I've been working on three separate technical projects, and one is a follow up of sorts to the mechanical computer video. Both are almost done, but took a little bit longer than planned. I also took a trip to Colorado for a few weeks and this is the product of that!
Perhaps it’s a stupid question, but could freevalve tech be applied to rotaries to make them more efficient? I love the idea of new tech being able to revive such an iconic engine type
@@antothemanto77 sorry mate, rotary engines don't have intake/ exhaust valves, check out a common gif on Google to see how they work. it's similar to two-stroke
The wipers on the headlights also have hidden water jets in them. It shoots washer fluid as it wiped down the lights. It's activated only when traveling over 40mph and you hold back the windshield washer stalk for 3 seconds.
I had a 93 300E and the headlight wipers worked whenever I had my headlights on and washed my windshield. If at night going down a dirt road you hit a huge puddle and can't see out of the windshield from mud more than likely washing the headlights along with the windshield will be necessary to see at night.
Chiming in from Australia - I own a Euro spec 89 560SEL 300hp version (full AMG kitted) with custom exhaust & engine work and it is by no means a slouch at all - so perhaps US based versions of this saloon get the wrong impression on performance vs the Euro spec versions. Also heavy US style bumpers add an extra 55lbs of weight vs the light Euro bumpers. I also own 2 x Gen2 coupes & do all the work on these cars myself. They are great DIY cars to work on once you understand them and are not complicated at all. The bosch K & KE Jetronic system is basically mechanical Fuel injection and very robust & reliable when you understand how it functions & maintain it correctly without the need to go to workshop as no plug laptops required here. Once your suspension is properly sorted with usual maintenance like any car these cars are awesome to cruise in and so comfortable and reliable. It is also fun drivng one of these instead of your garden variety modern cars which are so boring as they all look the same. Also bear in mind you can't go comparing a +30yr old car to a brand new or modern car of same size as the SEL and that is not what buying one of these old classic cars is all about. It is more about stepping back in time and enjoing a bit of that 80's era for sure and is very therapedic on the soul as an escape our fast pace of life today
If in circa 1980's you asked Porsche to conceive and build a Rolls-Royce, the Mercedes benz W126 would have been the answer! Power without the temperament, imperial but measured. Over-engineered & nothing wasted. Germanic to a fault but also elegant in ways that neither its predecessor nor successor could manage. There is nothing quite like these cars: the chunk-sound made when closing the doors tells you that the minute you step in. The smooth power, effortless mile-eating ability, super-high quality interior which feels like it was hewn out of stone and serene silence has never quite been surpassed by Mercedes ever again. These really are truly the last great Benz's: engineered to perfection with no electrics to hide 'mistakes'. They will never be engineered, designed or built like this again!
This is on my list of cars I must own before I die. It doesn’t need to wow me with magnificent performance and I would take a 6cyl or diesel variant. I remember sitting in one at an auto show when new and just being amazed at how quiet and comfortable the interior was. One thing to note, I was surprised at the front suspension design. Doesn’t look as robust as I expected.
K-Jetronic doesnt really break as long as the fuel going into it is clean and the car doesnt sit for a long time.. Regularly change the fuel filters, dont put crap in the gas tank and the central distributor will live forever... Periphery like vacuum hoses and fuel pump etc sometimes break but thats it. I am a car mechanic from germany and there are tons of K Jetronics still on the road here in daily drivers, seen a Benz W124 with 1.400.000km on it still on the first Jetronic. I really like that system :D
@@janoleschwarz2131 mine had sat for 15 years in a garage when I bought it. complete rebuild of the whole system was ....a minor pain, but it's running great now and not a bit of rust.
I have the predecessor to that chassis. The w116, i have it in diesel format. I bought it as a let me try this car. I dearly love the thing. It's not going to set your world on fire with speed. But man o man it does feel special to drive. I also enjoy working on it.
I own an '84 500SEL. I recommend them for those who want the same W126 chassis, but with much simpler and easier maintenance than a 560: No ABS, airbag or hydraulic suspension. They are less powerful though, but really so is the 560 by today's standards. Both return pretty ghastly mpg--about 15 on a good day, but the 500 uses regular whereas the 560 requires premium.
This was a great informative presentation and the production quality is almost on par with professional news magazine shows like motorweek. The overhead drone shots are awesome and the high def really shines on this vid. I’m obsessed with the w126 and you really touched on some of my favorite points about this great piece of automotive engineering. The phrase “ they don’t make them like they used to” really really means something here! You sir, have a new subscriber.
I bought a 1989 190E w201 2 years ago, last year I took it apart to refurbish it and inspect the car for rust, and it is now my daily. These old mercs are brilliant cars, and the more I use it, the more I love it. It was meant to be a second car in case my VW Polo had problems and also to learn how to work on cars, now I ended up selling my VW because I don't need a 2nd car lol
I recently bought an 1985 380 SE in light Ivory. Replaced the dual roller timing chain and upper guides and tensioner. Rebuilt the fuel distributor and spark plugs. It’s got 130,000 miles on the small V8. There is a stately feel and look of the car and if you turn off your phone and buy gas in cash, you are mostly untraceable!
my old range rover(p38) head light wipers had no switch, they automatically came on once if i operated my windscreen wipers washers whilst the main beam was on.
I have owned Mercedes Benz for years. Quality in every way. An interior design that is gorgeous. I always replace the radio though…..keep the old one for resale.
The airbag on n my 1990 500SEL went off in 2006 and saved my life as I was about to go through the windshield, also the car was still running even though the car looked a foot shorter. I now own a 2010 S550 and a 99’ SL500. Love my older Mercedes!
Those old cheap luxury car are actually great value if you know what you are doing. I've been given a completely dead E30 a few years ago. About 1500€ later (including fun parts like a Weber 34/32. DMTL and other stuff), it drives like a dream. It's the small 1.8 M10 engine which I converted to carburetor (well it's a drop in) but the car weights 990kgs according to spec. It was given for 90bhp with a poor pierburg electronic carburator 2BE, it feels like 100-105 bhp right now and has been absolutely rock solid even though I'm rarely under 6.000 rpm on winding roads. Such a bargain for such a great car.
I had a 86 420sel put 300,000 miles on it. I wish I still had her but had to sell after I was paralyzed about 10 years back. The front tires actually tilt at high speeds for exstreamly smooth steering also helps turning in parking lots. My favorite part is the button when you floor the throttle & it down shifts hauls butt. Literally a "go" button!! Mine was identical to this one. Those ones are very reliable I have no problems with any of its engineering though some parts are expensive & all maintenance is very easy. That headlight assembly though is about $1200 for a new one so you getting the whole car for $1500 is a crazy good deal. My biggest problem is the plastic numatic lines they use for everything that crack because of aging.
I've had my '86 560 SEL for 4 years. (3rd owner) I wouldn't trade it for anything. Just tuned it up, and it runs like a striped-assed-ape. It will easily eclipse 100 mph and feel like you're doing 70. It's getting new shocks tomorrow.
The headlight wipers work when you switch the lights on and use the normal window wipe button on the lever on the steering, i think it wil wipe headlights 1/5 pushes or somthing.
If the fuel distributor ever fails you can rebuild it. Search for 928 fuel distributor rebuild. It's actually fairly simple, except for sealing it back up.
@@greatestevar The German engineers in the eighties were obsessed with safety. They are only there to wash off the headlights when using the washer fluid spray function, with the headlights on
I'm the proud owner of a 1981 w126 380sel and I agree. Mine has K-Jet though and in the models before 83 the cat was an option (at least here in Germany) but it probably cost extra money and definitely 10 horsepower. So no cat but a working sunroof. Can't wait for the next video.
I have an 87 300sdl which is also a 126 but I believe the diesels are more durable than the gassers aside from the 350sdl which had issues with too little clearance between the cylinders. 200k miles is quite a few on those 560's, my 300sdl had over 324k miles on it but I guess that shows how good the motor in the 560 is.
@@WesleyKagan I guess that's what scares us diesels guys off the gassers because I've always been told they're horrible but I guess diesel guys are picky. Also I love your vids, especially this one with a 126 in it but that jag is awesome
Nice Video. Had two W126 not many years ago. Paris Tunnel was not a W126. Airbag is a dud at this point, mine was. Newer Mercedes with 7 speed Speeshift that still have torque converter (Later moves to wet clutch pack), still have separate drain for torque conveter. I remember the W124 also has a drain for torque converter. It's common for Mercedes. The center distributor replacement is the best present you can give this car. The factory had remanufactured ones as late as 2006. a used mercedes can be fine, have had many. You are right that you have to do your own maintenance, but a hybrid is possible too. You do your own diagnostics with specialized software, determine part number for replacement, buy spare, have a good business relationship with a shop, where you're allowed to bring your own parts, then it's fine. Goes all the way up into AMG cars. The headlight wipers problem is that there is a mechanism with microswitches. Open up the gearbox, of the headlight wipers, make sure that the wiper sits parked in the proper position and they will be fine and very impressive too. Don't try to replace the blade, just replace the rubber. You forgot to talk about the wiring harness on this car: It has soldered wiring, not crimped wiring. The connectors are engineered by Mercedes to have large contact surface, to allow large amperage demands. That transmission has an adjustment control that changes the firmness of the shift. The steering gearbox with recirculating balls has an adjustment to distribute the play. If I could find anotherone for $1500, I would buy it, but I don't think they can still be found at this price. Then there are the quirks: Won't start until several cranks, some say a designed feature, to rev up the oil pump and build oil pressure before ignition. Un-natural short turning radius for such a long car Reverse won't engage until a second almost later You didn't talk about the pneumohydraulic power locks (that work from the trunk too) They always leak rain water into the trunk and if you don't replace the tail lights it is very difficult to stop the leak. Some just remove the drain plug in the spare wheel well. Special density of defogger lines on rear window And you should see the engineering in the W124. While owning W126es, I always told myself that I will never own a W124, would be a downgrade for me. Then I did own one and it was a definite engineering upgrade. Good luck with it, I hope you still have it. Post more videos about that V12, please. If tbhis is a real 560, possibly all of them were California COmpliant. If so, then this may have a form of OBD1. If so, you can make a rudimentary tester with LED's and get codes out of the car. I did this with my 420SEL.
You said the m117 is one of the more reliable mercedes engines ever built. And glanced over it as nothing. If that is true it would be amazing since most mercedes engines since that era is extremley reliable. Amazing video. Would like to see more like this
I had one just like it. Only problem is if there is a cylinder problem there are only 2 or 3 places in the US that can repair it and you can't find oversize pistons anymore. Also all the dry rot. The rubber and plastic mercedes used doesn't hold up to the test of time. lol. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
These are fantastic cars (I had a 300SE back in the day) which are virtually indestructible and not all that expensive to maintain (replacement parts are reasonably priced). Before purchasing one do have it checked out by a trusted mechanic.
The headlight wipers used to work by having the windshield wipers and headlights on and then triggering the windshield wash pump, but I seem to recall that it used a separate pump and reservoir for the headlight spray and will not actuate if it is out of fluid. If my memory serves, the resevor is inside the fender and has a really tiny fill cap that is almost vertical so you will need a flexible funnel... But it has been 35 years since I worked on those. I did electronic and electrical repairs in a bodyshop that did a lot of European cars back when that car was new.
Superb car! I'm pretty sure the weird long wheel studs happened because Daimler Benz were going for a wheel with a flat outer surface for lower aerodynamic drag. But being MB change happens slowly and they weren't going to redo the suspension just for the sake of a fancy new wheel. So instead we get the ridiculously deep bores in the wheel and the equally ridiculous bolts. If they're overtightened they can be quite a problem as the hex head will twist and break off before the thread releases.
I like what you said about Mercedes being the same as normal cars 20 years later, and I feel the same with my '86 Volvo. Heated seats, sunroof, etc make it an odd experience. Classic '80s styling with modern conveniences is nice. I do miss my old '82 Honda's crank windows tho. Not a huge fan of electric windows
I really like the intro of that video! Generally I feel like the "production quality" of your videos is steadily getting better and better, really awesome! And now part of me wants you to become a dictator, too! But then again, that same part of me wants you to drag-race that car and spray it with a little nitrous... so juuust maybe that part of me shouldn't be taken all that seriously :D Anyways, thanks A LOT for making all these videos, I really love them, much appreciated :)
@@WesleyKagan Not just a bit! Especially the last couple of videos are really in no way inferior to most other youtubers out there, in fact it's actually better than most in my opinion :) I really enjoy all your content! It's a perfect mix of good ol' garage wrenching and mad scientist kind of stuff :D There's lots of variety, for example the freevalve miata, the mechanical cpu, etc etc... I love all of that :D I can't quite describe what exactly I mean, but your channel is very unique in all the right ways for me :) Just wanted to say thank you for that, once again! To me you're not just some random internet dude on youtube, in my eyesyou're giving us tons of entertainment and education and enjoyment, and that is... more valuable to me than words can describe :) So I hope you don't mind my "emotional outbreak" :D I know, I'm strange, but I love your videos :) Thank you!
I had a W126 560SEL exactly like this one...can't recall how the headlight wipers worked, but on my W140 I have now (W126 was prob the same), hit the washer for the windshield, which activates the windshield wipers, IF THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, it washes and wipes the headlights same as the windshield. You can always tell at night when the headlight washer/wipers work along with washing the windshield as it throws the wiper arm shadow across the beam of the headlight into the distance.
@@WesleyKagan it didn't work because almost all of them don't by now. My 124 has a sleepy wiper on the lamp. Sometimes it'll make a half assed attempt at sweeping, and usually when it does that it stops at half mast for a few days. Then one day I'll walk back to the car and notice it has parked itself. I'm scared to go near it. Just in case you know, it does something, unexpected. :-)
Great video. You may have already but I'd replace the boots on the rear socks as soon as possible. When they're torn dirt can get on them and tear up the seals causing them to leak. Happened on one of my shocks and they are extremely expensive.
maybe not for a daily driver, but for keeping it. these cars have a great fanbase in germany, expecially the SEC versions of it. they still look good and have a really good sound when they have the V8 in it.
I own a 1990 Mercedes Benz 420sel in black and grey two tone, I had the same issue trying to figure out how to make the headlight wipers work. You have to turn the lights on then push the stalk that controls the hi-beams and windshield wipers in towards the steering wheel, took me way to long to figure it out too 😂 They are very cool and everyone that sees the car points them out but they are pretty useless
To be honest though, for $1500 you could buy it and run it until it breaks, that's cheap enough that I wouldn't bother with maintenance except for the occasional oil change.
This was our family car growing up and it was absolutely perfect (less the time the suspension went out or the radiator hose leaked). I still dream about getting another one, tbh - if you ever want to sell.... hello.
Hello I have a R129 1998 sl500 I'll never part with it even after I wear it out if it wears out but love it I'm retired now lol but I want to buy one of those 560 SEL sedans and I do my own maintenance so I know how to shop for parts and keep my maintenance regular thank for the advice you car is a very nice one
a lot of great information in this video so I will return the favor when you turn the windshield wipers on the headlights windshield wipers move in the same Rhythm as the ones on the windshield same with the sprayer
Well now I know who that was on the side of the road with that blue Mercedes when I drove past Jerry's barns the other day, and that they were indeed not having car troubles. I didn't know you were around this area, though I have to say the last name looked familiar.
No mention of the Achilles heel...plastic timing chain tensioner shoes crack and fall down to crank making chain break or skip a tooth resulting in catastrophic valvetrain/piston damage. That, and when the shoes are worn, the chain rubs through and into the aluminum shoe base....filling the engine with aluminum flakes. I had one and did upper and lower guides. Big job.
I had a vw with ke jetronic. When fuel pump is running and injector unit is pressurised, the air metering flap is surprisingly hard to move by hand. I wonder how much power does it rob.
Headlight wipers operation: headlights on, run windshield washer and headlight washer and wiper come on as long as you hold windshield washer on. You’ll never see it from outside unless you can see reflection or someone else operates windshield washer with headlights on. 💡
I have owned a lot of MB cars over 20 years and this was by far the best model. These days you do not want to own a MB out of warranty. They are prone to failure by design now. MB is not the company it was in the past.
As a professional Mercedes Benz historian specifically with the W116,W126,W140,W220,W210,W211,W212,W114/W115,R107,C107,C140,R129,R230 etc. Its activated by yiur windshield wiper and thags vacuum operated/controlled on the W126 as eell as the trunk and soor locks as well
>You know, any flagship Mercedes made before the year 2000 has a problem with the clientele, you know Saddam Hussein owned a 560SEL that shot flames out the side. That's a problem? To me that sounds like more incentive to buy one...
I think the headlight wipers work with the windshield wipers or thats how they work on my old volvo.. well they both worked but I got rid of them while changing out a smashed headlight.
The headlights have to be on for the wipers to work. I learned that on my w124. That is a beautiful car.. I wish I could find one with that nice of an interior. I painted cars for 30 years so I would rather paint one than replace an interior. If you run into any deals like that please let me know. Especially diesel cars.
As a engineer myself, I love the quirks of old tech, maybe there is some lost marvel that need spotlight. Just like that magnetic ride suspension on the Lexus, that was too expensive for serial production. :)
Head light wipers come on with the washers. I owned one of these new in the day, and now have owned another for 15 years that I bought with 140,000km on the clock, 245,000km. now. It has cost me very little, parts are not that expensive and mainly readily available, not that I have needed much. It is reliable, has a better ride than my LC 200, and owes me nothing. I would be confident to set out for Darwin 4000km away. From Australia.
i had one of these but the fuel relay melted and burned up the wiring harness. sold it for a grand. it still ran if you jumpered the relay pins with a paperclip lol
I've been working on three separate technical projects, and one is a follow up of sorts to the mechanical computer video. Both are almost done, but took a little bit longer than planned. I also took a trip to Colorado for a few weeks and this is the product of that!
Love your uploads, man
Can't wait for mechanical computer update.
Perhaps it’s a stupid question, but could freevalve tech be applied to rotaries to make them more efficient? I love the idea of new tech being able to revive such an iconic engine type
@@antothemanto77 sorry mate, rotary engines don't have intake/ exhaust valves, check out a common gif on Google to see how they work. it's similar to two-stroke
"It's a car for doctors, but also a car for dictators and lawyers." Love the grouping classifications.
That's the only and real The Dictators choice 👍
Dictators, lawyers, politicians, capitalists, etc., different cut same pig.
"it will get you up to about 100 miles an hour before a Paris tunnel, if that's your concern"
Brutal.
Explain? I don't get it
@@fourthpanda en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Diana,_Princess_of_Wales
my jaw dropped when i heard that lol savage!
but that was a W140 😣 ouch
Yeah, that was a W140. Horrible "joke" btw.
The wipers on the headlights also have hidden water jets in them. It shoots washer fluid as it wiped down the lights. It's activated only when traveling over 40mph and you hold back the windshield washer stalk for 3 seconds.
Mmm I’m thinking it’s not going 40, they squirt and pump when the lights are on
I had a 93 300E and the headlight wipers worked whenever I had my headlights on and washed my windshield. If at night going down a dirt road you hit a huge puddle and can't see out of the windshield from mud more than likely washing the headlights along with the windshield will be necessary to see at night.
Chiming in from Australia - I own a Euro spec 89 560SEL 300hp version (full AMG kitted) with custom exhaust & engine work and it is by no means a slouch at all - so perhaps US based versions of this saloon get the wrong impression on performance vs the Euro spec versions. Also heavy US style bumpers add an extra 55lbs of weight vs the light Euro bumpers. I also own 2 x Gen2 coupes & do all the work on these cars myself. They are great DIY cars to work on once you understand them and are not complicated at all.
The bosch K & KE Jetronic system is basically mechanical Fuel injection and very robust & reliable when you understand how it functions & maintain it correctly without the need to go to workshop as no plug laptops required here. Once your suspension is properly sorted with usual maintenance like any car these cars are awesome to cruise in and so comfortable and reliable. It is also fun drivng one of these instead of your garden variety modern cars which are so boring as they all look the same.
Also bear in mind you can't go comparing a +30yr old car to a brand new or modern car of same size as the SEL and that is not what buying one of these old classic cars is all about.
It is more about stepping back in time and enjoing a bit of that 80's era for sure and is very therapedic on the soul as an escape our fast pace of life today
What he said ! Just had my 91 560 SEL painted. Runs A1.
Do you have issues anout availability of parts, for ex. Abs sensors, or exhaust parts?
Muy bien explicado.
Retroceder al glamour de los 80 no tiene descrpción.
Love when notification pops up for this channel, I know I'm gonna learn something today
Thanks! I’m glad it’s a learning experience haha
If in circa 1980's you asked Porsche to conceive and build a Rolls-Royce, the Mercedes benz W126 would have been the answer! Power without the temperament, imperial but measured. Over-engineered & nothing wasted. Germanic to a fault but also elegant in ways that neither its predecessor nor successor could manage.
There is nothing quite like these cars: the chunk-sound made when closing the doors tells you that the minute you step in. The smooth power, effortless mile-eating ability, super-high quality interior which feels like it was hewn out of stone and serene silence has never quite been surpassed by Mercedes ever again. These really are truly the last great Benz's: engineered to perfection with no electrics to hide 'mistakes'. They will never be engineered, designed or built like this again!
thanks
This is on my list of cars I must own before I die. It doesn’t need to wow me with magnificent performance and I would take a 6cyl or diesel variant. I remember sitting in one at an auto show when new and just being amazed at how quiet and comfortable the interior was.
One thing to note, I was surprised at the front suspension design. Doesn’t look as robust as I expected.
owned a 560SEL in the past, amazing ride, smooth buttery power delivery but by god that Bosch K-jetronic fuel system and vacuum lines !!!!
Yeah, I’m not touching it until it breaks and then I’ll see what my options are
K-Jetronic doesnt really break as long as the fuel going into it is clean and the car doesnt sit for a long time.. Regularly change the fuel filters, dont put crap in the gas tank and the central distributor will live forever... Periphery like vacuum hoses and fuel pump etc sometimes break but thats it. I am a car mechanic from germany and there are tons of K Jetronics still on the road here in daily drivers, seen a Benz W124 with 1.400.000km on it still on the first Jetronic. I really like that system :D
@@janoleschwarz2131 mine had sat for 15 years in a garage when I bought it. complete rebuild of the whole system was ....a minor pain, but it's running great now and not a bit of rust.
@@janoleschwarz2131 Did they remove sulpher (a lubricant) from your fuel?
I have the predecessor to that chassis. The w116, i have it in diesel format. I bought it as a let me try this car. I dearly love the thing. It's not going to set your world on fire with speed. But man o man it does feel special to drive. I also enjoy working on it.
Exactly. It's not fast, but it feels special to drive. that's a great way to put it.
Forget quirks and features. I need more reviews like this. Fascinating stuff.
Really miss the Mercedes of old,, these things are absolute tanks, as long as you treat them well and keep up with maintenance they last for ever
I own an '84 500SEL. I recommend them for those who want the same W126 chassis, but with much simpler and easier maintenance than a 560: No ABS, airbag or hydraulic suspension. They are less powerful though, but really so is the 560 by today's standards. Both return pretty ghastly mpg--about 15 on a good day, but the 500 uses regular whereas the 560 requires premium.
This was a great informative presentation and the production quality is almost on par with professional news magazine shows like motorweek. The overhead drone shots are awesome and the high def really shines on this vid. I’m obsessed with the w126 and you really touched on some of my favorite points about this great piece of automotive engineering. The phrase “ they don’t make them like they used to” really really means something here! You sir, have a new subscriber.
Honestly it's amazing how well these handle actually. I throw mine around like a mad man.
I bought a 1989 190E w201 2 years ago, last year I took it apart to refurbish it and inspect the car for rust, and it is now my daily. These old mercs are brilliant cars, and the more I use it, the more I love it. It was meant to be a second car in case my VW Polo had problems and also to learn how to work on cars, now I ended up selling my VW because I don't need a 2nd car lol
I recently bought an 1985 380 SE in light Ivory. Replaced the dual roller timing chain and upper guides and tensioner. Rebuilt the fuel distributor and spark plugs. It’s got 130,000 miles on the small V8. There is a stately feel and look of the car and if you turn off your phone and buy gas in cash, you are mostly untraceable!
Love this format of videos. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you!
"It has these weirdly long lug nuts. Which are weird and long."
This is why I will never skip a video.
These are the kind of reviews I want to see. Great video!
Awesome, thank you!
my old range rover(p38) head light wipers had no switch, they automatically came on once if i operated my windscreen wipers washers whilst the main beam was on.
Yeah supposedly these are headlights on, wipers on, headlight washers washing.
I have owned Mercedes Benz for years. Quality in every way. An interior design that is gorgeous. I always replace the radio though…..keep the old one for resale.
I believe the sticker about the airbag was to say when it was Replaced, not when it was Due for replacement.
The airbag on n my 1990 500SEL went off in 2006 and saved my life as I was about to go through the windshield, also the car was still running even though the car looked a foot shorter. I now own a 2010 S550 and a 99’ SL500. Love my older Mercedes!
Those old cheap luxury car are actually great value if you know what you are doing. I've been given a completely dead E30 a few years ago. About 1500€ later (including fun parts like a Weber 34/32. DMTL and other stuff), it drives like a dream. It's the small 1.8 M10 engine which I converted to carburetor (well it's a drop in) but the car weights 990kgs according to spec. It was given for 90bhp with a poor pierburg electronic carburator 2BE, it feels like 100-105 bhp right now and has been absolutely rock solid even though I'm rarely under 6.000 rpm on winding roads. Such a bargain for such a great car.
You're a prince among men, Mr. Kagan.
I had a 86 420sel put 300,000 miles on it. I wish I still had her but had to sell after I was paralyzed about 10 years back. The front tires actually tilt at high speeds for exstreamly smooth steering also helps turning in parking lots. My favorite part is the button when you floor the throttle & it down shifts hauls butt. Literally a "go" button!! Mine was identical to this one. Those ones are very reliable I have no problems with any of its engineering though some parts are expensive & all maintenance is very easy. That headlight assembly though is about $1200 for a new one so you getting the whole car for $1500 is a crazy good deal. My biggest problem is the plastic numatic lines they use for everything that crack because of aging.
For the headlight wipers, try using the spray. Was how my 1990 300se worked.
I've had my '86 560 SEL for 4 years. (3rd owner) I wouldn't trade it for anything. Just tuned it up, and it runs like a striped-assed-ape. It will easily eclipse 100 mph and feel like you're doing 70. It's getting new shocks tomorrow.
Oh yeahh, the most intersting youtube channel buying my most loved model mercedes. i have the same W126 car but its a 500SEL from 1983
The headlight wipers work when you switch the lights on and use the normal window wipe button on the lever on the steering, i think it wil wipe headlights 1/5 pushes or somthing.
I really enjoy this car, I won't lie. It's sticking around for a while.
I guess we can expect video of changing ke-jectronic for standalone ECU?
Honestly, currently it’s working well. If that center distributor ever fails, then absolutely that’s much cheaper haha
If the fuel distributor ever fails you can rebuild it. Search for 928 fuel distributor rebuild. It's actually fairly simple, except for sealing it back up.
@@WesleyKagan nah go mechanical injection
@@zaraak323i they're Videos for 560sel / 560sl fuel distributer rebuilds as well. It's like an $80 rebuild kit too
The headlight wipers/washers should come on with the regular washer function but only when the headlights are on.
If it is anything like my 87 E-class the headlight wipers work when the fog lights or headlights are turned on
@@greatestevar The German engineers in the eighties were obsessed with safety. They are only there to wash off the headlights when using the washer fluid spray function, with the headlights on
and it's not every time...There is an interval where x number of windshield washes will deliver a headlight wash.
I'm the proud owner of a 1981 w126 380sel and I agree. Mine has K-Jet though and in the models before 83 the cat was an option (at least here in Germany) but it probably cost extra money and definitely 10 horsepower. So no cat but a working sunroof.
Can't wait for the next video.
Yeah, I have all the cats. I really don't want to pull them off yet. This car passed emissions a recently too, so they still work.
I have an 87 300sdl which is also a 126 but I believe the diesels are more durable than the gassers aside from the 350sdl which had issues with too little clearance between the cylinders. 200k miles is quite a few on those 560's, my 300sdl had over 324k miles on it but I guess that shows how good the motor in the 560 is.
Yeah the diesels from that era are indestructible. But the gas motors aren’t bad at all once you get past k-jet and lifters
@@WesleyKagan I guess that's what scares us diesels guys off the gassers because I've always been told they're horrible but I guess diesel guys are picky. Also I love your vids, especially this one with a 126 in it but that jag is awesome
The review we didn't know we needed, but we're happy to have.
Beautiful car. Makes me want to buy an old mercedes. I do like my miata though and two cars really aren't in the budget. I guess it'll have to wait
I had a diesel w126 great car. Easy to fix at home. Gave to son.
Honestly very happy with how nice this car is to work on
@@WesleyKagan agreed its easy and you can find most parts not at the dealer.
Nice Video. Had two W126 not many years ago. Paris Tunnel was not a W126. Airbag is a dud at this point, mine was. Newer Mercedes with 7 speed Speeshift that still have torque converter (Later moves to wet clutch pack), still have separate drain for torque conveter. I remember the W124 also has a drain for torque converter. It's common for Mercedes. The center distributor replacement is the best present you can give this car. The factory had remanufactured ones as late as 2006. a used mercedes can be fine, have had many. You are right that you have to do your own maintenance, but a hybrid is possible too. You do your own diagnostics with specialized software, determine part number for replacement, buy spare, have a good business relationship with a shop, where you're allowed to bring your own parts, then it's fine. Goes all the way up into AMG cars. The headlight wipers problem is that there is a mechanism with microswitches. Open up the gearbox, of the headlight wipers, make sure that the wiper sits parked in the proper position and they will be fine and very impressive too. Don't try to replace the blade, just replace the rubber.
You forgot to talk about the wiring harness on this car: It has soldered wiring, not crimped wiring. The connectors are engineered by Mercedes to have large contact surface, to allow large amperage demands.
That transmission has an adjustment control that changes the firmness of the shift.
The steering gearbox with recirculating balls has an adjustment to distribute the play.
If I could find anotherone for $1500, I would buy it, but I don't think they can still be found at this price.
Then there are the quirks:
Won't start until several cranks, some say a designed feature, to rev up the oil pump and build oil pressure before ignition.
Un-natural short turning radius for such a long car
Reverse won't engage until a second almost later
You didn't talk about the pneumohydraulic power locks (that work from the trunk too)
They always leak rain water into the trunk and if you don't replace the tail lights it is very difficult to stop the leak. Some just remove the drain plug in the spare wheel well.
Special density of defogger lines on rear window
And you should see the engineering in the W124.
While owning W126es, I always told myself that I will never own a W124, would be a downgrade for me. Then I did own one and it was a definite engineering upgrade.
Good luck with it, I hope you still have it.
Post more videos about that V12, please.
If tbhis is a real 560, possibly all of them were California COmpliant. If so, then this may have a form of OBD1. If so, you can make a rudimentary tester with LED's and get codes out of the car. I did this with my 420SEL.
Great video format. Keep it up Wesley.
Thanks!
You said the m117 is one of the more reliable mercedes engines ever built. And glanced over it as nothing. If that is true it would be amazing since most mercedes engines since that era is extremley reliable. Amazing video. Would like to see more like this
I had one just like it. Only problem is if there is a cylinder problem there are only 2 or 3 places in the US that can repair it and you can't find oversize pistons anymore. Also all the dry rot. The rubber and plastic mercedes used doesn't hold up to the test of time. lol. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
These are fantastic cars (I had a 300SE back in the day) which are virtually indestructible and not all that expensive to maintain (replacement parts are reasonably priced). Before purchasing one do have it checked out by a trusted mechanic.
Ive always loved them! I currently own a 2005 c 320 4 matic, which is my 1st Mercedes. Easy to work on, like the older 328 E46 BMW’s.
The headlight wipers used to work by having the windshield wipers and headlights on and then triggering the windshield wash pump, but I seem to recall that it used a separate pump and reservoir for the headlight spray and will not actuate if it is out of fluid. If my memory serves, the resevor is inside the fender and has a really tiny fill cap that is almost vertical so you will need a flexible funnel... But it has been 35 years since I worked on those. I did electronic and electrical repairs in a bodyshop that did a lot of European cars back when that car was new.
It’s just the regular washer reservoir. It has two electric pumps on the reservoir, one for windshield squirters and one for headlight squirters
Superb car! I'm pretty sure the weird long wheel studs happened because Daimler Benz were going for a wheel with a flat outer surface for lower aerodynamic drag. But being MB change happens slowly and they weren't going to redo the suspension just for the sake of a fancy new wheel. So instead we get the ridiculously deep bores in the wheel and the equally ridiculous bolts. If they're overtightened they can be quite a problem as the hex head will twist and break off before the thread releases.
I like what you said about Mercedes being the same as normal cars 20 years later, and I feel the same with my '86 Volvo. Heated seats, sunroof, etc make it an odd experience. Classic '80s styling with modern conveniences is nice. I do miss my old '82 Honda's crank windows tho. Not a huge fan of electric windows
I really like the intro of that video! Generally I feel like the "production quality" of your videos is steadily getting better and better, really awesome!
And now part of me wants you to become a dictator, too!
But then again, that same part of me wants you to drag-race that car and spray it with a little nitrous... so juuust maybe that part of me shouldn't be taken all that seriously :D
Anyways, thanks A LOT for making all these videos, I really love them, much appreciated :)
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad it’s improving a bit. Haha, I’m keeping this one around for a bit… maybe the jag!
@@WesleyKagan Not just a bit! Especially the last couple of videos are really in no way inferior to most other youtubers out there, in fact it's actually better than most in my opinion :)
I really enjoy all your content! It's a perfect mix of good ol' garage wrenching and mad scientist kind of stuff :D
There's lots of variety, for example the freevalve miata, the mechanical cpu, etc etc... I love all of that :D
I can't quite describe what exactly I mean, but your channel is very unique in all the right ways for me :)
Just wanted to say thank you for that, once again!
To me you're not just some random internet dude on youtube, in my eyesyou're giving us tons of entertainment and education and enjoyment, and that is... more valuable to me than words can describe :)
So I hope you don't mind my "emotional outbreak" :D I know, I'm strange, but I love your videos :)
Thank you!
“It will get you up to about 100 miles an hour before a Paris tunnel, if that is your concern.”
Savage, completely savage.
I had a W126 560SEL exactly like this one...can't recall how the headlight wipers worked, but on my W140 I have now (W126 was prob the same), hit the washer for the windshield, which activates the windshield wipers, IF THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON, it washes and wipes the headlights same as the windshield. You can always tell at night when the headlight washer/wipers work along with washing the windshield as it throws the wiper arm shadow across the beam of the headlight into the distance.
Most Euro cars: Headlamp washers operate when the windscreen wash function is used when the headlamps are on.
See, I tried that but I couldn't make it work- It might be a speed thing too.
@@WesleyKagan it didn't work because almost all of them don't by now. My 124 has a sleepy wiper on the lamp. Sometimes it'll make a half assed attempt at sweeping, and usually when it does that it stops at half mast for a few days. Then one day I'll walk back to the car and notice it has parked itself. I'm scared to go near it. Just in case you know, it does something, unexpected. :-)
560 sel 1989 was my first car and it's my favorite
i had a 91 passat with a similar fuel injection system. took me a bit to get it dialed in, but when i did, it was great
This one is currently running fantastic so I'm not touching it.
Great Video. I love the W126. I have three, 87 / 91 560sel snd 86 420sel.
Great video. You may have already but I'd replace the boots on the rear socks as soon as possible. When they're torn dirt can get on them and tear up the seals causing them to leak. Happened on one of my shocks and they are extremely expensive.
Turn the headlights on and use the windshield washer feature and it will turn on the headlight washers as well.
maybe not for a daily driver, but for keeping it. these cars have a great fanbase in germany, expecially the SEC versions of it. they still look good and have a really good sound when they have the V8 in it.
I own a 1990 Mercedes Benz 420sel in black and grey two tone, I had the same issue trying to figure out how to make the headlight wipers work.
You have to turn the lights on then push the stalk that controls the hi-beams and windshield wipers in towards the steering wheel, took me way to long to figure it out too 😂 They are very cool and everyone that sees the car points them out but they are pretty useless
That's a car from the golden era of Mercedes. I'd love to have one but I know it would bankrupt me.
To be honest though, for $1500 you could buy it and run it until it breaks, that's cheap enough that I wouldn't bother with maintenance except for the occasional oil change.
This was our family car growing up and it was absolutely perfect (less the time the suspension went out or the radiator hose leaked). I still dream about getting another one, tbh - if you ever want to sell.... hello.
Yeah, they are absolutely nice cars, minus some maintenance things!
I’ll keep that in mind! Haha.
Hello I have a R129 1998 sl500 I'll never part with it even after I wear it out if it wears out but love it I'm retired now lol but I want to buy one of those 560 SEL sedans and I do my own maintenance so I know how to shop for parts and keep my maintenance regular thank for the advice you car is a very nice one
Nice vid man. I'm from Brazil and have one W126 300SE 1990 Brown whit Brown. It's an amazing car. Please, do more videos from yours.
a lot of great information in this video so I will return the favor when you turn the windshield wipers on the headlights windshield wipers move in the same Rhythm as the ones on the windshield same with the sprayer
This was fun. You should do more like this.
Well now I know who that was on the side of the road with that blue Mercedes when I drove past Jerry's barns the other day, and that they were indeed not having car troubles. I didn't know you were around this area, though I have to say the last name looked familiar.
Born and raised, although I live in Phoenix most of the time.
@@WesleyKagan And very good for you to escape the Phoenix heat for at least a little bit!
I think the headlight wipers are operated whenever you use the windscreen washer, they should also have their own little headlight squirters too.
No mention of the Achilles heel...plastic timing chain tensioner shoes crack and fall down to crank making chain break or skip a tooth resulting in catastrophic valvetrain/piston damage. That, and when the shoes are worn, the chain rubs through and into the aluminum shoe base....filling the engine with aluminum flakes. I had one and did upper and lower guides. Big job.
Sounds very similar to a BMW M60b40 v8 engine
I had a vw with ke jetronic. When fuel pump is running and injector unit is pressurised, the air metering flap is surprisingly hard to move by hand. I wonder how much power does it rob.
That's an interesting question- a motor with KE and a motor with electronic FI. I bet it's pretty substantial.
That was exactly how much I wanted to know! Thank you
Thank you!
Beautiful car, great to hear you talk about it. Would love to see a similar style of vid for your take on the 928.
When I buy another 928 I will- which does seem to be every few years
Headlight wipers operation: headlights on, run windshield washer and headlight washer and wiper come on as long as you hold windshield washer on. You’ll never see it from outside unless you can see reflection or someone else operates windshield washer with headlights on. 💡
I have owned a lot of MB cars over 20 years and this was by far the best model. These days you do not want to own a MB out of warranty. They are prone to failure by design now. MB is not the company it was in the past.
I still want a 600 grosser someday, but I agree the W126 is the perfect balance
my 1985 Saab 900 had Bosch CIS injection and is was super reliable and easy to service.
I liked and subbed before watching ur vid just because of the car
As a professional Mercedes Benz historian specifically with the W116,W126,W140,W220,W210,W211,W212,W114/W115,R107,C107,C140,R129,R230 etc. Its activated by yiur windshield wiper and thags vacuum operated/controlled on the W126 as eell as the trunk and soor locks as well
>You know, any flagship Mercedes made before the year 2000 has a problem with the clientele, you know Saddam Hussein owned a 560SEL that shot flames out the side.
That's a problem? To me that sounds like more incentive to buy one...
Its like a Doug DeMuro video except better because Doug DeMuro is not in it.
THIS
0:13 At first glance the red toggle switch and the blue dial made me thing of the Dodge SRT-4 Stage Toys package.
Maybe the headlight wiper motors needed to be changed in 1997 too
Honestly though.
I have a 560SEC and my headlight wipers come on and spray when the headlights are on while activating the washer mode. :-)
You can never tell me more than what I want to know. Hence why I’m back. Let’s go.
And it still has the hood emblem!
Yeah! Although it’s a little broken, if you go above 90 it kinda leans back
@@WesleyKagan adaptive aerodynamics ?
@@WesleyKagan And by "above 90" you mean "above 70" since you'd NEVER go over the speed limit, right? ;-)
@@Aragorn450 Maybe he took a "slight" detour home over the German highway?
It ain't broke... Time to fix it!
Any news on the gas generator/electric drive car idea?
I think the headlight wipers work with the windshield wipers or thats how they work on my old volvo.. well they both worked but I got rid of them while changing out a smashed headlight.
What do you mean by getting up to a 100 before a Paris tunnel
Yep, got a 420 SE myself (never made the 560 SE in RHD)
I’m looking forward to more videos on your Corvette build.
The headlights have to be on for the wipers to work. I learned that on my w124.
That is a beautiful car.. I wish I could find one with that nice of an interior.
I painted cars for 30 years so I would rather paint one than replace an interior.
If you run into any deals like that please let me know. Especially diesel cars.
Headlight wipers work when the main lights are on and you wash windshield... right?
My '82 BMW 323i also has the same tensioner on the alternator.
What is the difference between the 500 SE and the 560SEL? Trying to order parts for my 1980 500 SE?
Good video!
I love this car
Wheelbase for DAYS
So many wheelbase
The headlight wipers on my 420SEL come on when the lights are on and you operate the windscreen washers.
100 before a Paris tunnel...Good one..I once had a 700 series
If Wes can’t figure out why the headlight wipers don’t work….
I don’t have a chance !
Is this gonna be new series on this channel? I like this kind of content.
Maybe- I do enjoy going over cars like this!
As a engineer myself, I love the quirks of old tech, maybe there is some lost marvel that need spotlight. Just like that magnetic ride suspension on the Lexus, that was too expensive for serial production. :)
How are you going to fix that dashboard?
Probably a replacement one. Seems to be the only way
I hope you saw that Donut gave your free valve DIY and channel a shout out. We need more content from you man! Where ya been?
Head light wipers come on with the washers.
I owned one of these new in the day, and now have owned another for 15 years that I bought with 140,000km on the clock, 245,000km. now.
It has cost me very little, parts are not that expensive and mainly readily available, not that I have needed much.
It is reliable, has a better ride than my LC 200, and owes me nothing. I would be confident to set out for Darwin 4000km away.
From Australia.
i had one of these but the fuel relay melted and burned up the wiring harness. sold it for a grand. it still ran if you jumpered the relay pins with a paperclip lol