Thank you for this video. My father retired in 1989 and bought a new 1989 MB 300SE. He wanted the shorter wheel base and the straight 6 which is pretty much bullet proof. He paid $51,000 out the door or approximately $107,000 by today’s adjusted dollar. He did several road trips for the first 25 years and then the car just sat around in his heated garage under a car cover. The car is in pristine condition. The interior actually looks and smells new, hard to believe but true. The exterior is in great shape, no body damage, shiny paint, no rust but one major problem. The car sat around for the past 5 years with no use. Flat tires, no fluid change, dead battery, leaking shocks, dead AC and no heat. The engine mounts were shot, the water pump bearing seized and the car was pretty much left for dead but was still in LIKE NEW condition everywhere else. My dad is 94 now and has different priorities but did not want the car sold. With only 100,000 miles on her, I decided that it was time to resurrect her. My dad handed me the title and keys and said that he was glad that she would be remaining in the family. The flat bed came and off she went to my local Mercedes Mechanic, Eagles Nest, Syosset, Long Island NY. These guys are true MB experts, NOT cheap but fair, far more fair than the dealership. Two rules I had, number one, do the right job the first time and number two, only use OEM or superior parts. Everything that was required to bring the car back into original factory specifications was performed. I would list the parts here but honestly I think I would bore your readers so I will refrain from it. The car is a master piece but cost me over $10,000 to get her to where she now is. The only aftermarket thing I did was to add a set of AMG looking wheels and Michelin tires that improved her stance and handling. The car runs like new, will cruise all day long at 100MPH effortlessly and should have low maintenance costs moving forward. I have already had offers of more than double what I put into the car so at least I know that the money spent was NOT a mistake, not that I wish to sell her. Eventually she will go to one of my children and who knows where from there, maybe to grandchildren. The point is that these are NOT disposable cars like so many of the cars that are being built today. They were not over-engineered and were built like tanks which they should be, given their initial selling price. Personally, I think these cars are future collectables especially since many of them are no-longer on the roads. Everywhere I go people swoon to the car and praise it with compliments. When I drive down the road, look down that hood at that gorgeous three pointed star, listen to the rumble of that straight six, and watch that great gauge cluster, all the cares and worries in the world just seem to fade away into my rearview mirror where they belong. So what do I think of my W126? - “Pure Perfection”……

The W 126 Mercedes Benz is one of the best Mercedes ever made !!!!!

NO DOUBT, W126 cars are going up in value, because every other S class after that is another level d o w n . They have surpassed the low point in their value curve and people are seeing that they weredesigned and built better

It is just time, they are reaching a collectible age and I agree with others that the W126 was the last of the great and reliable S-Class line. I bought my 88 420 SEL two years ago for 2K, great interior and no rust, but the a/c and heater didn't work, and the odometer stopped at 180,000. Changed the oil twice. That is it. Daily drive the thing snow and shine. Still rides like a dream.

I like that you make videos without constantly trying to sell people things and information they can source themselves for free if they actually put the effort in and search for it. Your enthusiasm for classic benzes is likley second to none. 😎

W126 is a great car, easy to work on. Value should keep rising. I have seen the w140's sell for alot more the last few years

I think ppl see more and more how expensive is to service modern car with bunch of sensors and "Perfect" parametars car need to drive it. Its like plastic fantastic pieces of crap. Then ppl realize that old MB of 80's or 90's are better then today cars, yes they are tend to rust, they are not fuel efficient, but mechanicaly are better then newer ones. Personal i drive Citroën C5 from 2010 with Diesel engine and i have no problems with electric in car, some my fellas have. Thats the luck to not have problems. One Day my next car will be w124 or W126 diesel thats for sure.

The W126 is the newest real Mercedes you can buy. From back when they made them to truly be the best cars regardless of how much it costs. Now every car is build as cheaply as possible and none will run without electronics. We need to save them all.

I just finished a transmission swap on a 1987 420 SEL and once I got it running and shifting properly thanks to your videos I think it's definitely my favorite S class I've owned, and I've had a w220 and multiple w140 chassis previously. I appreciate all the detailed information you put out, it's extremely helpful for home gamers like myself.

Love the gun analogy. It's only becoming more and more true.

Included in my collection of cars are an 89 560 SEC (C126) and 1990 560SEL (W126). I honestly feel privileged each time I drive these gorgeous, timeless classics. They always make my day as I enjoy the smell of MB leather (not that cheap stuff they call leather today) and being surrounded by the acme of quality!

Had 300SE for some years , love it so relaxing to drive and comfortable, cool cruiser. No problems yet, in my view its about time the prices came up.

You are the best Pierre!

I like to use and drive my classic daily, I now have an MGB roadster can be driven daily but has been a troublesome car everything can break down. I bought a pristine low miles 280CE after regetting selling my low miles 500SL 33 K English miles, the soft top had never seen the sun. Though performance not as good as the former, I am growing to like the 280 more each day, it really have some good points over the 107 I've liked the 126 since it came out, I have know owners who said they are very good I think its worthwhile to get a good one , spend some money to perfect it, and use it as much as one can ( U can only enjoy and get your money worth by driving it as much as possible, no dolls in a cupboard for me) Just observe other motorists on the streets most are driving boring cars, and not enjoying I enjoy every minute in my classics Cheers

Wow. The audio quality jumped substantially from one day to the other. I’m really pleased.

Love the videos. Would like more photos of the cars being discussed for us novices.

Hey Pierre, I love hearing great things about the W126 class. Thank you for making this video. I’ll always keep my 420SEL in top condition, of course with your mechanical talents. See you soon...

I say that if you’re going into the Mercedes-Benz world and don’t want to spend a lot of money AND/OR don’t want to suffer on complicated electronic issues, then get a W126. Even “overpriced” (for what it used to cost) it still delivers a LOT for what it costs to own and maintain. It was my first classic car 6 years ago (the car was in family for about 15 years then, the first Benz I knew in depth). I’ve paid R$16000,00 (about 7k USD back then) and I’ve spent more than R$25k in it (servicing it myself) and have not a single drop of regret. I will have other Mercedes but the manual white on blue 280S will stay with me forever. It reminds me of so many good moments in my youth and now... And never broke down. Absolutely love that last example of old Benz philosophy.

I bought a black in black 1990 560SEC with around 90,000 miles. It looked decent and had the typical cosmetic issues. Completely clean and solid with no rust as a southern car. Did have to replace all the wood trim interior and replace the nitrogen chambers. After that, swapped the Bosch euro headlights in, period aero replica wheels. Paid about $24k for it. Probably should have paid less but I was more interested in a clean body than anything else.

Thank you! I have one pretty good one w126 420SEL

Hi Pierre! Where did you buy the velour material for the 300SD?

Here we are 3 years later. Prices are still going up and these awesome cars are still under-appreciated.

I have a 1982 300sd and a 1987 300sdl. Never stopped restoring.

As an owner of a 420se euro grey market , a 420sel , a 500sec pre merger amg , a 560sel , a 560sec 822 optioned euro , I can say that these cars are very hard to beat and very reliable . Not to mention the feel of being able to hit a cement wall at 70kph and being able to walk away …… I thank my father for cementing the love for 80’s benzes

Well done smart bloke good onya cob

I just got GIVEN a 1 owner,

Interesting Pierre. I believe the current valuations are justified. My 87 420SEL is absolutely one of the nicest, best rides I’ve ever experienced-and I’ve had two Bentleys. You know my car...anthracite over burgundy leather; 18,000 miles. If anyone might be interested, I need to make room for my 6.3 that you’ve almost finished.

I traded a working motorcycle for a smoking barely shifting 300SE. I got the worse end of the trade, but I knew if I left it in the kids hands it would be scrapped in 2 years. It smoked like hell and didn’t shift right. The sunroof was in the trunk and there was a rust hole with golf balls falling out. I’ve already replaced the sunroof and grill as well as missing side skirts. Fixed the door that didn’t close. Next is the muffler and exhaust that the kid said just needed to be soldered on. Mind you this kid is a PhD working at the london school of economics creating climate change policy. I’m keeping this piece of art on the road and alowly refusbishing it. I’ve got the valve seals and tool and plan to do that as soon as this cold breaks ( it was -3 here in PA) this week. Furthermore, I got the car in long island (3 hours away), but the original ‘90 owner lived less than a mile from the house I grew up in when the car was new; I consider it a good omen.

Hi... 560 : vs : 420 why is the 560 less popular ? love this channel... better than the northwest coast channel...cheers Pierre !

I'd love to have a w126. My stepdad's best friend has been driving a red 1983 300SD since 1995 and its the only car he's had since he bought it in 1995. He picked it up from a little old lady in Florida who was the original owner for a song and he has kept the car in great shape ever since. the are some of the best build cars, ever. I'd love to pick one up as a weekend cruiser/post apocalyptic car. These are some of the best cars in automotive history.

We love it we have a 1991 560 SEL

Here in New Zealand, W126s are still cheap to buy. I paid NZD$7000 (USD$4600) for a really nice 60,000 mile '89 300SE, which seems to be the higher end of the market here for a saloon. A key factor in values here seems to be an abundant supply of W126s - largely due to an influx of used imports from the Japanese market in the 2000s. Like other countries, the SECs are worth more here - but not a lot more. A very nice late 80s, silver-with-blue-leather 90,000-mile 420SEC recently sold for around NZD$15,000 (kicking myself for not jumping on that one!). And a super tidy left-hand-drive 50,000-mile 500SEC languished unsold online for NZD$11,000 for months (now wishing I'd grabbed that one too!). Most W126s however, seem to be cars with cosmetic and/or mechanical issues can be bought for as little as NZD$1000. My hunch is that once these cars leave the market, values for tidy, low-mileage cars will really start to move. Time to rent a warehouse and go on a W126 spending spree!!

My first and only is a 300sd, got it for nothing and it's a constant struggle to keep it going. . it's always broken, but I started with 207k. The car is awesome, I love it, just super. Tricky to figure it out and it's hard to find a mechanic but. . still, I think, the 126 is awesome!

My first car was a 126 - 380 SE. Completely run into the ground. I want it back. Any tricks for finding the good ones?

1989 300se is the ultimate configuration of the w126. Not having the known timing chain length shortcomings of the v8’s. Better weight distribution F:R and the same power to weight as the 560sel. Aesthetically the short wheelbase 4 door has the most pleasant lines and proportions while also being more structurally rigid than the coupe. If you plan on driving your w126 the 89 300se this is the one to get. By more than a country mile.

Looking at an 84 300 cd. Issues: Trans slips, rear window won’t go all the way up, ac intermittent,tach inop, vacuum system suspect, rear antenna inop. Body interior ok 254 k miles. Ball park value what day all??? I’m a newb. TIA

I love my 84 500SEL but, exterior trim items, especially headlight doors seem impossible to find. I've got this car for the long haul and want it looking as good as it drives. Any recommendations on where to find items, such as these?

i agree with your w126 comments it is truly an analog car. hard to believe my w126 sold for 75,000 us in 1989. I bought it on an ebay whim while walking the dog i put in a low bid and forgot about it until a week later oops I won. i took delivery fixed trans and minor suspension rubber and ac pods and now i have this beautiful california w126. it actually uses a key no fob not even a clicker, . I use this car almost every day now and my new car sits.I love the mellifluous ride and uncomplicated simplicity. i catch myself doing over 90 mph too often. I really have no desire to use another car for my commute.

I’ve been trying in vain to find a car as nice as my ‘88 560 SEC; Which I owned way too late in its life cycle. I think it had around 175K miles on the clock. Bought it cheap and then ultimately spent well over its purchase price trying to bring it back. I realized that if I had started with a nice example it would last me eons. Now have a W-221 and quite like it, but it doesn’t have the class of the 126, which were arguably the finest cars of the twentieth century.

Any ideas or suggestions on places I should list my W126 560SEL for sale? I am looking to sell my family's one as I am trying to save up for a down payment on a house. Wish I could keep my family's 560SEL but life priorities come first.

Pierre, given the choice, which do you recommend the 300 model or the 320 cars. Thanks in advance. Great site!

My 97,000 mile 1989 W126 560 SEL in Spruce Green with Palomino leather is just about the most perfect car I’ve ever owned. Paid £2,300 for it in December 2016. Cost £1,000 to get exhaust repaired and I’ve had 25,000 miles of trouble free motoring all over Europe. Just consumables like shock absorbers and fuel injectors and battery changed.

Definitely on the way up, Have a 560SEL and 300SD in the heated garage. Will keep them, as they are both best car I ever had.

I love my 560SEL!

Mine was my first car I have a 89 420 sel I have had it for 3 years and yea it went up in value I got mine 1500 with q145k miles on it 2 owners and no rust damage jumped on it only issue is window clip replacement and gas other then that amazing car easy to work on your self just research working on it before you do and DONT BUY IT IF YOU DONT PLAN ON WORKING ON IT or it will cost you

I own 3 1991’s with ASR. The Best Car in the World

Thanks for your video! I have a 91' 350SDL that had 104k on it when I bought it in Nov 2016. Looks like new inside and the exterior is in very good condition. While I have put a good sum of money into her because of a fuel injector issue, and brakes etc., she runs like a top and looks great! She's got 123k on her now and runs like a top!

I don't care much for pricing, I just love the Merc I have because how it sounds, how it drives, how it makes me feel.

HI PIERRE; I HAVE A W126 280 SE MANUAL 1984 W 32000 MILES MANUAL WINOWS AND CLIMATE CONTROLS. IS THIS A KEEPER?

Best classic German pistol to stick in glove box of your W126 ? How about Mauser Hsc in 9mm Kurz? Manufactured from 1940 to 1977.

Pierre ... I totally agree the W126 have been taken for granted in the past. This car is one of Bruno’s favorite designs I have owned several of the diesel in the past, but I have fallen in love with my 1991 560 sel. I will try to keep this car forever. & thank you for your advice !!

I love my old mercs if price goes up good if they go down I couldn’t give a fuck I love my old mercs ,that simple

I own an '88 300SEL - it is a pleasure to drive. Compared to a modern car it is missing the infotainment system - but also it is so much more roomy inside (this is the SEL so back seat too is huge) without being an SUV. And even at 25,000 - 40,000 this is a comparable price to many new cars so if it is in new car shape that price seems fair.

What do you recommend for a great mpg and reliable commuter Mercedes with good legroom? Mine 97C 230 is getting due for a bunch of things and I’m thinking of just offloading it. I’ve considered us 300 D or 240 D. WDYT? I’m 65 and drive a lot.

As a proad owner of a 91 300SE which I drive daily I can say that this car fits my needs perfectly. I doesn't talk, bitch, or buzz....it just drives perfectly.

Anyone have any thoughts on a 1987 420 SEL that is listed with engine or valve issues? From its posting, it looks pretty nice but I am not sure what issues they have and for a first purchase W126 is it best to steer clear. Thanks in advance for anyone's insight.

I have a 1991 300se 107k miles. I use it as my daily for now until I get a new car then I can use the Benz for the weekends and for fun. Runs perfect. I love everything about it. Only thing is the front windshield defrost air blower works but my ac doesn’t work, weird. I would love to change the headlights from the box American lights to the flush euro lights but I’ve been reading reviews and not sure if it’s possible. I would also love to switch the steering wheel for a wood steering wheel from another mercedes Benz model any recommendations on which wood steering wheels and wood shifter would be best? . Also switch the original black shifter for a wood shifter. That’s what I’m working with then it would be perfect for my taste.

Any updates on w126 market

we have a 1986 300sdl with 278k miles and runs stronger than the day we bought it a little over a decade ago

Great video. I bought my first W126, a 1987 300SDL, when I was 19. I'm pushing 43 now, and I've been driving them ever since. It was 9 years old with 146K on it, and I bought it from the original owner. It was like new, inside and out. Back then, (1996), I paid $15,000 for it. About a year later the market dropped, and I could have bought it for half the price. I've regretted selling it for 20 years, lol! I was young and dumb, and decided I wanted something newer, and traded it for a W140. Biggest automotive mistake I've ever made, buying a 1992 300SE W140. Sold that one with 101K on it and I was happy to see it go! I later bought a 1984 300SD with 580K on it, just out of curiosity, to see how long it would run. 752K on it now, and it's parked due to an overheating problem. (Blown head gasket is what I'm thinking....) I've owned well over twenty 300SD, 300D, 300SDL and 240D cars over the years. W123, W126, and one 1987 W124. Anywho, I am making a 6-hour round-trip this weekend to pick up a 90% restored 1983 300SD with 132K original miles on it. I agreed to $6250. I drove it and crawled under it, looked it over, last weekend, and it's super-nice. In all these years, it's the most money I've EVER given for an old SD. To me, it's a lot of money to be spending on a 36-year-old car, but at the same time, it's a lot of car for the money. I love my 2001 E320, but there's nothing like an old W126 SD. Did I get ripped off? I hope not. It's going to be a daily driver (in good weather). Thanks for your videos. I've just now discovered you, and I'm looking forward to watching your channel. Thanks!

My question though is what is your thoughts comparing the W126 300sd compared with a 1986 or 1987 300sdl? I love my 1981 Mercedes 240d with a 4 speed manual but how much bigger is the W126 300sd or the 300sdl.

The Bruno Sacco gem W124 is another timeless classic and so well-built! The W124 may be considered less old world classic but it's equally well-built, sportier and handles better.

Bought my W126 300SE 6+ years ago. They were going for peanuts at the time. Seller couldn't afford the gasoline expense. Been looking for another almost non stop since then. The number of not trashed W126's for sale on Craigslist has been in decline. Now it is rare for them to appear for sale at all in my area.

Personally, I think the high prices are being driven my car flippers. Keep in mind that the 126 chassis is my favorite, prefering the 300SE and 300SEL for extremely durability and lower maintenance costs of the inline 6 cylinder. Nonetheless, even with low mileage, $25,000 plus seems a bit high for me. I think it would be a smart move to buy one from an owner who has cared for his car over a long period of time that might have higher miles so you don't get hit with such a high selling price. There will always be people who are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for pristine condition cars but what's the fun in that. Roll up your sleeves and do some of your own work to save one of these cars. Anyone can buy a car, fewer can make the commitment to keep one on the road long after others have given up on it.

I have an 87 w126 with 97k miles-560 SEL. Needs a little work, maybe a lot cosmetically. I love it, but am looking to sell; not enough time to work on it.

How many kilometers does a car with a W 126 Mercedes Benz 3000cc diesel engine work on 1 liter of diesel?

the same thing that made some guy spend $85,000 for my 300SD in 1985 is what makes it just as valuable today - esp when you consider that those 1985 dollars cost almost 2-1/2 dollars a piece today. Markets are driven by scarcity. Quality is a scarce commodity nowadays. My Stanley 750 chisel is worth 10 times what it sold for in the 60's. Because it's still does what it was built to do. Hard to say that about a cell phone or a laptop - eh?

Damnit before this video was even over I was on craiglist looking for 1. My wife is going to kill me or you Pierre if she finds out LOL

Too much plastic, too heavy, requires a lift to perform maintenance on the suspension. Leather tears, rear window delaminates, sunroof requires demontage to get it going. But I can't stop loving it...560 SLC! I do like the AMG fenders upgrade and would love the rest as well...dream on.

Got a 300sel 90 with no engine, spent 200 for the car and 100 on a good block and 800 for all geniune gaskets and oe level rings and all bearings, guides ect, did the head my self at work, I now have a beautiful 290k Mercedes wouldn’t trade it for anything

Its hard not to be objective in this topic being an owner of a 300SD. But I'll try. I think it's an understanding of a certain type of person who wants to own one of these cars but not work on it aka not drive it. Kind of a collector thing. I sure hope they are worth what there selling for! Not that i want to sell mine but sure is nice to know i can and make a good profit. Thanks for all you do!

300E 300CE with monoblocks, 90s Benz S500 and the 2000s 220 S500 along with the first body E55 still, and I repeat, still look good till this day. If I had the space on top of the vehicles I have now I would take the plung on one.

W126, I love them, but low milage... forget it! Everything thats kork or rubber you must replace it. I'd prefer a car around 35 years with 250k km perhaps even 300k .

Just bought a W126 109?000 miles … looks gorgeous & it is going to be a daily driver since I only drive 3,000 miles a year maybe more now to Walmart & the doctors. I love it but damn a gas hog, and getting to daily driver expense

When a Kia or Hyundai sedan is over $30k, the w126 in excellent condition with ANY amount of mileage should bring good money.

I have a 300sdl and a 350sdl so i hope the market goes up though i dont plan on selling them. IDK Y they are gaining maybe people are coming to their sinces.

How many Fuel consumption in per liter of W 126 Mercedes Benz 3000cc diesel engine car?

Just bought 1990 560SEL with 192k miles for 2,500 bucks!!! car needs some minor work.. sellers did not know what they were selling!!! I drove it to local MB dealership to pick up parts for work i am doing to it and the staff ran out to see it.. manager offered me 12k for it on the spot!!! W126 is the best!

Condition and color combo make the price of the car. If the car has a high mileage but has been properly maintained and driven, well, it's still a handsome car that people want. Mileage is one thing, but maintenance and condition are the real things.

I have a 1985 500SEC with 90k on it. Im hoping the value will go up. Seems to be in pretty good shape although not perfect.

In 2002 took a decent 91 560sel on trade with 100k miles and paid $5000 for it. The owner of the dealership was so pissed I almost lost my job over it. Wish I had that car now!

I think that the W126 has a classic style, I do have a 380-SEC and I love it. The interior replacement cost is holding me back cause is so expensive, but one day I will buy it... the newer models seams to be so complicated...

@Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary Pierre..do you have a contact email if I have a question about my W126? Thanks!

Absolutely a bubble for the SEL's. Especially 420's. Without the Grail color combo a nice SEL is simply not getting the $$$ desired the past Spring and now into Summer. For the SEC's the big gun buyers want sub 100k mile 1990 and 91's and that's it! Prior to 90 they need to be peach and won't command as high a price. This is based upon what I am seeing on eBay, BAT and elsewhere. By the way, the final two years are also far more desireable for the SEL's because of the updated interior. I have my 1985 Euro 500SEC insured for 15 G's with Hagerty and they have zero problem with that because it was a 1 owner car (I have all service records) and has just now passed 100k miles. I will up the value to 18k at renewal since I bought mint BBS wheels and that value should be fine for years to come. One thing is for certain: I am not selling! I hope it lasts me into and through retirement, which is about 20 years from now.

velour prices are RIDIC!!!!!! like three times what I paid for my 280SE 126

Proud owner of a W126 -1988 560SEL and a 1996 W140- S320. I can see and feel the engineering that went into these cars and I still don’t understand, these cars are abnormal, 25 -35 years old and they drive so well. Next is probably a R107 -560SL or similar

I have had many 126 300sd's .... I just never fell in love with them.... I much more prefer w123, w116 300D/300SD (Om617) I have jlust put so many miles on them, I will forever be an owner of at least 1 :)

I think the 126 is really going up in value. Well mostly the coupes. We got my 89 sec for 2800 and now i see them sky rocketing to like 10k-20k. Even with around 170k miles. Even 210k plus models are still upwards of 8 atleast. I think it would be worth it to just buy a few and sit on them for a few years

As the prices of the W123 kombi keep on climbing, the next one to go up in value will be the W14 kombi. They are cheap as chips (even the nicest ones), way more enjoyable to drive (have both models), a design that aged well...I dare to say a timeless and classless charm...and imensely more refined. Diesel or petrol, for a practical, reliable, daily or weekend warrior...there is not much else to look.out for that is as good or with the potencial of rising up in value... Oh...and then there is the G-WAGON...first series...

W126. Best. Period

Profound insight as always Pierre. I would say the market is finally getting on point with the value of these really clean W126 cars....especially the diesel versions. They are the epitome of German luxury autos.

The problem is that a perfect late 126 car with 100k miles can be bought for $5k. Those example selling in BAT will go down in value fast with every mile put on them. At the end of the day they built too many of them for the vehicle to appreciate substantially. I love my mint 90 420sel and enjoy driving it. However, it will never have a significant value.

Giggity

W126 is a bit of a fad however the price is slightly high. I think 25k is a fair price around the board for a clean example

In my opinion its the last good Mercedes Benz in regards to price, reliability maintenance cost, modification aftermarket. Hell, I believe you can easily get all the parts needed for a restoration online for a w126. Find one in good condition for a fair price and buy it.

own a 1989 420 SEL & 1990 560 SEL

100 percent well said....the best car ever so of course people are realizing that...ive got mine

I have a 1973 mercedes 280 SEL 4.5 for sale

I have a high mileage, but gorgeous 1991 Mercedes W126. In the last few yrs, I’ve had the transmission rebuilt, heads sent off. New head gasket. Radiator. New battery. All fluids including, oil, transmission, power steering Brake and coolant changed this year. Brand new Goodyear assurance comfort tires. Brand new Mercedes Benz muffler this year. I want to sell this car. Comment if interested. Thank you

What always impresses me is the number of W 126 diesel beaters used as daily drivers. True survivors. Cosmetically challenged but running out reliable as anything on the road.😎