I used to work on these back in their day . Private shop where VW and Audi were our most common customer . I still recall a 60s 280 SEL 6.3 which was over complex with the hydraulic suspension and it's evil transistorized ignition - that Bosch could fire wet plugs but it kept uping the primary voltage voltage with every crank until the engine started with sparks jumping everywhere under hood to the nearest ground especially the person servicing it . The 450 s were my favorite , the 380s 500s and 560s were just too detuned in pursuit of gas milage . my favorite to take for a shakedown ride was a German spec 450 SEL 6.9 that some Lufthansa pilot snuck into the US back in the gray market days . He did his vacations here , while the car sat a lot he wanted it tip top since Benz dealers were forbidden to service cars not imported thru the company network and he had to bring in his own parts since some where not in the US catalogue . This is back in the days of World Parts and BAP Geon when there was no AutoZone and the current chains
One of the cars I passed on that I regret the most, was a 1986 300SD, with the 3.0L turbodiesel. It had 44,000 miles on it. The guy was asking $5000. I still kick myself for letting that one get away.
I always thought the taillights looked odd until I learned that they were designed that way so they could be seen even if they were covered in dirt or snow. Very clever
Those taillights have a unique design that allows snow and dirt to accumulate in between the lines of the lenses to keep part of them clear at all times.
That's actually the reverse of what they do (or a rather revisionist theory). Data and design principles support the idea widely publicized at the the time that the horizontal strakes on Mercedes-Benz taillights in the 1980s were intended to channel moving air and help keep the lenses clear by creating a small air pocket or vortex that would wrap around the rear corners of the car and help push dirt and debris away from the entire lens surface. This would be especially beneficial while driving at highway speeds. It certainly was not meant to actually *accumulate* snow and dirt on any part of the lens.
Great cars! I have 3 (!) 380's in my shop at the moment . The best W126's were the Euro spec 560SE/SEL/SEC's. On the Euro cars which had 355HP and 10-1 compression (stamped into the rear of the block) which were governed to 155 MPH. It's easy to override the governor which was simply a switch in the speedo head which sends a ground signal to the over voltage protection relay which shorts the ignition,cut the wire and no more governor. . This is pre 1992 remember. But no W126 had a 6.9 ,But they could be had with the hydro suspension of the W116 450SEL 6.9 . The doomed Marriage of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler saw the end of Quality cars from Mercedes.
I was detailing cars in the late eighties and these big Mercedes were great cars to clean up. The paint , rubber and chrome cleaned up nice every time. There was real quality in the fit and finish.
With the Farmall plate and box of grease zerks in the trunk, it makes me think a farmer may have been it’s last owner. Seems exactly like the stuff my dad has in his car, and he’s a farmer!
From 88 to 90 I was the lot boy/customer car pick up/drop off driver at Performance Motors in Falmouth, Maine. I drove every Mercedes model many miles all over the state either picking up or returning customer vehicles as part of either routine service or specific issues and while I was out and about I ate at just about every diner Maine has to offer. They are magnificent driving cars, especially the big gas fueled highway cruisers. They were my favs, the SEL models. Spent plenty of time behind the wheel of many SL two door models as well but I preferred the big cruisers. Even drove a few non turbo 240 D models that were absolute dogs but still tanks especially with a stick. Highlight of my time there was spent caring for a consignment vehicle that spent a couple weeks at the dealership.....a Ferrari quatrovalve 308 that my only daily duty was to take out into RT 1 Falmouth and make sure it wasn't getting loaded up with carbon!! I was 19 at the time lol. Great times.
No shlt! I used to work right next door to you at Morong VW Porshe! For only one year, and it was 1988 give or take a year.. Worked a detailer but got to drive the cars several miles away to have stereos installed. Always made it fun! I drove to work in my dreamy black '73 Mercedes 280 C coupe and a (or several) '69-'73 SAAB 96s & wgns. I remember a new white Alfa GTV at Performance Mtrs. that sat unsold (around '88/9) for so long it started to rust! Likely you remember it. Small world as they say! I'm still in Portland.
Sweet baby jesus, getting paid at 19 to beat on a ferrari. I was lucky enough to be a motorcycle mech starting in my early teens in the 80,s just as the japanese were getting radial tyres, disc brakes, four valve engines, water cooling, monoshock suspension ect. Every new bike was a leap in performance. First gsxr1100 ride was a zen experience. Never been in a running ferrari but.
I also have a special place in my heart for ALL the models between 88-92 I have owned most from 201’s to W126 and R207’s we still have a few in our garage! Thanks Steve for highlighting the fantastic W126
Some of those European cars had little latches on the hood hinge, flipping it would allow you to open the hood to a vertical position. Enough to remove the engine if required.
most modern cars I drove have the same idea its just on the sides of the seat instead of being on the door panel. I never even looked at the controls, I just reach for the seat and already know if I tilt the switch forward so will the seat. It's the same design just in a different spot.
I loved this era (and before) of Mercedes products. I think they've lost something lately though some coupes with a floating roofline with the narrow post at the c-pillar that expanded at the top were beautiful and works of art. Once again Steve nails it and we are blessed he continues to give us the narrative while showing us the hardware.
While I have no attachments or desires on 80's Mercedes, I find the details Steve brings fascinating. I love Automotive history, Steve makes it entertaining and easy to take in. Love it!
Mercedes always been ahead of everyone in technology, design and functionality! That car was way ahead of any others for it’s day! And still looks modern! Amazing stuff Steve! Great video!👌😎👍
They make a roadster with the convertible and hard tops. My daughter had one. Back in 77 I was a product representative ( salesman) for the Mercedes’ dealership in Panama City Florida. My favorite was the 300D once warmed up.
I have a 1979 240D with the four speed manual, crank windows, but with the optional rear seat headrests (which I’ve never seen on another US W123). The dollar to Deutschmark exchange rate really tanked in the late 70’s. IIRC the price of a 6.9 jumped from $38k in 1977 to $50k in 1979. It sill blows my mind that my 240D retailed for $16k when the top of the line Cadillac Seville MSRP was also $16k.
@@bobbbobb4663 your Mercedes is probably worth more than the caddy today even if they’re both in like condition. Mercedes is an investment if taken care of
@@aa64912 Haha it probably is even at 300k miles. That said, one could make the argument that you got what you paid for with the Mercedes especially for a car that has lasted 42 years. Definitely not the case with the Seville.
Steve..... I admire your enthusiasm and bravery. I'd be wearing gloves and safety masks as I peer and probe those treasures. All those wild crawling things would give me fits. You are a true pioneer in these junkyard crawls....Kudos! Just love these reviews...as an ol' GM assembler back in the day.
not sure why people love these cars ,homely low powered ,overwieght made by a country who almost destroyed our world and our freedoms no thanks besides being a total POS, and i say unreliable by the amount of them i towed over a ten year period ,out of 100 cars they averaged more than 110 warranty issues,not good at all
I owned an 83 300D turbo, fantastic car. I also owned an 85 190E with the 2.4 optional engine. The S means sports, an L means long wheelbase, E means einspritz (literally one spray, throttle body injection).
A lot of the old time designers had their claims to fame, Raymond Loewy had the IH logo along with designing of Allis-Chalmers crawler tractors, Cockshutt tractors, Studebaker and the vans like the Divco you showed us and Some PRR streamlined steam locomotives, Henry Dreyfuss designed the 1938 John Deere A and B model tractors in 1938 and the "New Generation" 10 series in 1960, New York Central streamlined 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotives, Otto Kuhler had designs of locomotives for American Locomotive Co (Alco) and B&O railroad.
I LOVED THIS VIDEO! My mom had an 85 300TD (back when we lived in new Hampshire) which is slightly different in that it's a 126 chassis. We still had our med kit too (we put new bandaids and whatnot in the original packaging if possible) I love those
Theres an old bloke in my Qld, Australia, town, that has a 2 door with a fuel injected small block 350ci Chev V8 and has recently done a ZF 6 speed auto conversion on it. He has also done an FPV Brembo brake conversion F & R (changed it to Oz late model Falcon stud pattern & offset). He is a retired mining engineer, so he said to me that his missus would rather him out in the shed tinkering with cars and & spending a couple of dollars, than annoying her for 30 years of retirement!
I was wondering how you kept track of that info but I see you use a white board to help out. Regardless, you know a lot about everything car wise. Kudos bro!
Great video as always, Steve! The VDO odometers in those have a pot metal fitting on the odometer shaft as well as easily deformed resin gears between the speedometer and the odometer. It's a 50/50 chance that an old Mercedes has many more miles than what the odometer says. I can't wait for the forthcoming Mercedes diesel video.
I enjoy watching your crawls, and this one is great too. You did a crawl on that Ford 500 next to it last week, how about doing one on that black 300M sitting there too. It's from the Daimler era. I have an '02 Pro Am edition, and cant find priduction numbers on it, or the Pro Am Concorde anywhere. Thanks😁
Some say Mercedes never built a better chassis even to this day. This was their greatest achievement in design and quality. After this chassis went away in the 90s they never made a car built like this - the door hinges were engineered to support 500 lbs on the door sill with the door open without bending out of square to the body when shut. As for the nomenclature, Mercedes nomenclature was German-language related back then. You are correct in that they used to use the numerical designation from the displacement of the engine size. But SE didn’t designate “sedan” - the S was for “S Klasse” or S-Class, their top of the line trim. And E stood for “Einspritzung”, the German word for gasoline fuel injection. That’s why the diesel version of this car would be “320SD”. The C of course added to the end designated “Coupè” or coupe. The long wheelbase version you mention would be the 380 SEL, S-Class with the gasoline 3.8 liter fuel injected V8 with the “Länger Radstand” - or longer wheelbase in English So the 380SEC would translate to an S-Class coupe 3.8 gas V8 with gasoline fuel injection.
My wife has a Benz, a silver one, rather than the black or white, both extremely popular in my neighborhood. It essentially just ties up valuable garage space that could be put to far better use housing something interesting, like an Isetta, a Metropolitan. When we actually have to go anywhere, it’s usually in my 91 W350 dually, and it’s not a “pretty” truck either, peeling paint and gaping rust holes.
Guy at work years ago had an SEL. They are still in higher regard than the new S-class that turns into a too-expensive-to-fix paperweight not long after the warranty expires.
Nice of you, to do a Mercedes video. Looking forward to a Mercedes diesel video. I think I saw a few MB diesels in the back round of your other videos.👍
Nameplate fact: You where right with what you said, but SE means "S" for S class and "E" for "Einspritzung" which translates to "fuelinjection" the only carbureted version of the W126 platform is the 2,8L M110 and has 280S written on the trunk. Also avaliable as 280SE. Also all V8 versions of the Platform have the same M117 Engine, it just differs in displacement. Mit freundlichen from Germany :D
That must be a very very late 1985. Because the airbag in the steering wheel didn't make an appearance on that model till 1986. So it's possible that this super late 1985 got the airbag steering wheel intended for 1986 models.
He should always show the VIN tag on the door jamb or windshield. A 10th digit of "F" is 1985 and "G" is 1986. That would answer the question pretty readily.
These were made in Sindelfingen Germany. We got the tag, we can brag: 410 for electric sunroof, 444 for cruise control and air bag, 470 for antilock brakes, 506 for heated mirrors, both sides, 531 for automatic radio antenna, 519 for Becker stereo radio, 737 (looks like it) is for Classic White exterior paint among other codes. Should always get the VIN for the win, and if the tenth digit is an "F", that's the 1985 model year, if it's a "G" as others have stated it could be, then that is 1986 model year. These were solid and the "MB Tex" type interiors hold up well for years and years. If you look at the mileage, you'll see it's over 200k. Parts/cost probably totaled this one out, and I'd bet the engine still runs. In 1985, if you got 100k out of an American car, it was a lot with some exceptions (such as the Olds 307 which could easily run 200K+ with proper upkeep).
Absolutely. With proper maintenance these Mercedes engines could rack up even a half million miles, and their diesels were suggested to approach a million miles. I mentioned in my post above how they engineered the door hinges to support 500 lbs when open without bending out of square to the chassis when shut.
@@joe6096 When the Allante came out in 1987, my father worked at a Cadillac dealer. They had a competitive event where the salesmen got to drive and rate each car. They had a 560SEL there along with other cars. When a member of the Cadillac brass came over to my dad, he said, "What do you think? It's a winner, right?". My father said, "I hate to tell you, but it's going to be a dud. It's slow, has poor quality and can't get out of its' own way. Who decided to put the HT4100 in this thing?" The rep was a bit miffed. My father said, "Get in the Benz. It shuts like a bank vault and it can lay rubber and move out. The Cadillac would get passed by a guy on a bicycle. It's really slow. You guys missed the mark". My father passed in 1988 but he was 100% right. The Allante was a dud and wasn't even a threat to the Mercedes Benz models of the 1980s.
@@googleusergp Well, it was pathetic that GM was still even producing the 4100 by 1987. By that point it had cemented a horrible reputation. And GM thought they had a winner putting it into a car they were gonna charge $60k for.
@@googleusergp By the time they had gotten to the 4.9 version of that engine it was decent but still slower than what Mercedes was putting out. The Northstar was a good step forward but had horrible reliability. Probably the last really good Cadillac-only engine was the 368 before the variable cylinder management was added.
Steve you need to do the dive on the W163 or M class. That was a joint vehicle in theory between MB and Chrysler. Its weird how and where Cryco parts show up in those. basic engine and tyranny built in Germany but final product assembled in Alabama
Hey quick correction E stands for Fuel Injection in German its Einspritzung, as a Diesel it would be SD or SDL depends on the Wheelbase S is Special, nowadays its an "S-Class" So Special Class or End of the Line at Mercedes Greetings from Germany :)
what is the name of that wrecking yard, was it burlingson or burlington auto wrecking? It sounds like burlingson of course I'm mostly deaf. I can't find either on the web.
Hi Robert Stingley, the yard is Bernardston Auto Wrecking in Bernardston, Mass. I'll try to enunciate the name better in the future. THANKS for watching and writing, Steve Magnante
I think the E in SE was for gasoline. The diesel models had a D. I had a 1991 350 SDL. S-class, diesel 3.5 liter straight 6, long wheelbase. Picked it up for 1k. Window sticker was over 62k. Got 30mpg, felt like a dictators car.
The S stands for Sonderklasse (German for "Special Class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse") The E stands for Einspritzung (German for "Injection") And the L stands for Lang (German for "Long"). The Diesels were called SD and SDL.
My family put a lot of miles on an old 420 SEL. They rarely deserve to see a junkyard. Keep up on a bit of maintenance and they will do a million miles.
Too funny, wish there were a market for these. I tried saving from the junkman a near mint Blue 1986 560 SEL who's motor died in the driveway idling. (Was told it was the timing chain). It was like a James Bond villain car!
steve you dont know caterpillar boots? best ive ever owned ,in fact my second shift model pair im wearing right now is going on 5 years old without any care. great comfy footwear your missing out on
The 3.8 L engine is one of the few Dogs in MB history, lots of timing chain problems. Addressed in larger motors, never buy an older 3.8 , 380 SL, SEL, etc.
GM first offered SRS airbags in 1974 as a option. Unfortunately the technology just wasn't up to the task at that time and it was dropped soon after due to poor operation and no real interest from the consumers. It's like the Cadillac 4,6,8 (MDS) system of the early 80's. The computing power that they tried to use to operate the system was so lacking that it could only be programmed to function properly in about 4 or 5 different driving situations. There are literally thousands of driving situations we encounter everyday. But to try and get something to market and claim to be the innovator the manufacturers often rush things and then have to pull back. Fortunately today MDS systems are common and with modern computer systems they operate seamlessly.
I used to work on these back in their day . Private shop where VW and Audi were our most common customer . I still recall a 60s 280 SEL 6.3 which was over complex with the hydraulic suspension and it's evil transistorized ignition - that Bosch could fire wet plugs but it kept uping the primary voltage voltage with every crank until the engine started with sparks jumping everywhere under hood to the nearest ground especially the person servicing it . The 450 s were my favorite , the 380s 500s and 560s were just too detuned in pursuit of gas milage . my favorite to take for a shakedown ride was a German spec 450 SEL 6.9 that some Lufthansa pilot snuck into the US back in the gray market days . He did his vacations here , while the car sat a lot he wanted it tip top since Benz dealers were forbidden to service cars not imported thru the company network and he had to bring in his own parts since some where not in the US catalogue . This is back in the days of World Parts and BAP Geon when there was no AutoZone and the current chains
Wow, BAP Geon. Haven't heard that in a while! Last I saw them here in Maine was probably late '80s maybe? Those 6.9s were quite the car for sure.
One of the cars I passed on that I regret the most, was a 1986 300SD, with the 3.0L turbodiesel. It had 44,000 miles on it. The guy was asking $5000. I still kick myself for letting that one get away.
I always thought the taillights looked odd until I learned that they were designed that way so they could be seen even if they were covered in dirt or snow. Very clever
Those taillights have a unique design that allows snow and dirt to accumulate in between the lines of the lenses to keep part of them clear at all times.
Wouldn't having none of those lines have a clean part throughout?
That's actually the reverse of what they do (or a rather revisionist theory). Data and design principles support the idea widely publicized at the the time that the horizontal strakes on Mercedes-Benz taillights in the 1980s were intended to channel moving air and help keep the lenses clear by creating a small air pocket or vortex that would wrap around the rear corners of the car and help push dirt and debris away from the entire lens surface. This would be especially beneficial while driving at highway speeds. It certainly was not meant to actually *accumulate* snow and dirt on any part of the lens.
Great cars! I have 3 (!) 380's in my shop at the moment . The best W126's were the Euro spec 560SE/SEL/SEC's. On the Euro cars which had 355HP and 10-1 compression (stamped into the rear of the block) which were governed to 155 MPH. It's easy to override the governor which was simply a switch in the speedo head which sends a ground signal to the over voltage protection relay which shorts the ignition,cut the wire and no more governor. . This is pre 1992 remember.
But no W126 had a 6.9 ,But they could be had with the hydro suspension of the W116 450SEL 6.9 .
The doomed Marriage of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler saw the end of Quality cars from Mercedes.
I was detailing cars in the late eighties and these big Mercedes were great cars to clean up. The paint , rubber and chrome cleaned up nice every time. There was real quality in the fit and finish.
With the Farmall plate and box of grease zerks in the trunk, it makes me think a farmer may have been it’s last owner. Seems exactly like the stuff my dad has in his car, and he’s a farmer!
As a teenager in the late 80's I really wanted a 560 SEC with some AMG bits on it, such cool cars.
When AMG was actually special.....
From 88 to 90 I was the lot boy/customer car pick up/drop off driver at Performance Motors in Falmouth, Maine. I drove every Mercedes model many miles all over the state either picking up or returning customer vehicles as part of either routine service or specific issues and while I was out and about I ate at just about every diner Maine has to offer. They are magnificent driving cars, especially the big gas fueled highway cruisers. They were my favs, the SEL models. Spent plenty of time behind the wheel of many SL two door models as well but I preferred the big cruisers. Even drove a few non turbo 240 D models that were absolute dogs but still tanks especially with a stick. Highlight of my time there was spent caring for a consignment vehicle that spent a couple weeks at the dealership.....a Ferrari quatrovalve 308 that my only daily duty was to take out into RT 1 Falmouth and make sure it wasn't getting loaded up with carbon!! I was 19 at the time lol. Great times.
That's a great story. Thanks for sharing.👍😎
No shlt! I used to work right next door to you at Morong VW Porshe! For only one year, and it was 1988 give or take a year..
Worked a detailer but got to drive the cars several miles away to have stereos installed. Always made it fun!
I drove to work in my dreamy black '73 Mercedes 280 C coupe and a (or several) '69-'73 SAAB 96s & wgns.
I remember a new white Alfa GTV at Performance Mtrs. that sat unsold (around '88/9) for so long it started to rust!
Likely you remember it. Small world as they say! I'm still in Portland.
Wow!! What a job for a 19 year old. WOW. Thanks for sharing that.
Sweet baby jesus, getting paid at 19 to beat on a ferrari. I was lucky enough to be a motorcycle mech starting in my early teens in the 80,s just as the japanese were getting radial tyres, disc brakes, four valve engines, water cooling, monoshock suspension ect. Every new bike was a leap in performance. First gsxr1100 ride was a zen experience. Never been in a running ferrari but.
I also have a special place in my heart for ALL the models between 88-92 I have owned most from 201’s to W126 and R207’s we still have a few in our garage! Thanks Steve for highlighting the fantastic W126
Some of those European cars had little latches on the hood hinge, flipping it would allow you to open the hood to a vertical position. Enough to remove the engine if required.
Yes its called the "Service Position". These era mercedes have it.
One of the best engineering ideas ever for a car. You can reach EVERYTHING under the hood. The Benz was so far ahead.
That was a great idea here in America we just take the hood clean off
Yeah. The grill to the back of the head is no fun. So nice to stand them up straight.
Being able to operate a switch without seeing it seems to be forgotten in modern interior design.
most modern cars I drove have the same idea its just on the sides of the seat instead of being on the door panel. I never even looked at the controls, I just reach for the seat and already know if I tilt the switch forward so will the seat. It's the same design just in a different spot.
I loved this era (and before) of Mercedes products. I think they've lost something lately though some coupes with a floating roofline with the narrow post at the c-pillar that expanded at the top were beautiful and works of art. Once again Steve nails it and we are blessed he continues to give us the narrative while showing us the hardware.
While I have no attachments or desires on 80's Mercedes, I find the details Steve brings fascinating. I love Automotive history, Steve makes it entertaining and easy to take in. Love it!
Mercedes always been ahead of everyone in technology, design and functionality! That car was way ahead of any others for it’s day! And still looks modern! Amazing stuff Steve! Great video!👌😎👍
Back in the days when Mercedes cars were made very well and with care would last for decades. Unlike the current models.
At 8:41 severed head or gold bars!!!!! Lol thanks Steve great episode!!!
if I recall correctly, the "E" in the model designation stood for "einspritzer," the German word noting fuel injection.
The quality of European cars in these years forced US automakers to improve their quality. Loved closing the doors on 70s and 80s MBs. Vaults.
This video is an example of the reason I am addicted to this channel. Keep It going!
Nice touch back in the time with the first aid kit, though they are common now as a dealer option. I've always liked the looks of those older Mercs.
They make a roadster with the convertible and hard tops. My daughter had one. Back in 77 I was a product representative ( salesman) for the Mercedes’ dealership in Panama City Florida. My favorite was the 300D once warmed up.
I have a 1979 240D with the four speed manual, crank windows, but with the optional rear seat headrests (which I’ve never seen on another US W123). The dollar to Deutschmark exchange rate really tanked in the late 70’s. IIRC the price of a 6.9 jumped from $38k in 1977 to $50k in 1979. It sill blows my mind that my 240D retailed for $16k when the top of the line Cadillac Seville MSRP was also $16k.
@@bobbbobb4663 your Mercedes is probably worth more than the caddy today even if they’re both in like condition. Mercedes is an investment if taken care of
@@aa64912 Haha it probably is even at 300k miles. That said, one could make the argument that you got what you paid for with the Mercedes especially for a car that has lasted 42 years. Definitely not the case with the Seville.
@@bobbbobb4663 Mercedes had a privately owned Mercedes with over one million miles with nothing but normal services
Steve..... I admire your enthusiasm and bravery. I'd be wearing gloves and safety masks as I peer and probe those treasures. All those wild crawling things would give me fits. You are a true pioneer in these junkyard crawls....Kudos! Just love these reviews...as an ol' GM assembler back in the day.
Let us have a moment of silence to commemorate the last generation of real Mercedes .
It was!
Mercedes-Benz used to be something special. Those days are gone.
🖖
not sure why people love these cars ,homely low powered ,overwieght made by a country who almost destroyed our world and our freedoms no thanks besides being a total POS, and i say unreliable by the amount of them i towed over a ten year period ,out of 100 cars they averaged more than 110 warranty issues,not good at all
You got that right
I owned an 83 300D turbo, fantastic car. I also owned an 85 190E with the 2.4 optional engine. The S means sports, an L means long wheelbase, E means einspritz (literally one spray, throttle body injection).
A lot of the old time designers had their claims to fame, Raymond Loewy had the IH logo along with designing of Allis-Chalmers crawler tractors, Cockshutt tractors, Studebaker and the vans like the Divco you showed us and Some PRR streamlined steam locomotives, Henry Dreyfuss designed the 1938 John Deere A and B model tractors in 1938 and the "New Generation" 10 series in 1960, New York Central streamlined 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotives, Otto Kuhler had designs of locomotives for American Locomotive Co (Alco) and B&O railroad.
I LOVED THIS VIDEO! My mom had an 85 300TD (back when we lived in new Hampshire) which is slightly different in that it's a 126 chassis. We still had our med kit too (we put new bandaids and whatnot in the original packaging if possible) I love those
Theres an old bloke in my Qld, Australia, town, that has a 2 door with a fuel injected small block 350ci Chev V8 and has recently done a ZF 6 speed auto conversion on it. He has also done an FPV Brembo brake conversion F & R (changed it to Oz late model Falcon stud pattern & offset).
He is a retired mining engineer, so he said to me that his missus would rather him out in the shed tinkering with cars and & spending a couple of dollars, than annoying her for 30 years of retirement!
I was wondering how you kept track of that info but I see you use a white board to help out. Regardless, you know a lot about everything car wise. Kudos bro!
My uncle Gene had a 1983 or 87 300 tdl silver auto. Love the sound of that diesel.
Steve, I have owned MB, still have my '01 E320 AWD wagon, love it. You should have demonstrated how the hood opens straight vertical, very MB.
Great video as always, Steve!
The VDO odometers in those have a pot metal fitting on the odometer shaft as well as easily deformed resin gears between the speedometer and the odometer. It's a 50/50 chance that an old Mercedes has many more miles than what the odometer says.
I can't wait for the forthcoming Mercedes diesel video.
I`m impressed with how good that interior looks !!!
So nostalgic to see a distributor on a motor - even on a Mercedes.
I enjoy watching your crawls, and this one is great too. You did a crawl on that Ford 500 next to it last week, how about doing one on that black 300M sitting there too. It's from the Daimler era. I have an '02 Pro Am edition, and cant find priduction numbers on it, or the Pro Am Concorde anywhere. Thanks😁
I believe that air conditioning was standard only on the exported models. Those produced for German consumption rarely had a/c at the time.
560SE/SEL only sedan models in Germany that had AC standard. Automatic climate control was still an option.
Some say Mercedes never built a better chassis even to this day. This was their greatest achievement in design and quality. After this chassis went away in the 90s they never made a car built like this - the door hinges were engineered to support 500 lbs on the door sill with the door open without bending out of square to the body when shut.
As for the nomenclature, Mercedes nomenclature was German-language related back then. You are correct in that they used to use the numerical designation from the displacement of the engine size. But SE didn’t designate “sedan” - the S was for “S Klasse” or S-Class, their top of the line trim. And E stood for “Einspritzung”, the German word for gasoline fuel injection. That’s why the diesel version of this car would be “320SD”. The C of course added to the end designated “Coupè” or coupe.
The long wheelbase version you mention would be the 380 SEL, S-Class with the gasoline 3.8 liter fuel injected V8 with the “Länger Radstand” - or longer wheelbase in English
So the 380SEC would translate to an S-Class coupe 3.8 gas V8 with gasoline fuel injection.
Hi Steve, I haven’t featured it yet, but I have a Mercedes 560 SEL. They are great cars.
My wife has a Benz, a silver one, rather than the black or white, both extremely popular in my neighborhood. It essentially just ties up valuable garage space that could be put to far better use housing something interesting, like an Isetta, a Metropolitan. When we actually have to go anywhere, it’s usually in my 91 W350 dually, and it’s not a “pretty” truck either, peeling paint and gaping rust holes.
Thanks Steve
Great cars! I have a 91 w126 350 SD Turbo. It’s an Texas car that now lives in Sweden.
Man i saw it in one of the previous videos , really wanted to see one on the W126. Thanks man !
Two cuts? Lost your breath?
I'm amazed how much you really know.
We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon
Back in the good ole days. Really reliable and they were built like tanks.
That ox blood interior would go nice in mine.
Guy at work years ago had an SEL. They are still in higher regard than the new S-class that turns into a too-expensive-to-fix paperweight not long after the warranty expires.
Steve, you are a living dictionary... Don't take that wrongly..... thank-you for all you do.👍. As always, Cheers from Canada 🇵🇪🍺
Thank you!
The swb 126 is the nicest looking to me.
Surprised you didn’t mention how much further the doors opened vs other cars!
Learning more Benz details
I had two 500SELs back in the 00s cheap as chip in oz for some reason. Not too qik 'off the line' but jeez they had some top end about em.
Nice of you, to do a Mercedes video. Looking forward to a Mercedes diesel video. I think I saw a few MB diesels in the back round of your other videos.👍
Steve I don't think these were five speed automatics. That would come later on. This is still a four speed w/ lockup TC I believe.
pretty Balzy,,,,Questioning the KING....
@@millrays , No He is correct, 4 speed automatic in that vehicle.
@@MJTAUTOMOTIVE Yup, according to the brochure.
Best looking generation of Mercedes.
Steve , were these alum. block V-8's steel sleeved ? I often wonder about that late at night when I can't sleep . Thanks .
Some of the earlier ones wasn't but after many failures it's pretty common for cast iron sleeves.
had a "78 450SEL ............. great car
The W126 S Class is the best S Class of all time. The style is classy and timeless.
Nameplate fact:
You where right with what you said, but SE means "S" for S class and "E" for "Einspritzung" which translates to "fuelinjection" the only carbureted version of the W126 platform is the 2,8L M110 and has 280S written on the trunk. Also avaliable as 280SE.
Also all V8 versions of the Platform have the same M117 Engine, it just differs in displacement.
Mit freundlichen from Germany :D
That must be a very very late 1985. Because the airbag in the steering wheel didn't make an appearance on that model till 1986. So it's possible that this super late 1985 got the airbag steering wheel intended for 1986 models.
He should always show the VIN tag on the door jamb or windshield. A 10th digit of "F" is 1985 and "G" is 1986. That would answer the question pretty readily.
A Mercedes collector may want that first aid kit ✌❤☮
The early Pacifica had those seat controls
These were made in Sindelfingen Germany. We got the tag, we can brag: 410 for electric sunroof, 444 for cruise control and air bag, 470 for antilock brakes, 506 for heated mirrors, both sides, 531 for automatic radio antenna, 519 for Becker stereo radio, 737 (looks like it) is for Classic White exterior paint among other codes. Should always get the VIN for the win, and if the tenth digit is an "F", that's the 1985 model year, if it's a "G" as others have stated it could be, then that is 1986 model year.
These were solid and the "MB Tex" type interiors hold up well for years and years. If you look at the mileage, you'll see it's over 200k. Parts/cost probably totaled this one out, and I'd bet the engine still runs. In 1985, if you got 100k out of an American car, it was a lot with some exceptions (such as the Olds 307 which could easily run 200K+ with proper upkeep).
Absolutely. With proper maintenance these Mercedes engines could rack up even a half million miles, and their diesels were suggested to approach a million miles. I mentioned in my post above how they engineered the door hinges to support 500 lbs when open without bending out of square to the chassis when shut.
@@joe6096 When the Allante came out in 1987, my father worked at a Cadillac dealer. They had a competitive event where the salesmen got to drive and rate each car. They had a 560SEL there along with other cars. When a member of the Cadillac brass came over to my dad, he said, "What do you think? It's a winner, right?". My father said, "I hate to tell you, but it's going to be a dud. It's slow, has poor quality and can't get out of its' own way. Who decided to put the HT4100 in this thing?" The rep was a bit miffed. My father said, "Get in the Benz. It shuts like a bank vault and it can lay rubber and move out. The Cadillac would get passed by a guy on a bicycle. It's really slow. You guys missed the mark".
My father passed in 1988 but he was 100% right. The Allante was a dud and wasn't even a threat to the Mercedes Benz models of the 1980s.
@@googleusergp Well, it was pathetic that GM was still even producing the 4100 by 1987. By that point it had cemented a horrible reputation. And GM thought they had a winner putting it into a car they were gonna charge $60k for.
@@joe6096 Typical of GM even today. Get it (somewhat) right and then drop it.
@@googleusergp By the time they had gotten to the 4.9 version of that engine it was decent but still slower than what Mercedes was putting out. The Northstar was a good step forward but had horrible reliability. Probably the last really good Cadillac-only engine was the 368 before the variable cylinder management was added.
A guy sitting on a tractor! 56 years on this earth and I never picked up on that.
Looking at an airbag light and I imagine a racecar driver blowing a bubble
@@jamesplotkin4674 my wife sees a crown when she’s low on washer fluid
Another good vid.
Very knowledgeable.
Very nice Find!
Loved the diesel version of this car they were tough
nice car. i like the 600 pullman.
I don’t remember the Mercedes but years ago I found one of them first aide kits but it was in a metal box and complete wish I would of grabbed it
Steve you need to do the dive on the W163 or M class. That was a joint vehicle in theory between MB and Chrysler. Its weird how and where Cryco parts show up in those. basic engine and tyranny built in Germany but final product assembled in Alabama
This car as it sits is in SHOWROOM condition compared to the mercedes that are STILL on the road in africa
Still looks lovely I’d drive a old car over a new ones.
Would you want to use anything for that first aid kit after it had been baking in the sun for years?
Hey quick correction
E stands for Fuel Injection in German its Einspritzung, as a Diesel it would be
SD or SDL depends on the Wheelbase
S is Special, nowadays its an "S-Class"
So Special Class or End of the Line at Mercedes
Greetings from Germany :)
what is the name of that wrecking yard, was it burlingson or burlington auto wrecking? It sounds like burlingson of course I'm mostly deaf. I can't find either on the web.
Hi Robert Stingley, the yard is Bernardston Auto Wrecking in Bernardston, Mass. I'll try to enunciate the name better in the future. THANKS for watching and writing, Steve Magnante
Still a nice car if someone wanted to restore it
I think the E in SE was for gasoline. The diesel models had a D. I had a 1991 350 SDL. S-class, diesel 3.5 liter straight 6, long wheelbase. Picked it up for 1k. Window sticker was over 62k. Got 30mpg, felt like a dictators car.
The S stands for Sonderklasse (German for "Special Class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse") The E stands for Einspritzung (German for "Injection") And the L stands for Lang (German for "Long"). The Diesels were called SD and SDL.
Man, I would love to try and put this car back on the road. Looks like its all their. Hope it gets saved.
that is what i was thinking,doesn.t look too bad
E=electronic injection and the trans is a 4speed.
Yes, that's the high pressure pump leading to electronic injectors.
No these had mechanical fuel injectors and systems. It wasn't until 1992 that Mercedes Benz when to Electronic fuel injectors.
My family put a lot of miles on an old 420 SEL. They rarely deserve to see a junkyard. Keep up on a bit of maintenance and they will do a million miles.
Hi Steve like your videos i have a request have you come a cross a Rover TC 2000 or 3500 4 door 60's - 70's . Thanks
Nothing says loving like something from Stuttgard
In a few short years lexus & Infiniti would give these german luxury cars a run for the money
Would it be $$$$ restoring one of these?
300sd is diesel. SE is Sonderclass"special" or S class flagship, Einspritzung which is "injection" . A 280S would be carbureted a 280SE is injected.
What does se stand for
S= class, E= gas engine.
@@vintage76vipergreenBeetle thks
Just imagine 30 years later Steve will be in junkyard with a 2018 dodge charger
Too funny, wish there were a market for these. I tried saving from the junkman a near mint Blue 1986 560 SEL who's motor died in the driveway idling. (Was told it was the timing chain). It was like a James Bond villain car!
Bobby Brown had the 2dr. #Tenderoni
Your close Steve it has the other Mercedes rims on them not those ones
steve you dont know caterpillar boots? best ive ever owned ,in fact my second shift model pair im wearing right now is going on 5 years old without any care. great comfy footwear your missing out on
Imagine this aluminum V8 in the Vega. I know GM couldn't.
Nice interesting car
We not going to talk about how far the door opens?
I think Victor Maitland had the 380 sec in Beverly Hills cop 1…..
You know that motor can do more than that
The 3.8 L engine is one of the few Dogs in MB history, lots of timing chain problems. Addressed in larger motors, never buy an older 3.8 , 380 SL, SEL, etc.
GM first offered SRS airbags in 1974 as a option. Unfortunately the technology just wasn't up to the task at that time and it was dropped soon after due to poor operation and no real interest from the consumers. It's like the Cadillac 4,6,8 (MDS) system of the early 80's. The computing power that they tried to use to operate the system was so lacking that it could only be programmed to function properly in about 4 or 5 different driving situations. There are literally thousands of driving situations we encounter everyday. But to try and get something to market and claim to be the innovator the manufacturers often rush things and then have to pull back. Fortunately today MDS systems are common and with modern computer systems they operate seamlessly.
You literally had the 1982 motor trend issue in your hand, steve....and no stab!!!..canceled? What do you mean we're cancelled!!!...lol
Steve, this is your mother ! Put that first aid kit back where you found it !