This is Why I'd Rather have This Old S-Class Over any New Luxury Car. A Review of the Mercedes W126
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- Опубликовано: 13 июн 2024
- I spent 2 weeks with this old Merc. Wasn't expecting to love it at all.
In fact, my friend asked if I could review it, and I wasn't very enthusiastic
about it at first. But the more I drove it, the more I feel like I have to say.
Eventually, I sort of fell in love with the car, and I decided to do a scripted review of it. My first attempt at one.
Took way more time than I liked. Hope you guys enjoy it.
00:00 Intro
00:45 Introduction to the W126 and Interior appreciation
01:42 Wonderfully tactile switches and controls
02:52 This car is from a different era
05:00 Thirsty but charismatic. The M116 420 Engine
08:42 The old school 4 speed slush box
09:40 How does this car drive? and handle
12:38 How about the steering?
13:24 What about the brakes?
14:21 Comparing to a modern SUV
14:42 I appreciate slow and fuzzy car now
16:06 A soulful car? and Outro 
Авто/Мото
There’s no denying that older cars knew how to do luxury. No silly gimmicks or gizmos, touchscreens or driver aids. Just superb build quality, materials and ambience. To operate a switch or dial, and feel the work that went into making that experience reassuring, or just how robust the switchgear feels - goes to show that cars don’t need lots of trinkets to feel luxurious!
Mostly because these things didn't exist. The only driver aid that did exist is in this W126: ABS.
(And it's one of the few driver aid things i wholeheartedly want in a car. I learned to drive without ABS on snow and ice, and ABS and stability control to me are 2 of the best inventions in that department.)
If they had the tech, car manufacturers back then would also have put that stuff in. Just because "having stuff someone else doesn't" or what journalists and thus possible buyers could consider modern "sells more cars" in their minds.
All that electrical crap jammed inside the car the ball scratchers the screens are just going to be a huge pain in the ass when they break down wich they eventually will since we now know that most cars are engineered to last 150k miles max with some exceptions. Imagine the bill when you will have to service all that electrical junk made in china with a mercedes badge or any luxury badge slapped on it XD
@@joshb3446 The big problem with really modern cars is that where you had buttons, switches and levers to do things in the older ones, you only get a huge display in the center console, and if the backlight of the display is defective you can't even drive the car. Like with any newer Tesla model where you need the center display to select forward and reverse...
So the vehicle becomes a paperweight because of one display!
It's just a bad idea to concentrate even driving functions onto a screen, but thanks to people following Tesla like a religion, other manfuacturers follow this trend.
The W126 has more presence and elegance than anything MB produces today.
Excellent review! Or should I say declaration of love; no real technical details but rather a story about how you feel when you own and drive the car and what the car does to you. Just perfect!
you're right, it's a love letter. its not my car though, I just had it for a week. enough time to fall in love with it.
Although I’m not a fan of European cars, the old Mercedes S class were good solid cars.
Yep, that’s what’s it all about.
What part of the world do you prefer your cars to come from? Please don't say the USA. @@masteryoda498
By far the most impressive video review of the W126 I have seen online. The choice of filming angles inside and out, the well written narration, the right music at the right volume, all that help the audiences, experts or new novices to W126, to truly immerse themselves as if they were sitting inside the cocoon of the world best luxury sedan of all times, the W126, and listen to the amazing story of this car when Mercedes was at its peak, and had soul.
A lovely tribute to not a car but a luxury conveyance. A modern car is like watching an UHD TV controlled by your remote. This is like going to a theatre, at which you can smell the performance.
What a beautifully done video. My grandparents and great grandparents always drove Mercs and I remember the day they took delivery of their brand new 380SE in 1985. That car was just magnificent to ride around in, even the creaks of the leather made for such a unique experience. And the smell, I’ll never forget the smell of new Mercedes interiors. I loved these cars so much that I ended up working for MB just at the tail end of the W126 era and carried on with them for many years until I was disheartened enough with the subsequent cheapening of the brand that I left, but still adore their products of old. Too bad the bozos who run Mercedes nowadays will probably never see this video, and if they did, wouldn’t care that they’ve ruined a once magnificent marque. Anyways, well done, a most enjoyable 17 minutes of my morning!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I totally agree with what you’re saying about the brand.
I have always been a BMW fanboy, but recently I think I am finally shifting towards Mercedes. I just love the creaminess of all the interactions with the car.
I recently acquired an early 2.3-16, and that car has blown me away on so many levels. It is by no means as sporty as the E30 but I think it is truly a special car that offers an engaging Mercedes driving experience like no other.
How well said..
@@FizzyMotorso
Yes I'm an E39 BMW guy and I'm tired of it now, I spend more time worrying about the car than enjoying it. My Mercedes-Benz is also a fiddle, but once I fix something it stays fixed, unlike the BMW. The ride is also unbelievablely smooth and brilliant unlike anything new today. It's up to us collectors now to conserve the old Mercedes feel and quality for future generations to enjoy the same.
I agree, they were magnificent. And that generation of Mercedes was still a step back from the previous generation, compared to what was available from the competitors.
Very high standard of car journalism. Almost impossible to find this elsewhere
You are brilliant, in your description of the W126
from Detroit as a car loving teenager in the 80s grew up in my parents, Cadillacs and Lincoln’s and driving muscle cars. In 1987 my uncle bought a new SEL.
I drove a w126 for the first time
I was astonished at the build quality
The Car was a tank and after that experience every other car felt like a piece of trash after driving the W126 it was that much better.
And over 35 years later, I got to experience a w126 again the same quality feeling as in 1987.
You said it for some reason after getting into my 2023 car I started driving like an asshole again
W126 is an experience that slows life down
126 helps you breathe and enjoy driving life to its fullest knowing what passion was put in to designing the 126,And you should never drive it fast you should just cruise and stare at the three pointed star on the hood feel every bit of excellence and love that brought the w126 into existence
Every real car fanatic should experience a W126 it is second to none.
What a beautiful experience, that was! I feel like I've just sat through a review of the liner of my favourite vintage jacket, narrated by a weathered jazz club journalist who was enjoying a pleasant, mellow weed high, reminiscing about the highlights of his life experiences. Man, keep it up, that was the most relaxing bathroom break ever.
Lol im glad i can enhance your time on the throne
"A car that makes you a better person", loved that. The ultimate reason for driving cars like this. Starting to contemplate changing over to a late straight six W126 :)
Beautifully presented. I feel calmer now than when I started watching!
thank you! glad you enjoyed it
His presentation only enhanced the whole production. I'm looking forward to seeing more presentations on his W126. I will assert right now that I won't tire of seeing more of his W126 in different places, different focus on engineering and features, or the relaying of learnt facts or trivia by this host. We never really saw much in the way of velour upholstered Australian delivery W126 's. They (including mine) were either MB-tex or Leather. The patterns varied between series 1 and 2 but I can't personally recall seeing velour upholstered (Australian delivered car) interiors.
One of the best videos I've watched in a long time. I echo your feelings about this car and the era of Mercedes on display here. I had a period of 15 years where Mercedes from 1979 through 1994 were my automotive world, 190E through to 600SEL with one particular 300CE being with me for 11 years and 100,000 miles. I think a 450SEL W116 needs to return to my garage soon, thanks for providing the inspiration.
old school luxury cars like this Mercedes are like an old luxury hotel that has that feeling of luxury that you don't find today.
Only one mistake the New Radio, you can find a Old school radio, with Bluetooth and everything, ok it's not cheap around 500-600$ but it finish the car... And restore the look and feeling of yesterday...
Thank you for this excellently presented and very relaxing video. It's a large barge but at the same time, it epitomises old school class. I love the 190, W124 and W126 Mercedes Benz cars-a golden era for that manufacturer.
Glad you enjoyed it
I love them, such a handsome car backed by incredible engineering with the accompanying dependability. Here in Australia, they were always expensive, but with age came affordability and thank goodness for that in the interests of those of us not wealthy 😉👍👍.
All hail analog technology!
You took the right decision. Todays Mercedes are not of the same quality. I had a couple over the last 20 years and each had its issues. Mainly when the were equipped with the V6 3 Litre Engine. Such an S Class will last forever , any Garage can fix it. And don’t be upset about the fuel consumption. This car is timeless beautiful and will always be. Bravo from Germany. 😊😊😊
I had a 1982 300SD with the straight 5 diesel engine. My odometer broke at 325K miles or so and I drove it another year or two before it finally died of too many issues at once. In other words, there was no catastrophic engine or transmission failure -- rather it so many little issues I just couldn't keep up with it anymore. After sitting for a couple of years, I finally got rid of it, but the car ran for about 35 years or so. The diesel got 23 to 26 mpg pretty consistently. The car was very comfortable and driving it felt like an event -- even after years of daily driving.
If they built this car today, I would buy it with the following changes: Anti-lock brakes, modern air conditioning that is easily serviceable, replacing the vacuum system for door locks and other systems with electric systems, and Bluetooth audio. Other than that, the car was great! Just enough power to keep up with traffic, decent milage, extremely reliable, very comfortable, and had no problem doing 80 down the freeway. What more do you need?
The odo fix is a 30 minute job swapping out the plastic gears ($15 online). You don't have to buy one "built today": the '85 came with anti-lock brakes and SRS (airbag). Swap out all the old brittle rubber vacuum hoses over a weekend (+- $50) and another weekend on the AC vacuum pods ($100)and you're good for another 400,000 miles.
The rest of the AC system is not much different than modern. You can update the central door lock with a keyless remote: 4 hour job, $25 kit from....Chynah.
I have a 1990 420 SEL in Australia, on the highway it shows 10 Litres/100km which is comparable with many modern cars. I am always surprised, my modern cars don’t really do any better.
In the last 100,000km repairs have amounted to about $2000, not bad in my experience.
W126 was like a sharply cut bespoke suit, regent, understated and yet so tech forward for years together. I had a 280S straight six petrol, it was a dream that came true after a decade and half of drooling over magazines and catching them gliding past as I lost several heartbeats.
This is a lovely tribute. My parents have always had at least 2 MB in their garages at all times since I was born in '78. Then in '89, they added the then new Lexus LS400. In '97 I was looking for my new car. My mother and I went to our local MB store and I took out the new ML320. Style wise I wasn't awestruck. On the drive, the sales woman told us that the ML during testing seminars was plagued by the too easy occurrence to tip over in emergency maneuvers. She also told us that in history MB didn't go too far out with their stereo systems, because they didn't want it to overshadow the sounds of the car and distract from the driving pleasure. Also, if they could have, they wouldn't put stereo systems in their vehicles. The tipping over information and the exceptionally long waiting period for delivery made me choose the new '98 Lexus LX470 instead. I was coming from the '96 Lexus LX450 anyway. I am sad to say that I think the envy and cachet of driving/owning a MB is long gone. With the flaunting around in them by the likes of California self-proclaimed "stars", you know whom I'm talking about, and the overpaid "athletes", and of course the junked up revisions of the ones of "musicians", drug dealers, and sex trade managers, I don't think that MB will ever be exclusive ever again.
Thanks I enjoyed reading that.
I was born in ‘90 and have never really experienced MBs until recently.
In the past I have always been attracted to the 90s and 80s BMWs. But after driving the 126 (which is not my car btw, I only borrowed it for a week) it just clicked with me. I totally understand the unquantifiable and intangible quality of MBs.
Since making the video I have purchased a 2.3-16 and 124 300TE. Love them both.
I had an old Mercedes a while back. Wherever you were as soon as you got into the car you felt you were home.
Watched your very calm, relaxed - almost sensuous- video, with its smooth tones, complemented by the luscious views of the W126.
Congratulations from Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia 🇦🇺
I own a 1984 230CE, pillarless coupè.
Love your descriptions! Driving these cars feels like having a good conversation.
Watching this feels like we just came out of this Mercedes and stopped at some low light intimate bar, just to sip a nice drink and talk about the ride we just had. Yes, I'm in love with a video ❤
Yup, the 126 has that mb look and a great car. When the 140 showed up it was a disappointment.
One of the best car reviews I’ve ever watched. I could listen to you and the background piano all day long. Look forward to more.
This was my first Matchbox-style car when I was a small child, I still remember when my mother bought it in the toy shop. I’ve had a 107 SL and a 201 from that era, but I never had one of these, but I’d love an S-Class one day and these look amazing.
This was the most wonderful review with so much of the car’s real noises and engine sound! Stunning! Mu ulrimate favorite Mercedes W126 ❤️
This video and commentary is as smooth as the S-Class being reviewed. Well done.
I miss these Euro model W126s. Gorgeous. I hope you and your friend are STILL driving and enjoying this car.
The perfect review. Excellently put!
This is not a review.
This is a love letter.
This is a poem.
👇❤
I have a W140 S320. It's the same. You don't feel like you need to "push it". Plenty of torque, just so comfortable to drive. It's like riding a magic carpet.
Stunning, just stunning. I felt as if Ray Liotta was telling me a story of an old Mercedes Benz he drove in Goodfellas.
Beautiful video, keep them coming !
I used to buy the ‘80’s German car magazines at the local cigar store. This four door AMD model was reviewed in the dark, inky, metallic blue, a similar color Porsche called Petrol. Best, great channel, as always.
Really enjoyed your calming approach reviewing such a great and beautiful automobile 😊
Bravo for your amazing description with such eloquent love and passion for this unique peace of real Mercedes history. You say it all right!!!
I couldn’t agree more. Your description of the feel driving your 420SEL it’s just the way I feel driving my 1989 W126. Thank you.
Watching your video reminds me of my old W126. I had one with the same color & interior. It was built like a tank.
Thanks im glad you enjoyed it
Nice review, didn’t expect that level of passion
I drove one for around 2 months 20 something years ago. The ride was plush. Even better than my 2020 Expedition today. I think the seats had a lot to do with it. The only issue I had was I kept replacing some fuses.
Unbelievable how narrow the body of the W126 is! Saw one here in The Netherlands last week, length still is what many luxury cars are in 2023. Lower and less wide are the main differences.
Very nice video! Just one hint: If the pedal is too heavy to push, it could be that the metal bar behind the pedal which transports the pedal power to the engine is not properly connected to the pedal anymore. I had this issue with mine. After reconnecting it the pedal force is very much reduced.
Thanks for the tip! But I don't think anything is wrong with the pedal. Glad you enjoyed the video
When a Merc was a Merc and not a 3 cylinder hatchback with whiffs electrics.
This model holds a special place in my heart as this period is when my love affair with Mercedes Benz began.
A teenage boy drooling over a W126 on the MB showroom floor just at the time the W124 was launched.
I have never been the same since ….
Let’s not mention the damage this affair has done to my wallet over the years.
But these are beautiful cars. Timeless , elegant and luxurious.
Wow what a review ! Awesome. Very precisely explained
One could argue the W-126 was the best platform Mercedes-Benz ever made. There are still many still on the road. Loved one when I first drove it, but it wasn’t til I worked on it that I fully appreciated it. Had a 560SEC. The engine air filter had about a hundred miles of paper media, and dual cold air intake snorkels. Engine only made 238hp (from a 5.6 liters) but felt quite fast for its day. Zero to 60 in 7 seconds. Everything about those machines were of the highest quality.
The Euro spec 560SEC put out 275 HP
238HP does not sound right
It is a Land Yacht, just cruising down and enjoying the ride of comfort and simplicity and built like a tank. I enjoy driving my 300SDL 1986
Really nice and relaxing review, my dad owned one of these, great car!
Amazing review. Greetings from Germany!
As a W124 fan, this is beautiful! In the states, we always had leather interiors. That velour is amazing! Having a 1995 E420 it was the best Mercedes-Benz I ever owned! Great video review!
Sawadeekrup! I can feel the love in your voice. Enjoyed your video.
Fellow w126 owner from your southern neighbour.
Thank you krub! im glad you enjoyed it!
Great video!
Best wishes from the UK
Joyful to watch, i have an old lexus and you have valid points about the MB/Lexus battle, always go for the older cars!
WOW! How perfectly said! How nicely put :-) What an interesting perspective on what for many reasons was widely accepted as the worlds best car of its time.
Fizzy Motors, this review is in a class of its own - a pure delight.
I bought a W126 300SE 1990 just 3 months ago.I bought it for an everyday driver.I paid $15,000.00AUD$.I love it.I will never sell it.
This velours was sublime, what a wonderful generation.
I had a late 126 420SE for a number of years...a jewel of a motor car.
Great review! Indeed the pullman seats are unbeatable!
4:00 bro this is so real... i own a 92' W124 with a 4.2L M119.975.... i could drive this thing to work without hitting 3k rpm once, its so nice to have that power in low rpm and yeah it just feels like its not even running at all sometimes(until you look at the gauges) especially now after i did all engine and transmission mounts. You dont feel a single vibration at a stoplight its just perfect.
Inspiring and beautiful Video!!! Thank you!😊
Thank you so much!
Very nice video and a beatiful colour combination. also interesting spec without AC.
I own a 420SE myself (short wheel base) but with the power upgraded engine that came in 1987. I love it and you perfectly nailed the philosophy of this car.
btw. this is the first video i've seen about 126 which gets the gear selector switch right by sying S= standard and not Sport.
also: what country is this? i first thought it's australia, but then saw the traffic signs.
Greetings from germany.
Hi, thanks for your very kind feedback.
I am based in Thailand.
The car is not mine it belongs to my friend and I just had it for a week. But what a enjoyable week it was.
@@FizzyMotors🙏 Great video. Yes it looks like Thailand. Do you know if it is fairly easy to maintain the car in Thailand? I’m asking as I’m moving to Thailand in a few years from now, and want to get one w126 😃
This video is absolutely stunning!! Thank you for this.
it's poetry
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks
This is my favorite car video in years.
What a marvelously charming review. I felt myself relaxing just listening to your voice and the video. Well done, sir. Well done.
Awesome review! Now I want one even more :)
If you grew up at the time and started driving, you realize how advanced and special the cars were. I still remember riding in a 560 SEC in the late 1980s on the Autobahn at 230 or 240 kmph. Try that in a Cadillac, Lincoln or Lexus coupe a the time. The reliability and build quality of the engines, drive line etc., was what makes these still relevant today. Do you see anyone restoring a Lincoln Versailles or them being driven in Africa or the Middle East with 500-800K KM on them?
we had 2 W126 back in 1980’s, an 1983 380SEL automatic and 1984 280SE manual for daily use
Great video. I love the W126 too.
Very good honest review of one of the best cars in the world
Very classy videography ❤
Wonderful. Just wonderful. So classy. So rare. Thank you.
I really enjoyed in presentation and how do you transfer the feelings and sounds. Car is amazing and they will never built it in this style and quality!
Velour is great material much nicer than leather, plush and comfy.
Great video, very well done
@6:40 Could I suggest that instead of pressing the gas pedal, you push it? With your heel on the floor touching the base of the gas pedal, pivot your foot to push. This is the best way to drive these cars from my experience. Excellent vid btw.
Ahh thanks! That’s good advice
Great review. And very trenchantly funny: "You feel dirty and sinful doing it. [pushing it hard in corners]" Great stuff.
Beautiful narration.
Leather will fry your skin on a hot summer day. The three round “dials” in the binnacle is simple and legible, even in my iPod.
Excellent review.
I had 3 of these. Great cars, built like a Tank. They run all day long on the Autobahn @200kmh. However, if you Like Soul, a previous generation S class from the 60's to the 70's would be my choice. Especially a 280 SsE 3.5 cabriolet ( convertible) the classy grill, chrome, leather dash, tactile switches. Timeless.
I recommend an excellent youtube channel. CARGOLD COLLECTION. This is a German classic car dealer. He shows, drives, reviews all his classic Cars.
Cheers from
Toronto
Beautiful car and beautiful photography/filming. I love the 16 hole 'manhole cover' ("Gullideckel" in German) alloy wheels.
I had a 1991 and it was excellent. One of the best built cars ever
Really nice video. I totally understand that part were you said the w116 rewards us for driving in a calm manner. The only thing I didn't like was the radio, but I understand it's hard to get an "old looking" radio with all the features we today want. Usually I modify the original radio to fit a bluetooth device inside connected to the cassette reader.
Thanks
Car is not mine.
I just borrowed it for a week
Thank You for the nice pictures from Krungthep.
And your documentation.
The tactility will die with us boomers.
I drove different old cars from the seventies. Renault R 4, Audi 80s, Golf MK1, BMW 2002 and BMW 323i. There was tactility.
You have to be one with these cars with all your senses.
Now it’s different.
Wow. The cloth seats look so comfortable and luxurious!
So right , so together , so classy ! ❤
I’m 100% on board. Am pining for a nice W126 to add to the stable. One of the best looking and best built sedans ever made. If I had to summarize the car it would be “dignified elegance”
dignified elegance indeed
Pine no more, if you're in Australia that is.
I have a garaged, 138 thousand km 1986 420SEL. It's a beautiful, original car, serviced by MB specialist and rarely driven. I even have NSW number plates MB1986.
I don't use the car, it's a shame but I don't want to put kms on it or risk damage to it. I'm soon to advertise it for sale. It's smoke silver in colour, still has it's untouched 1st aid kit, still has it's yellow BCF fire extinguisher, and even the headlight wipers and also even the headlight levellers work.
I'm sure I'll miss having it after it goes. 😉😒
Looks great 👍
I now feel warm and fuzzy. There is something special about an old Mercedes.
Thank you from Cologne in Germany.
Superb video - thank you.
Impressive review of the w126, one can feel the supreme luxury this vehicle exudes. If you ever want to do a review of a 300TD s123 please let me know, I’m based in Bangkok
Brilliant review thank you. The late great racing driver James Hunt had the 600, had it on blocks as toward the end of his life he couldn't afford to fill it. I have a later model and starting to feel the same.
I enjoyed this video; I owned a 1988 300SE for a few months; the straight six engine was a little underpowered for the size of car, but the velour interior was identical to yours. I did also once test drive a 1990 560 SEL as well, a wonderful deep note coming from the engine and a powerful pull, but I was put off by the unsurprising 12-15 mpg petrol consumption. You are absolutely right about the build quality, which is so entirely different to modern S Class saloons. I also enjoyed your driving in Thailand (Samut Prakan?), which reminded me of my great times driving there (Suksawat) and getting used to the very different driving style of the Thais, from UK drivers.
Very comfy looking car, love that kind of style.
Great vid. Subbed.
WoW..........A gentleman's review of a gentlemen car.......Thank you, Sir......
I have a W126. 300 SDL 1987 a beautiful machine and also own a W140 S 420 1996 . Fantastic vehicle
I can confirm. The fascination of the w126 and w116 was the same as a kid as as the first time driving it as today for the same reason. For what it is.
I owned a 300TD back in the 1980's. The 300Sd is a much better car to own. My 450 sl drank gas and ran hot. I've had a Rolls-Royce too. Stick with the 300SD.