I totally agree with you on the 75 to 95 mercedes market. I got my 91 300 SEL for free but put 4k into the bead gasket, cooling system, brakes, wheels and tires, interior. Its better than most nice ones I see being marketed and mines more sound. And my 560 SEL I got for a fair 2300 and it is 100% rust free with a healthy motor and a nice navy interior. The trans is my only issue but I happen to have a spare 722.3 laying around. Now that is a deal
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary what do you mean what to do with ether car? Side note though is I want to manual swap my 300 SEL using the getrag trans from a 300 sl or a w124. M103 motor it should be easy? Then I want to supercharge my 560 in the future.
I just wanted safe cars for my kids. Mercedes had more safety features in older models than most others. I had a very limited budget. I looked for cars under $2,000, so if a big problem cropped up, I could just get rid of it and buy another. You can't really do this if you spend $5,000. I got my son a 99 clk320 with 190k miles on it for $1,300. The sunroof didn't work and the back shade would stick. I just ignored those problems. Had an issue with dried out vacuum hoses and replaced those for about $100. No other issues in 2.5 years. Got my daughter a 97 e420 with 170k miles for $1,500. Fixed an intermittant cluster issue myself using youtube. Have not had any other issues in a year. When something important goes that will be expensive to fix, I'll just sell it and get another. They don't need every little detail on the car to work and they are pretty good for a new driver.
There's Mercedes more nothing than an expensive cheap. There's expensive more Mercedes than a cheap nothing. There's Mercedes more cheap than a nothing expensive. This is my life. My $5000 1995 C36 has been the most reliable car in my fleet with 214k miles, more than cars with half the mileage and age. Everything that could go wrong had already been done. See you at Amelia???
Hi Pierre, another great video thank you. One of my favorite cars in my collection is a 1984 280e Euro that I purchased for $500 years ago. It is an excellent car with original Glasurit paint that needed only some simple sorting and maintenance, and we have put nearly 100k miles on it to date no major issues. There are some great older MB's out there that can be had for a good price, usually sold by people that don't understand or really care for them.
Update on the SEL....I got the car running again! Now the leaking fuel issue at the rear needs to be done next. My take away from this experience was NOT to use Meyle hose... I know I didn’t listen to you. I had some already, so I used it. What happened was all the fuel lines I changed went well, but the one that goes between the fuel dampener and the fuel pressure regulator had to make a 90 degree turn. Meyle hose/non-MB hose KINKS so badly the fuel won’t pass properly. So car didn’t work... I cut and put an older MB hose in its place. Now it runs well! THANK YOU!!! I put this comment here so others can benefit from my work. 👍🏻
Very true, I have an s55 AMG hat I daily, pulled it out of the weeds and I have 2000 dollars into total, but like 250-300 hours of labor. but now it looks great 117k miles and everything works, even the ABC
Totaly agree if you purchase a sound car with good history with no bad rust but looking tatty you can spend some good money on it , do it over a couple of years enjoy it as a hobby, you will get to know the car really well and all new parts. I put a complete new supension and bushings . mounts etc and a new roof on my R129. its amazing it drives like a new car. One thing people need to do is stop looking at mileage as a milestone and what attention has been givin to the car , one of the best Mercs R129 at the club has 230,000 miles on the clock the good old V8.
The ugly truth is a lot of time people ask way too much for the car they’re selling, and they lie! The dealer in Cincinnati we bought it from spray painted a lot of the hoses black and put a fake date sticker of 5/18 on the battery! I just splurged and bought a battery from MB for $275. Seriously! I heard they can last ten years! When I look at is how much money am I going to have to dump into it versus a car already done. Even then the ‘done’ ones well maintained and all kept to spec, are four times the price to fix the old raggedy ones needing some love. I tell my friends I get the car for let’s say $5600 (my ‘75 450SEL) and I put $2,000-$3,000 in parts cost alone, I can have a $24,000 dollar car if the interior is in good shape but dirty enough to keep the initial price down. Elbow grease! Thats my secret! Oh and my Benz is cheaper than ‘your’ $24,000 Hyundai, is what I say a lot, and your Hyundai is going to be in the crusher within 5 years... while mine is enjoying cruising the highway and looking sharp. Then good resale value! Try that with a Hyundai.
I agree with you, most sellers are asking too much to begin with, and the higher priced cars often need just as much work as the cheaper ones, if not more.
I think that only really applies to some of the overly complicated Mercedes like the ones with hydraulic suspension or V12 engines where parts alone are super expensive. I recently bought a 1984 300SD for $1250 and replaced the AC compressor, and entire cooling system because the previous owner kept topping it off with water. With parts and purchase price I have a running and driving Mercedes S class with working AC for about $2000. If I paid someone else to do the labor it would be 3-4k total which still isn't that much.
From motorcycles to cars ... I leaned the hard way (cost wise) that you must be willing to learn & 'wrench' yourself. This has allowed me to keep my hobby (and Marriage) going. I'm finally ... after many years going back to a classic Mercedes with a new found knowledge base & enthusiasm. Your thoughts & advice are always appreciated Pierre ... in the words of Yoda - “Always pass on what you have learned.”
When it comes to owning a Benz, attention must be paid to maintenance, both scheduled and neglected. If you cannot perform the work yourself, you have to find a competent mechanic that is familiar with Mercedes. Just that is quite a task. That is where the expense comes in. That and if inferior parts were used in previous ownership. If you can do the work yourself, are willing to learn, and ask questions from competent folks who know these cars, such as Pierre, and are willing to buy high quality parts and supplies, a "cheap Mercedes" can be a joy to own and drive.
Hi Pierre. Your knowledge of these cars is 'priceless' and I want to thank you for all you share with those of us who drive and love them. That said, I am now a one Mercedes-Benz owner and it happens to be my daily driver. It is my 1988 260E. I really like this car and have owned it going on six years. I bought it for my son first to learn to drive and then my daughter likewise. They both moved on and have gotten into more 'modern' Asian and German cars so I decided to keep it and make it my dd. I don't know how many others feel as I do but I would like to see more videos from you on these genre cars if you would be so kind. Keep up the great work and maybe someday I will get to meet you in person!
I agree with Pierre here. I'm somewhat mechanically-inclined, and bought a '91 SL a little more than a year ago for $8,500 from a dealer-seller, about "market" at the time. The car looked good, drove fine on a short test drive, so I bought it. Since then, I've spent at least $3.5 K for indie shop labor, around $2K for parts, and invested many hours of my own labor swapping old parts for new (shocks and struts, soft-top hydraulics, ignition components, interior electrical), and I still have a rough-idle problem left to resolve. This goes to show that buying a "nice" car isn't always as it cracks up to be. A $9K and $5K car of the same age will have the same wear and tear issues that need dealing with, and the price difference may be attributed simply to one of these issues not being disclosed ($9K), and being disclosed honestly ($5K).
Pierre ligned it out pretty good, and here is the reason WHY I WILL NEVER BUY FROM A DEALER : They will do the bare minimum , bar none, just to make a few bucks,
I religiously agree with you. Bought a '84 280CE this spring for 2500 €. Best decision I ve ever taken. Replaced all the front rubber mounts and stuff. Now working on the rear axle.
Most excellent commentary,on a common dilemma facing us,on deciding to acquire another old timer.Does History and use,province and owner candor,trump, mystery and a low buy in.Take your time and due diligence,and with a little luck you just may have a keeper,not a weeper.Spot on as for the diminishing returns on the newer post W140s.Great,easygoing,and informative guidance offered to the MB classic community,well done,as usual,and much appreciated.Carry on Sir.
Thanks Pierre! Great video full of wisdom 🤓 Around the 4:00-ish Mark, you are giving a comparison of a $25K car verses a $6K car. I was hearing you click off these $$$$ amounts for repairs to the 'cheaper' one and was assuming you were referring to 'retail' costs? If one is mechanically inclined and can do much of the repair work, I assume the monies you referred to would decrease considerably.
Im glad you posted this video as this is exactly what ive done with my low milage 190E 2.0 in Australia. Thus far ive spent a but but its value is climbing already to negate that expense and the expenses are what i would consider general maintenance
And another thing... if you don’t DIY you can make good relationships with an Indy (independent) mechanic. Six years ago I paid $300 to my old Indy to install my exhaust system. It’s still on the car and working great! I bought the whole system from Parts Geek for almost $900. He had some trouble installing but stood by his initial price quote. Isn’t that a great guy? And I never flirt or act inappropriately to anyone. I don’t have to they just want to work on my car. Maybe it’s the test drive he gets to do! I think it’s his integrity. He said he wanted more experience on old MBZ. Then he showed me his 300D on the parking lot. So I work with my guys, if I end up needing them, because good relationships are everything! Most of the other work I do myself.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary It was Bosal muffler, DEC catalytic converters, and a resonator which I don’t see listed in their website. I looked it up I can’t find the resonator brand. From what I remember not MB. The service writer said the old system was so bad it was held on by God and I was fortunate it didn’t come off and endanger me. The mechanic had to heat up the pipe just below the manifold because it wasn’t shaped quite right. That’s why I wasn’t doing it myself. He went over and over how he could not guarantee the sound. He was worried I wouldn’t like it. I told him I basically didn’t care and was glad it was fixed. It ‘settled’ in a few weeks. It has a nice growl! He gave me three months warranty on the work.
I’m glad I didn’t do it myself because I had such a hard time with the exhaust bolts I almost pushed the car off the jack stands. Also the pipes had to be heated and bent just a bit.
@LilyoftheValeyrising how are you? I am enjoying reading your posts and my hat is off to you doing your own work. You could probably teach me a few things LOL. I am moving in that direction slowly. What side of the world are you on?
I am a new subscriber and a new owner of a Mercedes. Mine is a '99 E300 TD 210 with 101k miles. Bought from an older couple who had for 13 years and kept it garaged. Originally titled in Fl. the price was right and I have had new glow plugs installed. No rust and the car looks great, sounds great and drives and handles fine. Roads are such can't escape potholes and the likes. Question is other than the name is there really any quality here beyond what a nice Honda or Toyota has? I can do minor repairs but due to eyesight am limited. I think I would like to own more of these classics but am not sure. They are not inexpensive to maintain as I have learned so far but have come out fine on this one. Thank you.
Jim, I don't know of any midsize toyota or honda with six cylinder power and 38 mpg. On the w210 quality is not quite as good as some of the older versions, especially the 126 and 123 series cars, and even the 124 series cars, but as far as efficency and safety go, the E300 is certainly the winner. It's mechanical weak point is its transmission...go easy on it.
I bought my 1993 W124 400E for $3000 with 150000 miles about 3 years ago....it now has 222000 miles on it. NO major issues with it. Most of the things that I replaced was basic maintenance items that you would do on a regular car ( brakes, shocks, spark plugs...etc...etc) . THe wiring harness was already changed to a "newer" one when I bought the car. It is my daily driver
Forgot to ask... Pierre, would you consider making a video of your caravan to Amelia Island? A follow-up video on the Concours' "happenings" and classic MBs there, with your commentary, would be nice as well, for those of us who can't make the event. Thanks.
Absolutely right about the more modern ones, their prices, and problems. For example, late 2000 SLs for sale are plentiful are in a possibly tempting $20,000 price range. BUT their ABC suspensions and convertible hardtops are just two items with enormous repair bills waiting to happen.
I have to agree I bought two "cheap" W123 240D one $800 has just about as close to brand new as you can get in and out BUT no compression the $400 donor 240D starts right up and is a euro model with lots of high ticket parts I can part out but the body and frame are rotten! So cash up front $1200 BUT I'll make at least $500 just on parting out the euro donor in addition the donor came from a MB mech of 50 plus years and has all kinds of tools, books, and his own knowledge to through in with it!
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I think yes of I'm understand what yours saying correctly. My project car is in really amazing condition aside fron the motor. The donor is a euro with a good solid engine/tranny w/the euro injection pump. I will keep the parts that I can use for myself and pay out the test to people that need/want them.
I purchased the cheapest 560sel in Australia.. 4k compared the next cheapest at the time which was 18k. The engine was perfect but cosmetically it was revolting The interior was rotted, rust in rear window and paint was flaking. 10k later it's almost showroom condition because I've done the work myself. Would I do it again, in a heartbeat.
Hi Pierre Great video as always Our 89 300 SE was gifted to us and yes is having money spent on the brakes all work done by me At least I know the brakes are good and won’t give trouble for along time Other issues I’m gradually sorting as I’m learning Can’t wait to drive our car
'94 300TD wagon, apparently good condition (purportedly well-serviced by mechanics that "Know" Mercedes diesels): zero concern with Mercedes 6 cylinder diesels... greatest concern is the transmission (thinking of German panzers). everything else on the machine seems good... transmissions not my strong point: what to watch for?
There are vehicles that have an indefinite service life. Many Mercedes and Lexus LS 430 comes to mind. Series 80&100 Toyota Land Cruiser are also in this group. " Indefinite service life" means you have the check book to do the service. My dad told me , "Nickle-dollar millionaires" don't own a Mercedes very long. As I have stated before I have a 1990 Mercedes 350 SDL with 210,000 that runs and looks like brand new. I can tell you in the last 28 years I have spent at least $2000 several times without drive-ability issues. Just on normal long term ownership.
I would rather keep the same car as well, and in fact Greg you touched on a key point. your 350SDL is the cheapest car you can own...because you already own it, know it inside and out and know how to maintain it.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 one factor you did not address is the difference in maintenance costs from major metro areas to less urban locales. Here in LA we start off paying high marginal effective tax rates, then pay labor rates that are much higher than average. So the incentive to diy is very large, as is the cost of paying anyone knowledgeable to bring old iron up to nice condition. Unfortunately, most people cannot afford to own their own garage, so they end up paying a shop. This adds considerably to the cost of owning an older car.
Pierre, I finnally found my match. I have held on for 30 years to cars that everybody has deemed junk. Now I wonder why they're all ligning up looking to buy my rust free cars. You hit it right on the nose for people flipping cars wanting somebody to care of all ailments, and not do it themselves.... those curbside dealers...., you know who I am talking about...
I prefer the Hands-On how to videos I would love to watch you do one on the w123 front windshield seal replacement I've only found one on RUclips it would be awesome if you did one you could wear a lab coat LOL
What is a good price for a 1972 250 4 door with under 60k miles? With great interior and about 6 sq inches of rust? It runs well also. Your opinion would really help.
Hello i live in France and soon im buying my first car i have budget around 5000 euros and i have 2 choices E46 or the w211 which do think is better ;)
Thx pierre, u got some good info there, very very seldom, its the way around here in Europe, where a mercedes is so everywhere in our streetviews, that some sellers dont realize they are selling a real good car, for very cheap, hence, there is such a small niche of people who like and love and are not prejudiced...young peaple, find them boaring cars for old men, midlifers seem not to like the ordinary look , or sometimes they feel stigmated, because mercedes is qua label, something only docters and dentists, deserve....to drive inn... Here in europe thats not at all always the case, because every smallest farmer owning 6 cows so to speak, drives a mercedes, the old school mercedes type 123 and 124 ... They dont have sexappeal for the majority, but hey, how sad would it be ,if we all dated the same girls?😎👌🇧🇪
Pierre read my latest blog on why the W203 is a great used car buy! atomicdoug.wordpress.com/2019/02/24/bargain-basement-luxury-the-mercedes-benz-w203/
Only drive what you can afford to fix true. Buy the best you can afford don't buy a beater do your research it is all about numbers buy,fix all for the right cost I allways ask why are you selling if they are not honest walk away there are many out there walk away
I totally agree with you on the 75 to 95 mercedes market. I got my 91 300 SEL for free but put 4k into the bead gasket, cooling system, brakes, wheels and tires, interior. Its better than most nice ones I see being marketed and mines more sound. And my 560 SEL I got for a fair 2300 and it is 100% rust free with a healthy motor and a nice navy interior. The trans is my only issue but I happen to have a spare 722.3 laying around. Now that is a deal
i think you did well on both cars. The pundits though, would not have known what to do with either car.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary what do you mean what to do with ether car? Side note though is I want to manual swap my 300 SEL using the getrag trans from a 300 sl or a w124. M103 motor it should be easy? Then I want to supercharge my 560 in the future.
@@12pagani Pundits- people who comment and don;t know have any real reference- would not know what to do with either of the 126s you own.
I just wanted safe cars for my kids. Mercedes had more safety features in older models than most others. I had a very limited budget. I looked for cars under $2,000, so if a big problem cropped up, I could just get rid of it and buy another. You can't really do this if you spend $5,000. I got my son a 99 clk320 with 190k miles on it for $1,300. The sunroof didn't work and the back shade would stick. I just ignored those problems. Had an issue with dried out vacuum hoses and replaced those for about $100. No other issues in 2.5 years. Got my daughter a 97 e420 with 170k miles for $1,500. Fixed an intermittant cluster issue myself using youtube. Have not had any other issues in a year. When something important goes that will be expensive to fix, I'll just sell it and get another. They don't need every little detail on the car to work and they are pretty good for a new driver.
these late 90s MBs are the absolute best for teenagers! I mean the best! You are a brilliant man, Steve!!
There's Mercedes more nothing than an expensive cheap.
There's expensive more Mercedes than a cheap nothing.
There's Mercedes more cheap than a nothing expensive.
This is my life.
My $5000 1995 C36 has been the most reliable car in my fleet with 214k miles, more than cars with half the mileage and age. Everything that could go wrong had already been done.
See you at Amelia???
TYLER!!!!!!! Yes you will!!!
when will you get in?????
Word, I have a C36 as well, although I need to replace them head gasket, I guess I should get to it lol
Hi Pierre, another great video thank you. One of my favorite cars in my collection is a 1984 280e Euro that I purchased for $500 years ago. It is an excellent car with original Glasurit paint that needed only some simple sorting and maintenance, and we have put nearly 100k miles on it to date no major issues. There are some great older MB's out there that can be had for a good price, usually sold by people that don't understand or really care for them.
that's a great story. Serves as proof that a cheap mercedes can actually be a great deal.
Update on the SEL....I got the car running again! Now the leaking fuel issue at the rear needs to be done next.
My take away from this experience was NOT to use Meyle hose... I know I didn’t listen to you. I had some already, so I used it. What happened was all the fuel lines I changed went well, but the one that goes between the fuel dampener and the fuel pressure regulator had to make a 90 degree turn. Meyle hose/non-MB hose KINKS so badly the fuel won’t pass properly. So car didn’t work... I cut and put an older MB hose in its place. Now it runs well! THANK YOU!!!
I put this comment here so others can benefit from my work. 👍🏻
well, at least you did not set the car on fire.I applaud your perseverance
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary
Thanks. No leaks on the first run.
Very true, I have an s55 AMG hat I daily, pulled it out of the weeds and I have 2000 dollars into total, but like 250-300 hours of labor. but now it looks great 117k miles and everything works, even the ABC
Totaly agree if you purchase a sound car with good history with no bad rust but looking tatty you can spend some good money on it , do it over a couple of years enjoy it as a hobby, you will get to know the car really well and all new parts. I put a complete new supension and bushings . mounts etc and a new roof on my R129. its amazing it drives like a new car. One thing people need to do is stop looking at mileage as a milestone and what attention has been givin to the car , one of the best Mercs R129 at the club has 230,000 miles on the clock the good old V8.
looking at mileage should come second- i totally agree.
The ugly truth is a lot of time people ask way too much for the car they’re selling, and they lie! The dealer in Cincinnati we bought it from spray painted a lot of the hoses black and put a fake date sticker of 5/18 on the battery! I just splurged and bought a battery from MB for $275. Seriously! I heard they can last ten years!
When I look at is how much money am I going to have to dump into it versus a car already done. Even then the ‘done’ ones well maintained and all kept to spec, are four times the price to fix the old raggedy ones needing some love.
I tell my friends I get the car for let’s say $5600 (my ‘75 450SEL) and I put $2,000-$3,000 in parts cost alone, I can have a $24,000 dollar car if the interior is in good shape but dirty enough to keep the initial price down. Elbow grease! Thats my secret! Oh and my Benz is cheaper than ‘your’ $24,000 Hyundai, is what I say a lot, and your Hyundai is going to be in the crusher within 5 years... while mine is enjoying cruising the highway and looking sharp. Then good resale value! Try that with a Hyundai.
I agree with you, most sellers are asking too much to begin with, and the higher priced cars often need just as much work as the cheaper ones, if not more.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary exactly! Some cars I’m like pffft- parts cars - I’ll give you $300.
I think that only really applies to some of the overly complicated Mercedes like the ones with hydraulic suspension or V12 engines where parts alone are super expensive. I recently bought a 1984 300SD for $1250 and replaced the AC compressor, and entire cooling system because the previous owner kept topping it off with water. With parts and purchase price I have a running and driving Mercedes S class with working AC for about $2000. If I paid someone else to do the labor it would be 3-4k total which still isn't that much.
Very informative, thank you. I am putting my plan together for a daily driver this month. You will hear from me soon!
From motorcycles to cars ... I leaned the hard way (cost wise) that you must be willing to learn & 'wrench' yourself.
This has allowed me to keep my hobby (and Marriage) going. I'm finally ... after many years going back to a classic Mercedes with a new found knowledge base & enthusiasm.
Your thoughts & advice are always appreciated Pierre ... in the words of Yoda - “Always pass on what you have learned.”
thank you! i think it is critical to be doing your own repairs if you want your mb to work right!
When it comes to owning a Benz, attention must be paid to maintenance, both scheduled and neglected. If you cannot perform the work yourself, you have to find a competent mechanic that is familiar with Mercedes. Just that is quite a task. That is where the expense comes in. That and if inferior parts were used in previous ownership. If you can do the work yourself, are willing to learn, and ask questions from competent folks who know these cars, such as Pierre, and are willing to buy high quality parts and supplies, a "cheap Mercedes" can be a joy to own and drive.
well said.
Hi Pierre. Your knowledge of these cars is 'priceless' and I want to thank you for all you share with those of us who drive and love them. That said, I am now a one Mercedes-Benz owner and it happens to be my daily driver. It is my 1988 260E. I really like this car and have owned it going on six years. I bought it for my son first to learn to drive and then my daughter likewise. They both moved on and have gotten into more 'modern' Asian and German cars so I decided to keep it and make it my dd. I don't know how many others feel as I do but I would like to see more videos from you on these genre cars if you would be so kind. Keep up the great work and maybe someday I will get to meet you in person!
I agree with Pierre here. I'm somewhat mechanically-inclined, and bought a '91 SL a little more than a year ago for $8,500 from a dealer-seller, about "market" at the time. The car looked good, drove fine on a short test drive, so I bought it. Since then, I've spent at least $3.5 K for indie shop labor, around $2K for parts, and invested many hours of my own labor swapping old parts for new (shocks and struts, soft-top hydraulics, ignition components, interior electrical), and I still have a rough-idle problem left to resolve. This goes to show that buying a "nice" car isn't always as it cracks up to be. A $9K and $5K car of the same age will have the same wear and tear issues that need dealing with, and the price difference may be attributed simply to one of these issues not being disclosed ($9K), and being disclosed honestly ($5K).
i think you're pretty far ahead of the curve. Most R129 500SLs have suffered unmentionable neglect at the hands of gold diggers and guidos.
Pierre ligned it out pretty good, and
here is the reason WHY
I WILL NEVER BUY FROM A DEALER :
They will do the bare minimum , bar none, just to make a few bucks,
that's their formula
My 83 300D was 2200$ now its PRICELESS
haha very nice! you have certainly put the hard work into it.
I religiously agree with you. Bought a '84 280CE this spring for 2500 €. Best decision I ve ever taken. Replaced all the front rubber mounts and stuff. Now working on the rear axle.
Most excellent commentary,on a common dilemma facing us,on deciding to acquire another old timer.Does History and use,province and owner candor,trump, mystery and a low buy in.Take your time and due diligence,and with a little luck you just may have a keeper,not a weeper.Spot on as for the diminishing returns on the newer post W140s.Great,easygoing,and informative guidance offered to the MB classic community,well done,as usual,and much appreciated.Carry on Sir.
Thanks Pierre! Great video full of wisdom 🤓
Around the 4:00-ish Mark, you are giving a comparison of a $25K car verses a $6K car. I was hearing you click off these $$$$ amounts for repairs to the 'cheaper' one and was assuming you were referring to 'retail' costs? If one is mechanically inclined and can do much of the repair work, I assume the monies you referred to would decrease considerably.
that's correct. it is always cheaper for the do it yourselfer
Im glad you posted this video as this is exactly what ive done with my low milage 190E 2.0 in Australia. Thus far ive spent a but but its value is climbing already to negate that expense and the expenses are what i would consider general maintenance
very good John. Keep up the great work
And another thing... if you don’t DIY you can make good relationships with an Indy (independent) mechanic. Six years ago I paid $300 to my old Indy to install my exhaust system. It’s still on the car and working great!
I bought the whole system from Parts Geek for almost $900. He had some trouble installing but stood by his initial price quote. Isn’t that a great guy? And I never flirt or act inappropriately to anyone. I don’t have to they just want to work on my car. Maybe it’s the test drive he gets to do! I think it’s his integrity. He said he wanted more experience on old MBZ. Then he showed me his 300D on the parking lot. So I work with my guys, if I end up needing them, because good relationships are everything!
Most of the other work I do myself.
that was nice of him considering how tough it can be to take those exhaust systems apart. What brand was it?
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary It was Bosal muffler, DEC catalytic converters, and a resonator which I don’t see listed in their website. I looked it up I can’t find the resonator brand. From what I remember not MB.
The service writer said the old system was so bad it was held on by God and I was fortunate it didn’t come off and endanger me. The mechanic had to heat up the pipe just below the manifold because it wasn’t shaped quite right. That’s why I wasn’t doing it myself. He went over and over how he could not guarantee the sound. He was worried I wouldn’t like it. I told him I basically didn’t care and was glad it was fixed. It ‘settled’ in a few weeks. It has a nice growl! He gave me three months warranty on the work.
I’m glad I didn’t do it myself because I had such a hard time with the exhaust bolts I almost pushed the car off the jack stands. Also the pipes had to be heated and bent just a bit.
@LilyoftheValeyrising how are you? I am enjoying reading your posts and my hat is off to you doing your own work. You could probably teach me a few things LOL. I am moving in that direction slowly. What side of the world are you on?
Excellent commentary, Pierre!
thanks Tim!
I am a new subscriber and a new owner of a Mercedes. Mine is a '99 E300 TD 210 with 101k miles. Bought from an older couple who had for 13 years and kept it garaged. Originally titled in Fl. the price was right and I have had new glow plugs installed. No rust and the car looks great, sounds great and drives and handles fine. Roads are such can't escape potholes and the likes. Question is other than the name is there really any quality here beyond what a nice Honda or Toyota has? I can do minor repairs but due to eyesight am limited. I think I would like to own more of these classics but am not sure. They are not inexpensive to maintain as I have learned so far but have come out fine on this one. Thank you.
Jim, I don't know of any midsize toyota or honda with six cylinder power and 38 mpg. On the w210 quality is not quite as good as some of the older versions, especially the 126 and 123 series cars, and even the 124 series cars, but as far as efficency and safety go, the E300 is certainly the winner. It's mechanical weak point is its transmission...go easy on it.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 Thank you. I intend to treat it right.
I bought my 1993 W124 400E for $3000 with 150000 miles about 3 years ago....it now has 222000 miles on it. NO major issues with it. Most of the things that I replaced was basic maintenance items that you would do on a regular car ( brakes, shocks, spark plugs...etc...etc) . THe wiring harness was already changed to a "newer" one when I bought the car. It is my daily driver
So w140 they price going down. Not worth fixing???
good work on your 400E. they are a great value for the money. Luis, 140s that need a lot of work are getting cheaper.
I had a e320 cdi 2006 and now a 1984 300td I love your videos and what your doing for the old cars I want a army of them
that's awesome! where do you live?
Hi Pierre, great video. It enlightened me a bunch as I prepare to sell my 87 560sec.
thank you
Thank you Pierre!
Forgot to ask... Pierre, would you consider making a video of your caravan to Amelia Island? A follow-up video on the Concours' "happenings" and classic MBs there, with your commentary, would be nice as well, for those of us who can't make the event. Thanks.
we are going to try!
Best of Best of your RUclips effort
thank you Greg!
this is the best place for classic mercedes on the web
Thanks , Some good Info there as always
you;re welcome Joe!
Absolutely right about the more modern ones, their prices, and problems. For example, late 2000 SLs for sale are plentiful are in a possibly tempting $20,000 price range. BUT their ABC suspensions and convertible hardtops are just two items with enormous repair bills waiting to happen.
Great if you want a cheap, safe convertible. bad if you want a perfect car
Thank you
you're welcome
I have to agree I bought two "cheap" W123 240D one $800 has just about as close to brand new as you can get in and out BUT no compression the $400 donor 240D starts right up and is a euro model with lots of high ticket parts I can part out but the body and frame are rotten! So cash up front $1200 BUT I'll make at least $500 just on parting out the euro donor in addition the donor came from a MB mech of 50 plus years and has all kinds of tools, books, and his own knowledge to through in with it!
so you will have the 72 hp euro engine in your non running car? alot of the euro cars had terminal rust....its a shame really
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I think yes of I'm understand what yours saying correctly. My project car is in really amazing condition aside fron the motor. The donor is a euro with a good solid engine/tranny w/the euro injection pump. I will keep the parts that I can use for myself and pay out the test to people that need/want them.
I purchased the cheapest 560sel in Australia.. 4k compared the next cheapest at the time which was 18k.
The engine was perfect but cosmetically it was revolting
The interior was rotted, rust in rear window and paint was flaking.
10k later it's almost showroom condition because I've done the work myself.
Would I do it again, in a heartbeat.
Hi Pierre
Great video as always
Our 89 300 SE was gifted to us and yes is having money spent on the brakes all work done by me
At least I know the brakes are good and won’t give trouble for along time
Other issues I’m gradually sorting as I’m learning
Can’t wait to drive our car
that's great! what colors and how many miles?
Thanks Pierre
The colour is anthracite grey And beige interior
430,000 kilometres
what would you consider to much body rust?
'94 300TD wagon, apparently good condition (purportedly well-serviced by mechanics that "Know" Mercedes diesels): zero concern with Mercedes 6 cylinder diesels... greatest concern is the transmission (thinking of German panzers). everything else on the machine seems good... transmissions not my strong point: what to watch for?
There are vehicles that have an indefinite service life. Many Mercedes and Lexus LS 430 comes to mind. Series 80&100 Toyota Land Cruiser are also in this group. " Indefinite service life" means you have the check book to do the service.
My dad told me , "Nickle-dollar millionaires" don't own a Mercedes very long.
As I have stated before I have a 1990 Mercedes 350 SDL with 210,000 that runs and looks like brand new. I can tell you in the last 28 years I have spent at least $2000 several times without drive-ability issues. Just on normal long term ownership.
I would rather keep the same car as well, and in fact Greg you touched on a key point. your 350SDL is the cheapest car you can own...because you already own it, know it inside and out and know how to maintain it.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 one factor you did not address is the difference in maintenance costs from major metro areas to less urban locales. Here in LA we start off paying high marginal effective tax rates, then pay labor rates that are much higher than average. So the incentive to diy is very large, as is the cost of paying anyone knowledgeable to bring old iron up to nice condition. Unfortunately, most people cannot afford to own their own garage, so they end up paying a shop. This adds considerably to the cost of owning an older car.
Water ingress into the driver footwell or trunk can be a real a pain in the butt to troubleshoot & fix
on a 123 this is usually because of leaves in the hood hinge pockets.
Pierre,
I finnally found my match.
I have held on for 30 years to cars that everybody has deemed junk.
Now I wonder why they're all ligning up looking to buy my rust free cars.
You hit it right on the nose for people flipping cars wanting somebody to care of all ailments, and not do it themselves....
those curbside dealers...., you know who I am talking about...
I certainly do. there are plenty of them here in florida.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 The sad thing is that they are everywhere now.
great video pierre!
thank you!!!
I have a question. I have a 2002
Mercedes sport kompressor is it a classic? And how many was nadd if u know. I'm roscia san ramon ca !!
Hey Pierre I can't hear you after the music.... I love you man hate to miss a word you said.
oh.....i guess thomas cropped in the music but you didn't miss anything...don;t worry
Great video .. makes sense
thank you!
I prefer the Hands-On how to videos I would love to watch you do one on the w123 front windshield seal replacement I've only found one on RUclips it would be awesome if you did one you could wear a lab coat LOL
I just got a 84 Mercedes Benz 300sd turbo diesel and crouse cantrol and a/c not working
the most expensive car is not a cheap mercedes, is a bmw hahahaha
go to any BMW repair shop and that's what they will say
What is a good price for a 1972 250 4 door with under 60k miles? With great interior and about 6 sq inches of rust? It runs well also. Your opinion would really help.
Service records are everything when you buy an older Mercedes. Also knowing a little of the ownership history helps.
most cars don;t have service records though. so what do you do then?
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 make sure you've got a healthy bank balance I guess???
What do you think about the 2000 W210 AMG? Sadly most of the videos on RUclips are about modifying them.
The video title wasn't kidding 😅
lol...no it wasn't
Been thinking that my perfect car would have the W126 exterior with the W140 interior.
Hello i live in France and soon im buying my first car i have budget around 5000 euros and i have 2 choices E46 or the w211 which do think is better ;)
True talk
thank you
pierre, your opinion on the bornite 560sec 7 k miles which is being flipped at gooding auction on amelia
I am going to see it on thursday and i will let you know
Thx pierre, u got some good info there, very very seldom, its the way around here in Europe, where a mercedes is so everywhere in our streetviews, that some sellers dont realize they are selling a real good car, for very cheap, hence, there is such a small niche of people who like and love and are not prejudiced...young peaple, find them boaring cars for old men, midlifers seem not to like the ordinary look , or sometimes they feel stigmated, because mercedes is qua label, something only docters and dentists, deserve....to drive inn...
Here in europe thats not at all always the case, because every smallest farmer owning 6 cows so to speak, drives a mercedes, the old school mercedes type 123 and 124 ...
They dont have sexappeal for the majority, but hey, how sad would it be ,if we all dated the same girls?😎👌🇧🇪
so in the country all the farmers still drive 123s and 124s? I need to visit Belgium!
Is a 84 Mercedes Benz 300sd turbo deisel with 297k a reliable car?
What about a 2003 to 2006 E55? Any suggestions or recommendations?
I have never worked on driven one in my entire life.
Pierre read my latest blog on why the W203 is a great used car buy! atomicdoug.wordpress.com/2019/02/24/bargain-basement-luxury-the-mercedes-benz-w203/
Only drive what you can afford to fix true. Buy the best you can afford don't buy a beater do your research it is all about numbers buy,fix all for the right cost I allways ask why are you selling if they are not honest walk away there are many out there walk away
Me , indeed, i date the other girl, somewhat boaring and déjà vue, but so surprisingly smooth, once warmed up😎👏🇧🇪⚓️ bob the Belgian🌧
haha thanks Bob
Trw men