust me, we want to see your reviews of all the cars you think are worthy of reviewing. Doesn't matter if you've done it before. Your reviews are the best on KZbin hands down. I have a friend who has a teenage son who loves cars (especially German cars) and his Dad has him watch (or at least listen) to your videos because there is so much good information and history. I've yet to find another car review channel that has as comprehensive history as you present. Thanks for all your hard work to get these videos made. edited, and published! Cheers!

[@Visionery1]

Beautiful car! The classic lines of W126 are becoming increasingly appealing.

[@Inadaze560]

Beautiful car. I have my mother’s 1990 420SEL. It’s been in our family for 31 years and I cherish it.

[@jerrystephenson1172]

You absolutely gushed abt. this car & with good reason. I was in service management @ a MB dealership in the early '90s & I agree w/everything you said. Likely the best passenger vehicle ever made. The pinnacle of style, engineering & safety for the entire auto industry, then & now. A statement of ownership that you had made it! Numerous times these were towed in after serious collisions, even roll overs & the owners walked away w/no serious injuries. When the 140s came in, they were IMHO, a disappointment. I mean, how do you top perfection?

[@samurai1833]

I had a 1988 300 SDL, best car I ever owned.

[@tkewrestler2662]

What a beautiful automobile!

[@AlienLivesMatter]

Love my 300se, 1989. Just going for a drive in it is therapeutic. Just plain old logical ergonomics and thoughtful simplicity. No knickknacks.

[@warrenspeed1173]

I just bought an ‘89 300SE w/32k miles. Having it shipped from Vancouver to Mississippi. Can’t wait!

[@jacibito8415]

I’ve been thinking about buying one, what is it like buying parts for it?

[@AlienLivesMatter]

​@@jacibito8415parts are available and fairly affordable. W126 were designed and engineered to fulfill a 40 your service life from inception.

[@Jwdude123]

Posted 8 hours ago and 323 comments. Bill is becoming a living car guy legend!

[@deheerKelder]

Love it when you talk about Mercedes W-series:)

[@soyounoat]

My parents had 2 of these S-class W126, both with the turbo-diesel 6. This was after I had moved out into the big wide world, but whenever I went to visit, I got to drive them. My dad showed me the details that made the difference, such as the door hinges: milled from billet metal rather than the stamped metal typical of domestic US cars. Also memorable was when driving at highway speeds, I would assume I was at the posted speed limit, but one look at the speedo and I would be 25 or more mph above it. The road feel on those things was of stability and ease, taming the road like a master.

[@ptarrow6817]

My grail car of the 80’s and 90’s though well out of my price range back then. Impossible to look at it and say it’s 34 years old - it just doesn’t seem to age. Always enjoy seeing them Bill, feel free to do more.

[@lukazupie7220]

Bmw e60 is 20 years old looks like car from the future compared to this Mercedes... not that i like it but you can tell immediately this is old lol

[@ptarrow6817]

@@lukazupie7220 and to take it a step further back, the BMW 635 was an absolute stunner during the 1980’s and remains one of the most beautiful coupes ever to me.

[@biodrummindieseler]

Hey Bill, I owned a W126 300SD for 10 years and I understand your love for the W126, probably the best car to ever come off of an assembly line. Each trip you take in that car, whether it's 5 miles or 500, is an event, and a driving experience that words can't give justice to.

[@Mako1989]

My first car was a beautiful silver 1986 420SEL and I still dream about that car. It was a hand me down (My dad's car 1st, then my sister's, then mine) and oh my, what a gift. It was 13 years old by the time it go to me - My dad wanted it as our first car because it was big and safe. No car I have had since can compare to the ride, the fit, the finish, the everything.... Great video - thanks for this!

[@BillofRights1951]

I love my '88 420 SEL. 335K miles. Solid. Original Engine/Transmission. My favorite Bauhaus-inspired design. Only Achilles heel: The A/C...doesn't take R-134 conversion kindly. Works just okay...the Benz system wasn't high capacity, which put it at disadvantage. GM cars had big capacity systems and did better, and the early Lexus cars also converted well. Notwithstanding that, I LOVE the W126. Beasts...built like a tank. Still has the original, functioning clock...and the Becker stereo still works perfectly....and the orginal stereo speakers all work perfectly and sound terrific...after 34 years!!!

[@bobbyshiffler80]

I seriously got teary eyed during this video. I had a black/tan 1990 420SEL 15 years ago and is, to this day, the best car I ever owned. Since then, I’ve owned 6 newer Mercedes, including an AMG. I’m definitely on the lookout for one of these now! I’m in Naples so I know where to look!

[@JasonFlorida]

I would trade my 2017 Lexus ES350 with only 32k miles in a heartbeat for that Benz! That's a great car you could keep forever!

[@blynch1130]

My wife was given one of these as a college graduation gift in 2002, well a 1989 300SE. Even at 13 years old it was a wonderful car. We drove it for 7 years, including across the country. The engine was still going strong with just regular maintenance. Unfortunately, some of the creature comforts, like a/c, went and it was just too expensive for us to fix. Still regret not keeping it as a third car. Definitely the most beautiful design ever. Even when it was 20 years old, it drew attention when you pulled up in it.

[@alanmorrison3598]

I have a new appreciation for certain Mercedes models since I started watching your videos..This is the most handsome sedan ever!

[@cb4675]

After Jag Xj :)

[@cb4675]

Bumpers look weird compared to the Eu version

[@mowerplus]

Last August I bought a 1985 380SE off eBay. I flew from Tennessee to San Diego to get it. It was not is described condition, so I got it for $3,600. It made is home through the desert in August with no ac. I repaired the car mechanically. Timing chain, guides, rebuilt the fuel distributor, new ac compressor (same compressor as a 63 vette) and etc. I enjoyed it for a few months and sold it for $11,000 cash and took in a 91 Volvo 240 as a partial trade. These Volvos are selling for 12,500 on bring a trailer. I would like to have another 126, but maybe the coupe next time!!! Don’t let a 3.8 V 8 scare you away. Check that it’s been undated to the dual roll timing chain. Driving from Tennessee to South Georgia, after all the repairs were made, the car cruises at 85 to 90 with no problems.

[@P.Galore]

I have a 1990 Mercedes 420SEL LWB w126 and the quality and ride never cease to impress - ten years on.

[@formatique_arschloch]

Amazing car. My very first car was a W124. Second one was a W126. Third one a W140. Greetings from Finland. P.S. Over here we call the W140 as the "Diana model".

[@AlienLivesMatter]

that's how I remember the w140s too

[@JZ_Cars]

Mr. Bill!!!! Great to see another video by you sir. I think this makes three in under a week. What did we do to deserve this???

[@davidrahnis7341]

Late 80's Mercedes were just perfect. So solid, smooth driving and sporty. The interiors were incredible but functional. My dad had a 190E and even that was next level for the era.

[@andrewhazenberg3398]

After watching this video , I now really want to get a Mercedes Benz just like this quality machine . ❤👍

[@verdict1163]

W140s don't have grease fittings on the door hinges, W126s do. That's all that really needs to be said about the build quality between the two.

[@kayemtee5312]

The Benz collector who sold me my dear departed 1988 560 SEL agreed with you that the 300SE was his favorite W-126, but I appreciated that big V-8 and rear seat passengers were always amazed by the limo like legroom in the SEL.

[@icsamerica]

he's right about inline six's. They're sweet.

[@mattiagnagno757]

Share more of the cars you already did but loved Bill, we love them even more as time passes!

[@feg3akatrey144]

I first fell in love with the S at age 10, watching “Dallas” - JR Ewing drove the SEL and Sue Ellen had my all time favorite, the SEC. Bobby had the red SL.

[@robertdryburgh1457]

One of my all time favourites as well. Thanks Bill you always make my day.

[@ondrejbures3909]

“Beverly hills cop bad guys’ Mercedes.” That’s how I remember this car:-)

[@warrenspeed1173]

Absolutely! Ha!

[@andrewsmactips]

Always loved the almost invisible heating elements in the rear window too. What can I say, I'm nerdy that way.

[@cargogh]

It even looks good with Peter's house's roof.

[@garypiont6114]

The same goes 4 the cables @ the gate

[@choosetobefree]

These are the w126 love stories I enjoy by Bill - thanks man

[@TheBTG88]

Probably my favorite M-B design of all time. So elegant, with such presence.

[@westhavenor9513]

That cream-colored leather is gorgeous! I never liked the more common palomino leather. It always reminded me of what comes out the business end of a baby.

[@plev10]

I love this video so much. I had the privilege of working as a copywriter for Mercedes during this period and you are absolutely correct in your praise of this spectacular model. They didn't pay me anywhere near enough to buy one, but I was able to drive most of them while I was there. Thank you for recognizing the brilliance of M-B engineers who created as you note possibly the finest sedan of all time.

[@seand2711]

I absolutely loved this car in 1988. My friend's mother used to let us take hers out when we were in high school. We'd cruise up and down PCH to Newport in it.

[@mattattack5205]

Cruises at 100 without so much a whine or strain. Great review Bill.

[@MrStarlight76]

Mercedes-Benz in the eighties were just on top of Their game

[@georgeochoa3089]

A tried and true Bruno Sacco design that is a classic to this day.

[@darianlowe8450]

Thanks for the weather report Bill, always glad to hear it mate!

[@IOWPCV]

Drove a 5.0 V8 model for a while in the 90's it was a beautiful car & silly fast. Made you feel a million dollars when driving it. Great review as always Bill 🙌🙌

[@genebigs1749]

I remember these cars vividly, and I always loved the design. I don't remember this particular color, though. Gorgeous! Another great video, Bill!

[@clintonsager2233]

I own a 1990 300SE with 46k miles Black over Palomino. Very nice example you have there Bill! Love your appreciation of the W126! Seat design improved in 1990 I believe - seat cushions better and pocket in back without the netting on front seats. I want to remind you in your video from 3 years ago you came clean without waffling as to this being your number one car of all time. You were more certain back then. What happened? Too much "Covid whisky" affecting your judgement possibly? Another epic video Bill! Thank you. 🙂

[@thecaptainjones]

Had the 500SE for many years. Loved it!

[@churnjitmaumi1878]

W126 is a superlative. Nice one Bill. You review many cars, but in your reviews you can sense where your heart lies.

[@pierrelangley]

Hi thank you for your praise of this car. I own a 1991 300 se same colour with black interior 360000 km will run forever I hope 😎

[@henrystowe6217]

That is the smoothest highway riding car I've seen while watching this channel for almost 3 years.

[@Skunkola]

Oh Glory Be! Always a day improver An old Merc is always a welcome bonus

[@derekb7814]

"They've got little nets here for their Uzis or MAC 10s or whatever it is they need to keep with them." LOL. As always...pure gold Bill. You always come with something I'm not expecting. Hilarious.

[@darianlowe8450]

I like the longer vids as I get an hour for lunch at work, and it fills my time with great entertainment!!

[@JDStickland]

I still daily drive my '91 300 SE. It's much rougher than this car, but doesn't miss a beat. It's wonderful!

[@foxxlohf8953]

always love the 40 min short takes haha your the best bill

[@TheJeffcurran]

Stellantis has a new inline 6 that makes 500 horsepower. It's going into the next gen Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300. It actually makes more power than the 392 Hemi. The interior on this car is gorgeous.

[@OLH3rd]

Probably my favorite generation S-Class. Clean, athletic lines.

[@robertchilds9809]

Who cares what people say Bill... please continue reviewing any vintage MB that you get... They represent a lovely bygone era.. Thank you for keeping us sane.

[@macstone9719]

Mercedes in Germany is restoring these old S-class and selling them. Thats how popular they are here.

[@JasonJones-br3or]

Yes, these cars were tight, tight, tight... the closest I ever got to driving one was when I'd help detail cars at the car-wash. When you ran these things through the wash, water got in nowhere. And there were no rattles or creaks anywhere. And, oh man, the seats, so comfortable.

[@mmg33480]

Amazing! This car used to be mine. Sold it on BAT a few months ago.

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

Too bad modern cars aren't built with such care and precision. Instead they all look the same and only seem to care about sticking as many screens as they can in one cabin. I personally prefer older cars like this beauty much more than new ones.

[@mankind8088]

Got make money not legacies

[@davidcooks5265]

I love your reviews 👍

[@kakossniper]

This was fantastic - great channel and commentary. Subscribed!

[@Tojazzer]

Another great video. So entertaining and you always show awesome cars. I also like your shooting: Hey, Mrs. Wizard! This is how you show a car's interior. It's not just extreme close-ups!

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

How's it going Bill hope you are keeping well.

[@scalecrawlnl]

Thank you, pure excellence! Both car and review, very much appreciated. The Benz is right at home in lovely Naples, Florida. 40 mins. spent well 👍

[@sorenandersen2159]

I think your spot on Bill. It's nice to hear someone say what I been thinking

[@ericgiddio1259]

Couldn't agree more Bill! I love my '88 300SE which looks identical to your one.

[@siegalcenter]

We know your TOPs, Bill :-) I believe there are few dozens ancient and even some modern cars in your TOP 5. And this is truly amazing. Thank you for the video! Take care!

[@klauslambert7795]

Boy Bill . Those birds and cats and animals everyone loves you !!!

[@tsdelaney]

Just beautiful! I had an ‘84 300SD and I regret selling it… a 13 year+ regret. They really were great cars. Thanks!

[@walterwright8454]

Bill is the man!! I will watch all his videos regardless of what he is reviewing!!!

[@marc80sroverfan95]

Always really like your videos. Cool content. E260 with the 2.6 liter straight six was also available in the Netherlands.

[@robitcha]

Gorgeous car! When the door opened at :49 I was like GD that's Nice!

[@christianmejia9069]

Had a 190e with beautiful red interior and man that was my favorite non sporty car I’ve ever owned. Amazing era of Mercedes’

[@stoneylonesome4062]

You gotta love Bill; it’s either Classic Mercedes-Benz or Malaise-Era General Motors.

[@realRichHunting]

Beautiful car 😍

[@barryarmstrong1130]

Many years ago, I owned a 1986 380SE which I’ve always thought to be among the very best of the many fine cars I’ve owned. Where can I find this 300SE for sale? Auto Europa Naples doesn’t have it listed. Bill is absolutely the greatest, isn’t he!

[@robertthomas3364]

My dad had an 1989 300 SD W126, he was a diesel fan. Beautiful car

[@btpennycook]

I had the pleasure of owning a 300 SE for 12 years it was my favourite car of all time

[@Mr10greentree]

your so right bill these are the survivors of the best Mercedes made and you've convinced me to go ahead and buy a 1991 280se that I've been consideiring

[@peterlindop4491]

Top class narration Bill.

[@peterlindop4491]

no you haven’t

[@Rick2010100]

There was also a 260 SE with 160 hp (1985 - 1989), nearly the same engine design (M 103) like the 3l, but with reduced displacement. Mostly driven by higher officials who are not entiteld to drive a 300 SE, but also wanted the comfort of a S-class. With a 260 SE there Benz was at least one number smaller as the car of their boss.

[@Lianne459]

I adore my 560 SEC, she is a 1990 stunner. I do love the color of this one

[@babybenz.190]

Do as many 70s, 80s and 90s Mercedes videos as you want! I’ll watch them all :) BTW, the M103 was also available on the W201, in 2.6 liter form. (It was also available in such 2.6 liter form on the W126, as the 260SE

[@jkllad]

That's right, but that car was the 190E 2.6. Baby Benz with great power!

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@jkllad 190E 2.6 love those ones, power of the 260E yet lighter.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Beautiful video. Bill is a classy person to highlight the class that this car was built to have= World wide Prestige......

[@GhostRider-ms1ep]

I RENTED THE SAME CAR ,SAME COLOUR IN LONDON FOR A MONTH WHEN IT CAME OUT IN 88. DROVE IN LONDON AND WENT TO IPSWICH FOR A PARACHUTE JUMPING COURSE . GOOD OLD DAYS 💓. LOVED 😍 THE CAR.

[@Gr8thxAlot]

Imagine it's the late 80's and you bought this car new. Headed into the 90's, it's going to be a great time.