Its not a sports car and was never designed as such! I've had 8 W124's in my 34 years on the road and despite many Range Rovers, a Volvo or two, 2 big Fords and all sorts of other nonsense, I keep coming back to these outstanding Mercs. Although getting rare in good order, they will just keep giving. There are many examples around the world with over a million miles on the clock and many of these are Taxis. You have to ask the question why!!!! We will never ever see build quality like this again. They are not faultless (biodegradable wiring harness!) but unless you can afford a new car with a long extensive warranty and also like looking like every other car on the road, the W124 has no equal (in my opinion). They have character, great road manners, a dependable, relaxed aura and are as comfortable and poised as you could possible want. An estate version will swallow wardrobes and fold totally flat, a cabriolet will make you feel like every journey in the sunshine is in Monaco. Get adventurous people, ditch the dross and the mundane and go find a slice of automotive history. Sermon over!

I would appreciate a tour of the cabin in these reviews.

Now THAT's a proper Mercedes.

A thirty minute drive in W124 will tell you nothing about the model. You need to own one and use it throughout a year's driving cycle before you get to appreciate the car's full capabilities.

The last of the great hand built cars! I own two, 1994 E320 Sedan and 1995 E320 Cabriolet. These are by far the best cars ever produce. Anyone who's ever driven in a W124, the first thing they'll tell you is how smooth the car drives, you don't feel the transmission shift the slightest bit. Thanks for making the video, JayEmm.

Built before the accountants took over.

From the days when Merc were engineered like no other car

I bought my 1995 E320 Coupe in 2005 with 85K miles. The oil gets changed every 3K miles and my next oil change will be due at 320K miles. It's my daily driver and I intend to reach a million miles one day. High mileage is a badge of honor, literally, as I am due for my second High Mileage Certification grille badge noting 500K km to accompany my 250K km grille badge. May the star shine brightly!

I had an E420 that was decently quick, and out of almost 60 cars owned, was in the top 5 cars I've owned. Bullet proof reliability, and when it was hit by an intoxicated driver going over 60, I walked away without bleeding at all. That car was a lovely drive, classy, didn't have a bunch of "dealer only parts" like my E430, which wasn't as good. It's a car from the days when the luxury was not only in feature count, but in thoughtfulness, durability, the quality of materials, and the quality of construction, all areas where my V8 powered w124 not only excelled, but was the standard all vehicles wished they could achieve. The tooling was even sold off to a Korean car company I believe, because it was just far too good to just die. I'd have another without a second thought.

The first E-Class was the W114/115 chassis series launched in the late '60s, 2 generations prior to this one, though Mercedes-Benz had been making mid-size cars since the '50s, if not before, with the Ponton series and the Fintail. These are amazingly capable cars, a friend of mine has a 1986, very early model, W124 300TD, so 5-cylinder naturally-aspirated diesel (we never got the factory turbo-diesel in the UK as the turbo sat where the steering column went in right-hand drive models) with the estate body, which his dad got as a company car and collected from Mercedes-Benz UK in Milton Keynes. The car has been in constant, high mileage use all its life, bar about 6 months after he inherited it when his dad died when he put it into a Merc specialist for a renovation as it was looking a little tatty. The engine had never been taken apart in the car's life, and only had routine servicing and parts replacement over its life and still ran without fault but he wanted to cure a small weep of oil from the head gasket area which the car had had since it was about four years old, so they pulled the engine out and pulled it apart. After just over 850,000 miles they could still see the honing marks in the cylinders from when the engine was originally built. The gearbox, unusually for a UK car the 5-speed manual unit, and diff just had the inspection covers removed for inspection and were deemed still well within factory tolerances so they were re-used with just oil changes and new external seals for the sake of preventative maintenance. In the 2 years the car has been back on the road, now looking like brand new again, the car has racked up another 100,000 miles on his daily commute from Gloucestershire to Didcot and back again, returning the low 30s mpg. The interior on that car, in black MBTex, needed nothing during the refurbishment other than a thorough clean. It's not surprising the diesel W124 was Europe's favourite taxi during its life and well beyond, and there still are plenty of them plying their trade in Spain...

James, I know the reason behind the wing mirrors as I used to own a W124. The thinking behind the design was to give you better vision of the kerb when parking, cyclists etc on the nearside with a taller mirror , and better vision on the driver's with a wider mirror to see what's coming from behind on the offside.

Bought a '95 E280 Masterpiece limited edition of 1000. M104 193 BHP 143 MPH.Plenty fast enough.140k miles drives superbly.Yes the rec ball steering is slightly vague and she rolls quite a bit ,as specified new with higher ride height ,during spirited cornering.Planning road trip Malaysia to Thailand ...eventually!

I've been around the same 124 for 32 years, owned and driven it since around 2007. If you can't catch a freaking Citroen, there is something wrong with the car. Also keep in mind these cars were designed for German roads-- the acceleration is not best from 0-60 mph, but from 60-120 mph, i.e. for merging on to the autobahn. But even today, with my poor '88 260E being somewhat worse for wear, if you step on the gas at 45 mph or higher, the car feels like it drops, squats, and then takes off like no tomorrow. When I first started driving regularly, if I was in a tight spot on the interstate and got on the gas to get out of it, I found myself about 200 feet further down the road than I expected. If you want to see a 124 shine, you need to drive it fast. They're almost sluggish at low speeds, but it is way too easy to unintentionally find yourself pushing 90 mph without trying on highways. The 124 excels also at being the best "compromise" car. It's not a sportscar and was never intended to be, but for a heavy sedan it does very well. But it's also insanely practical--you wouldn't believe the sheer amount of crap you can pack into one. Safety-wise, they're about as good as you can get for a '80s/'90s car. Yes, there is no such thing as a cheap Mercedes repair. But even with my nearly 35 year old car, it is as reliable as your average 3-5 year old car. Also, I've definitely noticed that if it's done right, once you fix something, it stays fixed. I got my car by inheriting it from my Dad, a native German who only bought it (at first) because it was cheaper than a new Buick. But Dad knew his cars and took fantastic care of them, so I inherited a very lightly used car in near mint condition. Just like when we first bought it, it continually finds new ways to impress me. They're not perfect, but Mercedes got awfully dang close with the 124.

I find the coupe of this series even more attractive than the SL/SEC. The proportions are wonderful.

Mirrors: your ideas are right combined with reduced fuel consumption by having a smaller mirror where not needed. Everything was thought about with these cars.

I run a dyno, tuning classic road, race and sport cars almost exclusively. Many of these highly rated vehicles are a disappointment when they are actually driven. The Mercedes W124 is amongst the very best, in almost every way. You are right that it does not feel fast or responsive, but a run through the hills in company with Porsche, BMW, Audi and the like will find you losing very little if any ground, while you are driving quite effortlessly. The engines build power with RPM, so the urge increases, the faster you go, with a genuine push in the back above 4500rpm. My wife drives a modern Mercedes c200, widely praised for ride and handling, but my 300CE rides better, is quieter, and feels so solid. It cannot quite match the cornering or braking ability of the C200, (it has much smaller tyres for a start) but it is a real pleasure to drive. I also have a British sportscar I drive through the hills, and compete in club motorsport, (now approaching 45th anniversary of holding a competition licence). It is also pleasurable, in a quite different way, with a huge impression of speed, noise, and connection to the machine. I am buggered, but happy after 200km in company. The Mercedes however will cover the same ground more quickly and without effort, and I am happy to drive another 500km in the day with ease

Man, now I want to get a W124!

It feels more like a luxury car, then some of the 3 or 5 years old Mercedes models.

Those pillarless 124s are lovely. Nice vid, James but a bit more of the interior would be good in your reviews of luxury cars would be appreciated. As EinkOLED mentioned.

+1. An exceptional vehicle the MB W124 series; I, II and III. . As a '94 E-320 Coupe owner I'm preaching to the crowd.. An uncle ordered the Smoke Silver w/Creme Beige leather coupe new & for the past 6-7 years its been in my care with a condition "as new".. Mercedes... "Engineered Like No Other Car In The World".. Great drive down memory lane Jay.. Thanks!

A friend of mine bought the 300TE-24 new and his widow is still driving it! Back in the days we drove from Bremen to Munich and back on the same day and felt refreshed when we got home (Ok, slightly overstated 😊) But all the mid range Mercedes, then there where no E, C, B or A class, where made to cover miles and miles and miles wearing a suit to a business meeting and they still are very good in this regard.

How can you not like Mercedes WTF

We had a C124 (Coupe is not W, it starts with C) 300 CE back in the days. Still can remember the first time seeing the Belt Mechanism in Action :-)

Loved my 300E W124 (sold to make way for my current drive). Still miss it.

Look at it! They always remind me of a moment on top gear where Clarkson started pushing the buttons and saying something like "i will not break you will not break me i will last forever". Cars like this don't need to be fast, similar to a saab carlsson; park it up, walk away from it for about 10 seconds, then look at it. These days, that's all the speed it needs

People buy these cars for the status quo and the solid luxurious driving experience you get from it.

It was always said in the automotive press at the time that these cars were hewn from solid granite and are the last MB’s to be built to these standards. I loved these coupes and lusted after a 320CE with those same AMG wheels as a teenager.

call me odd, but i love the tiny sun visor between the regular visors on these things. the interiors on these old Mercs last forever with just a bit of regular care. that's true luxury in my mind.

Finally a car that this guy fits in !😬

That's a lovely and classy coupé! Excellent review as always, James.

I have w124 in very good condition, its always a pleasure when older gentlemen just stare at your car :D

I have a 1995 E420 best car I've ever owned. it's got a lot more pop when you are driving around in 3rd gear. 4th gear on the highway. I had the 300 Coupe and then I went to the 4.2l 279hp V8 and you really do want that one over the six. I'm not finding the parts to be too expensive if you look around a little. And, you want to make sure that the wiring harness has been replaced.

it's videos like this that make James' channel truly fantastic.

My first car is a C124 300 CE-24 manual. It's such a nice car. You've picked a great car!

08:00 please remember this model is nearly 20 years old. Back in the 90s that was considered fast 😂

I've had two of these in the past and can state that these were the last of the quality built MBs! The engines and gearboxes are good for 200K at least!

Well done on the presentation, covered a lot,a well rounded test.

I have a 1993 Mercedes 300TE wagon (estate). I consider it a nice driving car but the performance is adequate at best. People go bonkers for the wipers on the headlights for some reason but everything after that doesn't really get noticed. If you are considering the purchase of any old Mercedes, I don't recommend these cars to people that can't do their own mechanical or maintenance work because these old cars will eat you alive financially if you have to take them to a mechanic for everything. I really enjoy my old W124 Benz. I really like the fit and finish and the attention to quality Mercedes gives these old cars and the ride quality is really nice. One last thing, If you purchase a W124 (or any old car) you need a second car as a backup. If you do use an old Mercedes as your only car, buy a quality pair of shoes because you will be doing a bit of walking instead of driving.

Im on my 2nd c124 320. Just love them. They are pure class and totally underrated.

Top video!! Good to see people exploring different cars !!

Stunning car and gearbox aside, I'd have the manual, I would thoroughly enjoy this car so long as I could afford the running costs. I commented about the dim witted gearbox from the 190E era on the C43 video, kicking down when it wants too and not when you do and I thank you for showing what I meant on this video.

The answer to your question about the odd shaped passenger side rear view mirror: it was to reduce frontal area. Not by much mind you! But in the early 80's, Audi significantly upped the aerodynamics game with the 100 and its, at the time, avant-garde aerodynamics. I believe the 100 had the lowest cd ever for a passenger car so for the W124, Mercedes was trying to do the same and pulling every trick in the book. Not that people were complaining because in the 70's, Mercedes would charge you extra if you wanted a passenger side mirror to begin with!

I had the E320 coupe with 5 speed auto and was faultless.. Made for more more comfortable cruising and semi decent mpg for such a car..

Lovely thing to smoke around in for the summer, love the pillar-less windows!

I just picked up a 1987 W124 sedan. Need to sort a few details to make it road-worthy, but truly excited.

love your show, keep up the great work

4:44 besides the size, there is also a slight curve in the mirror.. the result is vehicles viewed in the mirrors are the same size.. that time the warning " objects in mirror are closer then they appear" was engineered away

W124 coupe is one of the most beautiful cars Mercedes has ever produced

I've always wanted one of these.

That is a great AND stylish first drive.

Love my 94 E320 Coupe far better put together than my E350.

owned a w124 220ce, a few year's ago, great car,

Really enjoyed.

It's all about elegance and panache with these cars.

The W124 and the W201 have different size side mirrors due aerodynamic reason. I know, it sounds weird, but it is.The Audi A6 C4 and the Golf 4 have similar different size side mirrors because of aerodynamic as well.

I've got one with the same colour and rear boot lid wing , e320 , I've also got a BMW 335i twin turbo that would leave it for dead, but I absolutely love it , buy one and you won't regret it.

I own a 1995 E320 wagon and love the way it runs and handles. Unfortunately, Mercedes used some bio-degradable insulation on ignition wires. Buying used, one should check that the wiring harness has been replaced.

at a certain age climbing up into a vehicle, or falling down into a car seat becomes a problem- and so is getting out. the w124 is perfect. right at the hip bone😉

Haha hey! You WERE catching up to that Citroen...the M104 is no slouch!

I've always wanted the 300CE-24 with pillar less windows with a manual.

I am very happy with my 1996 320T (now nearly 300,000 kilometres) 5-speed auto with climate control, sunroof and all mod cons, left hand drive because I live in Europe. I have no trouble getting parts as and when needed which is not often. Also perfect for pulling trailers. You mention the 4-speed box is better than the 5-speed, why is that? As soon as I bought it four years ago I had the automatic oil & filter changed and my garage told me that was a good idea as they were both very dirty. I've owned quite a few MB T models, 123 & 124's over the past 45 years. Always second or third-hand vehicles. I've only broken down once in all those years. Great cars, reliable, solid and robust!

Rearview mirrors are designed for Autobahn (Highway) driving, supposedly one mirror is better for close-distance reflections and the over for short-distance reflections.

I've acquired a mint 1995 e300d in azurite blue absolutely love it and can run it on cooking oil! I'd be happy to let you drive it if interested and want a series on combating cost of living crisis!

The wing mirrors are different sizes because mass aspherical technogy was not introduced till a few years later when curved glass came through. It was designed like this and on other cars for rear view a parking reasons,i think.

Fantastic cars, an interesting feel to the steering and lots to look out for when buying from bio degradable looms through to sub frame mounts literally dropping off, we’d never part with ours, thank you for an entertaining informative video, ours has just hit 214k with the 2.3 4 cylinder.

Had a mint E320 coupe 10 years ago. Lovely car and gave £700 for it. Thanks for the reminder 👍

That 3.2L i6 is M104 if you didnt know. Its capable of making 500-700 if turbocharged and it sounds good although its quite underrated engine. Btw: cool video!

Absolutely love this model

I have one of these still, coupe identical to the test car but in Ruby Red and regd in 96 on a P plate, and yes the E320 in particular has cost eye watering amounts to keep in shape because there are many parts unique to the 6 cyl 24v engined models, as your mate says everything that can fail will fail. The drivers side mirror has to be wider because its flat not convex glass and causes enough blind spots as it is, the NS mirror is convex and squarer and sticks out less for passing hedges etc. Coupes and cabriolet are small cars in comparison these days and refreshingly narrow, about a foot shorter than the saloon/estate and its in the rear passenger space where most of the cutting took place, coupe is also lower roof line than the saloon equivalent so if you are a taller driver you develop a leaning posture because the sunroof causes further loss of headroom. A beautiful design, arguably the saloon in higher spec and the right colour is a better looking car than the coupe but beauty in the eye etc, there's not much better looking than a later E500 saloon in a dark colour, infinitely better looking than almost anything made today, which i wouldn't give you a thankyou for. I've had 4 W124's, the most reliable was the simplest of the lot a 300 Diesel auto saloon, the most unreliable was an E320 estate which had £19,000 worth of extras fitted by MB, that's not a typo i had the original sale documents, in the end i had to give the thing up or it would have bankrupted me, you would not believe what it had cost the first owner over the ten years he kept it, never a bill less than £500, some bills over £3000. They might be reputed as hewn from granite, but in reality its the more mundane versions are the better bet for long term classic ownership...for an example front bottom ball joint for baser models under £20 from the dealer, on 6 pot 24v models ball joint is integrated into the wishbone, no change from £350 for genuine and they wear badly on the UK's third world road surfaces. As regards performance i suggest there's something not quite right with the test car, possibly gearbox cable from throttle assembly snapped (oh yes they do that too and it's a gearbox out job to refit) because once you get the 320's moving they can give modern fast cars a run for their money and with the right tyres there's not much can keep up with them on fast flowing bends once you get up to 3 figure speeds.

So about the colour, Emereld green black metallic in english is the Smaragd Schwarz Metallic in german. Colourcode is m189. I've got the same colour on my W210 E-class. Yes, it is actually dark blue but it gives a lovely green glare in the sun. Really difficult colour to get repainted though

One of my dream cars

The theory of the smaller mirror is actually very simple. Some people find it hard to know how wide there car is so on the opposite site where it is harder to judge how far of you are of a object in a narrow street, it is now harder to hit something with your passenger side mirror and gives you also the ability to make a little more space with oncoming traffic in some narrow german streets.

How was the cabin noise at highway speeds? I'm contemplating selling my w202 for one of these but I'm worried that the nvh will be bad due to aging.

You’re correct about the mirrors

I'm surprised Doug DeMuro isn't after your blood for that last line. Just a lovely car.

Such a nice car and place aswell. At which place was this video shot ? Which place is it ?

I would love to see you do a mercedes 190e cosworth if you can get your hands on one, it is a merc that has always interested me.

First mod on that car. Put back the original exhaust. These cars are so comfortable to drive. They eat miles up effortlessly. You really wouldn’t want anything else if you are going on a long distance drive. You get out of the car at the other end not feeling like you have been in a car for hours at all.

Jay rediscovered the wheel

Glad i have mine exactly the same😎

JayEmm maybe my 320 CE is slow compared to a lot of cars but it can easily surpass any legal speed limit so I'm wondering just how fast do you drive?

I have a 87 ce done by a custom coach company into a convertible , not knowing the coupe would ever come in a convertible. It’s been a drop top since 89 .

If you happen to get the chance, I'd really like a review on the Honda Accord 7th gen Type-S or the Accord 6th gen Type-R

+1.. Well said @ 4:45 or so. .. Mercedes North America back in the day; '80s & '90s would fully spec MB models to the piont where options were few; Read fully loaded. .. "Times they are a changing" as our '23 E-450 Estate, Station Wagon, Kombi or T-Model as there known.. starts modestly equipped. .. MB offers an optional laundry list totaling $23K or more. .. The MB NA order guide isn't quite Porsche AG bad,, where the time of day is optional, however, its close. .. The W124 model series is/was "The Best or Nothing". ..

Used to be one abandoned near me we would always go up and sit in it and pretend we where gangsters as kids will always love theese for that.

Nice 1 Darren 😉. Thought I recognised that plate and coupe ! Cheers Billyw124

Cheers mate, luved you in Shaun of the Dead

Should of test drove an E500 saloon. A genuine classic.

love my s124 300td 87 250k miles and super strong

I have this -90 Sportline lowered with wide 60" tires.

What a nice car 👌had pleasure to drive

Ex A124 (W124 cabrio) owner here... size difference on mirrors is because aerodynamics.... on passenger side is smaller because a bigger mirror would be less aerodynamic and a bigger mirror is not needed for that side.

Owner of a W124 E300D ‘95 OM606.910 n/a 4speed auto 324.000 miles 521.000 Kilometers Is it relatively slow?, yes but it makes me drive wisely. Is it big? Yes, but it has presence o the road. Is it cheaper than a lot of new cars?, Yes, but it gives you a luxurious aura. A lot of people think that they are less safer than new cars? Yes, but it’s the opposite. Is it old?, Yes, but it has soul. Has a loud engine sound? Yes, but let the beast make its roar. Is it super cheap to maintain? Not always, but god, it worth it. So... is it the perfect car ever! Of course not. It has its problems... like any other car. Things I did and check to my car, and the people that would like to have this model have to do: (Of course there are more things) So, I checked these: (Some changed, some just checked) - front suspension, ball joins, front ends, shocks (changed) - rear shocks (checked) - multi link rear suspension (checked) - engine mounts and transmission mount (changed) - Crank case breather: plastic elbows, breather tubes, pressure diferencial valve (changed) - Clean fuel inyectors (done) - engine fuel hoses to inyectors (done) - Starter glow plugs (changed) - starter glow plug relay ( to capacitors changed) - temp coolant senders (1 checked, 2 changed) - biodegradable cables on harness.( some changed) A/C - Klima Control relay failed (unplugged, opened and changed 1 burnt resistor) Interior - all four window elevator (checked, greased and re tighten. One of the rear, changed) - roof window ( checked grease and little rubber sliders) Trunk - water seal rubber (checked) - rubber washer shaped of the rear bumper bolts (changed) ...a lot history and some money of course... but after have of Kilometers, well, it’s normal to do a lot of things.

Yep, it was a motor trade standing joke in the '80s that if you bought a new Mercedes-Benz, even the steering wheel was an optional extra. UK Mercs never came from the factory with in-car entertainment fitted, in fact I don't think they did in any market, they only came with a pre-radio fitting kit. Any head unit was chosen at, and fitted by, the supplying dealer. A Blaupunkt unit was the most common choice, but if someone really wanted to spend some money you could specify a Becker unit, though they are very rare in the UK as one of those could easily top £1,000 at the time...

W124 coupe, the last of the True Mercedes, an engineered marvel!

Great video Please review the W126 SEC

Try contacting diesel pump UK. They should have a fast one there for you to try. I'd personally love to hear your thoughts on a om606 one of these.

The W123 was the first E Class. Of the same era as the W124, The W126 pillar-less Coupe (500/560SEC) was The top banana. Apparently it was and is very difficult and expensive to build pillar less coupes without rattles and window alignment issues. Thats why the BMW E36 had pillars.....

My 99 Toyota solara has pillarless doors, giant coupe doors. It’s very much like a longer Lexus SC300 ( Camry solara coupe/replaced the Camry coupe in the USA/had an optional TRD supercharger for both the 4 cylinder and the 200hp V6 & both 4 speed auto & 5 speed manual options. The slushbox was so bad that the auto+ the supercharger basically was equal to the manual stock becaus of the power losses, ah the good old days when manuals were superior in performance and mpg and price)

I drive a 1986 Mercedes 300e and adore it even though my father and some friends call it ugly. Well fuck them Bruno Sacco designed an extremely proportioned car that has stood the test of time. One of my top ten cars ever. Luckily in some respects mine is US spec so I get all of the goodies like climate control, the terrible Becker radio, power everything, blue MB Tex, and more. Look at power figures and I can still beat the average car on the road. Extremely proud to have it as my first car