I told my friend who was considering a Classic Merc that it is more you adopt them rather than own them in the sense of a more Modern Car. They need attention but with care and feeding they will be reliable and enjoyable.
This made me LOL. Nothing quite like seeing the finely-tweeded bearded gent strolling out of Whole Foods and climb into his meticulously maintained '85 300D Turbo.
Excellent video Pierre !!! A lot of people don`t fully understand the exceptional build quality of Mercedes so they don`t consider Mercedes as an option when making a purchase.
Currently fixing my 1993 190e m103 gotta say I love this car and I want to fix this beauty. So far it's got 139k miles on it and I just ordered the last 2 parts I need to get her back on the road! I'm so excited!
This video was really well thought out and very meaningful. The information reflect by Pierre was spot on in my opinion. I think the model breakdowns were particularly relevant as different style people prefer different outcome experiences from their cars. I'm just really glad Pierre is here to help us stay educated on these cars. Thanks also to Thomas for filming too. Smiles.
I had to chuckle since my 81 W126 is my daily /winter car, in fact I rust proofed it two weeks ago and put the snow tires on last sunday all that's left is to put on the grill cover and the old diesel will be set to brave another winter in the Great White North. EH
I DRIVE A W126 ... I carry grey poopone by the case ... mercedes like to be floored .. full throttle is what my w126 prefers. It also likes long jogs on a quite country road with the windows down.... top open
Hey Pierre. How about a Video on prepping and driving in Winter. I know you don't have to worry about that but a lot of us do. Some people are fair weather drivers but a few of us brave the Cold.
I live in Australia & own a 1994 W124 E280 with 473,000 kays on the clock & it is like brand new. Absolutely reliable & comfort that is unmatched. Of course I'm 70 years old & owned over 20 cars in my life, but this is by far the best............Absolutely. And no, it's not a diesel!
Just stumbled upon your channel. Loved it until you gave the 5 cars to avoid and I own 2 of them. A guy gave me a 140 s600 that I absolutely love but it has at least 10 things wrong with it but I drive it daily. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep marching to the beat of the drum that you hear. Passion and integrity minus greed is rare in this day and time. Would love to speak with you by phone for a few.
A really well thought summation. I love my SEC and will drive it 7 hours to Wilmington DE on Friday to get a minty set of restored BBS wheels. New tires, of course. Then 2 hours into jersey and a few days later another 2 hours north into NY. Finally I'll turn around and drive all the way back to NC and hope for trouble free travel start to finish. I feel confident and a well sorted 126 can provide that feeling, in my humble opinion.
Back in the late 1990s I used to work with a group of physicians. Every few years, they'd get a new car and we'd all climb in it and go out to lunch and declare it "a really nice car." Next, I'd offer to race them them to Oaxaca and back, 10K to the first one back to Iowa. Well, they weren't dumb; not a single person ever took me up on the offer.
Pierre thanks! I drive a W115, i love it. However it has some rust in the floor panels and the trunk, should I replace the panels and repaint it? It's worth it or generally rust spreads all over it. Thnk you in advance.
Hello Pierre I am so happy I got my 220D back on a road, even my dad is excited to come visit so he can drive it again. With the new power steering pump it's a dream to drive again.
Great article. Your Spot on the different personality types. All 84 HP on my W115 300D "" i "" personally think is a little over kill........putt putt putt. Nothing sweeter than the sound of a MBZ Diesel.
Hey Pierre, I do a lot of highway driving in my 280 w114 Do you consider installing a 722.6 transmission to be a bad move? It will retain the original column shift, there would be no telling that it had been changed. Often traffic here in Texas moves at 80mph. The overdrive gear would be nice.
installing a 722.6 would be interesting...but you are going to need to do some major casting and hardness testing, as well as designing and blue printing an adapter plate and propietary electronics.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary I ordered an adapter plate from somebody in Amsterdam (they provided pictures of the m110 mated to the 722.6, with starter installed along with bolts and flex plate) and I'm waiting to receive it. For the electronics I plan on using 0FGear they have a transmission controller and I've seen videos on RUclips of this controller in action. My intention is not to go crazy with modifications I just want lower the highway rmp without loosing acceleration
first experience was removing alternator from mom’s W115 280. 5 bolts held alternator bracket to engine. remove alternator from bracket, remove alternator from engine, put alternator back into bracket, remove from below. one day job. next episode: first owner 2005 W639 Vito 115cdi, bought on 95,000km now on 400,000km, W210 E270cdi bought on 95,000km, sold on 145,000km, W208 CLK430, bought on 95,000km, sold on 126,000km, W211 E55AMG, bought on 92,000km, sold on 284,000km, W221 E63, bought on 151,000 now on 263,000km, W116 350SE for restoration, now on 255,000km. must now qualify for classic ownership.
The problem with the cars you mentioned don't look or drive like old or classic cars! The also have some modern mechanical design. I can keep any coupe Merc anytime up to year 88 and that's it really.
Anyone from snow country and from the eastern United States knows how treacherous snow and ice can be to drive in. That's why most put these great cars into the garage during the winter. No reason to risk an accident that could end the life of another older Mercedes.
@@azmike3572 of course good tires with spikes is a must. Ice is can be dangerous no matter what though, indeed. I just feel like its not cause of that he mentioned no driving in the winter. Maybe cause of the rust?
Yes, with studs (as they're also called) you CAN drive on ice, but there's still a risk, as you inferred. If you have a beater car for icy roads, it's better to drive it instead of any classic car. The cause of rust is the salt many states here use on the roads in the winter. When I lived in Pittsburgh, I'd take my car to the self-service car wash weekly and direct the wand to under the car and the wheel wells, where rust can start.
I ll be paying some 200$ + on anti rust protection products to use under my car. I live in Norway and owning two cars adds up quite much in insurance and ''communal fees''. At least for this winter i can at least avoid using my beauty on weekdays so thats something.. I think it will be just fine and in case it isnt then i ll just have to find another garage for it.. Have to show respect to a car that has been around almost as long as i am..
@@stefpatras Agree, driving my 201 during winter (Denmark), I take precautions, such as an initial full fluidfilm shop treatment (couple years ago) and meticulously checking, reapplying during summer/winter wheelchanges. It makes for a good opportunity to check wheelarches, links, springs and axle boots. So it's possible, but it takes time examining things, off course. Plus I don't get to stand on my 1/2" 600mm breaker bar, for dealing with wheel lug nuts slapped on with a shop air tool at twice the required torque.
So what’s the drawbacks with the w201 I’ve a 1989 m102 2 litre and aside from the engine mounts and timing chain tensioner ( which seem to be an issue with the 124’s as well) seems built to last a few lifetimes
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary yes heard that mines only done 70,000miles even though it’s 30 years old I hope it holds together with these hot summers I’m told the type of coolant used can severely shorten head gasket life ? So I’m trying to find a suitable brand MB Australia doesn’t seems to have the correct coolant and I’m told a valvoline product is the correct one for aluminium allow heads ?
I love Mercedes Benz a lot and recently have been given a W220 S-430. It looks and drive great . Took it for a PP inspection everything checked out great . I hope to keep the car for a long time. What tips do you have for me ?
Great video Pierre. I have W123 230e that I had thought my son would have for a first car - I'm now thinking of going more modern. We would like to work in the cars together. Is a W202 C180 a good option for a first car, or should I look to something a little more modern like a W168 A160?
hi ...I have just subscribed . the ques.is gen1 is better than gen2 of mercedes126w in quality or the same ....mine is 1984 model long wheel base and the motor has been changed from m110 to m103. thanks.
Hi Pierre, Excellent Video.. I have a W124 1991 230E automatic transmission Gasoline car. I had to change the gearbox last year. But since then, the car does not shift well, and also the engine is heating up a lot. The cabin is like a owen when driving. I live in Botswana Africa. Can you suggest what could the problem be?? Your response will be very helpful. THANK YOU.
Hello, Keval Kharadi and thank YOU so much for your question(s), we want to answer you as quickly as possible. By signing in our Patreon www.patreon.com/thomaspolk page and making a donation of $10 your are assured of a 24 hour email response from Pierre. If you are already a $10 member please mention along with your question.
well, if the car does not shift well start by making sure the transmission fluid level is ok and the transmisison filter is clean. Next, make sure the shift control cable is not too tight and make sure it is not misrouted. As far as the overheating goes, does the heat stay on all the time? or is the engine overheating?
Thank you very much for your response Pierre. I will go and check the necessary details. Regarding the Engine, the heat meter stays just above 80 degrees, but the engine overall is very hot when I am driving. I can feel the heat in the cabin. My Air-con does not work as well. When I come out of the car and stand next to it, I can feel the heat coming from underneath the car even after I turn it off. And the Engine remains hot for a good 4-5 hours.
if the temperature gauge reads only 80-90 celsius it is not overheating...it sounds to me like you have a heater valve stuck on...what type of climate control does your 230e have?
I can't forgive my grandfather for selling his Mercedes w123. I will buy another one one after my M2F transition is finished. In Serbia you can get them quite cheap, you just need to be careful to get one with good shell. Salt on the roads is killing them here. Years spent posing as male made me learn more about cars then your "average" woman and the more I learned, the more I appreciate old Mercedes Benz cars - their build quality, stunning designs - mostly those by Paul Bracq and the fact that they are traditional sedans in an increasingly SUV/minivan/crossover-ed car world.
so they still use a lot of 123s in Serbia? That's good to know. the cars seem to do well even with road salt but it was the same situation in lebanon- only so many cars can handle the bad roads.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I literally see like a dozen of them parked around on my way to work. I even see some W126 examples and an abandoned R107 that still has licence plates from old Yugoslavia. A 1980 example of W123 in shining deep blue is the last W123 working as a Belgrade taxi. In smaller cities, still regularly used as a taxi. Some estimates say that between 5 and 7 thousand W123s are on the roads of Serbia.
I am 18 and drive a W123 every day to school. I am not regretting my choice
You young sir are cool as fuck. 😎👌 Keep it up.
Great choice.
I love working and maintaining my 108's. It's cheaper than a therapist:)
You're right!
Perhaps the best reply. Except I'd apply it to my 126.
any classic car
I told my friend who was considering a Classic Merc that it is more you adopt them rather than own them in the sense of a more Modern Car. They need attention but with care and feeding they will be reliable and enjoyable.
john wright hi do you want a therapeutic w109 comes with r107 n 560 sec,take care.
If you wear tweed, frequent whole foods, and love the smell of antique books...these are good signs haha
This made me LOL. Nothing quite like seeing the finely-tweeded bearded gent strolling out of Whole Foods and climb into his meticulously maintained '85 300D Turbo.
i think you're a lot more likely to see a soy boy millennial take the bus or ride bike to whole foods, then a Mercedes driver
I have a friend who has an 83 td and shops at whole foods...he usually goes straight ton the meat department.
I was looking at tweed suits just before getting my daily dose of Mr. Hedary.
Excellent video Pierre !!! A lot of people don`t fully understand the exceptional build quality of Mercedes so they don`t consider Mercedes as an option when making a purchase.
Thank you
Yes they are for everybody!
Currently fixing my 1993 190e m103 gotta say I love this car and I want to fix this beauty. So far it's got 139k miles on it and I just ordered the last 2 parts I need to get her back on the road! I'm so excited!
This video was really well thought out and very meaningful. The information reflect by Pierre was spot on in my opinion. I think the model breakdowns were particularly relevant as different style people prefer different outcome experiences from their cars. I'm just really glad Pierre is here to help us stay educated on these cars. Thanks also to Thomas for filming too. Smiles.
Thank you!
Thank YOU so much Kenneth!
I really enjoy doing my own work on my cars. When I was 16, I changed a blown head gasket on the side of the road.
I daily drive my W115 220 and its awesome
I had to chuckle since my 81 W126 is my daily /winter car, in fact I rust proofed it two weeks ago and put the snow tires on last sunday all that's left is to put on the grill cover and the old diesel will be set to brave another winter in the Great White North. EH
@@kevdupuis I use my 87 W126 as my DD too here in balmy Ohio.
Always a pleasure listening to you talk Mercedes Benz. The best there is.
I DRIVE A W126 ... I carry grey poopone by the case ... mercedes like to be floored .. full throttle is what my w126 prefers. It also likes long jogs on a quite country road with the windows down.... top open
I'm daily driving the w201 190E, the quality isn't as bad as you say. I think it's pretty reliable car.
Hey Pierre. How about a Video on prepping and driving in Winter. I know you don't have to worry about that but a lot of us do. Some people are fair weather drivers but a few of us brave the Cold.
Love your channel. I am from Atlanta, own 1999 w140 171k miles.I will have a chance to let you maintain my car
Thanks Pierre for your comprehensive overview. Well said and succinct input.N Elamir
Nice work Pierre.
I live in Australia & own a 1994 W124 E280 with 473,000 kays on the clock & it is like brand new. Absolutely reliable & comfort that is unmatched. Of course I'm 70 years old & owned over 20 cars in my life, but this is by far the best............Absolutely. And no, it's not a diesel!
Just stumbled upon your channel. Loved it until you gave the 5 cars to avoid and I own 2 of them. A guy gave me a 140 s600 that I absolutely love but it has at least 10 things wrong with it but I drive it daily. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep marching to the beat of the drum that you hear. Passion and integrity minus greed is rare in this day and time. Would love to speak with you by phone for a few.
A really well thought summation. I love my SEC and will drive it 7 hours to Wilmington DE on Friday to get a minty set of restored BBS wheels. New tires, of course. Then 2 hours into jersey and a few days later another 2 hours north into NY. Finally I'll turn around and drive all the way back to NC and hope for trouble free travel start to finish. I feel confident and a well sorted 126 can provide that feeling, in my humble opinion.
hopefully the new wheels work out for you!
Back in the late 1990s I used to work with a group of physicians. Every few years, they'd get a new car and we'd all climb in it and go out to lunch and declare it "a really nice car." Next, I'd offer to race them them to Oaxaca and back, 10K to the first one back to Iowa. Well, they weren't dumb; not a single person ever took me up on the offer.
Yes they are!
Pierre thanks! I drive a W115, i love it. However it has some rust in the floor panels and the trunk, should I replace the panels and repaint it? It's worth it or generally rust spreads all over it. Thnk you in advance.
I love working on our W126 300SE
I’m learning all the time
Such a well built car
that's awesome! such a great car!
Question I have a 1992 500SL Mercedes Benz convertible can I replace the Crankshaft position sensor myself.
Hello Pierre I am so happy I got my 220D back on a road, even my dad is excited to come visit so he can drive it again. With the new power steering pump it's a dream to drive again.
can;t wait to see it.
Wear is the Merch . I’d like to sport a shirt from y’all . Thanks for the advice .
Great article. Your Spot on the different personality types. All 84 HP on my W115 300D "" i "" personally think is a little over kill........putt putt putt. Nothing sweeter than the sound of a MBZ Diesel.
Thank you
Great work on the fuel distributor videos. Are you knowledgeable with the Adjusting the air flow meter plate and potentiometer ?
the adjustment of the potentiometer is tricky but yes, I have done it before, its in both the m102 and m103 service manuals
Right on the money, Pierre!
thank you
I agree
Hey Pierre, I do a lot of highway driving in my 280 w114
Do you consider installing a 722.6 transmission to be a bad move?
It will retain the original column shift, there would be no telling that it had been changed.
Often traffic here in Texas moves at 80mph.
The overdrive gear would be nice.
Installing a 722.6 would not be possible without an adapter plate and electronic controls. You wok have better luck installing a 2.88 rear axle
Pierre Hedary
Thanks for the reply,
Whatever I end up doing I will post a video!
installing a 722.6 would be interesting...but you are going to need to do some major casting and hardness testing, as well as designing and blue printing an adapter plate and propietary electronics.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary
I ordered an adapter plate from somebody in Amsterdam (they provided pictures of the m110 mated to the 722.6, with starter installed along with bolts and flex plate) and I'm waiting to receive it. For the electronics I plan on using 0FGear they have a transmission controller and I've seen videos on RUclips of this controller in action. My intention is not to go crazy with modifications I just want lower the highway rmp without loosing acceleration
first experience was removing alternator from mom’s W115 280. 5 bolts held alternator bracket to engine. remove alternator from bracket, remove alternator from engine, put alternator back into bracket, remove from below. one day job. next episode: first owner 2005 W639 Vito 115cdi, bought on 95,000km now on 400,000km, W210 E270cdi bought on 95,000km, sold on 145,000km, W208 CLK430, bought on 95,000km, sold on 126,000km, W211 E55AMG, bought on 92,000km, sold on 284,000km, W221 E63, bought on 151,000 now on 263,000km, W116 350SE for restoration, now on 255,000km. must now qualify for classic ownership.
The problem with the cars you mentioned don't look or drive like old or classic cars! The also have some modern mechanical design. I can keep any coupe Merc anytime up to year 88 and that's it really.
If you using it as a Daily Driver its nice to have a car that has some modern features (ABS, Airbags, etc.) and ride.
Any comments on the 1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse [W140]? It was featured in the movie Peacemaker!
Another informative video! Would love to see a video on a c107 (450 slc)
I have one ready to film....
Could you talk about little bit about SLC450 R107 Please and Thanks..M
i am going to do a full feature on one of these soon.
Why not driving it during the winter? Happy w124 300D owner here. Motor heater installed, looking for even a webasto as well.
Anyone from snow country and from the eastern United States knows how treacherous snow and ice can be to drive in. That's why most put these great cars into the garage during the winter. No reason to risk an accident that could end the life of another older Mercedes.
@@azmike3572 of course good tires with spikes is a must. Ice is can be dangerous no matter what though, indeed. I just feel like its not cause of that he mentioned no driving in the winter. Maybe cause of the rust?
Yes, with studs (as they're also called) you CAN drive on ice, but there's still a risk, as you inferred. If you have a beater car for icy roads, it's better to drive it instead of any classic car. The cause of rust is the salt many states here use on the roads in the winter. When I lived in Pittsburgh, I'd take my car to the self-service car wash weekly and direct the wand to under the car and the wheel wells, where rust can start.
I ll be paying some 200$ + on anti rust protection products to use under my car. I live in Norway and owning two cars adds up quite much in insurance and ''communal fees''. At least for this winter i can at least avoid using my beauty on weekdays so thats something.. I think it will be just fine and in case it isnt then i ll just have to find another garage for it.. Have to show respect to a car that has been around almost as long as i am..
@@stefpatras Agree, driving my 201 during winter (Denmark), I take precautions, such as an initial full fluidfilm shop treatment (couple years ago) and meticulously checking, reapplying during summer/winter wheelchanges. It makes for a good opportunity to check wheelarches, links, springs and axle boots. So it's possible, but it takes time examining things, off course. Plus I don't get to stand on my 1/2" 600mm breaker bar, for dealing with wheel lug nuts slapped on with a shop air tool at twice the required torque.
You have to learn how to correctly drive a Mercedes, it's not like a Honda or Toyota...
that's true.
So what’s the drawbacks with the w201 I’ve a 1989 m102 2 litre and aside from the engine mounts and timing chain tensioner ( which seem to be an issue with the 124’s as well) seems built to last a few lifetimes
head gaskets and valve guides seem to be the most fragile parts of the m102....but the bottom ends are excellent.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary yes heard that mines only done 70,000miles even though it’s 30 years old I hope it holds together with these hot summers I’m told the type of coolant used can severely shorten head gasket life ? So I’m trying to find a suitable brand MB Australia doesn’t seems to have the correct coolant and I’m told a valvoline product is the correct one for aluminium allow heads ?
I love Mercedes Benz a lot and recently have been given a W220 S-430. It looks and drive great . Took it for a PP inspection everything checked out great . I hope to keep the car for a long time. What tips do you have for me ?
buy a diagnostic scanner!
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753
Thank you ! I'm on it . Is there a particular one I should get that works great for Mercedes?
Pierre what do you drive usually
1983 300D, champagne,, palomino, 355k.
Great video Pierre. I have W123 230e that I had thought my son would have for a first car - I'm now thinking of going more modern. We would like to work in the cars together. Is a W202 C180 a good option for a first car, or should I look to something a little more modern like a W168 A160?
the 202 is a great first car! safe, repairable and good looks!
W123 best car which model
I love classic Mercedes but I don't have a ton of money and I'm really not mechanical. Dang.
Hello Pierre, how about a w201 or w202 for a 1st car considering fuel economy . Thank you
diesel 201 is a super economical car with easy maintenance
Thank you
I am saving for that here in Kenya
hi ...I have just subscribed . the ques.is gen1 is better than gen2 of mercedes126w in quality or the same ....mine is 1984 model long wheel base and the motor has been changed from m110 to m103. thanks.
the m103 is a very easy engine to service, moreso than the m110.
gen 1 and gen 2 are both equally good.
I can confirm owning a W201 for 5 years that they do have some quality issues... (door cards oof)
Hello I would like to buy a 560 SEC but I'm in Botswana so how much would I need
well, in the united states they are anywhere from $5,000 to 25,000 us. There are a few decent c126 in south africa that I have seen before.
Not only is a classic Mercedes-Benz not for everybody, Mercedes-Benz no matter what year is not for everybody
Hi Pierre, Excellent Video.. I have a W124 1991 230E automatic transmission Gasoline car.
I had to change the gearbox last year. But since then, the car does not shift well, and also the engine is heating up a lot. The cabin is like a owen when driving. I live in Botswana Africa. Can you suggest what could the problem be??
Your response will be very helpful. THANK YOU.
Hello, Keval Kharadi and thank YOU so much for your question(s), we want to answer you as quickly as possible.
By signing in our Patreon www.patreon.com/thomaspolk page and making a donation of $10 your are assured of a 24 hour email response from Pierre.
If you are already a $10 member please mention along with your question.
well, if the car does not shift well start by making sure the transmission fluid level is ok and the transmisison filter is clean. Next, make sure the shift control cable is not too tight and make sure it is not misrouted. As far as the overheating goes, does the heat stay on all the time? or is the engine overheating?
Thank you very much for your response Pierre. I will go and check the necessary details.
Regarding the Engine, the heat meter stays just above 80 degrees, but the engine overall is very hot when I am driving. I can feel the heat in the cabin. My Air-con does not work as well. When I come out of the car and stand next to it, I can feel the heat coming from underneath the car even after I turn it off. And the Engine remains hot for a good 4-5 hours.
if the temperature gauge reads only 80-90 celsius it is not overheating...it sounds to me like you have a heater valve stuck on...what type of climate control does your 230e have?
Beautiful
I can't forgive my grandfather for selling his Mercedes w123. I will buy another one one after my M2F transition is finished. In Serbia you can get them quite cheap, you just need to be careful to get one with good shell. Salt on the roads is killing them here. Years spent posing as male made me learn more about cars then your "average" woman and the more I learned, the more I appreciate old Mercedes Benz cars - their build quality, stunning designs - mostly those by Paul Bracq and the fact that they are traditional sedans in an increasingly SUV/minivan/crossover-ed car world.
so they still use a lot of 123s in Serbia? That's good to know. the cars seem to do well even with road salt but it was the same situation in lebanon- only so many cars can handle the bad roads.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 I literally see like a dozen of them parked around on my way to work. I even see some W126 examples and an abandoned R107 that still has licence plates from old Yugoslavia. A 1980 example of W123 in shining deep blue is the last W123 working as a Belgrade taxi. In smaller cities, still regularly used as a taxi. Some estimates say that between 5 and 7 thousand W123s are on the roads of Serbia.
Halo
Ok Pierre, I'm on a hunt for one and it's all your fault :))
2:30 Seriously, what are you doing on the road?
haha I wondered the same thing
Mention the models not the chassis please
ok thanks for the feedback