Everyone you dealt with during this episode deserves a compliment. From the lady at the insurance company, to the cop and everyone in between! Fantastic episode!
@@Chr.U.Cas1622 He got really lucky (and is in New Hampshire). I assure you that elsewhere this could have gone very, very badly. No amount of politeness is going to overcome people who are determined to use what little power they have in this world to cause as much pain as possible.
Wow I was really impressed how friendly and helpful everyone was. As a non American everything I'd ever heard about the dmv plus the comments on the last video had me thinking it was going to be a nightmare!
This is just my experience as a Minnesotan, but most of the time this is how all experiences go. The horror stories are only the 1% you hear about and even then you don't get both sides of the story.
I'm one of the non US viewers. While I've understood the concept of salvage title in the US, I still appreciate you taking a bit of your time to explain it. Also, looking forward to the new series!
The assessor wrote that vehicle off for a friend or maybe an illicit payment, no ways was that write off. But you bought it fair and square and what a score of a vehicle!
Interesting video. I spent 25+ years in the towing industry here in the same state. I have flat-bedded many salvage vehicles to be inspected by the state. I'm shocked they now allow you to get a temp plate and actually allow you to drive to the inspection ! In years past the vehicle would need to be trailered or towed to the appointment, since salvage vehicles were not considered road worthy in the state until after the actual inspection. In the past.... had you driven the vehicle to the inspection (say, with a dealer plate), you most likely would have been arrested. FWIW, of all the salvage vehicle inspections I've witnessed over the years, they've all gone very similar to yours.... polite and professional.
same thing in tennessee, you can't drive the salvaged car (legally) before the inspection, that's why the inspector has to come to your car in Tennessee.
Most helpful DMV employee of all time, first they answered the phone then she gave you logical information and told you what you needed to do. That’s unheard of around where I live in NC bravo to her!!
The DMV in Virginia won’t even answer the phone if you call them. A recording often answers saying their lines are overloaded and to call another time.
The inspector and cop were stunned on hearing the purchase price. The way Waldo dealt with all the people from DMV, cops, insurance company etc was great. "Professional". And they all responded with a professional attitude. I am m, 69 and I salute you, Waldo!
Channel feed back. My favorite part about your channel is the absolute solid structure. You seem to provide no room for the negativity that you see on other channels with the extent that you describe what you are doing. Keep it up we need more guys like you in this world!
I'm from MA and have never experienced the level of congeniality that was given to you by the DVM, Police and inspectors...totally unheard of. Hats off to those state employees that treated you so well.🙌
Florida DMV is super friendly here in SRQ. My previous experience in Ohio was hit or miss - normally friendly workers, just over-worked. Saturday's were crazy busy and that environment can easily put both customers and workers on edge. I have experience with MA and CA DMV's from long ago. Long lines that moved slow. Things went ok, but I just needed to get a drivers license as a new resident. My local Florida DMV is by the best ever.
I agree that the NH DMV was super friendly and helpful. The Mass. DMV should use this as a training video. I have a low number plate in Ma. And had to sign it over to the lease company that I leased my car with. I needed an act of God to get the plate back in my name. I went to the Mass RMV 6 times in 2 days!!! Each time I went, someone would look a little further into the paperwork I had and they always found another thing I had to correct. Finally on the 6th visit, I had everything correct!!! Luckily, I only live 2 miles from the RMV. What a pain. Why couldn’t someone look the paperwork over completely to tell me all the things I needed to correct. John from Cape Cod
I have a salvaged ‘02 Lexus SC430 and did a bunch of repairs myself but did have to take it into a body shop to straighten the frame. None of the tier 1 shops would accept the salvage risk risk reasons but finally found a small shop that helped. Unlike your experience, California doesn’t have a salvage inspection. I personally feel salvage vehicles, even if the are big V8s like both of ours is still better for the environment than just junking the thing for parts and having something new built. Congrats.
A far cry from the ‘74 SAAB 99 I rebuilt in the late ‘70’s after responding to a classified ad describing it as fine under hood. Turned out to be a misprint for fire under hood, but the seller had an almost identical vehicle that had been in a collision, so it was mostly a problem of transplanting the wiring harness and replacing hoses, belts, a tire. The battle scarred veteran served me well for at least ten years. I salute you, sir. Well done!
From Brisbane Australia. That snow is so foreign to me. We are about the same latitude south as Miami is north. But even for the rest of this country snow is isolated to a few mountain areas and that's it. I couldn't image trying to work around the slush and the mud and the SALT!!!! Well done on the car though. That's a great result and a lovely machine.
Another great video Waldo. As an Audi A8 owner, there's nothing comparable to lazily wafting down the highway in a big, quick, quiet German saloon. Enjoy that S-class, you've got a great car there!
I absolutely love that Mercedes. (Why am I jealous?..good for you!) It almost sounds like insurance fraud if the car was not dumped on the market but rather bought back by an insider.
As belgian i'm very impressed by the nice people you dealt with and helped you. Here i basically get no one on the phone or they are very eager to tell me to fuck off and hang up as soon as they think they can. That sadly goes from DMV to police to city worker. They all are making any project nearly impossible.
Love that car Waldo . Couldn’t go to a better guy ! Delighted you got it registered. Aspen will love that Smooth ride . I can see him now with his head out the Window with pride .
It wouldn't have been that easy in N.J.! So refreshing to see DMV's in other states that are so nice and friendly! I moved to Florida and the one woman was so friendly and helpful at DMV, I would ask for her when I went back there.
Yes the S550 is an amazing daily driver. My 07 has been great as well. Since your last video I added another MB to my fleet, which replaced my totaled 04 E55 AMG.
I also have had 2 W221's, an '07 and a '10. '07 Trans blew up at 136K, so I got a fully loaded Texas-owned 2010 in 2021 with just 26K miles For $27K shipped. Just had a Rolls Ghost pull up next to me today and thought "That car has NOTHING on mine. Except higher bills of every sort."
I did this 20+ years ago with a BMW 735 I. Twice the state kicked back the paperwork because they said I did not buy enough parts for the car. It wasn’t until I had to used the Vin number for a second BMW I owned saying that I got the parts from that car that they actually let the process proceed. Even though I had receipts for the entire passenger side of the car Plus all four positions of the suspension from a B7 Alpina. All bought from a used BMW service Center. You got away with that pretty easily. Glad you made the video to show that some people can get it done without a whole pile of garbage coming their way.
Maybe the original adjuster had this car mixed up with another car that did in fact have mildew and flooding over the seats. It could also be that the adjuster picked up this file from another adjuster. The only explanation I can come up with is that maybe when he put those arrows he scratched his head wondering why the mildew didn’t come out in the photo, but it had been through the process and was verified to have mildew so he simply pointed the arrows at nothing and pushed on.
This is just such a cool class of car. Who doesn't want to have the quietest most comfortable ride? On the open road I just want to listen to my music and relax.
Man! Just seeing this now and I'm so jealous of how easy your process was. Here in Minneapolis I've been unable to get my car inspected for more than a year. Couldn't find an appointment anywhere in the state all last spring/summer and a can't get a temp plate for it so I have to flatbed it to/from the location if I can ever get an appointment. When I lived in Iowa it was as simple as bringing documentation and the car to a nearby police station for 20 minutes or so to have it inspected. My '03 S8 has been off the road for 3 years now.
Wow that was not so bad at all, I had a vision they would had the car on the lift inspecting everything, Now I understand why so many people buy Auction Salvaged cars but you were the first person that took time and showed us the process. Thank You for sharing , My opinion you make the best videos on TH-cam
You made such a great deal on that Merc! That was quite worth the less than expected hassle for the registration...I really compared that with the German bureaucracy, that was so easy in your case...I don't even know what to expect here, if you try to get a totaled car back on the road, because only very few people went through that process, so few that I never heard of one who did it for real... Thx for taking us with you!! 👍👍👍
Hi Waldo. That was pretty cool how smoothly everthing went. The cop was cool about your friend filming too. Glad to hear that all went well. Thanks for the video!
That was totally painless Waldo!! Nothing better than a Mercedes land yacht!! The 80’s 560SEL was a favorite. I can fill you in on the totalling of some cars but not here. I bet Aspen loves the car too!!
Wow that went way easier than I expected. Some states are very finicky when it comes to out of state salvage titles. Glad you were finally able to make it officially yours. You really lucked out with that one, Waldo. It's a super gorgeous car. 😍 👌 Congrats, my friend. 🤙
Waldo you are fearless , you never cease to amaze me at what you will take on , I was very surprised that they did not even pull the car in to a shop and put it up in the air ? that car could have had no cat or worn out brake pads or worse they would have never known ???
The salvage inspection is different from the state safety and emissions inspection, where they are required to put it on a lift and inspect that stuff 👍
@@WaldosWorld First I too love your channel and your selection in cars/trucks. I too am a NH resident and a new successful first time salvage repair owner. I bought a'14 Mini Clubman that had minor damage in the right front. I bolted on some "new" parts and had a shop do a couple of small things and then went through the same inspection process you did with a good result. My inspector was much like yours in that he checked all switches and gave the car a quick once over but he was very nice and had a couple of questions but I will definitely do this again. One question I had for you was how you you able to get a temporary plate, I couldn't and had to rent a trailer to get the car to the registry? Keep up the good work!
Loved this “mini series”. I’ve never owned a Mercedes, not even ridden in one, but they look really nice. Might have to look at them as new cars are really boring… Recently subscribed and enjoying your episodes. Not a mechanic, but learning things.
I have been waiting for more on the Mercedes. Glad that you got it registered and can enjoy it. I am completely jealous of you!! Would love to see a total cost of this project like you did with the flat beds. Keep up the great content!
I've watched your S550 and Range Rover series and this was so entertaining. I really appreciate your demeanor and style of video. I can't change a tire so I am in awe watching you change all the bits and bobs on the cars. Thank you so much. I wish I had your skill - or even just your wrench sets!
A great result and the inspector & police officer were very polite. Your S class is a gorgeous car, and it looks exceptional especially for the money. Well done Waldo 🙂
I see that chrome trim on the lower area of the front bumper. Paint looks immaculate for a car with that many miles. My 2005 Mercedes G 500 has more than double the miles and is in way worse condition cosmetically in its current form. Congrats on the good deal.
This honestly goes without saying, since you're a nice person, but it was very nice to see how you treated everyone, phone the people on the phone, to the people at the BMV. If more humans would just be nice, the world would be a better place. Glad the S550 is on the road! What a great car for the price, amazing! Hope the snow is done soon, i'm ready for some Spring weather, that's for sure!
I moved away a good decade ago but my experience with the DMV in Western Mass wasn't too bad. It was definitely less pleasant when I was living in the Eastern part of the state lol.
Wow, that inspector really checked that car over, Im from VA and when i totaled my truck hitting a deer, it took longer to get the dmv to setup the appointment then it did to fix the truck. They sent a trooper out and i had a folder of receipts and pictures of the truck from the accident and he just looked at the vin on the cab, looked at the front end of the truck and asked to see the pictures of when i hit the deer and he was done in like 10 minutes, never looked at any receipts or any of the paperwork i had and i was able to get my title in an hour after he left. It took like three months for the dmv to process the paperwork to have the state trooper come out to inspect my truck. if you do sell that car definitely put that it was a salvage vehicle on the bill of sale and make sure you get the buyers to sign it and give them a copy and you keep a copy just incase anything happens. I love your content please keep it up!
I have a 2010 S550 that I have owned for 8 glorious years. It has just over 100,000 miles now and it has been my family go-to car for long trips. My wife drives a GL550 and she still prefers to drive and or be a passenger in the S Class. It has also been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, and it is by far the most comfortable. Enjoy yours!
Any Mercedes w 4.7 biturbo engine after 2011 is very solid. Keep an eye on camshaft positioning sensors leaking oil into electrical connectors. Can disturb ECM if left unchecked. Nice entertaining & educational video
Waldo, I am from South Africa and I enjoy your videos very much. I regularly check for new videos and whenever you don't have a new video posted I then check out other welding channels. Waldo, yours is by far the most enjoyable to watch and your presentation is way above the rest. Keep up the good work.
You're such a great presenter, your content is spot on and always interesting to watch end to end. I hope you get a ton more subscribers and will be able to pump out more videos. What a score of a car by the way!
Great video, and congrats with your dead cheap Mercedes S550. 👍I'm still baffled about this "flooded" Mercedes, and the only thing I can come up with, is that there must be some kind of insurance fraud involved. Maybe the original owner and the "independent" insurance adjuster made a little deal? 🤔
I really loved my 2013 S class (although is was just an S350LWB) and everything you say is true. Actually put it into sport mode and you can really throw it into corners and it won't protest. I was in the UAE, so it's only downfall was the sun heating up that steering wheel making it untouchable if you'd forgotten to put up the windshield shade
Great video. I’ve had personal experience with salvage titles and DMV related mileage issues on vehicles from out of state, specifically TX to IL. Talk about a nightmare. I ended up reaching out the head of the entire BMV in Texas to get my mileage discrepancy resolved. Glad yours was resolved easily.
My favorite color combination from Mercedes, Lunar Blue with Savanna Beige interior. I just sold a 2012 S63 with 90K miles. Loved being able to raise the suspension in order to clear parking curbs and driveways.
Waldo, we had a 2001 S-430 MB that we purchased new/used as a dealer demo with 4,000 miles on it. We drove that car over 200,000 miles but the last two years were painful. Suspension issues costing thousands were the norm, several times per year. I was finally able to pry the car out of my wife's hands to trade it for a 2005 Lexus GX-470 - another car that we logged over 200,000 miles on and loved owning it. Now we have a 2017 GLE-350 4Matic. Lesson learned - don't keep a MB past its prime. The repairs will eat your purchase price many times over. So, meanwhile, enjoy the ride!
That's a really nice looking car, great job on getting it fixed up and running. I was also pleasantly surprised at how nice the people you dealt with were!
This is the exact year model W221 I am considering after 10+ years of daily driving my 1999 S320 w140 with 220HP. Great OLD car, but it's getting so difficult to find parts on the rare occasion that I need them. Your mechanical temperament and editing etc., had me watching you change out the fluids, etc., like there was nothing else I'd instead do. I don't recall hearing you beg and grovel for a 'like' and 'subscribe,' so I will do those. Like the son I never had. Congrats of buying a great car!
Really enjoyed watching that mini series for this car. Congrats on getting everything done, glad you’re enjoying the car. Looking forward to more videos
Hi Waldo, I’m over here in the U.K. I don’t know much about the salvage side but just normally our vehicles have to go though an inspection every year down including on a vehicle lift to check joints suspension and dreaded rust but yes very interesting over here, markUK
Oh thanks for the ending updates! Sailboat diesel engine? Sounds like a small 3 cyl kubota or yanmar... And yeah, you were right to recommend a GMT800 GM truck with the 6.6 Duramax. particularly from 2001-2007 since they'll have very little fuss regarding the emissions, and less failure-prone expensive upkeep. not to mention those engines are fully capable of matching brand new trucks in terms of power and torque with plenty room to spare. And that's with some fairly simple bolt-on parts. I had an 02 2500hd ext cab 4wd for a while and it was a truly impressive truck. It exceeded my expectations by a lot and it forced me to really understand diesels. You don't even need a dually really anymore unless you need to gooseneck tow over 30,000 lbs (NOT GCWR, I mean 30k for the trailer/load alone, no exaggeration). I see people turning 98-03 7.3 Ford powerstrokes into decent hotshot/tow rigs for a manageable price that can pull 25-30k. Duramax can be done cheaply as well and it's a much better engine with more satisfying uses across the board. You can get capacity 4500 lbs per wheel in the rear from method or several other wheel makers now, and 4200-4400 lb per tire from several brands of tire. 17, 18 inch. That should allow for a gooseneck weight around 30k. For stability, add air bags and hellwigs for the rear suspension. Their oem 11.5 '' 14 bolt aam rear axle is capable of 10,000 lbs. stock. Put 5.13 rear dif and front dif ratios. Get the front locking dif upgrade, and add a switch to engage/disengage the front fork shifter so you can unlock the option of 2wd low. Then those trucks have the best interiors even compared to trucks today. Anyway, that would be a great project and make your daily driver truck also your money machine hauler. 😋
That inspection went well, i had a few vehicles inspected mainly what they wanted were receipts from from a salvage yard with the VIN on the receipt and you were done - you received a Prior Salvage title and were good to go Salvage means many things from miss diagnosed inspections like your car , and cars that visibly excessive damage
Hey Waldo, I feel like this comment is long overdue, but I really enjoy the content you post. I’m a big Mercedes guy and I really dig the heavy equipment/truck stuff too. I’m looking forward to the stuff you do in the future 👍🏻👍🏻
Fellow resident of the 603 here and I gotta say you have to get that thing undercoated ASAP. It's very difficult to find a vehicle with 120k on it in New England with little to no rust at all unless if it is the holy grail Florida rig lol. Keep that beauty's frame looking as mint as it is and that car will be running strong long after the rest of our beaters with heaters have snapped frames! I say this as I have a 2001 Tacoma with 202k miles that already had the frame recall done in 2011. I had to box the frame after buying it because it was thin as could be from 13 years of daily salt driving. Love the work you do!
That is one nice Benz! It’s not too often I see that tan color interior on those cars here in the EU, they usually come with black interiors. Stateside we have a good choice of interiors for these cars. It’s interesting that in the city I currently reside in, the MB line of vehicles are used as taxis. The city color of taxis where I live is white while other cities have their own color combos that let law enforcement know from where the taxi is from eliminating the need to check out the license plate. Almost as fun trying to register an "off road only title" for military HUMMVE. In Ohio one has to go to the DMV and obtain a booklet as to what the requirements are for a vehicle to be registered in Ohio. Most of the necessary items are already on the military HUMMVE but one has to add backup lights that should come on when vehicle is placed into reverse and a lighted license plate holder in the rear. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are required since they came with this type of restraining system, you will have to add them if they are missing. I would also recommend a tamper resistant key switch to disable the starter as well and one might need to bypass the blackout feature on the light switch assembly but I really don’t know of many who have done this.
Love it how we were expecting huge drama and prepared for the greatest youtube drama video of all time! But everyone behaved just normally, and all we got was a nice conclusion, and you got an approved V8 Mercedes S class that drives beautifully :) Great that there are normal people out there.
Atleast this isn't a flood damaged McLaren P1 you're trying to repair and rebuild. I hate to say it this won't be as exciting of a series but I'm still interested in and cheering for you Waldo.
Registering cars at the town clerk makes so much sense. Im in CT and before they did appointment only one DMV was so bad I know someone that went in there during the day, waited for 4 hours then left 🤦♂️. Now its much better no more than an hour wait after checking in for your appt
Everyone you dealt with during this episode deserves a compliment. From the lady at the insurance company, to the cop and everyone in between! Fantastic episode!
Just wanted to add the same. These people featured went out of their way to be helpful, even the cop!
Often times you are treated like you treat others. He is a decent, nice, polite guy who is calm and does not offend anyone.
@@Chr.U.Cas1622 He got really lucky (and is in New Hampshire). I assure you that elsewhere this could have gone very, very badly. No amount of politeness is going to overcome people who are determined to use what little power they have in this world to cause as much pain as possible.
I was thinking the same thing well done by everyone
Certified NH. Only good state in the NE
Wow I was really impressed how friendly and helpful everyone was. As a non American everything I'd ever heard about the dmv plus the comments on the last video had me thinking it was going to be a nightmare!
This is just my experience as a Minnesotan, but most of the time this is how all experiences go. The horror stories are only the 1% you hear about and even then you don't get both sides of the story.
My experience living in ny, some people are complete assholes not trying to help anything at dmv, and others are nice and helpful
except you cant stand at their door minding your own business without them thinking you are a drug dealer or a terrorist or smth apparently..
The dmv in California was generally a nightmare. Since moving to Colorado I’ve had excellent service everywhere time I’ve been.
All depends who is working at the DMV.
Ah, the thrill of cruising in an S550 is sweet, but the satisfaction of the phenomenal deal you got is 10x better! Congrats!
The incredulous expression of the cop when he heard the price of the S550 speak volumes.
I'm one of the non US viewers. While I've understood the concept of salvage title in the US, I still appreciate you taking a bit of your time to explain it. Also, looking forward to the new series!
Same!
The assessor wrote that vehicle off for a friend or maybe an illicit payment, no ways was that write off.
But you bought it fair and square and what a score of a vehicle!
Yeah either gross incompetence or something sketchy going on!
@@Sashazur Government and Corporations in 2024 are extremely corrupt.
Interesting video. I spent 25+ years in the towing industry here in the same state. I have flat-bedded many salvage vehicles to be inspected by the state. I'm shocked they now allow you to get a temp plate and actually allow you to drive to the inspection ! In years past the vehicle would need to be trailered or towed to the appointment, since salvage vehicles were not considered road worthy in the state until after the actual inspection. In the past.... had you driven the vehicle to the inspection (say, with a dealer plate), you most likely would have been arrested. FWIW, of all the salvage vehicle inspections I've witnessed over the years, they've all gone very similar to yours.... polite and professional.
same thing in tennessee, you can't drive the salvaged car (legally) before the inspection, that's why the inspector has to come to your car in Tennessee.
Most helpful DMV employee of all time, first they answered the phone then she gave you logical information and told you what you needed to do. That’s unheard of around where I live in NC bravo to her!!
I agree, the employee on the phone was great!
Never once been able to get anyone at the DMV on the phone
She sounded like a kind soul, super boisterous and seemed happy to help
i once got someone on the phone at a DMV in NC. was quickly put on hold for 3 hours i ended up just hanging up the phone.
The DMV in Virginia won’t even answer the phone if you call them. A recording often answers saying their lines are overloaded and to call another time.
The inspector and cop were stunned on hearing the purchase price.
The way Waldo dealt with all the people from DMV, cops, insurance company etc was great. "Professional". And they all responded with a professional attitude.
I am m, 69 and I salute you, Waldo!
Channel feed back. My favorite part about your channel is the absolute solid structure. You seem to provide no room for the negativity that you see on other channels with the extent that you describe what you are doing. Keep it up we need more guys like you in this world!
I appreciate it! Thank you!
Yes, that was the one thing that I noticed instantly. The positive view. This is one of my new favorite channels!
I actually live for the ending song 🎵
There's going to be about 24,000 questions at that insurance company and that contract insurance adjuster. :) :) What a score!
I'm from MA and have never experienced the level of congeniality that was given to you by the DVM, Police and inspectors...totally unheard of. Hats off to those state employees that treated you so well.🙌
That should be normal imo..
Florida DMV is super friendly here in SRQ. My previous experience in Ohio was hit or miss - normally friendly workers, just over-worked. Saturday's were crazy busy and that environment can easily put both customers and workers on edge. I have experience with MA and CA DMV's from long ago. Long lines that moved slow. Things went ok, but I just needed to get a drivers license as a new resident. My local Florida DMV is by the best ever.
I agree that the NH DMV was super friendly and helpful. The Mass. DMV should use this as a training video. I have a low number plate in Ma. And had to sign it over to the lease company that I leased my car with. I needed an act of God to get the plate back in my name. I went to the Mass RMV 6 times in 2 days!!! Each time I went, someone would look a little further into the paperwork I had and they always found another thing I had to correct. Finally on the 6th visit, I had everything correct!!! Luckily, I only live 2 miles from the RMV. What a pain. Why couldn’t someone look the paperwork over completely to tell me all the things I needed to correct. John from Cape Cod
Excellent job!! Its great to see the people in NH are still friendly. And that drive up 89 brings back many memories!!
Thank you!
The look on that guys face when you said 4100$!! Priceless! So glad you got it all transferred and licensed! Will be an awesome car!
Thrilled to see that you were able to title the vehicle and sail through inspection. Glad this S was saved!
I have a salvaged ‘02 Lexus SC430 and did a bunch of repairs myself but did have to take it into a body shop to straighten the frame. None of the tier 1 shops would accept the salvage risk risk reasons but finally found a small shop that helped. Unlike your experience, California doesn’t have a salvage inspection. I personally feel salvage vehicles, even if the are big V8s like both of ours is still better for the environment than just junking the thing for parts and having something new built. Congrats.
A far cry from the ‘74 SAAB 99 I rebuilt in the late ‘70’s after responding to a classified ad describing it as fine under hood. Turned out to be a misprint for fire under hood, but the seller had an almost identical vehicle that had been in a collision, so it was mostly a problem of transplanting the wiring harness and replacing hoses, belts, a tire. The battle scarred veteran served me well for at least ten years.
I salute you, sir. Well done!
From Brisbane Australia. That snow is so foreign to me. We are about the same latitude south as Miami is north. But even for the rest of this country snow is isolated to a few mountain areas and that's it. I couldn't image trying to work around the slush and the mud and the SALT!!!! Well done on the car though. That's a great result and a lovely machine.
Another great video Waldo. As an Audi A8 owner, there's nothing comparable to lazily wafting down the highway in a big, quick, quiet German saloon. Enjoy that S-class, you've got a great car there!
I absolutely love that Mercedes. (Why am I jealous?..good for you!)
It almost sounds like insurance fraud if the car was not dumped on the market but rather bought back by an insider.
Haha that inspector was low-key jealous of the deal you got 😂
As a Brit, I loved hearing the lady at the DMV say "good luck"
And the cop and inspector seemed ok
Nice video Waldo 👍
As belgian i'm very impressed by the nice people you dealt with and helped you. Here i basically get no one on the phone or they are very eager to tell me to fuck off and hang up as soon as they think they can. That sadly goes from DMV to police to city worker. They all are making any project nearly impossible.
Love that car Waldo . Couldn’t go to a better guy !
Delighted you got it registered. Aspen will love that
Smooth ride . I can see him now with his head out the
Window with pride .
It wouldn't have been that easy in N.J.! So refreshing to see DMV's in other states that are so nice and friendly! I moved to Florida and the one woman was so friendly and helpful at DMV, I would ask for her when I went back there.
Very nice Waldo. There is a lot to be said for being polite and respectful.
I am amazed that it went so smooth. I think you were very lucky!
Waldo’s videos are my favorite on TH-cam next is fab rats 3rd is Merlin’s old school garage last is Matt’s off road recovery
You're too kind! 🤠
You didn't mention Casey LaDelle
Same
Rory also... trail mater is OP
Allen millyard
Yes the S550 is an amazing daily driver. My 07 has been great as well. Since your last video I added another MB to my fleet, which replaced my totaled 04 E55 AMG.
I also have had 2 W221's, an '07 and a '10. '07 Trans blew up at 136K, so I got a fully loaded Texas-owned 2010 in 2021 with just 26K miles For $27K shipped. Just had a Rolls Ghost pull up next to me today and thought "That car has NOTHING on mine. Except higher bills of every sort."
@@SawbuckI have an 07 as well, 105k on the odo. Hope my tranny holds out!
I did this 20+ years ago with a BMW 735 I. Twice the state kicked back the paperwork because they said I did not buy enough parts for the car. It wasn’t until I had to used the Vin number for a second BMW I owned saying that I got the parts from that car that they actually let the process proceed. Even though I had receipts for the entire passenger side of the car Plus all four positions of the suspension from a B7 Alpina. All bought from a used BMW service Center. You got away with that pretty easily. Glad you made the video to show that some people can get it done without a whole pile of garbage coming their way.
Maybe the original adjuster had this car mixed up with another car that did in fact have mildew and flooding over the seats. It could also be that the adjuster picked up this file from another adjuster. The only explanation I can come up with is that maybe when he put those arrows he scratched his head wondering why the mildew didn’t come out in the photo, but it had been through the process and was verified to have mildew so he simply pointed the arrows at nothing and pushed on.
This is just such a cool class of car. Who doesn't want to have the quietest most comfortable ride? On the open road I just want to listen to my music and relax.
Man! Just seeing this now and I'm so jealous of how easy your process was. Here in Minneapolis I've been unable to get my car inspected for more than a year. Couldn't find an appointment anywhere in the state all last spring/summer and a can't get a temp plate for it so I have to flatbed it to/from the location if I can ever get an appointment. When I lived in Iowa it was as simple as bringing documentation and the car to a nearby police station for 20 minutes or so to have it inspected. My '03 S8 has been off the road for 3 years now.
Wow that was not so bad at all, I had a vision they would had the car on the lift inspecting everything, Now I understand why so many people buy Auction Salvaged cars but you were the first person that took time and showed us the process. Thank You for sharing , My opinion you make the best videos on TH-cam
You made such a great deal on that Merc!
That was quite worth the less than expected hassle for the registration...I really compared that with the German bureaucracy, that was so easy in your case...I don't even know what to expect here, if you try to get a totaled car back on the road, because only very few people went through that process, so few that I never heard of one who did it for real...
Thx for taking us with you!!
👍👍👍
Everybody treated you so well. From here in Australia, that is so impressive. Good on you!
Hi Waldo. That was pretty cool how smoothly everthing went. The cop was cool about your friend filming too. Glad to hear that all went well. Thanks for the video!
Having a 1990 560 SEC, I'd kill for a big newer S-class MB. Congrats for all your hard work. Glad it worked out.
Glad it all worked out -- gosh that car looks comfy and warm!
That was totally painless Waldo!! Nothing better than a Mercedes land yacht!! The 80’s 560SEL was a favorite.
I can fill you in on the totalling of some cars but not here.
I bet Aspen loves the car too!!
The dogs haven't been in it yet. It's mud season here and they track mud everywhere, so they're relegated to riding in the LR3 for now 😂
Wow that went way easier than I expected. Some states are very finicky when it comes to out of state salvage titles. Glad you were finally able to make it officially yours. You really lucked out with that one, Waldo. It's a super gorgeous car. 😍 👌 Congrats, my friend. 🤙
Thank you!
Probably not a big deal if it's a nearby state. I live in Maryland and I've done cars with Pennsylvania and Virginia salvage titles with 0 issues.
Waldo you are fearless , you never cease to amaze me at what you will take on , I was very surprised that they did not even pull the car in to a shop and put it up in the air ? that car could have had no cat or worn out brake pads or worse they would have never known ???
The salvage inspection is different from the state safety and emissions inspection, where they are required to put it on a lift and inspect that stuff 👍
@@WaldosWorld Weird, i would think that salvage inspection would be more in depth.
@@WaldosWorld First I too love your channel and your selection in cars/trucks. I too am a NH resident and a new successful first time salvage repair owner. I bought a'14 Mini Clubman that had minor damage in the right front. I bolted on some "new" parts and had a shop do a couple of small things and then went through the same inspection process you did with a good result. My inspector was much like yours in that he checked all switches and gave the car a quick once over but he was very nice and had a couple of questions but I will definitely do this again. One question I had for you was how you you able to get a temporary plate, I couldn't and had to rent a trailer to get the car to the registry?
Keep up the good work!
It was a pleasure meeting you today! You're seriously a humble and very cool person! 😎😎
Loved this “mini series”. I’ve never owned a Mercedes, not even ridden in one, but they look really nice. Might have to look at them as new cars are really boring…
Recently subscribed and enjoying your episodes. Not a mechanic, but learning things.
I have been waiting for more on the Mercedes. Glad that you got it registered and can enjoy it. I am completely jealous of you!! Would love to see a total cost of this project like you did with the flat beds. Keep up the great content!
Fantastic dMV and Highway Patrol officers. They respect your right to film. Courteous and knowledgeable. Fantastic
I've watched your S550 and Range Rover series and this was so entertaining. I really appreciate your demeanor and style of video. I can't change a tire so I am in awe watching you change all the bits and bobs on the cars. Thank you so much. I wish I had your skill - or even just your wrench sets!
A great result and the inspector & police officer were very polite. Your S class is a gorgeous car, and it looks exceptional especially for the money. Well done Waldo 🙂
I see that chrome trim on the lower area of the front bumper. Paint looks immaculate for a car with that many miles. My 2005 Mercedes G 500 has more than double the miles and is in way worse condition cosmetically in its current form. Congrats on the good deal.
Your review is awesome. The S550 is one of my favorite vehicles. I'm impressed with your registration process. Congratulations on the success. 😊
Thanks for the interesting and well-done videos. Subscribed. I especially enjoy diesel content. I'm a retired mechanic in northern Maine.
Ross
Thank you so much! I just bought another diesel yesterday. Flying out to pick it up and drive it home next week. Should be interesting 🤠
@@WaldosWorld
Hi Waldo,
Looking forward to future videos on the new diesel you bought. Have a safe trip.
Ross
This honestly goes without saying, since you're a nice person, but it was very nice to see how you treated everyone, phone the people on the phone, to the people at the BMV. If more humans would just be nice, the world would be a better place. Glad the S550 is on the road! What a great car for the price, amazing! Hope the snow is done soon, i'm ready for some Spring weather, that's for sure!
So happy you got this registered & back on the road, it is a beautiful car for sure.
Love the open roads you have there, this car was built for them.
thank you for your innertube Mr Waldo!
Excellent. Can't wait for that gooseneck build to resume!
I think your DMV salvage mission went smoother than any run-of-the-mill RMV trips I’ve ever taken in Massachusetts lol
I moved away a good decade ago but my experience with the DMV in Western Mass wasn't too bad. It was definitely less pleasant when I was living in the Eastern part of the state lol.
As a viewer from the UK, I want to thank you for explaining the salvage title properly.
Wonderful work ❤ Kenya 🇰🇪
A very nice daily car for such a low price and work. Great job.
He's back and he knocks it outta the park! Perfection. I'm so glad you get to experience great imports.
Great! And what a good looking car! (I wrote it before - the best looking generation of S-Class!) Congratulations!
Waldo! We've been waiting! Thanks for the Vid. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you!
Wow, that inspector really checked that car over, Im from VA and when i totaled my truck hitting a deer, it took longer to get the dmv to setup the appointment then it did to fix the truck. They sent a trooper out and i had a folder of receipts and pictures of the truck from the accident and he just looked at the vin on the cab, looked at the front end of the truck and asked to see the pictures of when i hit the deer and he was done in like 10 minutes, never looked at any receipts or any of the paperwork i had and i was able to get my title in an hour after he left. It took like three months for the dmv to process the paperwork to have the state trooper come out to inspect my truck. if you do sell that car definitely put that it was a salvage vehicle on the bill of sale and make sure you get the buyers to sign it and give them a copy and you keep a copy just incase anything happens. I love your content please keep it up!
I have a 2010 S550 that I have owned for 8 glorious years. It has just over 100,000 miles now and it has been my family go-to car for long trips. My wife drives a GL550 and she still prefers to drive and or be a passenger in the S Class. It has also been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, and it is by far the most comfortable. Enjoy yours!
I have a 2009 Mercedes s550. I bought it exactly a year ago because it’s time to renew my tags for the first time 😅
I absolutely love this car.
You lucked out on that car Waldo!
This was a fun lil sketch you played out for us.
Thanks for taking us along.
👍
Congrats WW, on finally gotten the requirements paperwork for ur Mercedes benz S550 car. safe to drive on the roads.
Any Mercedes w 4.7 biturbo engine after 2011 is very solid. Keep an eye on camshaft positioning sensors leaking oil into electrical connectors. Can disturb ECM if left unchecked. Nice entertaining & educational video
Waldo, I am from South Africa and I enjoy your videos very much. I regularly check for new videos and whenever you don't have a new video posted I then check out other welding channels. Waldo, yours is by far the most enjoyable to watch and your presentation is way above the rest. Keep up the good work.
Waldo, my last boat had a small diesel engine. A 28 horse Volvo diesel 3 cylinder. Would be an excellent sail boat engine.
I am that non US resident. Thanks for explaining this all.
You're such a great presenter, your content is spot on and always interesting to watch end to end. I hope you get a ton more subscribers and will be able to pump out more videos. What a score of a car by the way!
Great video, and congrats with your dead cheap Mercedes S550. 👍I'm still baffled about this "flooded" Mercedes, and the only thing I can come up with, is that there must be some kind of insurance fraud involved. Maybe the original owner and the "independent" insurance adjuster made a little deal? 🤔
That's kind of what it seems like 🤷♂️
I really loved my 2013 S class (although is was just an S350LWB) and everything you say is true. Actually put it into sport mode and you can really throw it into corners and it won't protest. I was in the UAE, so it's only downfall was the sun heating up that steering wheel making it untouchable if you'd forgotten to put up the windshield shade
Another great and fun to watch Waldo video....great ending to the weekend!! What a deal you got on the MB!!
Awesome news sir! I’m looking forward to watching more on your trailer build. Take care and I’ll see you on the next one…
I'm so happy with the results, man! So happy for you! Enjoy your Special Klasse! A perfect vehicle for every situation! You deserve it!! Congrats
Thank you!
I'm really surprised you didn't have a problem getting the insurance adjuster's report.
Great video. I’ve had personal experience with salvage titles and DMV related mileage issues on vehicles from out of state, specifically TX to IL. Talk about a nightmare. I ended up reaching out the head of the entire BMV in Texas to get my mileage discrepancy resolved. Glad yours was resolved easily.
My favorite color combination from Mercedes, Lunar Blue with Savanna Beige interior. I just sold a 2012 S63 with 90K miles. Loved being able to raise the suspension in order to clear parking curbs and driveways.
Waldo, we had a 2001 S-430 MB that we purchased new/used as a dealer demo with 4,000 miles on it. We drove that car over 200,000 miles but the last two years were painful. Suspension issues costing thousands were the norm, several times per year. I was finally able to pry the car out of my wife's hands to trade it for a 2005 Lexus GX-470 - another car that we logged over 200,000 miles on and loved owning it. Now we have a 2017 GLE-350 4Matic. Lesson learned - don't keep a MB past its prime. The repairs will eat your purchase price many times over. So, meanwhile, enjoy the ride!
Nice video and thank you for taking the time to explain the system and terms used, for those of us not in the US.
Been watching and enjoying your channel for a while now and pleased to see sub numbers climbing.
That's a really nice looking car, great job on getting it fixed up and running. I was also pleasantly surprised at how nice the people you dealt with were!
This is the exact year model W221 I am considering after 10+ years of daily driving my 1999 S320 w140 with 220HP. Great OLD car, but it's getting so difficult to find parts on the rare occasion that I need them. Your mechanical temperament and editing etc., had me watching you change out the fluids, etc., like there was nothing else I'd instead do. I don't recall hearing you beg and grovel for a 'like' and 'subscribe,' so I will do those. Like the son I never had. Congrats of buying a great car!
Congratulations, Waldo. I hate dealing with the DMV.
Really enjoyed watching that mini series for this car. Congrats on getting everything done, glad you’re enjoying the car. Looking forward to more videos
Hi Waldo, I’m over here in the U.K. I don’t know much about the salvage side but just normally our vehicles have to go though an inspection every year down including on a vehicle lift to check joints suspension and dreaded rust but yes very interesting over here, markUK
Oh thanks for the ending updates! Sailboat diesel engine? Sounds like a small 3 cyl kubota or yanmar... And yeah, you were right to recommend a GMT800 GM truck with the 6.6 Duramax. particularly from 2001-2007 since they'll have very little fuss regarding the emissions, and less failure-prone expensive upkeep. not to mention those engines are fully capable of matching brand new trucks in terms of power and torque with plenty room to spare. And that's with some fairly simple bolt-on parts. I had an 02 2500hd ext cab 4wd for a while and it was a truly impressive truck. It exceeded my expectations by a lot and it forced me to really understand diesels. You don't even need a dually really anymore unless you need to gooseneck tow over 30,000 lbs (NOT GCWR, I mean 30k for the trailer/load alone, no exaggeration). I see people turning 98-03 7.3 Ford powerstrokes into decent hotshot/tow rigs for a manageable price that can pull 25-30k. Duramax can be done cheaply as well and it's a much better engine with more satisfying uses across the board. You can get capacity 4500 lbs per wheel in the rear from method or several other wheel makers now, and 4200-4400 lb per tire from several brands of tire. 17, 18 inch. That should allow for a gooseneck weight around 30k. For stability, add air bags and hellwigs for the rear suspension. Their oem 11.5 '' 14 bolt aam rear axle is capable of 10,000 lbs. stock. Put 5.13 rear dif and front dif ratios. Get the front locking dif upgrade, and add a switch to engage/disengage the front fork shifter so you can unlock the option of 2wd low. Then those trucks have the best interiors even compared to trucks today. Anyway, that would be a great project and make your daily driver truck also your money machine hauler. 😋
That inspection went well, i had a few vehicles inspected mainly what they wanted were receipts from from a salvage yard
with the VIN on the receipt and you were done - you received a Prior Salvage title and were good to go
Salvage means many things from miss diagnosed inspections like your car , and cars that visibly excessive damage
Hey Waldo, I feel like this comment is long overdue, but I really enjoy the content you post. I’m a big Mercedes guy and I really dig the heavy equipment/truck stuff too. I’m looking forward to the stuff you do in the future 👍🏻👍🏻
I appreciate it!
Fellow resident of the 603 here and I gotta say you have to get that thing undercoated ASAP. It's very difficult to find a vehicle with 120k on it in New England with little to no rust at all unless if it is the holy grail Florida rig lol. Keep that beauty's frame looking as mint as it is and that car will be running strong long after the rest of our beaters with heaters have snapped frames! I say this as I have a 2001 Tacoma with 202k miles that already had the frame recall done in 2011. I had to box the frame after buying it because it was thin as could be from 13 years of daily salt driving. Love the work you do!
I’m always looking forward to your posts!!!1 keep it up
Awesome Video with great information. And the car...well it's a Mercedes-Benz. Thanks Waldo for saving another amazing piece of art
That is one nice Benz! It’s not too often I see that tan color interior on those cars here in the EU, they usually come with black interiors. Stateside we have a good choice of interiors for these cars. It’s interesting that in the city I currently reside in, the MB line of vehicles are used as taxis. The city color of taxis where I live is white while other cities have their own color combos that let law enforcement know from where the taxi is from eliminating the need to check out the license plate.
Almost as fun trying to register an "off road only title" for military HUMMVE.
In Ohio one has to go to the DMV and obtain a booklet as to what the requirements are for a vehicle to be registered in Ohio. Most of the necessary items are already on the military HUMMVE but one has to add backup lights that should come on when vehicle is placed into reverse and a lighted license plate holder in the rear. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are required since they came with this type of restraining system, you will have to add them if they are missing. I would also recommend a tamper resistant key switch to disable the starter as well and one might need to bypass the blackout feature on the light switch assembly but I really don’t know of many who have done this.
Love it how we were expecting huge drama and prepared for the greatest youtube drama video of all time! But everyone behaved just normally, and all we got was a nice conclusion, and you got an approved V8 Mercedes S class that drives beautifully :) Great that there are normal people out there.
What a smooth and seemingly easy process this was, and with everyone so friendly and helpful!
Atleast this isn't a flood damaged McLaren P1 you're trying to repair and rebuild. I hate to say it this won't be as exciting of a series but I'm still interested in and cheering for you Waldo.
Great video, Waldo. That is a great car and I’m glad you got to tag it in your county. Thanks for sharing.
Love W221 S-classes! Also you can pull that headrest forward with your hands and also bend it inwards fyi
Registering cars at the town clerk makes so much sense. Im in CT and before they did appointment only one DMV was so bad I know someone that went in there during the day, waited for 4 hours then left 🤦♂️. Now its much better no more than an hour wait after checking in for your appt