Three Ways This 90's Merc Is BETTER Than Your Modern Car

Three Ways This 90's Merc Is BETTER Than Your Modern Car - Mercedes C124 300 CE

Рет қаралды 104,057

Ай бұрын

Thought by many to be the best car in the world, this 34 year old Mercedes was their high point. Never again will a car be made and designed in this fashion but can it really be better than most modern cars?
Support NR27 And Get:
1. Members Only Monthly Live Chats 2. Priority Replies To Comments 3. Loyalty Badges
/ @number27

Пікірлер: 787

@Number27 Ай бұрын

Check out Rafe’s Instagram.. he’s a professional photographer - @rafeabrook

@Haffschlappe Ай бұрын

Please test a 1970 W108 280 SE sedan with ZF floorshift and 5 sped

@sakariaro530 Ай бұрын

Would be really interesting to have a comparison test between bmw e34 and merc w124 with comparable engines. 300E 24v/535i or 530i/300E 12v. Audi had nothing really comparable at that time. The thing with these carmakers at that time is that they had very distinct "personalities" as a marque and the cars were really quite different. That still sticks on them today altough the cars of today are almost characterless and very little sets them apart.

@grahamsmith2022 Ай бұрын

Is it better on the road than an equivalent Jaguar of that era as their road manners were supposed to be amazing?

@fortheloveofnoise9298 12 күн бұрын

I always think it is weird when Europeans refer to a Mercedes as a Merc...because as an American, when I hear that, I think Merc for Mercury....but I get it, that brand was never popular or even that well known in Europe.

@WBO-lp3cp Ай бұрын

Back when Mercedes meant something.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

Before the W210 Trash

@ukupunkrock3981 Ай бұрын

Funny how the 1990 "heavy" coupé is still 22% lighter than a 2024 E class sedan

@newbeginnings8566 Ай бұрын

Very simple .. the new model is much stronger, more rigid and has so much more safety built in... Today's Mercedes you'd potentially avoid the accident or if not walk away lightly injured . Pre 2000 you would have a lot less chance of survival even in a bigger Mercedes... Not saying I don't like older Mercedes..

@newbeginnings8566 Ай бұрын

Quite simple why it's heavier.... It's much safer, much more rigid and has much more sound insulation materials.. plus wheels and tyres are bigger.. it also has much more standard equipment...

@manekdubash5022 Ай бұрын

My W124 weighs 1400kg - not that many cars are so light these days.

@Shane-zx4ps Ай бұрын

@@newbeginnings8566I’m glad someone put these people straight who think older cars are better

@TenderNick Ай бұрын

Fantastic Car! One day one of those shall be mine! 😉

@fkrr5 Ай бұрын

Mercedes peaked in the 90's, before the Daimler-Chrysler merge

@tech9803 Ай бұрын

The W124 was the last model made to the old engineering standard before they started economizing to compete with Lexus

@BillLaBrie Ай бұрын

They de-contented through the 90s. It’s interesting to read about the discussions within MB at the time.

@acejktheboss1590 Ай бұрын

Precisely

@genericsomething Ай бұрын

Chrysler peaked at the same time.

@davidcontini7217 Ай бұрын

Actually, I think the W123 was built much better than the W124. I have owned both: a 300T turbodiesel SW and an E300 4matic petrol inline six SW. The 124 was quieter and had better road holding, but the 123 was a masterpiece.

@raistaparta Ай бұрын

Modern carmakers need to take a page from this platform to learn how to make a good suspension. No one needs hard, psudo-sporty, crashy suspensions on their daily drivers.

@Haffschlappe Ай бұрын

Well there is only China left

@knoxyish Ай бұрын

no they need big ugly panzerwagons rolling round every corner ! sorry not for me maybe middle eastern smarmy casino dwellers

@robertusga Ай бұрын

100% agree. I have been trying to find the equivalent of a oleopneumatic Citroen DS for decades. No luck with modern cars. Huge step backwards. Not interested in tablets and lane keeping assist. Unless it comes with fantastic suspension.

@paultasker7788 Ай бұрын

I have to agree. I've travelled in a few cars recently and each time I've been bounced about far too much. Peugeot 3008, my own golf estate mark 7, polestar 2, jaguar xf, Citroen C5 mark 2 (you'd expect better in a Jag and a citroen), a new shape Mercedes C class. I don't remember ever really noticing ride comfort that much in the 90s in our E34 and E39 5 series or our Ford Granada. Although the Granada wallowed badly on B roads. The rest didn't. The W124 taxi we had on an airport run impressed the most with it's sheer comfort. I do remember how quiet it was and it was a diesel. Of course the roads were also far better back then so I'm curious if it's the roads or harder suspension that makes travelling in the back now feels rougher than it used to.

@jimpomeroy9338 Ай бұрын

Nurburgring ruined these cars.

@michaelteret4763 Ай бұрын

Old cars are better, old houses are better…. Maybe even old people.

@geekandguide Ай бұрын

Old people definitely. Andy, 68.

@thegoldendog7991 Ай бұрын

Speaking for the build quality of my modern house… I agree.

@michaelmccann4706 Ай бұрын

The older I get the better I feel 👍

@nkenchington6575 Ай бұрын

films, music, community life,

@alastairward2774 Ай бұрын

Nah, my 1900s house is cold and poorly laid out, I'll skip forward a few decades.

@nagylevi3827 Ай бұрын

Absolute dream car. I could imagine getting old in one of these and driving it until my sight went away. Timeless design, exceptional quality, excellent road manners. Peak Mercedes.

@RafeAbrook Ай бұрын

Thanks for featuring my car Jack. For those wondering, the spec is interesting. The budget was blown on engine (300-24) and chassis (Sportline), with nothing left for metallic paint or air con! Just how it should be! It did come with leather, sunroof and alloys at least though! Crazy money for these when new. More than a Jaguar XJS!

@roccoblock4481 Ай бұрын

I was wondering

@RafeAbrook Ай бұрын

@@roccoblock4481 thanks son

@Shmee149 Ай бұрын

why paying extra for an auto though

@RafeAbrook Ай бұрын

@@Shmee149 auto wasn't any more expensive than the super rare manual box

@asdreww Ай бұрын

blimey I would have expected the S class coupe to be XJS money, surprised how much these were!

@albertofernandez-sanguino3373 Ай бұрын

This model, together with the SEC, are for me the epitome of quality and elegance - true grand tourers!

@davidcontini7217 Ай бұрын

The SEC was in another league. I honestly love the CE300, but the 560SEC is something different.

@HR_M10 22 күн бұрын

Add the R129 and 2015 on s class coupe to that list

@ExUSSailor Ай бұрын

I had a '90 300D with the ubiquitous 2.5L, 5 cylinder, turbo diesel. In the cabin, you'd have never guessed it was a diesel, because, it was as silent as a tomb. It was an ideal road trip car. Quiet, hugely comfortable, and, the diesel got 35 - 45 mpg.

@malcolmhardwick4258 Ай бұрын

Great engine !

@stephenmoutafis5587 Ай бұрын

Is this the definitive benz

@edwinblank58 Ай бұрын

You mean a 250D?

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

250d

@Sinnerboy88 Ай бұрын

@@edwinblank58 Not necessarily. There actually was a model "300D 2.5 Turbo" with the OM602 straight 5 turbo in some markets. 1990-1993 model years only. Chassis code was 124.128 if I'm not mistaken. What he says could be 100% correct. But yes, for the most part 250D generally means 2.5 straight-5 OM602 and 300D generally means 3.0 straight-6 OM603. Then in the later ones "E250 Diesel" meant OM605 (93-ish to 96-ish) and "E300 Diesel" meant OM606 (94-96) but there are some exceptions and there were some strange models with confusing badging. I have a bunch of old diesel Mercedes. Great old cars! Sadly getting harder to find. A lot of them exported to third world countries like North Africa etc. I was thinking of going over there with a few trucks, buying a bunch of the best ones and taking them home again. Probably be able to buy them there for next to nothing. A lot of the old Mercedes exist in Mauritania where an entire years wages is like £800. Very poor countries yet they have all these great old 80s and 90s Mercedes and all we got have crappy electric vehicles and modern Benz.. the era of affordable motoring is over in the West. I remember great cars like this for a few hundred quid. Now it's £20k for a used five year old hatchback that breaks down twice a month. Then in a few years we'll not even be able to buy new fuel cars. Just electrics. Sad times. I can't justify any of the modern cars nowadays.. they don't interest me and they cost too much. The only modern stuff that interests me is maybe AMG and I can't even justify the price or fuelling costs. So I just drive old Benz.

@SimonParkes-ud4jn Ай бұрын

I have a 1996 E320 Estate. 180,000 miles on the clock and we use it as our main car - all year round. It has the 7 seat option, which we also use as we have 4 children. One of the children is car sick - except in the Mercedes where the rear facing seat in the boot seems to solve the problem. Yes, we have the usual problems with rust in the front wings and the rear under the side windows. But spares are readily available, including direct from Mercedes. New wings aren’t expensive, most of the parts are pretty cheap and they are incredibly easy to work on. We have taken it to the South of France several times and use it regularly to head to mid France. Never a problem.

@marcelhandsome6042 Ай бұрын

Most Mercedes mechanics enthusiasts agree that the W124 is the model that will last forever unlike the new ones, I also think the W124 design hasn't been bettered since Mercedes nowadays doesn't look solid but looks tacky and disposable compared to the W124 they also don't have a strong Mercedes design language identity looking like most other cars.

@georgebettiol8338 Ай бұрын

Current MB cars have the same very poor quality plastics and rubber component issues as per the other German brands - which is very sad.

@AM-hk3uw Ай бұрын

One of the best features of many older cars like this is the visibility to look out of the car and see things. Have a look at many modern cars with small windows, thick pillars, small rear windows etc etc. Your camera shows just great the visibility is when you are driving along and one can see everything.

@monk3yboy69 Ай бұрын

My Nissan Ariya has massive pillars everywhere obscuring sight lines. To the rear , you have a rear view mirror which you can activate as the camera ….get to see a nice big view behind you of what’s going on while you are driving. Utterly distracting . These older cars …..perfect .

@saturupiah5940 8 күн бұрын

You’re spot on. Will never part with our 80 series Landcruiser because of things like visibility and ironically old Benz build quality.

@jp6975 Ай бұрын

I'm 55 and will retire in 5 years. I've wanted a cabrio sport line one of these for many years. I've actually started looking for one in readiness for giving up the lease car and then easing into retirement. Wonderful cars

@jonathanhorner8709 Ай бұрын

No need to look for a sportline IMHO, E320 Cabrios are nicer to drive on UK pot holed roads and have less tendency to tramline on cambered roads.

@rafaellastracom6411 Ай бұрын

Peak Mercedes Benz. The cars they produce today are a disgrace on what was once a guarantee of quality and prestige.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

The W211 and W212 are pretty good.

@robinkirke1702 Ай бұрын

i drive a W126 every day. Better bit of kit than any modern thing , miles ahead. Top stuff. Much agreement with Jack here.

@monk3yboy69 Ай бұрын

Not jealous at all……..🙁

@kylemansfield3630 Ай бұрын

Yep I have both 126 with a 606 and 2 w124s they are the best and I worked for Honda and Toyota and other companies nothing better then the MBZ

@fxdx68 Ай бұрын

I own and use everyday a C124 CE24 "sportline" since 1991.

@graemetaylor4149 Ай бұрын

Much better than any modern Mercedes. I have owned 6 Mercs since the mid '90's, C class, E class and now CLA and they get progressively worse. The CLA is my last one but would swap for a W124 in a heartbeat.

@Wit2344 Ай бұрын

It is a safe car. I had a rollover in W124, broke one tree and I was just fine. Went for a beer after that

@ericdunn555 Ай бұрын

Was the tree okay? Asking for a friend, obvs.

@ericdunn555 Ай бұрын

"Went for a beer ... " Well, why not; who wouldn't? Gotta love the 1990s.

@paulriggers1558 Ай бұрын

"went for my 7th beer" probs...

@michaelmccann4706 Ай бұрын

Was it German beer?

@Wit2344 Ай бұрын

@@paulriggers1558 4th...

@snakeplissken1754 Ай бұрын

The era where mercedes was run by engineers not accountants. So the cars ended up overengineered, with outstanding build quality and love for detail. What made the brand great. Nowadays its run by accountants, that nickel and dime every single part build in to make it as cheap as possible... the sad conclusion : Cars are not what they used to be.

@john1703 Ай бұрын

Bit like Boeing?

@georgebettiol8338 Ай бұрын

Agree - what's more the current MB cars have the same very poor quality plastics and rubber component issues as per the other German brands - which is very sad.

@michaelbacon561 Ай бұрын

Yes, the problem is that in their zeal to save money they cheapen the important parts and compromise reliability. A Toyota on the other hand might not have the plushest interior or the flashiest of gadgets but its mechanicals will be far better and longer lasting.

@kristoffer3000 Ай бұрын

Capitalism goes BRRRRR

@duncanrichardson2167 5 күн бұрын

Unlike Lexus

@timewilltella39 Ай бұрын

They look so nice with a set of AMG monoblocks on them

@chrisfrancis4478 Ай бұрын

I've had 3: a 300-24 Sportline and two 220s. I use my current 220 as my everyday car. The 300 was slightly quicker but gave 25mpg; the 220's return 34mpg. I don't miss the 300 performance because it is not a sports car; it is a supremely comfortable, stylish and relaxed cruiser. The fit and finish of everything and attention to detail is awe-inspiring. The boot is cavernous and the rear seats comfortable for adults.

@mercmush Ай бұрын

I owned the bigger brother to the C124 which was a 1984 C126 500 SEC. I had that car for almost 6 years and still have dreams that I own it. It was a fabulously enjoyable car to own and in the end I ended up getting another 5 w126s but they were all saloons. At the time I thought that maintenance was costly but after owning a w220 & a w222 I've changed my mind. As you say these cars were still machines without all the computerised gubbins to annoy you when things go wrong. One last thing which I know others have already mentioned is that a modern car is not necessarily safer than a pre-merger Mercedes, cars like the w123,124,126,140 and others that they made before it all went wrong are still very safe cars in any era.

@rahulmandala4930 Ай бұрын

My favorite of the W126 range has to be 300SD. As much as I love the higher end 500 and 560 variants, there is just something about those 300SD that is just sheer motoring perfection. The interiors are just beautifully built, tight, and high quality as if you're in a cozy living room in a mansion. Paired to what is arguably one of the most indestructible engines out there along with transmissions that keep going. It's not uncommon to see these cars with millions of km's. Modern Mercedes can learn so many things from old school Mercedes.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

That's utter nonsense, each generation of car is safer than the last. Please don't buy into the '80's cars were the pinnacle of safety' myths. A W210 although q badly made car is much safer than a W123 or 124.

@simonhodgetts6530 Ай бұрын

Of course it is - it’s a 1990s Mercedes! Hewn from solid! I also maintain that the 90s represented peak car - most cars launched since, and especially now are just tinkering at the edges, or adding more silly tech. A 1990s Merc is a well engineered, well built and exquisitely well designed car.

@lolitapitpong3826 Ай бұрын

I seriously doubt the automatic gearbox is as smooth as modern ones. Probably doesn’t brake as well either, and less safe, less mpg. Many legitimate reasons to buy modern cars

@jasonknight5863 Ай бұрын

The king of Mercedes Build quality. The newer ones past the year 2002 are absolutely a joke to their former generation Mercedes. If you want gadgets buy a new smart phone 📱 every year. I’ve had 6 of these W124 and the 190E 2.3 and 2.6. (too under powered) but even though I now have a 95’ W124 E320 and a 95’ 320TE along with a 99’ SL500. I will never part with them. So satisfying to drive, comfortable and well built. If it sways too much the miles are high and the bushings and rubbers need to be replaced.

@EyesWideOpen61 Ай бұрын

1995 I say

@fkrr5 Ай бұрын

I have a 1998 E320, love it

@AlienLivesMatter Ай бұрын

Benz bought by deuche bank after 1990. W124 last real benz

@georgebettiol8338 Ай бұрын

@@EyesWideOpen61 Agree - that's when the MB engineers were side-lined and the 'bean-counters' took total control.

@kristoffer3000 Ай бұрын

All E-classes have been great actually, sure not as overbuilt as the 123 and 124 but still extremely reliable with 1 million km's without major work is far from unheard of

@mkadair Ай бұрын

This car is on my list to buy as a cars and coffee car. These cars were great. I owned a 1979 280 CE and drove it for over one hundred thousand miles. These cars are fantastic!

@Number27 Ай бұрын

Totally agree.. much missed!!

@markrossow6303 25 күн бұрын

my folks had a W123 300TD (T = Turnier = "wagon" / 'estate') Solid at 100 mph as I can confirm ! They took it to Seoul and took it back to Gießen West Germany; drove it to West Berlin

@mrmarcuscars2072 Ай бұрын

I own a 230ce -91. 156,000km. all original blue metallic, blue textile interior. Manual gerabox. It is not fast but a great car to cruise around in. Very relaxing to drive home after a day at work.

@Shane-zx4ps Ай бұрын

Mercedes stopped making quality built cars in 1990 then Lexus took over their quality build mantle

@sannyfolkesson2226 Ай бұрын

and mercedes ceo looked at chryslers craftmanship and saw they selling theri cars in millions and decided people probrably dont care for quality

@Shane-zx4ps Ай бұрын

@@sannyfolkesson2226 Bad decision on the CEOs behalf, quality never goes out of fashion.

@TimSlee1 Ай бұрын

But the car in this video is a 90's Mercedes.

@Shane-zx4ps Ай бұрын

@@TimSlee1 the old merc E230 and the 190E were great cars

@Wargasm54 Ай бұрын

I’ve had 6 Mercedes since my old W124. Including monster V8 models and an AMG. But man I miss my old W124. What an absolute gem of a car. And yeah, I loved the large single “sea monster” wiper blade. 😂 Just a brilliant machine.,

@huwprice881 Ай бұрын

Such a fabulous comfy car. I drive new cars all the time with my job, and they're just soulless and dull by comparison. Thanks.

@kylemansfield3630 Ай бұрын

Real talk

@peterdevreter Ай бұрын

My most favorite Benz off all time. Drove a 24v for a while and that thing was built like a tank. These cars still look good!

@mattbutters9567 Ай бұрын

I absolutely agree with this. I've got a 190E, and it's beautiful to drive in every way.

@jddarnes1131 Ай бұрын

I agree! Cars which try to feel sporty give a rough ride and are frustrating most of the time. After many cars like this I bought a Lincoln Towncar Cartier L and for the first time in my life I wanted to drive slower and more smoothly. It was so relaxing to be in I didn’t want to arrive at my destination early.

@marcelhandsome6042 Ай бұрын

The estate version W124 also was probably the best estate car ever made!

@CharlesW-wz3sc Ай бұрын

Great video Jack. I added 200,000 miles to a 30,000 mile W124 (300D) over 12 years and it still drove like new when I (stupidly) parted company after rust attacked the front wings. I used to drive between Norfolk and Scotland every fortnight and a more comfortable long distance car you could not find

@DrRussell Күн бұрын

Late Father had a 94 2.8 straight six W124. Very smooth, a little thirsty and recirculating ball steering was not particularly tight and responsive but it doesn’t matter. I loved that car and she possibly saved my life in an accident once.

@qba269 Ай бұрын

i've got a saloon. very good purchase. it stays with me forever.

@mrdainase Ай бұрын

MB went seriously backwards in lots of ways after this E-Class.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

Agreed, the W210 is safer, but that's about it

@leebedford7750 Ай бұрын

I had a brand new Mercedes A class A200 in 2020 and I loved it.............. for about 6 weeks. I genuinely developed leg and back problems because of it. The alcantara seats look amazing with red stitching but my god do they annoy you after the novelty has worn off. On long journeys id have to stop at services just to get out and walk around. old cars, that doesn't happen. my neighbour has a H reg c class he bought for £2000 and its absolutely beautiful. I still love Mercedes and I'm going to buy a Mercedes s class in 3-4 months like a 2009 or 2010 model. Very comfortable, well built, look amazing, double glazed, heated massaging seats etc all for £5000 ish Ive got a van I drive all day so a car is just for evenings and weekends.

@Grimwriggler Ай бұрын

W124 are perfect for a daily driver i was given an ex taxi on over 1 million km 4 years ago and it is still running fine

@pavelnecas3018 Ай бұрын

Btw the two level bonnet can be put up and down with just one person - if you go from left side first. Also, when you open the trunk, and pull back on the truck light switch button, it will turn off the trunk light (good for servicing, cleaning, not for it to eat battery).

@mikaelterdell1177 Ай бұрын

One thing I absolutely love about your videos is that you almost always put in a section about price. It's always interesting to hear your thoughts and to me it feels well researched. Now I live in Sweden so the prices aren't the same here, but still interesting! Thank you very much Jack!

@alexandermills382 Ай бұрын

33 year old ‘91 200 D, 304K km, owned it from 30 km. Perfect for Norway, nil acceleration, only 1 minor speeding fine over the last 20 years, and amazingly, £120 per year road tax and insurance for a “veteran car”, on long journeys in summer, 46mpg!! Now will an EV.

@ChristerByklum Ай бұрын

I own a 1990 300CE, a 1987 230CE, and a 1996 E220T. Absolutely love them. Have also had two sedans, a1990 230E and a 1990 300E. Last year I drove some 1100 km in one go, wasn’t even tired after the long drive.

@divad23 16 күн бұрын

The cut line of the boot to the rear lights, is a detail I also love about this model.

@jtreut Ай бұрын

80s and 90s BMWs and Mercs were some of the best cars ever made.

@bapr3887 Ай бұрын

90s are AUDI Piech era. 80s Mercs yes, in particular mighty w201/190.

@romanobezuidenhout7506 Ай бұрын

Great video as always. The w124's party trick is potholes! They absolutely brilliant at it compared to most other cars.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

Agreed

@somebloke5565 Ай бұрын

Yup, he's right. A W124 or a 90s Volvo. I favour the Volvo purely because they don't rot. A W124 is a close second or first if they were as rot-free.

@kylemansfield3630 Ай бұрын

Agree to disagree volvo wagon nice especially the 850R but not as comfortable as the S124 wagon imho and on the west coast we don’t get rot

@famousutopias 5 күн бұрын

Volvo 850 turbo wagon was peak Volvo too!

@jmbpinto73 Ай бұрын

I have a w124 and a w201, both drive and handle wonderfully. I had an electric car, and it broke down beyond repair (power electronics) but I'm glad i kept the old Mercedes diesel, it feels it can last forever, if adequate maintenance is provided. The suspension is wonderful, even by today standards. Modern electric steering is silly, while those older steering communicators with the driver, while turning effortlessly. Has powerful brakes with ABS and it works just fine.

@andreashoegl5381 Ай бұрын

I only can second that. I have a 93 320CE with tons of options, bought first hand from Switzerland with no corrosion. Was more than 20000 pounds after taxes (on the continent the tend to be more expensive) but no regrets. At all. My car. As i youngster i already did admire it.

@colinbradbury2334 Ай бұрын

I had one of these when I was living in Hong Kong. Paid the equivalent of about £2,000. Still one of the best cars I have ever owned. The build quality is off the charts and there aren’t many better places to be if you are sitting in a traffic jam in the tunnel from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island! Seriously tempted to look for another one now I’m back on the UK.

@concordelounge Ай бұрын

I had a 300TE-24 - The estate model. When it worked it was fantastic, but it had done 220,000 miles, and it would constantly break it very expensive and exciting ways. Even so I remember it fondly. Despite the mileage the interior was like new, and the engine was smooth and powerful. I liked the nice little touches, such as the central sun visor or the panel between seats and centre tunnel that prevented anything being dropped down there. I also liked the boot that was big enough to fit a fridge-freezer in.

@peterstokes8631 Ай бұрын

Hi, I was lucky enough to have the 300TE-24 new in 1990, covered 100,000 in 3 years. Only issue was an oil leak which dealer sorted. My favourite car of all time, supremely comfortable, brilliant interior. 10 years on I had a second hand CE, preferred the TE, but the CE had the extra hear in the box which was the one thing missing from the TE.

@slippinjimmy2149 Ай бұрын

I love my 300 TE-24 although the 7000 rpm is a bit incongruous.

@kylemansfield3630 Ай бұрын

My 1994 has 300k and going strong 💪

@Calilasseia Күн бұрын

These were built in the era when Mercedes cars weren't so much assembled, as hewn from solid metal. This era of Mercedes genuinely gives that impression, because the cars were built to outlast their owners. Some examples of the models from this era in the German home market have racked up, wait for it, over a million miles. Quite simply, they are rock solid. Look after them and they run forever.

@_Wiseguy7 17 күн бұрын

The W124 is the car that in my experience is the closest thing to a Nokia phone if it was a car. Back in the mid 2000's, my dad bought a 1989 200E with the newer 220 engine in it. Once on a family road trip, the engine chipped a valve and was shaking really bad. My dad decided to limp the car as far as he could and somehow managed to drive it 200km home without any other engine issue. He realised that if he cruised at about 60km/h or higher the engine would smooth out as if nothing happened, albeit slightly down on power, running on only 3 cylinders an all. Till this day, I've never been in car that's as well put together and as indestructible feeling. I've been in newer luxury cars and nothing compares.

@kennethfich5225 Ай бұрын

Had a 300D W124 ... the very best car ever. Drove 440.000 miles before I sold it.. never had a day it didn't run. Exceptional buildquality, comfortable, the extras you need, good mileage and such a perfect beautiful design. It was called the most perfect and beautiful car ever made - and I truly believe that. Oh.. how I do miss my 300D.

@grayfool Ай бұрын

Couldn't agree more Jack. Mercedes went down hill since this model. I would love a 300 Estate.

@hughoxford8735 Ай бұрын

The only manufacturer making anything like this today is Lexus as far as I can see.

@Wasabi9111 29 күн бұрын

Nah. Lexus peaked in the 90s/early 00s. Not sure if there’s any modern day car equivalent as everything is a about tech nowadays.

@MrSysadmin1975 2 күн бұрын

Had c124 coupe in mid 2000s until it was stolen and found after 3 years in a state, I refused to take it back. It was 2.3 manual, and I'd say, that engine was sufficient. It was still comfortable at 220kmh, and magically, it's 2.3 engine had less average fuel consumption than my 190E 1.8. Probably, the best car I've ever had, I can only imagine, how C320 or bigger-engined model drives... Now I'd steer away from KE-Jetronic models, no one is able to fix it's problems properly, at least in my region.

@wernerdanler2742 Ай бұрын

I loved the monowiper on my 2001 e320. It made no noise on the windscreen, unlike duals on almost any car I've had. The seal at the base is a bit of a pain to replace, and you need to put the proper grease on the sliding portion periodically.

@denizfrench6790 Ай бұрын

What a nice video about old Benzes👏🏼Thank you very much for making this video Jack🙏🏼 Greetings from London :)

@timcarpenter2441 Ай бұрын

I have the wagon 2.8 and they are an absolute joy to drive and are capacious yet slim vs today’s dirigibles. They eat the miles on motorways or A roads but are composed and a delight on the twists, where the aim is smoothness and flow. The seats are superb for long journeys. I would also love a coupe too. The S class version is a bit too big for London.

@VolkswagenNut1969 29 күн бұрын

These were absolutely the peak of Mercedes. I still drive my two early 90s Volvo 900 series cars. Same story. They’re comfortable, everything works, everything feels quality, and I drive 30,000-40,000 miles a year. Not only do they refuse to die, they refuse to even be bothersome.

@kevmagill5163 Ай бұрын

One of my favorite old Mercs, thanks for sharing, Rafe and Jack!

@crazeeplaya Ай бұрын

I keep coming back to this car on Car and Classic

@landingeagle6144 17 күн бұрын

I concur, what a beautiful car! I never had the opportunity to own one, but this E Class (nicknamed "The Envelope") in South Africa made love Mercedes. My first car was thus a 2002 C320, 32L V6 naturally spirited engine. The thing is real quick and once I did Johannesburg to Durban via the N3 in two and half hours!! My second car was another C320. Overtakes everything on the road, absolutely reliable. You service the car you enjoy peace of mind. Currently I drive the W203 C270 CDI and a W204 C220 CDI. I am no longer that speed freak of yesteryear, but be warned don't try me on the road you shall see stars. The old Mercedes are even popular with the underworld who commit heists as they use them to ram the money truck out of the road!

@chriskappert1365 22 күн бұрын

Thats what made the Rover 75 so good , no frustration because no NEED to hurry .

@Gr8thxAlot Ай бұрын

A drag coefficient of .30 is still amazing. That's as good or better than most sports cars of the era.

@damianl3 Ай бұрын

My best friend for Uni, his mother had a 300CE, the 12v L6 in the early ‘90s. We got to take it out a few times. It was beautiful to drive and ride in.

@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad Ай бұрын

"Truly built like no other car"

@knoxyish Ай бұрын

or really just as badly built but more money makes you think your getting german engineering you have heard of jerry built havent you?

@malcolmlane-ley2044 Ай бұрын

@@knoxyish Such ill informed gibberish, go and drive one before you make such comments.

@martinsvensson6884 Ай бұрын

@@knoxyish Where did you get that from lol.. some alternate reality? :) It wasnt just that you could feel how much more solid it was compared to all the other brand. The w124 also on avarage had the most miles on them of A-L-L car brands on the market before junked.

@TheInstructor66 Ай бұрын

@@martinsvensson6884 Your very correct. You can still see them as taxi’s around the world. And alot of them in the middle east and Africa. Im a Alfista and have a 1969 1300 gt junior, but i would easy say that the W124 must be on the top 10 (or maybe top 5) most rugged and best build cars in history.

@simonhodgetts6530 Ай бұрын

The only other car I think of that is as well built is the Volvo 240

@andrewbarton8525 Ай бұрын

Love your vids and am a Merc nut. Just a few points. 1. The w201 mercedes 190 was the first to have the 5 point multilink rear suspension. The same suspension arms were used on the w124 and w202. Right up to the w208 clk. 2. Same for the wiper. Though I think the SEC might have had that even earlier? Not sure. Again, the last to have it is the clk w208 I think.. 3. The engine in your car is a very special engine with a very interesting history. The m104.980 3 ltr 24 valve was a knee jerk reaction to bmw launching their 24 valve straight 6. Mercedes took the design from the 190e 2.3 Cosworth. Slapped two more cylinders in the middle and stuck it in the w124 and r129 sl. That's why it has a two step vvt and revs to 7.5k. They replaced it with the 3.2 straight 6 less that 2 years later that produced less power ( 217 against 240) but better low torque and rev limited to 6000 rpm . A more merc engine than the m104.980. 4. Try getting an ignition control unit for an m104.980! They were a limited run modified bosch unit for a v8. Siemens also made some. All were bought by mercedes. A new one is over 2000 quid and second hand ones are over 800. 5. Safety is not an issue if you are inside the car. For pedestrians or any car that hits you or you hit? Not so good. Keep doing the do fella. Great vids.

@Thomas-ul3uy Ай бұрын

I've seen some Mercedes of this era in salvage yards that had taken some hard hits. The doors that would open, still opened like new. One 4 door, that was hit on the right front wheel mostly and right front door/side, the door intruded some into the seat, but passenger still would've been safe. Amazingly built, safe car indeed.

@smxlad Ай бұрын

Stunning. My mother had exactly the same model and colour. This video took me back to happier times Thank you

@algeniscorrea187 Ай бұрын

My dad had one same color combination as that one. I fell in love with the c124. They're truly built like tanks and feel very modern to drive. Would make for a great reliable daily driver.

@peterbustin2683 Ай бұрын

3:40 Still looks great today. Wasnt sure about the colour, but it actually really suits it.

@Sinnerboy88 Ай бұрын

My heart sinks when I see these kind of videos about cars I want. I worry that it will put the prices up before I get one. Best kept secret!

@peterdrake8392 Ай бұрын

Brilliant video, recently subscribed and really enjoying it!! Now trying to persuade my mrs that a 90s Mercedes would be a better bet than our newish Japanese saloon!

@ryanmccormick2150 Ай бұрын

90's when Mercedes-Benz was a quality product! Unlike what they offer today! Cracking stuff as always Jack buddy 👍

@gregkirkpatrick2 Ай бұрын

I had this model and enjoyed owning it for years. Nothing ever went wrong. I agree the seats over a long distance left something to be desired, but in all other respects it was a lovely car

@exgtt2061 Ай бұрын

A friend had a 300ce-24v for many years. Sportline 2 tone - like a graphite over grey. I’d love to find that car now. It was the bollocks for many years. They go well at higher motorway speeds. Everything is perfect, even the tilted electric aerial. So much style. I think v8 asides, the 300-24v motor was pick of the bunch.

@EyesWideOpen61 Ай бұрын

Sportline was a really nice car

@jpgmccabe Ай бұрын

The Manual 300CE 24V Sportline was the version I choose. A light silver blue over a graphite. It's not perfect, but a beautiful car.

@EyesWideOpen61 Ай бұрын

@@jpgmccabe that sounds lovely

@exgtt2061 Ай бұрын

@@jpgmccabe Wow never knew they did a manual. Must be uber rare these days. Sportline, monoblocs, light interior 👌

@YangGQ Ай бұрын

Great Video - Preaching to the converted. Over 20 years - I had 4 x W124 Saloons. 1998cc 8V. 2x190E, C200 Sport Estate, W210, SLk230, Now: W460 (1984) W126 280SE (1984) and this month.... a proper 1989 W124 260E Saloon. Road taxes forced the 1998cc decision. But now I changed country so 260E was bought. Great Car. Will last for another 20 years no problem... or until gas runs out.

@Vincentofvega Ай бұрын

Always loved these and am forever looking at the classifieds but never bitten the bullet; one day! Great video, thanks for posting.

@jamesmillington2001 12 күн бұрын

No blank switches on the dashboard in this era of Benz. They made hundreds of different wood pieces to accommodate all the permutations of options. Everything was an option back then and finding a car with everything you want can be a struggle (Its hard to live without AC and heated seats on a daily driver once you've had them).

@eastbaystreet1242 Ай бұрын

It was one of the most "tight" cars I have ever bought - the 500E, got it brand new: $84,000 in 1994!! Jack says "vault-like". It really was. And my standards were high - I was buying V12 Mercs and BMWs. My 2017 AMG S-Class is similarly well-built, but few other cars are. PS: you could have taken your dad on this ride and I would have been happy to see his kind face. All the best, Jack.

@ranjanaluwihare1511 Ай бұрын

W124 the old adage “ Form follows function!” Absolute gem of the last Benz engineering at their best! Wonderful! Thanks Jack! 🙏🏽🌹

@dryjointdave Ай бұрын

I have a 1993 (94 facelift model) E320 coupe. Only use it for road trips/weekends away, which it does comfortably, and it doesn't depreciate

@AlBeZed Ай бұрын

I absolutely agree, I had a 1992 MB 320TE everything spot on, equal or even better suited to meet today's requirements, except for the gadgets. A modern car has become a fast moving consumable. Use it, then throw it away. Depreciation creeping up from behind. Overengineered, too expensive to run, too heavy, too shiny, constantly beeping for mostly no reason, with useless performance in daily traffic. Planned obsolescence the well hidden quality. If it's broken, don't fix it. Won't find spares anyway and/or a mechanic able, willing and allowed to do it. If that carbon thing was really an issue, developments in the car industry (due to regulations) would have to be considered absolutely stupid. Very stupid, like trying to cool the kitchen by leaving the fridge door open.

@jabberwockytdi8901 Ай бұрын

Those things are solid and mostly repairable. The early 90's was the last time german automotive engineers got to design stuff with more consideration of functionality and durability than marketing wonk, overly empowered bean counters and tougher and tougher emissions/fuel consumption standards that are so far down the path of diminishing returns that the added cost/complexity has long since ceased to be significantly beneficial vs. the effect on reliability and durability. It's not just EV's that are becoming economic right off's for repairable but unaffordable problems at a relatively low mileage.

@thereallotharmatthae Ай бұрын

Loving it and great review! Greetings from the German Rhineland

@andrewfwallace4582 Ай бұрын

So very true, I purchased an immaculate for 2004 CLK 320 Cabriolet, it drives perfect, better than I every could have imagined, view out is excellent, steering, brakes and engine, superb, seriously going to change my 2015 Kadjar for the CLK coupe.

@MrMartinjohnstone Ай бұрын

Another awesome vid cheers Jack. I bought a w124 diesel estate years ago for £800 to shift some stuff about. It had over 1/4 million miles on it, had obviously had a hard life but it still drove amazingly well. Slow as toffee but sooooo good to drive. No silly electronic or gadgets to go wrong, just get in, drive and enjoy! Drove it for couple years and then it got sold to a local builder. It's prob still hard at work somewhere 💪

@davidcontini7217 Ай бұрын

I remember seeing a golden 300CE parked in front of the Bmw factory In Obertraubling. It must have been the Summer of 1987. The coupé was brand new and it was the first time I had actually seen one in real life. In front of the BMW plant!

@Strangelove101 27 күн бұрын

Dad had the 4-door sedan version and I drove it as my first car in the 90s, exceptional engineering and quality, an absolute pleasure to drive .... had great memories, especially in the back seat.

@jackburtonstwin Ай бұрын

I was friends with a couple who ran a private hire care company and who's entire fleet was W124 Mercs diesels (and W123 before that). The cars were well maintained and ran up absolutely astronomic mileages. We're talking moon and back mileages. In spite of this the cars were always solid, comfortable and ran without a trace of complaint. Modern Mercedes just don't hold a candle to these cars.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

The W212 was probably the last quality Mercedes

@georgebettiol8338 Ай бұрын

@@user-sf7kl9uh7k The W212 was OK but did suffer some pesky issues - such as a wiring insulation that had a tendency to degrade and break - which then generated a host of 'red-light dash' gremlins.

@user-sf7kl9uh7k Ай бұрын

@@georgebettiol8338 Oh that's annoying, I hadn't realised. Actually...now you say that I did know someone who had issues with O2 sensor wiring. Maybe the best E was the W124, or maybe a post 09/03 W211.

@paulstansfield8693 Ай бұрын

Hi Jack, the 300 24V was a rare car when new. The power unit was available in the early model SL’s, super rare in solid red. I owned two, one in silver with black leather, second dark navy blue beige leather. Regrettably we will never see the like again

@goldmanz4852 Ай бұрын

Great video, Great Audio.... all successs to you and your efforts

@berwhaletheavenger Ай бұрын

Ride quality, fixability, all round vision, no depreciation, simple controls allied to decent performance and road manners. The 190E had the clever rear suspension first. The 12v engine is a bit more durable and the M111 four fitted to E220's is a very good engine.

@peterjanvanbijnen226 Ай бұрын

the w201 was the first with the multilink system

@Haffschlappe Ай бұрын

Made from Chinese steel

@SBT300 Ай бұрын

@@HaffschlappeNonsense.

@ianelliott229 Ай бұрын

In 1994 I bought a new 6 cylinder saloon and loved it except for the slowness of the gearbox - at busy London roundabouts, had to press the brake pedal and slightly rev the engine to load up the torque converter otherwise you’d never get a big enough gap in traffic.