What a valuable resource....no bull, no hype, just straight information that we can actually use...thank you Pierre!

Pierre rules.

Pierre with the low body blow to all the content fluff on KZfaq! I love it!!!

Experience of 20+ plus years daily driving a 560 SEC (92) and 560 SEL (89) Euromarket version with 279HP: On both cars I had to change the camshafts. It is well known that the material used in the 560 wasn't as hard as they used to be. It usually starts to be an issue when you cross the 200k km on the clock. When you change the camshafts then you usually do the chain and other stuff too, hence the whole revision doesn't come cheap. Fuel and spark distributors are known to malfunction with age. The sign to watch out is if the car is slightly shaking when idling. The shanking can also be due to ignition cable or valve. This is mostly a result of very high temperature ( heat) in the engine cabin and the wiring can take a toll when over 30 years in use (getting hard and cracking). Usually an issue when you do a lot of city driving (which was the case with me). The W126 doesn't like to be parked outside as rust will become an issue. Since the cars are quite top heavy, the steering at some point needs to be fixed. Once you sort that out, the car steers like nothing else. Its too bad that the US has the castrated 5.6 version. Otherwise the 560 is a blast. If you have a 300 HP version you will be the King of the autobahn. Maintaining and driving a 560 as a daily is very expensive. If you are lucky you have a guy like Pierre who can help you reduce the costs A LOT. Official Mercedes Dealers in my country (Switzerland) have absolutely no fu...ing clue what they are doing. Knowledge is almost completely lost as they only know how to change parts as many as they can and charge you dearly. The EURO version 560 SEL&SEC are the best of the old world mercedes cars if you ask me. The combine all what was great in the predeseccors combined with an elegant and modern wrap interior and exterior wise. Bonus: One gem that is totally neglected in my opinion is the very early 1980-1981 500 SE with 240HP and the short axle ratio. It is the essentially the same set up as 300HP 5.6L (non cat) version with the double intake manifold. All the best to all exsisting and future W126 owners. Marko

You're a Mercedes owner's most valuable resource. Love your videos.

I saved a 90 Sel from an auction in San Diego, did tune up, fresh fluids, tires are next and then a big inspection with my guy who’s been working on Mercedes since 92, I’m super excited to experience it and enjoy it. It’s not the best 126 but she’s saved and she’s mine!

Pierre, I am always amazed at your knowledge of part numbers! From belts to bushings, you list them so quickly!

Great explanation of all older issues of the w126 with two I am dealing with these issues right now I am fixing them myself or with my mb mechanic I loves these cars more than my exwifes

I've had a 1991 300SE for almost three years. When I acquired it, no services had been done other than oils changes. In that time, everything has now been serviced and the head gasket replaced. At 158k miles, it runs smooth and reliably.

Great advice Pierre----Thank You !!!!

Thanks Pierre, great information as always!! Joe

Excellent advice as always. Thanks Pierre.

Im very stoked to have discovered classic mercedes and then your channel.

I'm bidding on my 5th w126. Thanks for making sure I'm up on my knowledge.

We always follow you Pierre, keep it up

You got a new subscriber. Keep the content coming!

Fantastic. So helpful.

New subscriber. Proud w126,221,201 owner. I love this channel.

Excellent content as always

Awesome content, keep it up!

Great content as always... Thanks Pierre. Never a truer word spoke... Doug de Muro - lol..... am equally flabbergasted at his numbers...

Thanks always a World of Good Information my Friend

Thank you, going to look at one tomorrow

I bought a high mileage 1989 560SEC for pocket change. But there was at least two reasons for that. One was the mileage 230k and the other was that some monkey buggered up one of the spark pg holes. My mechanic told me that not only had they messed up the spark plug hole but left the helicoil tool in the hole, it was stuck. Both heads were removed and sent to the machine shop for a full valve job and repair of the previously mentioned issue. My mechanic reinstalled the heads but says the valve train is worned out and will need to be repaired/replaced. However he said i could probably wait a bit on that. Haven't made it to the chassis yet. My mechanic sees a lot newe MBs and my car gets his attention when he has time. Looking forward to driving it someday.

Love your channel you are the best

hey Pierre, On my '88 300 SEL I had (fixed now) a tiny bit of rust (quarter sized) under the back window but on top - under the trunk lid. No other rust. Also the vacuum / Climate issue may be coming - all vents work fine on the highway and around town but on a long uphill (no vacuum from the engine) the defroster vents will come on after a while; once the road levels and some vacuum returns things work well again. A/C blows cold otherwise. The one thing you did not mention was the head leaking - the head was redone on mine at 80k miles and is leaking the tiniest bit of coolant again now at 150k miles. But no oil consumption. But what a comfortable car to drive.

You didn't mention 1) Oil tubes under the valve cover. Very important and always broken. 2) Gas injection plate position sensor. Costs thousands as it is part of the injection head, but can be (or at least oculd be) bought on Ali, and worked fine. Manifests as rough idle or hesitation under load, depending on where it is damaged. Most of my W126s needed a new one to get a smooth idle. And it might be good to mention the electronic ignition unit - the thermal paste/pad under it tends to turn into gunk and it burns out. I'm not sure how common a problem this is, but when it happens you are SOL, the cost of a new one is insane if you can even get it and it is quite specific to the car.

About to jump on an '81 300sd. Thank you for the information. Looked at it today. Pedal goes to the floor, weak brakes, the foward half of the brake resovior is low. Engine idles well, revs strong and smooth, typical oil leaks. 200k indicated on the cluster. If i buy it its going to run on jp-8 instead of diesel.

My 86 560SEL has bad valve guide seals 20 years ago and would puff a blue cloud after long red light stopages. I started using Castrol high mileage oil 20W30 and within a year it had almost stopped sucking oil down the intake guides. As an MB tech for 30 Yrs I've done a few valve seal and bent valve jobs. It's a big nasty job that requires the replacement of many other plastic and rubber parts during reassembly. For evap leaks maybe the Red Angel will decend from heaven and save your wallet . Google it! Love the car, still running strong.Easy to work on mostly and worth the effort. Great , safe ride, just ask John Gotti or Sadam Hussein, if you have a time machine handy that is.

Thank you.

Neighbour ! :) Saw it leaving in the morning as a kid, left a lasting impression !Gotta have one !

Excellent, thank you. I have my eye out for a 126 here in Australia. Air conditioners almost always run here. Regarding subscribers, this channel is too specific to have the large following Tyler has. His show is entertainment. Doug is kind of entertainment but getting rather copy and paste. Your nearest guide would be Kent's channel. But your content is worth earning an income from which is why Kent sells his 'kits'. "The History of Mercedes according to Pierre" would be an enjoyable book for Mercedes fans. You are a natural story teller/commentator, please tap into that.

Great stuff Pierre ...👍🏽...All done on mine .. the w126 book by nik greene is a good buy for any w126 lover 👍🏽

Great and very informative video!! I would recommend side pictures of what your talking about I was a lil lost on a few things. Thanks

Thanks so much for all the information, just saved an 1985 380se and obviously it came quite some issues most very rough interior and the engine quite sluggish but, it gas about 240k miles so looking to learn and slowly restore this nice classic...

Great vid. I'm doing my w124 valve stem seals and it's a pain , but not that scary , that's the m103 though ,

Had an 82 300SD that I always look back fondly on but more likely will opt for a W124 at some point...just don't need the size...but they are great big tanks

Toda la razón en los puntos que señalas !!!

I love all my 1980's Mercedes cars---240 D stick shift is my daily---380 SL I have done a valve job on and replaced the crank bearings---so much work not finished---420 SEL I have the Intake off to replace all the rubber---damned ethanol---great site

Slammin Doug D..... LOL.... awesome.

Okay buddy You convince me I subscribe

I have a 560SEC and I love it... I'm currently looking for a good restoration shop to do paint work and rust repair here in California.

Had an W126 300 SDL that was fantastic. Had almost no issues for 330K miles. One of the least cost TCO cars I have ever owned. Replaced with a GL 350 Bluetec that has also been very good.

I'm interested in buying a 560SEL one day when my GLC300 gives out or something happens to it. Thank you for helping me become more educated about them! If I get one, I'll be bringing it to you now that I located your shop on Google Maps. 👍

I have one thank you !!

Just became a Patreon Member

Great video Pierre as always! Very interesting. I would live to see you do a talk on the NA OM606. Origin, development, engineering, cars it was used in and most of all your thoughts on this remarkable engine. I’m a little biased in my request since I have a 95 300 D, But I’m sure many of us would love an in-depth tutorial from the master himself.

Very good summary. Owners of cars like that have to think along (and sing along when hit with repairs). And have to do certain really small things myself. Have bought timing chain tensioner MB (not after- market), chain itself, as that repair will happen (currently 75k on this 1988 420 SEL). Thankfully/hopefully only one issue not taken care of: low center vent air flow (comes out stronger for back seat passengers) and the recirc button not doing anything. ?No frion leaking, simply not directing air as it should, right? AC is cooling quite well, WITH new compressor, switch and dryer - you might want to mention the condenser to dryer tube leaking. I sometimes hear a "cricket" in the dash, believe it's from the HVAC fan? Hope it's not the evap coil. On front end rumble, had to have so-called brake struts replaced, MB original. Oil consumption so far no issue, slight leak at valve cover gasket. Starting problems fixed with MB original accumulator and EHA regulator. No rust. Thankfully had here in Houston a 72 y old mechanic who is retiring. QU: Fuel consumption, if its NOT the temperature sensors: should I go after oxygen sensor even when it did not turn on CEL? Mass Air Flow Sensor to be cleaned? You sound like from the NE US....

Great fuckin video Pierre.

300SE - That would work.

Another 126 annoyance, but relatively easy to fix: rear window regulator jaw clips break periodically... usually at the worst times. If you have never changed them, or it has been a long time... you might want to do it!

Great channel! I really like the straight forward presentation of information. I drive a 87 300SDL with over 300k miles. 4th gear is slipping under acceleration and it’s smoking more than usual. You mentioned hours you allow for certain repairs, what does your experience tell you I’m looking at for this type of repair?Thank you for your work.

Recent purchase of single owner 420SEL @ 28K miles. Looks the part. Noted non - functional front seat belt/key alarm relay required replacement. Alarm system discharged spontaneously while driving and required urgent disconnect.

I’m the proud owner of a 1988 300SE, and am so happy with it, I bought it after watching your video on classic Mercedes that are a good deal, your videos have been so helpful, and I thank you for that,,, could we see a video on A/C units in depth,,,,that would be great to see and learn,,,thank you,,,

My 1990 560 SEC has been professionally converted to 134, but every two years like clockwork the system needs recharging.

never change

Rust under rear window…every 300SD I have had leaks through to the trunk.

Great video! My father recently gave me his 1989 560SEL (Euro-Spec, Japanese Import) Dark Blue on Blue Velour interior spec with 145,000kms that my family owned for 16 years with 2 owners previously. My father purchased this one with 50,000kms on it 16 years ago. I knew of a couple of these issues but was unaware of some other issues until you brought them up.

I read all the comments and watched the vid. Thanks for making it. You forgot to mention the fuel tank collapse issue. It can be the lines themselves going bad and plugging up or the vent valve failing, which is no longer available that I can tell. I think most people just vent the line to atmosphere. You can tell there is a problem when you cannot remove the gas cap due to suction. Rear view mirrors are all broken; can retrofit a later one with a compass from that guy on ebay - works great.

420 sel my first car and she still kicking strong 89

Hey there i have a w201 180e which spark plugs should i use kind regards Nick

Hi Pierre. You said you would take questions, so here is mine. I have a 1985 380 SE. The idle is not correct; the car surges and can not maintain a smooth idle. Turn the key and it starts immediately, but when you put the car into gear, it stalls out. Any thoughts? Thank you so much.

Do you know if Mercedes will revisit manufacturing needed parts for older mercedes.

My ‘83 just started this humming noise as if I’m riding with off road tires. Is it the transmission? It starts at around 40 MPH

I have thes car in May garage over 20++ gears.Bay this car 1997-1998

Subscribed. Just bought 87 c126 AMG w/ 85k miles….where are you located? Recommended Indy shop in NC (preferably Charlotte)?

Do you have a shop in central Florida?

i need to get my ecm rebuilt on my 84 500 sel. where is the ecm located? i already replaced the iac and temp sensor for the computer, and i still have a 1500rpm idle when warm and low idle when cold start up, also have you ever heard of G7 computers? they would rebuild it for 275

Pierre you will never match Doug or Tyler in subscribers owing to the intelligence factor of classic Mercedes Benz owners. Common sense is not something I attribute to the average Hoovies or Demuro subscriber as evidenced by the content and comments section of said channels. Thanks Pierre for sharing your knowledge and experience of these life changing automobiles.

My very first MB was a 1987 420SEL. I am now on my 10th MB. The Best or Nothing

you know this mans legit when he quotes 10 digit part number codes

Now I'm sure I want a W115

Rear oil pan seal are oil seal I was told it is leaking. How can this be repaired???? Pls help on how to do this. I have a 1986, 420 sel

I would like to talk to you about the difference between the 300 SD, 300 SDL, 350 SD & 350SDL. Some models have head problems.

I must say i have 4 out of the 5 issues but, the 420sel car has been with me or owned by 3 persons I Know. I got the 420 because every other owner didnt take care of it. I purchased the the 420sel after sitting for months outside in florida summer rain', yup,, back deck rust!!! I will get to it. Right now still rebuilding engine. heads done. Cant get pistion ring from any place! have block number if you have suggestions.!!!

Awesome cars. Have a euro 89 coupe high compression. Z service, anything plastic or rubber critical on all by now. Takes love and money but 100% repairable though. Sweet ride. Just sayin.

Hi Pierre, thanks for all the info. I love your videos. I have been a W126 driver all my life. Don't want another car. Started with a 280se when I was 18, then a 300se and now I am driving a 420se. I am 42 now. Still love it. I do have a particular question for you. As my car is driving perfectly I cannot get rid of the noise that is coming from the doorcards on the rear doors. There is a squeeqy noise as I am driving over rough roads. I think it is the plastic rubbing or moving slightly as the doors move. Any suggestions? Many thanks in advance.

What explains little to no attention by Mercedes’ specific professional channels regarding the W202 6-cycling chassis like the c280? Is it too contemporary?

Love your channel . Doug has many more subscribers because he doesn’t specialise in one era and make .

Considering a 1985 500SEC convertible from Germany. A good idea?

Looking for my first 126. Can you tell me if the 560sel or the 300se is the best and most reliable. Love your channel, thanks for your time.

Hey... great channel... love it... Im looking for advice on the best place to obtain replacement front seat skins... w126, 560 SEL black with red leather interior... oooh love it.

Have a chance to grab 88 420sel for very cheap. With tons of maintenance done. I’m thinking this guy doesn’t know where the market is heading. Cause I can turn around and sell this for at least 5k to 10k with a little work. So my question is should I get it? And just do the timing chain and guides?

You should also address the progressively slower reverse engagement till you lose the gear completely followed soon by a complete trans failure.

You can normally hear the chain rattling before it breaks

Hello, I like your videos a lot it helps me to find the some issues but only one 😅I have 1990 Mercedes 300se has an issue when u start the car , the issue is it doesn’t start without charging the battery despite I replaced it with alternator , When u charge the battery for 5-10 minutes the car drive for 5 minutes or more then it shut down right away then when you try to start it again it won’t start or crank and u have charge the battery note before it shuts down u will see abs and SRS light pop on dashboard first then the goes off right away. Any suggestions to find the issue

When you mentioned "higher miles", what would be the range you consider? 100k, 200k, 300k?

I found a 1991 Mercedes Benz 300SEL with 50k miles on it it Texas for $7grand any other issues I should look for? It's a two owner. Thank you 👍

Hi Pierre and anyone that knows. I'm having trouble finding a source for ALL of the coolant/heater hoses for an '81 W126 300SD. The top and lower hoes are easy to find, but anyone know of a source for the rest?

Great video

I have an 84 SEC w126. The fuel tank is popping and there is so much vacuum that it literally is "shrinking" and the gas cap gets hard to remove and once able to remove it you can hear the tank decompressing and a lot of fumes come out after the cap can be removed. What are your thoughts on that?

Could you make a video of what the difference is between the Mercedes’ 500se and 500sel. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 please. I’m looking to buy a 500sel and we used to have a 500se. So if you can provide some guidance it will be sooo much appreciated

👍

I have an 84 500sec euro with none of these problems 🙌

I have a 89 300SE W126. When the car gets warm it sometimes runs rough and stumbles. Where is a good place to start? Car has 80K original miles. Thanks

Thanks Pierre for the tips. A 126 may still be in my future. I think the evaporator issue would be a deal breaker even for me, being a retired tech, I could probably do it myself. Ton of work. Hey is that you on the S90 in the background?

I am also too amazed at your knowledge. You are so far away. I wish I can bring my W126 "big blue" for you to give it a to do list. TX to FL, ugh good grief...

Hey Pierre, first off love the channel. Second: I want to buy myself a 560SEC. Aside from the issues you mention, I live in perpetual fear of the hydraulic suspension failing. I’ve heard this is a common and very expensive problem on that model. Are my fears warranted?

After looking at your lowest reviews on Google that were obviously people that had never done business with you, I reported their reviews to Google as needing to be removed so as to not lower your ratings. I hope this helps you.

I'm a new subscriber and find your content really valuable. But if I may respectfully suggest...don't call out other channels by name. It's not a good look and has the appearance of KZfaq envy. Your obvious technical knowlege speaks for itself. Great job otherwise.