Why the Mercedes 560 SEC is one of the coolest coupes from the 1980s

In this video automotive writer and photographer Zach Mayne gets behind the wheel of one of the ultimate coupes from the 1980s, the Mercedes Benz 560 SEC. This one has been modified for more performance by www.carobu.com/ thanks to a custom 5.8-liter engine with 350 horsepower and 390 ft/lbs of torque. The car also has an upgraded suspension.
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[@crs290]

"Why the Mercedes 560 SEC is one of the coolest coupes ever." There, I fixed it for you.

[@KH4444444444N]

I owned one. And I approve of this correction.

[@suckOnThese3]

Total failure in the title

[@ahmedalbather7213]

Is it because y’ll own a 90’s model ? Don’t be be mad at me, I approve your title as well because i own one

[@shawnbrigance3993]

One of my Fav Mercedes, ever! Thanks

[@ayz48]

Could not be more true. One of the best coupes ever.❤

[@deanemerton4485]

Left my mobile phone on the roof of my '84 500SEC and realised about 5klms later and it was still there.what a smooth ride and beautiful car

[@BuiltToRace_com]

Gold. Those Motorola's are worth a fortune now.

[@ronn68]

Yeah but in ‘84 a cell weighed about 5#.

[@ashokmathur137]

Bruno Sacco created the best designs for Mercedes . The SEC was such a great looker !

[@Retromod]

Couldn't agree more!

[@plissken94th57]

I love how the 560SEC has that splash of OG Chryslers and chevys with the body style they went with on this one, with a way more sleeker and square look. Like analog computer to a digital one.

[@marcjudge680]

My dream car....

[@Backwardlooking]

Probably the best built and best looking Mercedes of the past 30 plus years. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Rio-GE-V]

The original s class coupe they turn my head around every time especially the AMG version

[@empy1000]

I just bought a very clean 1990 560 as a restoration project. The engineering is amazing and a blast to work on. I also love the weird quirks like the manual drivers mirror he mentioned. The weirdest by far is they couldn't figure out how to make the rear window go down the last inch. Power headrests, headlight wipers, heated seats, seatbelt presenter...but that window was just not worth the effort. Lol.

[@thebfam6191]

Price? Miles?

[@seans9125]

I see it as one less thing to break on mine! 😀

[@jean-claudebeaver6614]

That car sounds and looks amazing

[@Steven91637]

The C126 Cars are amazing.380, 420, 500 and the King of the Road 560 SEC.

[@avindutt6163]

I’m buying a 88’ 560 SEC this summer and Carobu has some interesting mods for the V8 I was considering before this video. Watching this review has got me sold

[@stephenperrone8694]

I called Carabou, and they seemed reluctant to take a car and put me on a waiting list. Didn't even give an approximate date when they could do my car. Kind of turned off by their "explanations".

[@SoBe80s.]

I've got an 89 560 sec in red and they truly are amazing looking automobiles.

[@seans9125]

I have a 90' 560sec in red as well! Currently my project car!

[@cornishrider]

This is the finest Mercedes ever

[@seddam]

and that means one of the finest cars ever.

[@jimmychoi5219]

Epic car…same car Patrick Swayze drove in the movie Roadhouse 👍👍👍

[@johnvankroy]

Unforgettable great sound! Thanks.

[@rubyred93chev]

_Very sharp looking MB-560SEC, and incredibly reticent with the mid to late 80s Miami Vice vibe._

[@krh007]

Great review and well presented with good camera work & editing. As an owner of two Euro spec Gen2 SEC's (87 & 88) & a Euro spec 89 560SEL all being the high output versions i am very biased about these classic 80's W126 models especially being non complex cars to work on, very robust in design and very well engineered for 30yr old technology. It is a pity the US spec sealed beam headlights were not swapped out for the much better looking factory Euro version. Also the US Spec larger design bumper Bars with added steel intrusion bars add +45lb of weight to the coupe compared to the lighter,slimmer & more appealling Euro bumpers. The upgraded interior (mid 89 onwards) saw futher refinements in design & more bolstered seating which improves the driving experience even more. It would be really good if you could also get hold of later model 560SEL (say 89-91 model) and do a review on that as well. Once you own one of these W126 time-warps you become addicted for sure - something about the non complex 80's era that appeals so much to so many across the globe no matter how young or old or how poor or wealthy you - haha

[@abbashussain6390]

If in circa 1980's you asked Porsche to conceive and build a Rolls-Royce, the Mercedes benz W126 would have been the answer! Power without the temperament, imperial but measured. Over-engineered & nothing wasted. Germanic to a fault but also elegant in ways that neither its predecessor nor successor could manage. There is nothing quite like these cars: the chunk-sound made when closing the doors tells you that the minute you step in. The smooth power, effortless mile-eating ability, super-high quality interior which feels like it was hewn out of stone and serene silence has never quite been surpassed by Mercedes ever again. These really are truly the last great Benz's: engineered to perfection with no electrics to hide 'mistakes'. They will never be engineered, designed or built like this again!

[@Retromod]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you like the content. An SEL review would be very cool.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

The engine upgrades sound absolutely perfect for that car. With the right wheels and bodywork adornments, the SEC is easily one of the best looking and well proportioned cars ever of the modern era. Sacco's finest work. However the '70s Cadillacesque headlight surrounds and the elongated bumpers detract from the aesthetic of this particular vehicle. Anyway that W126 is a superb platform.

[@sultanqasim]

They look much better with European headlights.

[@herbrice8933]

One of my favorite cars!

[@abbashussain6390]

If in circa 1980's you asked Porsche to conceive and build a Rolls-Royce, the Mercedes benz W126 would have been the answer! Power without the temperament, imperial but measured. Over-engineered & nothing wasted. Germanic to a fault but also elegant in ways that neither its predecessor nor successor could manage. There is nothing quite like these cars: the chunk-sound made when closing the doors tells you that the minute you step in. The smooth power, effortless mile-eating ability, super-high quality interior which feels like it was hewn out of stone and serene silence has never quite been surpassed by Mercedes ever again. These really are truly the last great Benz's: engineered to perfection with no electrics to hide 'mistakes'. They will never be engineered, designed or built like this again!

[@Retromod]

Agree with everything you said.

[@bhaggen]

@Cornish Rider.....In the 80s Porsche was busy engineering & building the 500E for Mercedes;

[@joe6096]

The Mercedes W126 platform may be the finest automobile platform ever engineered in history. Period. It was an absolute perfect balance of everything everyone and anyone could want in a car: performance, comfort, quality, safety, luxury, style. It was style, comfort, and sophistication with performance and driving enjoyment. You felt dignified to be driving one of these and you were looked at with respect. Yet you could still have a blast driving it. Never mind the fact that with proper maintenance these engines could go for a half million miles and more. Mercedes has since gone way overboard in technology and gizmos and gadgets. They've left their roots far behind.

[@21stcenturyozman20]

Yep. Up until the early 90s, Benzes were truly great and reliable cars. Now they're all bling, far less reliable, and too expensive to maintain. Mine is a series 1 ('83) Euro spec 500 SEC.

[@davidraezer5937]

I share your same automotive opinions. MB got it right in the 80’s but has gone downhill since. I’m driving a 87 W126 that originally was not purchased to be a driver but as I drove the car I realized there was something special here. German Teutonic at its finest.

[@cptyoshi]

Excellent review, amazing footage and sound. I’m looking forward to getting my ‘87 500SEC out when some better weather arrives 🤙🏻

[@Retromod]

Thanks! 👍

[@swiper1818]

Great review👍👍👍

[@joseg5511]

Beautiful car, i have the four door version of this, but I'd trade it for the coupe in a heartbeat!

[@marcusthestarlord4936]

One of the best cars ever made

[@KH4444444444N]

I know. watch my videos.

[@ryanliao2131]

Love this channel! Excellent content man! 👍

[@Retromod]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@BlitzMekanika]

Just saw one today. I’m here, because doing research. 🙂

[@nadk8886]

How did it go? Did you go ahead with the purchase

[@spscorse]

I’m gonna say this you did a great job on that review makes me want to go buy one right now always loved this car it’s the baddest coupe ever made

[@nikitanik3334]

Love your content Keep it going😇

[@jimjawz]

Excellent review, bravo

[@Retromod]

Glad you liked it!

[@houseofno]

One of Mercedes' best coupes!

[@anonimushbosh]

The Venn diagram of people who own these superb cars and have great taste in wheels might exist.

[@raoulheinrichvonmerten4851]

Interesting on my 1990 560 I have the pleated door insert and on my 1982 500 I have is the perforated as shown. The seat belt presenters are really cool, sill work perfect on both my coups.

[@user-bx9dd7bd2t]

I think.they changed in 89.

[@deangale4496]

Great review , love the car too.

[@Retromod]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stuttgartclassics]

Hey Zach, great review and cheers for the Dkubus mention. We are super happy to see how Carobu have been building great cars with our tuning system parts and sway bars. Top video. Cheers from Australia 👍🤘

[@Retromod]

Thanks!

[@lamboferruccio]

I knew it as soon as I saw the thumbnail on my feed I knew DKUBUS was involved

[@steviewaichulis]

Great review of the 560SEC. I have a 91 mostly stock and love it... The first owner got the lowered Lorinser suspension and chromed RS-90 17" wheel package... I love driving it.

[@Retromod]

Thanks for watching.

[@DCJNewsMedia]

Ty so much. Very well done video. A ton of information. New sub. Chief

[@doczinger]

Nice review, I have a '90 some mods but mostly stock, just a great car to say you had one of the best once in your life.

[@aalhamer]

Noticed the licenses plate.. any change the owner is or was from Bahrain.. bigLOVE from the island of pearls! Represent Represent ✊🏽

[@ronaldneehao9723]

Great audit thanks very impressed new subscriber

[@Retromod]

Thanks!

[@douglasthompson9482]

A fabulous classic….one of my favourites.

[@patrickeverett324]

Some folks may not be aware,Was 2 versions of the 560,Standard at 300 bhp,hi output version had at least 350 bhp

[@alsix666]

Did the high output version have a special name to it or way of knowing it was a high output by looking at it?

[@1Reddd]

Slowly watching the prices on these go up and up before you're able to afford one is just pure torture, it's like a never-ending chase, every day my dreams become further and further from reality.

[@JoshBoadu]

I am sooo in love with this car

[@vdobrovo]

My dream car

[@user-bx9dd7bd2t]

My family had 4,selling one right now on New York City Craigslist,for almost nothing,it's smoke silver.Great informative video,looks like my brothers 88 black.My sister passed away,I have her 88 sea foam green sec in in storage .And I bought a nice 86 sky blue,one never picked up.Other than my 300 Sel 4.5,this is my fav,my 450 sl,came close,but nowhere near the room,or effortless power.The cat converter takes at least 60 HP away.Around town she loafs 2 tons of solid bank vault like gravity,but amazingly gets lighter and lighter above 85,just wants more and is seamless,she's rock steady yet precise and tossable.She eats up the miles,and when your parked,perfect proportions,elegant balanced,graceful,but powerful,not a bad angle in her.Retailed for 75,000 in 1988.Johnny Carson Rocky,Patrick Swyaze,Nicholas cage,all had them.Voted safest car in the world.I believe they made less than 29,000,of them from 1986-1991.They had class,and for 2 people a great relaxed comfortable ride.Also had a huge trunk,and with all the windows down and sunroof open,a magical special place to eat up the miles.It actually has a personality,not like the melted chocolate bar styling of so many so called autos of today.Simple to work on,and very reliable,just put in a new timing chain and guides.Great car and video,Thanks.

[@toni3432]

I got this car in the 1990 and it was a BEAST in this time and it is timeles coupe line was ever made...💯💥💥💥💥💨💨👍👍

[@Guitarwolfluke]

Just bought one myself

[@MW-zd2tj]

One of the coolest, scratch that. it IS the coolest

[@andrewnichols1023]

Totally well made and gangster as hell with amg wheels and tinted windows, lowered

[@DomWayne]

Good video

[@Roxak]

Manual Side mirror driver side is there because central mirror and side mirror passenger can be both be powered.

[@billy-rayvalentine9720]

The movie car of Big Shots 1987. The 1st time I ever saw this car❤

[@anilpatel5877]

I’m in two minds about getting one of these. I would have to sell my R129 SL to afford to buy it but watching this makes me want it 😅

[@Retromod]

They are pretty great, but so is the R129.

[@maxpower310]

In my opinion you should keep the r129. But the c126 is one of the few cars than can compete with the SL

[@OnDUBzProductions]

sounds great and looks great

[@kurtkaufman8508]

Amazing Car! I really appreciate your super deadpan delivery. Cheers.

[@Retromod]

Glad you like it!

[@JA-ui3gg]

cool content

[@sarwat18]

that is one cool motor, gangster to the core.

[@dmacontrols3539]

What do you think a 1989 560 SEC with the AMG wide body kit is worth? Overall its in good daily driving shape.

[@mercedestorque1735]

I'm convinced this is the coupe Gordon Gekko owned in Wallstreet 87' 😎

[@shawnperry2493]

Patrick Swayzes car in "Roadhouse". ❤

[@2gj906]

Big body Benzos is a vibe

[@harryandrades7149]

I want one!!!!!

[@benholtrop6483]

any additional info on suspension? I am thinking of a Bilstein B8 + H&R springs for my 560 SEC

[@Retromod]

All I was told is that it uses Bilstein HD shocks, H&R lowering springs, some custom rear bushings and the rear anti-roll bar from Dkubus in Australia. Carobu will have more info if you call or email them. www.carobu.com

[@eg3301]

Ive got b8 and H&R springs my 560 sec and it’s perfect

[@Lianne459]

I have a 90 SEC. It still drives like a new car. I love it

[@derekguitarmax9140]

I don’t know which I like more, the look or the sound of that thing!!

[@mohdkhedzir3996]

MB560 SEC STILL THE BEST CAR TO DRIVE!!!!!!I LIKE IT!!!!!

[@Jordan-ce7sf]

I've always wondered, does Merc actually sell replacement wiper blades for those headlights?

[@AWSum-uf4ri]

Had the 89 5 series, this was my dream inevitably

[@raoulheinrichvonmerten4851]

Really hard to get that door chrome even , I know been at it all day.

[@bhaggen]

Anything for a MB is available via Germany.....for a price; $500 plus shipping for the OE firewall insulation

[@MrRedcelica]

Mercedes has many cars to apprieciate early AMGs to modern and elegant luxury vehicles like the pagoda SL the, 300sel 6.3 1969 and also 79 450sel 6.9 and many more!!!!

[@lamboferruccio]

Love these old girls

[@Wargasm54]

Badass. Nothing really more to say.

[@brucewaynetumbla4476]

Man I want one😄,need to work hard...

[@sheldonm3535]

Damn this 560SEC is begging for Euro headlights. The clear corners are def cool. Surprised he's driving it in winter. I would be afraid of salt.

[@Retromod]

I was just testing it for the video, it's not mine. And there was no salt on the road at the time.

[@IndoJordy]

🔥

[@closer71]

Ha! Ha! Ha! Bruno Sacco is actually more respected, most revered, and most famous for designing the R129 - the car he himself declared his crowning achievement as an artist. Not the W126, though it is certainly a beautiful, stunningly timeless design, as well.

[@Retromod]

I didn't refer to him being "most respected" for the design of the the SEC, just that he designed it. I agree, the R129 is a stunning car. Thanks for watching!

[@stefmercs9810]

To this day, in his 80s, Bruno Sacco’s daily driver is a C126 560SEC, not an R129

[@closer71]

@@stefmercs9810 So what?

[@4120306]

I have the 560 but had always craved for the 129. Been looking for one. Not sure if it's just me but it feels like the interior of the 129 is of "cheaper" quality. The plastic (air vent, etc.)in the 560 still looks and feels solid after all these years. But the 129's look sun-damaged, kinda like the interior of newer Benzes. As beautiful as the 129 is, I'm starting to lose interest. Good for my wallet I guess.

[@user-bx9dd7bd2t]

@@stefmercs9810 You are right it was his favourite,perfectly balanced.The w140,that came after better mechanically,but heavy and unbalanced by comparison.

[@dizzbo]

This car came out 8 years before my parents were spending night outside of a shop to be in a lottery to purchase a Trabant.

[@errickdeniro8845]

Patrick Swayze had this in road house epic car classic movie

[@verdict1163]

"Tuner" Mercedes always end up weird. Classic Mercedes are excellent luxury cars, and some of the best cars ever made. They aren't sporty though, and will never be sporty, due to their recirculating ball steering, torque converter automatics, and overall weight. One of the few cars that are difficult to improve upon the factory spec.

[@martinsv9183]

No, they have great potential. I had a 560SEC AMG -86 20 years ago. Was fully rebuilt at factoy to an AMG in 1990. Never driven anything more stable on the highway since then. I drove it in one fo the worst storms Sweden has had in modern times, the kind where farmers woods were destroyed, at 100 mph and I never had to correct it the slighest for side wind. Could just feel the wind hit the car from the side like some person was kicking it or running into the side with full force. But I could still completely let go of the steering wheel. It wouldnt move one cm off course.

[@pllat0scave]

Toby Corbin, you are a wise man... so true... should be left unaltered... they have enough oumph... as they are, and uniqly balanced (Merc is the king in that).... any serious tuning attempt, seriously disturbs the car..

[@matthiasotto1926]

I believe that the Carubo mod is a very expensive way of giving the car more power. And you still have the old transmission. Instead, take a good used M119 engine with electronic fuel injection, aftermarket ECU and a 722.6 5-speed automatic transmission that can be locked in every gear with the e.g. Ole controller and you have a car with the same amount of horsepower, better torque curve, full emission compliant, and twice the gas mileage. You can easily do this for half the cost or less of the Carubo mod, which is the engine only. This is what I am doing with my 1987 560SEC. And change the suspension to Bilstein B4 with H&R springs and some 17" wheels with the correct 25mm offset. Leave the rest stock. It is a beautiful car. Who cares about the headlights?

[@zenjamin6262]

I got euro headlights for mind but still dint get why it's such a big deal. And I agree with you on the engine tranny swap

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@zenjamin6262 Needs bumpers too :)

[@martinsvensson6884]

Or you could just get the euro m117 with 300hp. I had one with AMG cams + headers and 320hp. So almost the same as the m119 5.0. Slighly more torque actually. 500Nm vs 480/470.

[@dennisbrookssr2903]

I am looking forward to your You Tube Video, of your 87 SEC, when you have it ‘Mercedes Updated and Upgraded’…I had the same basic thought a few years ago, when I heard of an 86 or 87, that was being advertised, with some serious mechanical issues…I owned a 1998 S500 for 18 years, an absolute dream to drive, I still miss it. I owned a 1991 SEC, in signal red over Palamino, which I planned to keep until my last days, but a reckless driver, hit me at a high rate of speed, and it was unrepairable 👎🏼 Miss it everyday.

[@ayelwin3179]

Which model???

[@mbeenz]

Brilliant Review! I’m Taking My 1990 560 SEC To the Grave with me !😂

[@darksaber7678]

These Merc SEC coupes just ooze presence and they’re not plasticy ,that’s why they’re cool as.

[@bizmyurt8582]

They are lightweight compared to today's cars.

[@shreejithsurendran5343]

Do you think the r171 will be a future classic

[@richardsilaghi5565]

My dad has a 560 sec 88 and I am 14 and he gave me this car as my first

[@henningpieterjordan7416]

Best Benz ever..😊

[@jskim8418]

Yes~~~I drive a five sixty S E C~~and when Im on the mike you gotta see me

[@dk4582]

Porsche KILLER

[@saccityprince]

The amg version is on my list, see them regularly going for $150k +

[@Retromod]

Yea, the AMGs from this era are getting some good numbers. Thanks for watching.

[@mihaivisovan5691]

This is an elegant car , a coupe for the boses , that mufler destroyed it!

[@aaronquy1968]

Beautiful benz!

[@deaddigits7204]

If can't afford this by 28 I'll have failed my childhood self

[@vahebaldemian]

What experience do you have with this vehicle?

[@deaddigits7204]

@@vahebaldemian none at all, that is what I'm tryna change

[@clkgtr12]

​@@deaddigits7204are you there yet

[@JerryDLTN]

Good looking car. The headlights look odd. The bezel around the headlights makes it look like a Dodge K-car from that time. I'd like the flush european headlights of the 560 SL

[@Oplix]

Look at the headroom in this thing. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh

[@toni3432]

And my was from 87 but i buy the car in 1990 from a lawyer for 42.000DM in this time.The new S Coupe is made in Memory of the 126coupe 💯💥💥💥👌👌

[@motorosso3349]

For all those Euro headlight/bumper guys, this car was not a final outcome. It was a Carobu Engineering development car so all the work/money went into the mechanical parts. It will be for sale at some point so the new owner can decide if they want to add other features. I am surprised that the appearance is such a big deal when the performance is what was changed. I guess that is the difference between the Cars and Coffee crowd verses the real drivers.

[@jimjawz]

Internal beauty is always more important

[@mesuesja80]

If you change the pistons and nothing else to increase the compression ratio you also decrease the cylinder volume!

[@Retromod]

They changed more than just the pistons. Car was very quick.