It has to be W123 for me. Everything is more robust on them compared to the W124. My rule of thumb: if it still has the grease fittings on the door hinges, it's a real old school Benz.
You're both wrong! The W126/C126 is not just peak Mercedes - they are peak CAR full stop! Beloved by oligarchs, film stars, dictators and heads of state the world over: when a car is so good that the Sultan of Brunei has to have one of each in every colour of the rainbow, and Patrick Swayze jumps one over a fence in Roadhouse - HOW can there be any argument, that the stunning Bruno Sacco designed 560SEL or SEC is not one of the greatest cars ever to grace the tarmac? (Plus my Dad once had a 420SE, which he once let me drive at the age of 17! 🤣🤣)
W126 ! I agree that the 300sd is the best Best interior and the finest exterior design, the W126 i think defined styling for the north american car market through the nineties and remains modern looking today....
I owned a 1987 420SEC about 15 years ago and, in my defence, sold the old girl to go sailing offshore. I still regret not owning her. But now that I've swallowed the anchor, I have a 1993 W124 E320 saloon and I am very happy with it. See my comments here. These older MB's are all great cars, but sadly since then they have gone downhill substantially. A sad commentary.
@JWlloski-d8r But then you also get to experience the very vlear cheapening with plastic inside. And they are very complex cars. With all that comes with it.
I think the W123 is the greatest platform ever built by any auto manufacturer. However, I think the Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 is the greatest vehicle Mercedes ever built.
If we're speaking pinnacle of engineering, then r/c107, w123 w124 and w126. For me these are iconic MB design as well. I have all of these and daily drive each of them.
There are plenty of comments about which model might have been better than another, but the general consensus appears to be that 'Peak Mercedes" was sometime in the 1980's!
Peak Mercedes- in terms of technology and luxury, 600 Pullman. In terms of style, 190SL and Pagoda. In terms of practical classic car ownership, W114/W115 and W123. I drive W124. My childhood dream as a little girl was "having a fur coat, polished black heels and big Mercedes". At 31 I made it.
@@angelstavrov5032thank you so much. I do think that knowledge about cars can be a feminine trait if you apply a bit of style into it, and where do you find more style than with Mercedes? In my family, German cars are a must. My mechanic grandpa used to say "I used to believe in god until I found out that god was not made in Germany!" (He was a man of humour who found nothing taboo to joke about...) I was his favourite granddaughter since I inherited the desire to make people laugh from him. We are from Belgrade, Serbia, former Yugoslavia, and my grandfather used to work doing maintenance on the vehicles of the Protocol (cars used when Tito paraded around with likes of Fidel Castro, Gaddafi, Indira Gandhi... through Belgrade at ceremonial events- those were Mercedes and big American cars).... when he retired, he was offered to purchase decommissioned Protocol Mercedes W114 in black with red velvet interior. That car started my love affair with Mercedes that lasts until today. It was an early example W114 with that chrome ring for horn and two circular gauges atop the dashboard, column shifter and engraved Tito's signature on the glove compartment. I had a red velvet dress with big black buttons and black shoes with red ribbons and on weekends when grandfather took me for the rides in it, I would dress like that to match the car. We would always go to a pizza place near SIV building (government building of socialist Yugoslavia) in New Belgrade where people knew him, and then drive around in circles on the huge square in front of it, having long conversations with grandpa trying to teach me life lessons. I was 12, year and a half before grandpa died , when I could reach pedals for the first time. Of course grandpa immediately decided to teach me how to drive. He played Lola Novaković, famous Yugoslav pop diva from days of his youth on the old 8-track as I first switched old Benz into gear and shyly started my first circle around big fountain in the square. That autumn day I knew I would have a Mercedes when I grew up. When grandpa died, his car was sold, I cried for a week. I got to keep the original Mercedes key chain and "Property of the Government of Yugoslavia" key chain and sticker from his car, now my 1993 Mercedes W124 240, burgundy red with cream interior and wooden accessories has those bits of grandpa's car accessories. Damn it, I got carried away writing this with misty eyes. Today I kinda look like Janis Joplin, and I drive a Mercedes Benz, which is something my social circle loves to joke about. I now work in luxury hotels industry, as I love to travel, and a while ago, I got an intern to train from Belgrade Faculty of Tourism, she is a trans woman, as she came to Belgrade alone and disowned from family, I took her under my wing, and gave her rides in my car when going back and forth to work. After she graduated, she found work at a respectable 4-star hotel with decent income and since her employer decided to cover the cost of her gender reassignment surgery as a model employee, first thing she purchased was a dark green 1998 Mercedes c180 with black leather seats. She called me to have a ride in it, saying that I inspired her to be a Mercedes Benz lady for life. Short story inspired by that was written, awarded and published in local LGBT magazine, under the title "Transgendercedes-Benz", although protagonist of the story drives a different Mercedes, for the sake of anonymity - in the story it is a champagne colour W126, good choice of car by the writer too. Coincidence is that when I visited that friend's hotel for some charity event they had, I met a gentleman I am now interested in, who also drives a Mercedes- 2007 E class. Mercedes is very popular in Serbia and younger generation is keeping the passion alive. Proud member of Mercedes Club Serbia here, one of roughly 200 of us, 17 girls among us. Oldest car in the club is 1947 Mercedes 170, lots of W123, W124, W126, few R107 and R129. I think you'd enjoy our meetings.
I'm restoring a 1979 w123 have owned 12 mb 124 126 140 the 91 420 sel and the 86 300e maybe the 140s320 was the last of the best and I can make comparison to Toyotas and also owned 3lexus ls 400 and vovo presently the best for luxury and reliable in the world is a century made by Toyota 😂😂
Had a 74 coupe with that engine but with carburetor and it was great. Also had a 76 280 SE with mechanical injection and 4 spd manual, another great car
Regarding Mercedes quality - asking several buddies who work(ed) at Mercedes they pretty much all said "Don't buy a Mercedes from between 1996 - 2006".
I don’t think you can make a video like this without including the S-Class models 116, 126, 140. It’s true that you cannot run any of these three cars in a shoestring like say a W124…but that wasn’t a requirement in this test (to be fair you can’t run an SL on a shoestring either and the cost of restoring that R107 we saw would be eye watering). But surely in terms of Mercedes driving, art, elegance, and solidity the S-Class needs to be in the mix. Best wishes to all, Johnnie
I have owned 6 older Mercedes in NZ between 1978 and 2011. The first was a 1963 220Sb and the last was a 1987 420SEC. In that mix I also owned a 1977 W123 250, but I didn't like that car so much because of the engine. The twin carbs were always going out of balance. However, I am now living in Colombia and I own a 1993 W124 E320 saloon. The car has only done 107,000 miles - it was originally sold new in the US and came to Colombia before it was 12 months old. I have had some issues due to "deferred" maintenance but am gradually (after 2 years!) getting on top of those. The worst problem occurred just recently when a transistor in the Engine Control Module blew, but I managed to obtain a 2nd. hand one from the US and I think I have now found someone here who can repair the original. If that is successful I will have a spare. These ECM's were only used after about 1991 and to me they potentially spoil an otherwise superb car. New ones are just about impossible to source which is disappointing because as these cars age, they will fail after a time. MB support these cars with most parts, but so far are not handing this item. Unfathomable because they are anxious to demonstrate MB longevity generally and the 124's are the cars that epitomise this MB quality. My 124 will probably be the last car I own and I fully expect that, with proper maintenance, it will see me out!
You are correct, I would say the best and most reliable, easiest and cheapest to maintain is the w123, but the w124 is a better more modern feeling, usable car. It's softer and quieter but it has some more complex suspension parts and engines aren't as serviceable as the w123. Love them both and I have had plenty of each
Comparrison between the 123/124 would be great. Especially if they were the exact same models. ie 230E's or 200's, same transmission, same options etc.
Bought a left hand drive W123 in London many moons ago imported second hand from Germany. A 230 Auto. Never had any problems with it. Unfortunately, the day I had to put it up on a lift the sills crumbled from all that winter salt it had gone through in its earlier life. Shame. I moved on and had many other cars since but still remember it fondly as one of the most comfortable. It was a well thought out car. I loved how cleverly they’d designed the front seats to rise as you moved them forwards for drivers of lesser stature for example 😀
I could not choose between the W123 & W124 so yes it would be great to see a comparison video. I was pleasantly surprised that you did not slate the W210 being an owner of both an E320 and an E55 wagon. They were bought cheap on a bangernomics basis but and are still going strong after 12 years and 8 years respectively of ownership.
W123 and w124 are the peak Mercedes. But I would say due to its multi link suspension, options installed and fuel injection in most models I think it is the peak MB.
4:45 Many used w123 s in Houston , this was a shipping point for the brand into the US in the 80s , I’ll pick up 2 a year to do a slight restore , then send it off to a new buyer . I stick to 81 to 85 w123s , they are tanks and will sing with all the right tuneup pieces , cheers .
I owned a W126 560SEL and then later a W140 W420L (also a W126 380SE). Hands down W140 as a driving car - But, Reliability - zero points. All of those cars had 500,000 kilometers - used as chauffeur cars. If you are talking about peak Mercedes IMHO W124 - can't be beat. W123 very close second.
Having owned a few of each, I think W123 is the best one qualitatively, while the W124 is a better car to drive. But we should not forget the W126 either. Would love a comparison film for sure, and even better with one film for coupe, one for sedan and one for the touring. There should be enough interest for that out there I think.
First generation R129 with its solid engineering timeless design zinc coated body,without doubt is peak Mercedes. I have owned one for over 20 years,all original,still has it’s original exhaust system. Every thing works as it should and having done many thousands of summer miles in the uk and abroad it’s never let me down.
My Dad had a 1979 W116 450SEL 6.9 litre 😊 Big as a house,more expensive than a house and a petrol tanker constantly filling the tank as you were driving it but even now we'll into his eighties he still says it was the best car he ever had. So for me but understandably not for everyone this is my peak Mercedes of choice with childhood memories of going to the lsle of Wight for holidays etc. 😊😊😊
Though disagree with some of the sentiments like the Mercedes must have a 4 door version that leaves out stuff like the SL especially the pagoda and R107 and stuff like the gullwing
You missed 126. The 4 great are 123, 124, 126, 210; corrosion is not a real problem in the surviving 210, some have but tends to be superficial and you do not get the safety and ride in the other 3 except late 126, perhaps.
I have a W140 S280. I recently drove this from Blackpool to Rome and Back 3 up with luggage for 2 weeks. Solid as a W124 handles well, goo fuel economy 20mpg. Huge boot awesome turning circle.and easy to work on.
Oi, did y'all forget the W116? I've had both a W116 and E210 and luckily with the latter never had rust issues. And I'm in Germany! But both are Autobahn cruisers bar none. Sure, not as fast as some Porsches but that's not the point. That is to get from A to B comfortably, safely and in a manner where after getting out of the car after having been behind the wheel for several hours one doesn't feel completely drained due to the energy required to drive the car...
I think the w124 is mechanically the better one, but I am in love with w123. It reminds me more to my childhood and looks more classic to me. If I had enough money and Space, I would have an 280CE (W123) and an 300 CE-24
Great video. Although I disagree that R107 prices continue to go up. They seemed to reach a peak somewhere around Covid time and you never see them now at the asking prices of those times (SL Shop aside, but rightly so!)
I remember riding in the back of a W124 taxi in the early 2000s and I was incredibly impressed at how nicely it rode, how refined it was, how well made it was and how comfy it was. I can't remember being in a better sorted car. Probably had done about 300 thousand miles as well!
I agree about the cramped cockpit of the 107. LIterally about one inch less seat travel than I need in order to have an optimal driving position ruins it for me.
W201 and W126 need to be part of this conversation. The W201 is such a good small reliable car, that still holds all the Mercedes values. Drive it and feel the Mercedes vibe!
For me personally, the W123 is peak Mercedes. I would put the W124 as a VERY close second. Having owned 2 W210's previously, I really like them a lot, despite their willingness to dissolve. I currently run a W203, and yes rust issues on them too. Just a little disappointed there was no mention of the W201. That car did a lot to bring the Mercedes brand to a larger percentage of the car buying public.
We've had 4 W124s, all bought used, the only model we haven't had was the convertible, still have the '96 E320 coupe we bought when it was 6 years old and i must get round to putting it back on the road. Don't get carried away with how reliable they are, the higher in spec you go the more there is to go wrong and they can. H reg E230 saloon, the first, had CHG failure but was otherwise OK, that was the only pre facelift and i believe were better painted. Our fairly basic facelift '95 Diesel saloon was the most reliable by far also the simplist, an excellent car. The E320 estate was a nightmare, had the whole file from the day the first owner bought it, he spent £thousands on repairs over the 10 years he owned it and the dealers who serviced and repaired it repeatedly for the same items did him no favours whatsoever, £££££, unreliable continued in our short ownership, CHG failure finished that one off and yes they all do that sir apart from the Diesels. Our coupe has also been expensive to keep in good condition and thats with me doing much of the donkey work. Engine wiring loom on E320 (and W129 fitted with the 3.2 6 cyl) degrades which then causes coil shorting which then spikes the ECU. CHG failure just over 100k (common theme here), whilst it was stripped we had the timing chain and oil cooler replaced as preventative work, no engine wear to speak of at 110k. Bottom ball joints are a welded in part of the wishbone on E320s so expensive replacement costs, on lower spec models its a replaceable ball joint which costs buttons. Coupe rear screens deliminate, ours is on its 3rd. Drivers door window regulator can fail, circa £400 in parts, someone handy with sheet metal and a lathe could probably replicate the worn parts. Rust can be an issue, front wings mainly but bonnets and the underbody where subframes etc are mounted need checking. Keep a spare overvoltage protection relay in the car, OVP can die at any time. On the good side, astonishingly fast for its day, once up to about 80 its like someone has fired up another couple of cylinders and it wants to fly, handling is amazing can take fast bends at very high speed without drama, brakes are really good, very comfortable. Most maintenance is simple enough though, parts haven't been an issue but the dealer parts desk people sometimes don't realise (hmm) that often the part that is worn is available individually, ie the very end piece of the seat belt presenter wears and can crack but can be bought without the rest of the mechanism. Personally i prefer the saloons and estates, the higher roof line and slightly longer wheelbase give more headroom and obviously more space in the back seats.
I had several w123s which i really liked except for the first series, mine rusted through within three years. I have only had one A124 which i bought in 1993, I have never seen anything I want to swap it for so still got it. The biggest repair was hydraulic cyclinders for the roof at 2200 after 30 years, otherwise most years there is nothing outside routine maintenance. However I would be tied between the W126 (which you didn't cover at all) and W124 series as Mercedes' peak.
The gullwing in the lobby at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands is gorgeous. The gun-sighted 123 is M-B's signature car. But what do I know? I drive a R171...
I had a "stack headlights" W114 280CE many years ago - had styling overtones of the pagoda roof SL. Should have kept it although those older Mercs did rust - nothing like as bad as the awful W210 though!
Peak Mercedes was the W124 IMO. We had a 88 230 TE. 4-spd manual, central locking, sunroof, towbar, rear seat headrests and ABS. That was all the luxury you got. It was definitely comfortable and solid and lasted about 25 years/350.000 Kms before it became uneconomical to repair, primarily rust. The mechanicals were still good, even the self-leveling rear shocks that were standard on the Estate. Although the spheres for them had to be replaced at about 20 years! Wasn't that expensive though. Fun Fact: The spheres are are known as "Bulleneier" in Germany - Bulls Balls 😃 So much for Gemans supposedly having no humour! I personally preferred driving the Volvo 740 2,3GL saloon we previously had. It felt more direct and responsive, the Merc made you feel like you were being driven. It made you feel quite aloof. And the manual gearchange was kind of crap tbh. 7:50 Please show more of that 77-78 Toyota Celica ST Liftback! My dad had one from new here in Germany. I later found some paperwork and he part-exchanged it to get a 1981 Toyota Cressida DX Estate. He did 180.000 KMs in 2 years and 11 months! Our neighbour had a 2000GT for decades and later a friend got an '81 2.0 Auto in the early 90's which sadly suffered transmission issues. They had a great, proper cockpit which made Capris and Mantas look kind of sparse and cheapskate. Especially concerning the centre console.
I will say that W211 facelift is the peak Mercedes. They have sorted out som technical problem like SBC, a lighter steering, the 220D have 170hp and a servicable camchain in front. And that beautiful dachboard.
Different kinds of car. Jaguars have far more charm. Mercs are less characterful, but they are arguably better at being cars. Yes, they're deadly serious.
W212 - the pontoon sides and a huge car - the station wagon will age very gracefully, and an enormous amount of modern features including all the radar safety features
I love this series of looking at 'peak' models in a company's range history. I find the W124s and R107s impressive in their capability but totally characterless in their styling!!
Friend of mine just imported 2 sl's from California to Europe. One V8 and one straight six. The six cilinder is running but that V8 has the mechanical injection. That system is in line with the Lucas injection from the range Rover classic. It's just a nightmare.
Biased me would agree with the W124 (well C124 given I have a 220CE) - but the 280SL is a dream car. BUT - the W124 is not quite a bulletproof - given age - in my experience. Eco wiring looms, and rust are an issue.
A comparison between the W123 and W124 would be interesting. Not that it hasn't been done before. I think the W124 sits beautifully between the "now" "Old School"/Youngtimer Mercs best represented by the W123, and the newer, more Hi Tech Mercs post W124. Of course the W126 coincides pretty much with the W124 and is a fine car, tho BIG: one feels one should be driven rather than drive it. And the W201 is a fine car, tho much more cramped than either the W123 or W124. For sheer durability - bar the cracking of the dashboard - the W123 will triumph every time over a W124. But the 124 seats are more comfortable and the dash layout is super on a W124. The seats in a W124 wear much less well. And the cladding around the windows and map pockets tends to lift. The drag coefficient in the W124 was amazing for its time. And speaking of drag, if you wanted speed, the E500/500E was no slouch, but all LHD, and out of financial range for most people.
I seem to remember reading many years ago that the W124 didn't get off to a good start and disgruntled German taxi drivers demonstrated outside the factory gates! However, I do believe now that its bombproof reputation is justified. You missed its smaller sibling the 190E; that was engineered like no other as the MB advertising line used to go. I believe even MB itself realises it can't justify that any more.
I have owned classic Mercedes like W123,W124 and W201,and they have their own weak points(not many),like any car.I wouldn´t say they were overall any better than the later models like W210 and W220 in build quality or reliabilitywise.I actually think that the later millenium models have tested the time better in many ways
I remember Jeremy Clarkson saying on Top Gear that Mercedes had had board meeting and decided to increase profit at the expense of reliability in the early / mid 90s. I guess if you're wealthy enough to buy a Mercedes then you can replace it as soon as it's out of warranty or just lease it.
A comparison between a W124 and W123 would be fantastic
It has to be W123 for me. Everything is more robust on them compared to the W124. My rule of thumb: if it still has the grease fittings on the door hinges, it's a real old school Benz.
You're both wrong! The W126/C126 is not just peak Mercedes - they are peak CAR full stop! Beloved by oligarchs, film stars, dictators and heads of state the world over: when a car is so good that the Sultan of Brunei has to have one of each in every colour of the rainbow, and Patrick Swayze jumps one over a fence in Roadhouse - HOW can there be any argument, that the stunning Bruno Sacco designed 560SEL or SEC is not one of the greatest cars ever to grace the tarmac?
(Plus my Dad once had a 420SE, which he once let me drive at the age of 17! 🤣🤣)
I fully agree as an ex 420SEC owner.
There are some cheapened areas already on those though compared to the w123. And 116.
I would have to vote for the W126 as peak 'Benz. Shame there wasn't one there to look at
'83 300 SD my daily driver since 2003 ! She has never let me down. Easy and cheap to self maintain, above And below.
W126 rules
W126 ! I agree that the 300sd is the best
Best interior and the finest exterior design, the W126 i think defined styling for the north american car market through the nineties and remains modern looking today....
I owned a 1987 420SEC about 15 years ago and, in my defence, sold the old girl to go sailing offshore. I still regret not owning her. But now that I've swallowed the anchor, I have a 1993 W124 E320 saloon and I am very happy with it. See my comments here. These older MB's are all great cars, but sadly since then they have gone downhill substantially. A sad commentary.
@@alexanderlewis835125 mpg bit thirsty for a diesel. Rear windshield corners rust out - bad design.
For me the w123 estate is peak Mercedes
300TD Slow but
@@lezivanerrol3697 Why are you in such a hurry?😁
I had one with a four-speed stick. Should have kept it.
Timeless design
@JWlloski-d8r But then you also get to experience the very vlear cheapening with plastic inside. And they are very complex cars. With all that comes with it.
124 is a surprisingly good car to drive. Back in 2005 a friend gave me a go in his rs6 estate... I couldnt wait to get back in my 1990 230te.
I think the W123 is the greatest platform ever built by any auto manufacturer. However, I think the Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 is the greatest vehicle Mercedes ever built.
If we're speaking pinnacle of engineering, then r/c107, w123 w124 and w126. For me these are iconic MB design as well. I have all of these and daily drive each of them.
There are plenty of comments about which model might have been better than another, but the general consensus appears to be that 'Peak Mercedes" was sometime in the 1980's!
Peak Mercedes- in terms of technology and luxury, 600 Pullman. In terms of style, 190SL and Pagoda. In terms of practical classic car ownership, W114/W115 and W123. I drive W124. My childhood dream as a little girl was "having a fur coat, polished black heels and big Mercedes". At 31 I made it.
Congratulations!
Woman of culture 👏
@@angelstavrov5032thank you so much. I do think that knowledge about cars can be a feminine trait if you apply a bit of style into it, and where do you find more style than with Mercedes? In my family, German cars are a must. My mechanic grandpa used to say "I used to believe in god until I found out that god was not made in Germany!" (He was a man of humour who found nothing taboo to joke about...) I was his favourite granddaughter since I inherited the desire to make people laugh from him. We are from Belgrade, Serbia, former Yugoslavia, and my grandfather used to work doing maintenance on the vehicles of the Protocol (cars used when Tito paraded around with likes of Fidel Castro, Gaddafi, Indira Gandhi... through Belgrade at ceremonial events- those were Mercedes and big American cars).... when he retired, he was offered to purchase decommissioned Protocol Mercedes W114 in black with red velvet interior. That car started my love affair with Mercedes that lasts until today. It was an early example W114 with that chrome ring for horn and two circular gauges atop the dashboard, column shifter and engraved Tito's signature on the glove compartment. I had a red velvet dress with big black buttons and black shoes with red ribbons and on weekends when grandfather took me for the rides in it, I would dress like that to match the car. We would always go to a pizza place near SIV building (government building of socialist Yugoslavia) in New Belgrade where people knew him, and then drive around in circles on the huge square in front of it, having long conversations with grandpa trying to teach me life lessons. I was 12, year and a half before grandpa died , when I could reach pedals for the first time. Of course grandpa immediately decided to teach me how to drive. He played Lola Novaković, famous Yugoslav pop diva from days of his youth on the old 8-track as I first switched old Benz into gear and shyly started my first circle around big fountain in the square. That autumn day I knew I would have a Mercedes when I grew up. When grandpa died, his car was sold, I cried for a week. I got to keep the original Mercedes key chain and "Property of the Government of Yugoslavia" key chain and sticker from his car, now my 1993 Mercedes W124 240, burgundy red with cream interior and wooden accessories has those bits of grandpa's car accessories. Damn it, I got carried away writing this with misty eyes. Today I kinda look like Janis Joplin, and I drive a Mercedes Benz, which is something my social circle loves to joke about. I now work in luxury hotels industry, as I love to travel, and a while ago, I got an intern to train from Belgrade Faculty of Tourism, she is a trans woman, as she came to Belgrade alone and disowned from family, I took her under my wing, and gave her rides in my car when going back and forth to work. After she graduated, she found work at a respectable 4-star hotel with decent income and since her employer decided to cover the cost of her gender reassignment surgery as a model employee, first thing she purchased was a dark green 1998 Mercedes c180 with black leather seats. She called me to have a ride in it, saying that I inspired her to be a Mercedes Benz lady for life. Short story inspired by that was written, awarded and published in local LGBT magazine, under the title "Transgendercedes-Benz", although protagonist of the story drives a different Mercedes, for the sake of anonymity - in the story it is a champagne colour W126, good choice of car by the writer too.
Coincidence is that when I visited that friend's hotel for some charity event they had, I met a gentleman I am now interested in, who also drives a Mercedes- 2007 E class.
Mercedes is very popular in Serbia and younger generation is keeping the passion alive. Proud member of Mercedes Club Serbia here, one of roughly 200 of us, 17 girls among us. Oldest car in the club is 1947 Mercedes 170, lots of W123, W124, W126, few R107 and R129. I think you'd enjoy our meetings.
Peak Mercedes was everything from 1886 to the W124/126/129/140. Everything after that was the beginning of the slide into total crap.
I'm restoring a 1979 w123 have owned 12 mb 124 126 140 the 91 420 sel and the 86 300e maybe the 140s320 was the last of the best and I can make comparison to Toyotas and also owned 3lexus ls 400 and vovo presently the best for luxury and reliable in the world is a century made by Toyota 😂😂
W123 still in use in the third world in great numbers. Highly prized and rebuilt over and over again. Truly a permanent car.
And therefore arguably the world’s most environmentally friendly car!
I had the W123 coupe with a fuel injected 2.8 litre twin cam engine. Not a drag strip racer but smooth torque. The engine purred like a kitten.
Had a 74 coupe with that engine but with carburetor and it was great. Also had a 76 280 SE with mechanical injection and 4 spd manual, another great car
I could watch this Channel all day long. When I discovered it, I certainly went through the back catalogue of videos.
Thanks for watching and the kind words, means a lot! :D
The W123 was a really good car. The only serious problem I had with mine was the springs that would break in sub-arctic conditions.
Regarding Mercedes quality - asking several buddies who work(ed) at Mercedes they pretty much all said "Don't buy a Mercedes from between 1996 - 2006".
I don’t think you can make a video like this without including the S-Class models 116, 126, 140. It’s true that you cannot run any of these three cars in a shoestring like say a W124…but that wasn’t a requirement in this test (to be fair you can’t run an SL on a shoestring either and the cost of restoring that R107 we saw would be eye watering). But surely in terms of Mercedes driving, art, elegance, and solidity the S-Class needs to be in the mix. Best wishes to all, Johnnie
I have but one Mercedes in my 15 car collection. A W116 450 SEL. Pastel blue/parchment. Exceptionally solid, but a bit thirsty.
I owned and drive W124, W123,W126 & W140...love them all....🎉😂😅
With you on the W124, Sam! I'm fortunate to have owned a 190E 2.6 (W201) and a R129 SL500 but love my E420 W124 most of all.
I've owned 2 W124s, and the spiritual successor to your car - a W210 E430. There was a noticeable shift in in feel.
I have owned 6 older Mercedes in NZ between 1978 and 2011. The first was a 1963 220Sb and the last was a 1987 420SEC.
In that mix I also owned a 1977 W123 250, but I didn't like that car so much because of the engine. The twin carbs were always going out of balance.
However, I am now living in Colombia and I own a 1993 W124 E320 saloon. The car has only done 107,000 miles - it was originally sold new in the US and came to Colombia before it was 12 months old.
I have had some issues due to "deferred" maintenance but am gradually (after 2 years!) getting on top of those. The worst problem occurred just recently when a transistor in the Engine Control Module blew, but I managed to obtain a 2nd. hand one from the US and I think I have now found someone here who can repair the original. If that is successful I will have a spare. These ECM's were only used after about 1991 and to me they potentially spoil an otherwise superb car. New ones are just about impossible to source which is disappointing because as these cars age, they will fail after a time. MB support these cars with most parts, but so far are not handing this item. Unfathomable because they are anxious to demonstrate MB longevity generally and the 124's are the cars that epitomise this MB quality.
My 124 will probably be the last car I own and I fully expect that, with proper maintenance, it will see me out!
I’d say the w124 as it is just that bit more refined then the w123.
I own a W124 E320 Coupe a superb car.
All great cars - the W123 coupes win for me though; the C123 280CE is a work of art.
Drove a W123 in the 80s.Felt like it was hewn out of solid granite🤣🤣🤣
You are correct, I would say the best and most reliable, easiest and cheapest to maintain is the w123, but the w124 is a better more modern feeling, usable car. It's softer and quieter but it has some more complex suspension parts and engines aren't as serviceable as the w123. Love them both and I have had plenty of each
Have an '84 W123 230TE and it has been brilliant. Parts are now very expensive and take some searching out but I would never sell it.
Comparrison between the 123/124 would be great. Especially if they were the exact same models. ie 230E's or 200's, same transmission, same options etc.
Bought a left hand drive W123 in London many moons ago imported second hand from Germany. A 230 Auto. Never had any problems with it. Unfortunately, the day I had to put it up on a lift the sills crumbled from all that winter salt it had gone through in its earlier life. Shame. I moved on and had many other cars since but still remember it fondly as one of the most comfortable. It was a well thought out car. I loved how cleverly they’d designed the front seats to rise as you moved them forwards for drivers of lesser stature for example 😀
I could not choose between the W123 & W124 so yes it would be great to see a comparison video. I was pleasantly surprised that you did not slate the W210 being an owner of both an E320 and an E55 wagon. They were bought cheap on a bangernomics basis but and are still going strong after 12 years and 8 years respectively of ownership.
Good choice!
my '82 280 TE was a fantastic car!!! comfort, silent, smooth...🥳
W123 and w124 are the peak Mercedes. But I would say due to its multi link suspension, options installed and fuel injection in most models I think it is the peak MB.
4:45 Many used w123 s in Houston , this was a shipping point for the brand into the US in the 80s , I’ll pick up 2 a year to do a slight restore , then send it off to a new buyer . I stick to 81 to 85 w123s , they are tanks and will sing with all the right tuneup pieces , cheers .
For me a w123!
A comparison test between the W126 & W140 would be great
I owned a W126 560SEL and then later a W140 W420L (also a W126 380SE). Hands down W140 as a driving car - But, Reliability - zero points. All of those cars had 500,000 kilometers - used as chauffeur cars. If you are talking about peak Mercedes IMHO W124 - can't be beat. W123 very close second.
For me the W123 280e/230e, W124, W126, R107 is peak Mercedes. Rock solid.
Dempsey and make peace was on in New York in 1986.❤awesome show
Having owned a few of each, I think W123 is the best one qualitatively, while the W124 is a better car to drive. But we should not forget the W126 either.
Would love a comparison film for sure, and even better with one film for coupe, one for sedan and one for the touring. There should be enough interest for that out there I think.
W123 the peak of great car by Mercedes! Love it
First generation R129 with its solid engineering timeless design zinc coated body,without doubt is peak Mercedes.
I have owned one for over 20 years,all original,still has it’s original exhaust system. Every thing works as it should and having done many thousands of summer miles in the uk and abroad it’s never let me down.
I’m torn. Love the 124 (a 320ce please), love my C123 280ce, but my R129 still feels and looks modern today.
W123 280ce or 230ce is the without doubt the finest design, practical and beautifully built. Not many left now and no issues other than rust.
My Dad had a 1979 W116 450SEL 6.9 litre 😊 Big as a house,more expensive than a house and a petrol tanker constantly filling the tank as you were driving it but even now we'll into his eighties he still says it was the best car he ever had. So for me but understandably not for everyone this is my peak Mercedes of choice with childhood memories of going to the lsle of Wight for holidays etc. 😊😊😊
Nice 👍
@@kevinford6420 Thank you 😊
Great presentation
Thank you!
Though disagree with some of the sentiments like the Mercedes must have a 4 door version that leaves out stuff like the SL especially the pagoda and R107 and stuff like the gullwing
I still have a 210 e55 estate.. it is amazing on B roads... as were the 320 and 240 I had before.
Black W140 LWB :-) Best Mafia Car Ever
You missed 126. The 4 great are 123, 124, 126, 210; corrosion is not a real problem in the surviving 210, some have but tends to be superficial and you do not get the safety and ride in the other 3 except late 126, perhaps.
My preference is W108/109 and W113.
for me it is W116 all the way. 6.9 450 SE.L Drivet one on the Aurobahn baby!!! Hard to beat!!!
W124 coupe peak - timeless style and design with bulletproof quality.
Agree, just bought one from 1994, love it
114 280ce 1972
w124 is a great car, but I would go w126.
I have a W140 S280. I recently drove this from Blackpool to Rome and Back 3 up with luggage for 2 weeks.
Solid as a W124 handles well, goo fuel economy 20mpg. Huge boot awesome turning circle.and easy to work on.
Issue is reliability of the higher models
Oi, did y'all forget the W116? I've had both a W116 and E210 and luckily with the latter never had rust issues. And I'm in Germany! But both are Autobahn cruisers bar none. Sure, not as fast as some Porsches but that's not the point. That is to get from A to B comfortably, safely and in a manner where after getting out of the car after having been behind the wheel for several hours one doesn't feel completely drained due to the energy required to drive the car...
W126.....
I think the w124 is mechanically the better one, but I am in love with w123. It reminds me more to my childhood and looks more classic to me. If I had enough money and Space, I would have an 280CE (W123) and an 300 CE-24
Where is the W201? It should be in there
Great video. Although I disagree that R107 prices continue to go up. They seemed to reach a peak somewhere around Covid time and you never see them now at the asking prices of those times (SL Shop aside, but rightly so!)
W124 500E
For me W126
I remember riding in the back of a W124 taxi in the early 2000s and I was incredibly impressed at how nicely it rode, how refined it was, how well made it was and how comfy it was. I can't remember being in a better sorted car. Probably had done about 300 thousand miles as well!
W210 is even (much) more comfortable.Also well made and very reliable.Sadly the rust issue has ruined the reputation.
@@matsujarvinen everything in that era had water based paint didn't it? Was that the problem. I know a lot of different makes had rust issues
I agree about the cramped cockpit of the 107. LIterally about one inch less seat travel than I need in order to have an optimal driving position ruins it for me.
W201 and W126 need to be part of this conversation. The W201 is such a good small reliable car, that still holds all the Mercedes values. Drive it and feel the Mercedes vibe!
My friend and me have a C123 and C124. You are welcome to review them both.
Thanks Kevin! Can you drop us a line at joe.miller@kelsey.co.uk please?
For me personally, the W123 is peak Mercedes. I would put the W124 as a VERY close second. Having owned 2 W210's previously, I really like them a lot, despite their willingness to dissolve. I currently run a W203, and yes rust issues on them too. Just a little disappointed there was no mention of the W201. That car did a lot to bring the Mercedes brand to a larger percentage of the car buying public.
Very sensible. (I slightly prefer the W201 "190E" - but only because I live in the city and it makes more sense for me.)
We've had 4 W124s, all bought used, the only model we haven't had was the convertible, still have the '96 E320 coupe we bought when it was 6 years old and i must get round to putting it back on the road.
Don't get carried away with how reliable they are, the higher in spec you go the more there is to go wrong and they can.
H reg E230 saloon, the first, had CHG failure but was otherwise OK, that was the only pre facelift and i believe were better painted.
Our fairly basic facelift '95 Diesel saloon was the most reliable by far also the simplist, an excellent car.
The E320 estate was a nightmare, had the whole file from the day the first owner bought it, he spent £thousands on repairs over the 10 years he owned it and the dealers who serviced and repaired it repeatedly for the same items did him no favours whatsoever, £££££, unreliable continued in our short ownership, CHG failure finished that one off and yes they all do that sir apart from the Diesels.
Our coupe has also been expensive to keep in good condition and thats with me doing much of the donkey work.
Engine wiring loom on E320 (and W129 fitted with the 3.2 6 cyl) degrades which then causes coil shorting which then spikes the ECU.
CHG failure just over 100k (common theme here), whilst it was stripped we had the timing chain and oil cooler replaced as preventative work, no engine wear to speak of at 110k.
Bottom ball joints are a welded in part of the wishbone on E320s so expensive replacement costs, on lower spec models its a replaceable ball joint which costs buttons.
Coupe rear screens deliminate, ours is on its 3rd.
Drivers door window regulator can fail, circa £400 in parts, someone handy with sheet metal and a lathe could probably replicate the worn parts.
Rust can be an issue, front wings mainly but bonnets and the underbody where subframes etc are mounted need checking.
Keep a spare overvoltage protection relay in the car, OVP can die at any time.
On the good side, astonishingly fast for its day, once up to about 80 its like someone has fired up another couple of cylinders and it wants to fly, handling is amazing can take fast bends at very high speed without drama, brakes are really good, very comfortable.
Most maintenance is simple enough though, parts haven't been an issue but the dealer parts desk people sometimes don't realise (hmm) that often the part that is worn is available individually, ie the very end piece of the seat belt presenter wears and can crack but can be bought without the rest of the mechanism.
Personally i prefer the saloons and estates, the higher roof line and slightly longer wheelbase give more headroom and obviously more space in the back seats.
I remember when I got a E240 1999 model and when the dealers mist dried I was horrified by the bubbles all over the car.
I had several w123s which i really liked except for the first series, mine rusted through within three years. I have only had one A124 which i bought in 1993, I have never seen anything I want to swap it for so still got it. The biggest repair was hydraulic cyclinders for the roof at 2200 after 30 years, otherwise most years there is nothing outside routine maintenance. However I would be tied between the W126 (which you didn't cover at all) and W124 series as Mercedes' peak.
I used to have a w123 230CE and I miss it dearly, fabulous car
I’ve a 1999 R129 SL320 in line 6 bought in 2010 with 48k miles. Now she has 60k on her. Beautiful
W123 rock solid. I drive the 280 coupe version. Yes I’m a little biased, but prefer the older style look.
Oh no - I've just bought an R230 Sl after your recent review 😂
Hope you enjoy it!
@@ClassicsWorldUKthanks. First big trip today!
The Pergoda SL is peak Mercedes for me, from this range of options.
It's one of the most desirable cars ever.
@@michaelbacon561 Very true, a beautiful looking car.
The gullwing in the lobby at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands is gorgeous.
The gun-sighted 123 is M-B's signature car.
But what do I know? I drive a R171...
280 s .....stack headlight .... come on not a mention
I had a "stack headlights" W114 280CE many years ago - had styling overtones of the pagoda roof SL. Should have kept it although those older Mercs did rust - nothing like as bad as the awful W210 though!
C107- best of both worlds!
W124 for me it is still modern enough to be a daily driver. It is also when Mercedes was over engineered as a Mercedes should be.
Peak Mercedes was the W124 IMO.
We had a 88 230 TE. 4-spd manual, central locking, sunroof, towbar, rear seat headrests and ABS. That was all the luxury you got.
It was definitely comfortable and solid and lasted about 25 years/350.000 Kms before it became uneconomical to repair, primarily rust. The mechanicals were still good, even the self-leveling rear shocks that were standard on the Estate. Although the spheres for them had to be replaced at about 20 years! Wasn't that expensive though.
Fun Fact: The spheres are are known as "Bulleneier" in Germany - Bulls Balls 😃
So much for Gemans supposedly having no humour!
I personally preferred driving the Volvo 740 2,3GL saloon we previously had. It felt more direct and responsive, the Merc made you feel like you were being driven. It made you feel quite aloof. And the manual gearchange was kind of crap tbh.
7:50
Please show more of that 77-78 Toyota Celica ST Liftback!
My dad had one from new here in Germany.
I later found some paperwork and he part-exchanged it to get a 1981 Toyota Cressida DX Estate.
He did 180.000 KMs in 2 years and 11 months!
Our neighbour had a 2000GT for decades and later a friend got an '81 2.0 Auto in the early 90's which sadly suffered transmission issues.
They had a great, proper cockpit which made Capris and Mantas look kind of sparse and cheapskate. Especially concerning the centre console.
W124 for me, would love to have a S124 as a daily car in the future.
I will say that W211 facelift is the peak Mercedes. They have sorted out som technical problem like SBC, a lighter steering, the 220D have 170hp and a servicable camchain in front. And that beautiful dachboard.
W201 and W124 is peak Mercedes for me
I like the first one presented. I'm not much of a Mercedes person, as I think they look a bit sad and too serious. I prefer a Jaaag!
Different kinds of car. Jaguars have far more charm. Mercs are less characterful, but they are arguably better at being cars.
Yes, they're deadly serious.
W212 - the pontoon sides and a huge car - the station wagon will age very gracefully, and an enormous amount of modern features including all the radar safety features
I love this series of looking at 'peak' models in a company's range history. I find the W124s and R107s impressive in their capability but totally characterless in their styling!!
Friend of mine just imported 2 sl's from California to Europe. One V8 and one straight six. The six cilinder is running but that V8 has the mechanical injection. That system is in line with the Lucas injection from the range Rover classic. It's just a nightmare.
Biased me would agree with the W124 (well C124 given I have a 220CE) - but the 280SL is a dream car.
BUT - the W124 is not quite a bulletproof - given age - in my experience. Eco wiring looms, and rust are an issue.
Great.. but the elephant in the room is the massively over engineered compact Mercedes, the brilliant W201, 190 series.
A W124 is just a big 190 with a nicer dashboard. I get the 190 appeal.
Loved my petrol blue, W123 280cc 6 cyl. ❤
For me W123 is peak Mercedes. Diesel engine the best!
As an w123 owner i start to get more and more attracted to an w124.. might switch sooner or later
Good coverage.. but no years of the cars mentioned.
A comparison between the W123 and W124 would be interesting. Not that it hasn't been done before. I think the W124 sits beautifully between the "now" "Old School"/Youngtimer Mercs best represented by the W123, and the newer, more Hi Tech Mercs post W124. Of course the W126 coincides pretty much with the W124 and is a fine car, tho BIG: one feels one should be driven rather than drive it. And the W201 is a fine car, tho much more cramped than either the W123 or W124. For sheer durability - bar the cracking of the dashboard - the W123 will triumph every time over a W124. But the 124 seats are more comfortable and the dash layout is super on a W124. The seats in a W124 wear much less well. And the cladding around the windows and map pockets tends to lift.
The drag coefficient in the W124 was amazing for its time.
And speaking of drag, if you wanted speed, the E500/500E was no slouch, but all LHD, and out of financial range for most people.
123 turbo diesel
I seem to remember reading many years ago that the W124 didn't get off to a good start and disgruntled German taxi drivers demonstrated outside the factory gates! However, I do believe now that its bombproof reputation is justified. You missed its smaller sibling the 190E; that was engineered like no other as the MB advertising line used to go. I believe even MB itself realises it can't justify that any more.
I have owned classic Mercedes like W123,W124 and W201,and they have their own weak points(not many),like any car.I wouldn´t say they were overall any better than the later models like W210 and W220 in build quality or reliabilitywise.I actually think that the later millenium models have tested the time better in many ways
Beautiful content ? My peak and my love is the w124
And yes… please do compare the W123 & W124 in a video.
I drove a W124 Estate for 27 years, the car was then 30 years old. I replaced it with a W212 Estate (Facelift version).
I remember Jeremy Clarkson saying on Top Gear that Mercedes had had board meeting and decided to increase profit at the expense of reliability in the early / mid 90s. I guess if you're wealthy enough to buy a Mercedes then you can replace it as soon as it's out of warranty or just lease it.
W111.perfection.