After 22 years, I sold my '98 C240 because all of the components were original with 260,000 miles on the odometer. A neighbor bought it for $1,000 and is now driving the baby Benz on long haul trips. Everyone is happy!
My vote is the Baby Benz for sure!! The Celica and Seville will be just as reliable, however the Baby Benz has character!! Even if the instrument cluster is not working, you can use your phone to clock the speed. For fuel, you can guestimate how often to refuel, or you can repair/replace the instrument cluster.
What an absolutely beautiful Benz! I think she'd be fine to drive back to Oklahoma! The Celica of that era I believe is an oil burner!?? Cadillac is a beauty!
Haircut 100 issued their debut album "Pelican West" in 1982. It introduced what were to be 2 of their biggest hits, "Love Plus One" and "Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)". Damn I miss the 80s
I’m from the UK, my Mum had a black esprit C180 on CLK AMG alloys in the late 90’s early 00’s. It looked good, overheated and got a new rad, and withstood a cement mixer truck and horse damaging it. Tough cars
Hey Mike, love your videos. I think I remind here in Germany we only called the 190 Mercedes a 'Baby-Benz', the C Class wasnt that popular in the 90s, but these are vere reliable, nice cars. Take this one 👍
Mike the term “Baby Benz” is a reference to the 190. It was the first “economical” Benz made. HEY!! Don’t you have a 190 at Randy’s shop @ AAR? Love to see work on that one now that the fire’s out. ;-)
I had a '99 C230 Kompressor - HUGE difference in performance from the '98. No problem passing semis going up a 5% grade. Just pull into the left lane and floor it - you'd be brushing 100mph before you knew it. I don't think the normally-aspirated '98 would do that, but I wouldn't bet against it. I was ready to buy the '98, when the salesman phoned me and said "If you can wait a couple of months, the '99 is getting the supercharged engine..." I did, and that car was great. I sold it to a friend at about 90k when I bought a new 2006 E350. For '99, they also used an updated radio head unit (with a dial pad to tune the radio - much easier than this older head unit; I have a '97 E320 with this radio, and it's a pain) and a dual but manual climate control. The split folding rear seats were the most useful option I had. My '99 had the same interior color as this one, and the seat belts were tan. I suspect the driver's belt was replaced at some point. Years before, I had an '84 BMW 318i, and it also had those cassette trays. They popped open on their own in the BMW too. Good purchase? Absolutely! I'm jealous. But, I don't need a third Mercedes.... By the way, I've only ever heard the W201 190 series referred to as the "Baby Benz."
I have faith in the C230 making it. Normally I would say no, but those C230s are very reliable. I have virtually no faith in that Caddy though LOL. The Toyota looks kind of rough but it could also make it. All depends on how the engine and drive train is.
The C240 is a rare Benz those day, I drove one C220 earlier on and it's really cute little rascal, moving around town with no issues, guess MWM will drive home without major issues...Good review.....regards from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 🇲🇾 ❤️
Love that Benz. Super easy and relaxing to drive. You always arrive at your destination as fresh as when you started out. Well screwed together where nothing rattles and renowned seamless gear changes. The steering has a turning circle which gets you into the tightest parking space. Very solid underrated cars. Loved the anchor man link...very smooth like a Mercedes transmission.
Pull the instrument cluster and bring it home in another car and solder the resistor in . then bring it back on the next trip and install it . check all the fixes first . what ever happened to the silver convertible that was smoking from the back in your intro about the time you say Lexus ?
So for reasonable money and some care when purchasing it there are Mercedes that are a good purchase. I'd like to see it on your channel or Randy's. Great video as always. Thank you.
I think we got a winner here Mike! We gotta see what the cassette sounds like, it'll make the road trip *FUN*! I'm split about the rest of the cars. All look really cool. You should drive the C230 while Randy drives either one! Maybe a luxury car road trip between the Benz & the Caddy?
I would say Benz! Mike, would you consider doing a video sometime that explains the different Mercedes classes and numerations. Not being a Benz guy, I don’t quite understand the differences in classes.🤔🤔
Great video as always! Just ybdweeent my eye surgery and I can only really see out of one eye, but hears like you scored again! Love the video as alway!
If the big Ford truck with 9 (or 8) of 10 cylinders working and the Probe made it 700 miles, the Benz should make it. The Caddy is more risky and the Toyota, well it is a Toyota so no drama to do a video on.
Hi Mike, the Mercedes is a great choice because they live forever and can't stop, we are looking forward to giving it a try on the trip to Oklahoma City
Currently have a 1996 C220 that I bought from an older couple with just over 110k miles. I know it seems ancient compared to today’s modern cars, but I feel like it will live forever. I’m keeping it as a second car!
Looking forward to another road trip video. With your background in broadcasting, you should offer consulting for a fee to other TH-camrs on how to use their voice and present on camera to make entertaining videos.
Should try the old caddy it's old and people like to an old cars could go on like other cars on the road these days now.. I have an old 1991 camry from ground and up now its daily driver and road trips with no problems.. I like all the videos u and randy have been watching it for long time.. keep up good work mike.
Mike you do need some gauges. To drive that far. But, maybe your love for the Mercedes will pull you threw. Maybe you can figure that out. I would guess any of them will make the trip. Thanks for sharing!
My only Mercedes I ever owned was a 1983 5 Cylinder Turbo 300D Coupe loved it to death had a German Mechanic who did all the maintenance on it for me. Sadly I let a friend of my ex's borrow it next day after he brought it back it ran like crap. I called to see if he had any issues and he said no it ran great he said he filled it up at the Chevron Station in Scottsdale I said wait when they start selling diesel? He had filled it with Super Unleaded ended up selling it to the mechanic for $2500 makes me sad to this day when I see one.
Mike I don’t miss one of your videos , this was very good . Just wondering what’s going on with the 190 ? Really looking forward to the next video on that car ? Not a smarty-pants. Just looking forward to that car. Looking forward to what’s going on with it.
Drive the Caddy Seville !! I had a black one when I worked in the Heat of the night TV series. They used it often !! Paid more for the use of the car than they paid me as an extra. ,LOL...
Take the Benz! As far as the gauges, get a Scangauge. It plugs into the OBD port, and you set it for speed, coolant temp, fuel remaining, mpg, miles to empty, etc and rpm's. I have one, and if I can figure it out, it is simple for Mike! Then he can fix the cluster at home, and not have to mess with it now....
The Baby Benz!! Question have you inspected the fuses and relays for the no gauge cluster operation? It might be that easy of a fix? IDK, you know MB's Mike. Well, whichever car you choose, safe travels--- it's now snow/ice season on the highways.
Great car. Out of curiosity i looked it up on Germanys biggest Online-Marketplace. Only four 98 C230 availabe. 3 compressor, 1 NA. All between 3k-4k eurodollars.
Hi there thanks for the great content as all ways I had 250 Diesel I was slow to get moving but in cruise on motorway was comfrtable to sit in the Drivers chair for 6 hour long drive. I would take the merc but would fix the instrument cluster first before taking it on a LONG Drive,My personal opinion
I have a 1997 E320 w/inline 6 (the million-mile motor) and 5-speed auto! I have had it for a few years. I love the old bug eye cars. The Interior is spotless and I have about 250k on it now, it still drives like brand new. They are extremely solid cars. It still passes the smog tests with no problem here in California. I have the old AMG rims on it I refurbished and painted silver. It is gold with a tan interior. I bought it for $400 originally with the peeling paint and all, I repainted it. I have done custom paint on all my cars for over 40 years. About to repaint it again since it has been several years and I got some bad materials the first time. But it runs and runs and it will move out real good if you step on it. I have one problem with it, the cruise control kicks off when I go over 65 mph. Any idea what that could be? It works perfectly under 65 mph. I know you will take this Mercedes back and you will make it no problem. It seems to have been well taken care of! Plus, You are the Mercedes man Mike (MMM)! LOL! Good luck take care and God bless you all! David
![[Gegagedigedagedago] NEW Help Gegagedigedagedago Nugget escape from Nikocado Avocado Challenge](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hJWnwRC2Fz8/mqdefault.jpg)
After 22 years, I sold my '98 C240 because all of the components were original with 260,000 miles on the odometer. A neighbor bought it for $1,000 and is now driving the baby Benz on long haul trips. Everyone is happy!
I’ve been lookin out for one since Mike burnt one especially that e300 diesel but there expensive here in Cali
Wow!!!! That's amazing!
So why did you sell it if everything was good ?
My vote is the Baby Benz for sure!! The Celica and Seville will be just as reliable, however the Baby Benz has character!! Even if the instrument cluster is not working, you can use your phone to clock the speed. For fuel, you can guestimate how often to refuel, or you can repair/replace the instrument cluster.
My guess is the range of the Benz on the safe side would be 250 miles minimum then refill tank at the next stop.
What an absolutely beautiful Benz! I think she'd be fine to drive back to Oklahoma! The Celica of that era I believe is an oil burner!?? Cadillac is a beauty!
Good looking car. Mike we really don't look at or notice your thumbnail until you bring it up. 👍
Haircut 100 issued their debut album "Pelican West" in 1982. It introduced what were to be 2 of their biggest hits, "Love Plus One" and "Favorite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)". Damn I miss the 80s
I currently have a 1999 C240 done 114,000 KM beautiful car to drive and amazing comfort
The W202 is the Body style after the W201 190E/D. They are excellent cars and yours is in great condition compared to most out there
I’m from the UK, my Mum had a black esprit C180 on CLK AMG alloys in the late 90’s early 00’s. It looked good, overheated and got a new rad, and withstood a cement mixer truck and horse damaging it. Tough cars
I'd go with the baby Benz for the drive back and for your channel. It's most definitely a Money Wrench Mike car!
Mike can fix anything he has an awesome set of MB tools in a pouch!!! Oh Yeahhhhhh!!
Thanks for the great content.
We all could have guessed you worked in TV Mike! :-)
Get the gauge cluster working, l think it will be okay Mike. Love it. 😎👌🙏👍
Have a w203 C230 kompressor I'm giving to the kids, great car and not too fast. Built very very well.
Great Coverage On This Mike, That Mercedes Benz Suits You Good Sir, That’d Be The One I’d Say For You To Bring Back..
Hi how you doing today and it will make it 700 miles back sound like it had a good motor in it and I like it it's nice
The Benz makes sense for you to take but I'm ready for the Celica content.
I loved and missed my 1998 c230 drove it for 15 years and sold it to a friend with 215,000 and he’s still driving it
Lol got to love how they explain what’s under the hood 😂 this head is where you put your radiator fluid that’s your brake fluid lol
Hey Mike, love your videos. I think I remind here in Germany we only called the 190 Mercedes a 'Baby-Benz', the C Class wasnt that popular in the 90s, but these are vere reliable, nice cars. Take this one 👍
One Word: CELICA!🚗
Hello from Phoenix Arizona!🔥
Mike the term “Baby Benz” is a reference to the 190. It was the first “economical” Benz made.
HEY!! Don’t you have a 190 at Randy’s shop @ AAR? Love to see work on that one now that the fire’s out. ;-)
I had a '99 C230 Kompressor - HUGE difference in performance from the '98. No problem passing semis going up a 5% grade. Just pull into the left lane and floor it - you'd be brushing 100mph before you knew it. I don't think the normally-aspirated '98 would do that, but I wouldn't bet against it.
I was ready to buy the '98, when the salesman phoned me and said "If you can wait a couple of months, the '99 is getting the supercharged engine..." I did, and that car was great. I sold it to a friend at about 90k when I bought a new 2006 E350. For '99, they also used an updated radio head unit (with a dial pad to tune the radio - much easier than this older head unit; I have a '97 E320 with this radio, and it's a pain) and a dual but manual climate control. The split folding rear seats were the most useful option I had. My '99 had the same interior color as this one, and the seat belts were tan. I suspect the driver's belt was replaced at some point.
Years before, I had an '84 BMW 318i, and it also had those cassette trays. They popped open on their own in the BMW too.
Good purchase? Absolutely! I'm jealous. But, I don't need a third Mercedes.... By the way, I've only ever heard the W201 190 series referred to as the "Baby Benz."
That jewel under the hood of the Mercedes. That 4 banger that is beautifully built and gives you a ton of room to work on.
Love that car.
I love that benz.
I have faith in the C230 making it. Normally I would say no, but those C230s are very reliable. I have virtually no faith in that Caddy though LOL. The Toyota looks kind of rough but it could also make it. All depends on how the engine and drive train is.
Hey buddy good luck with the cars an trips be safe you an randy see you both soon
I like the Mercedes C class. Look good on you Mike 😎😎👍👍
This is a the latest Mercedes update with our correspondent and technician MONKEY WRENCH Mike, Tune in tonight at 11.
The C240 is a rare Benz those day, I drove one C220 earlier on and it's really cute little rascal, moving around town with no issues, guess MWM will drive home without major issues...Good review.....regards from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 🇲🇾 ❤️
Hi Mike, You need to try to fix the dash before you try drive the benz back. To nice to not know what going on with the car
yeah finnally . i love w124 w202 w203 and w204🥰 baby benz's are amazing!! thank you mike. inline 4 and 5 benz engines♥
Love that Benz. Super easy and relaxing to drive. You always arrive at your destination as fresh as when you started out. Well screwed together where nothing rattles and renowned seamless gear changes. The steering has a turning circle which gets you into the tightest parking space. Very solid underrated cars. Loved the anchor man link...very smooth like a Mercedes transmission.
Hey Mike, Great videos as always. I’m English & have always loved the Merc’s from the 70’s,80’s and 90’s. Quality cars and bulletproof.🙏🙏🙏🙏🏴🇺🇸
Hello Mike! That C class is bullet proof!💪💪Here in Portugal Taxis drivers love this car! Cheers ✌️🇵🇹🇲🇿😎
Nice looking motor can’t wait to see if it will make it. Thanks for sharing this with us take care
Mike make sure you check the fuse first
Can’t wait to see the Cadillac!!!!
The caddy will make it no problem. The 4.9 is a really good engine.
Don't take the Benz unless the cluster is fixed. You need to know your speed and water temp on the road.
Have a good road trip 😀
Pull the instrument cluster and bring it home in another car and solder the resistor in . then bring it back on the next trip and install it . check all the fixes first . what ever happened to the silver convertible that was smoking from the back in your intro about the time you say Lexus ?
So for reasonable money and some care when purchasing it there are Mercedes that are a good purchase. I'd like to see it on your channel or Randy's. Great video as always. Thank you.
I think we got a winner here Mike! We gotta see what the cassette sounds like, it'll make the road trip *FUN*!
I'm split about the rest of the cars. All look really cool. You should drive the C230 while Randy drives either one! Maybe a luxury car road trip between the Benz & the Caddy?
The property is looking better every time.
It definitely seems like a great buy
Great video and cars, love to se the Toyota road trip but want to see all the cars road trips😎🔥👌
Looks like a score! This will make it back to OK for sure.
I would say Benz! Mike, would you consider doing a video sometime that explains the different Mercedes classes and numerations. Not being a Benz guy, I don’t quite understand the differences in classes.🤔🤔
Wagon/ estate model from that C mercedes is pretty awesome specially if its a 2.5 liter diesel.
LEX18. I thought I recognized you! Enjoy your videos and the humor you bring to dealing with often ill-running vehicles.
One absolute guaranteed way to make it back is to wear that Mopar hat .😉
Really enjoy your road trips you and Randy . I think your Ben's will make it . Great content.
Any one of those cars will make it 700 miles Keep up the great content with Randy
It’ll make it back home;;; have some faith buddy.
You did good Mike. Once you fix the cluster it will be awesome!
Great video as always! Just ybdweeent my eye surgery and I can only really see out of one eye, but hears like you scored again! Love the video as alway!
If the big Ford truck with 9 (or 8) of 10 cylinders working and the Probe made it 700 miles, the Benz should make it. The Caddy is more risky and the Toyota, well it is a Toyota so no drama to do a video on.
Hi Mike, the Mercedes is a great choice because they live forever and can't stop, we are looking forward to giving it a try on the trip to Oklahoma City
Currently have a 1996 C220 that I bought from an older couple with just over 110k miles. I know it seems ancient compared to today’s modern cars, but I feel like it will live forever. I’m keeping it as a second car!
Nah, not ancient just state of the art technology for that model year! I have a 1992 Thunderbird Sport with the HO 5.0 V8; the latest tech for 1992!!!
if all cars belong to randy its up to him.. if you own the ben's up to you..
My 98 C230 has the same tear on the door panel and the same drooping sunroof cloth!
I think the Mercedes will make it to Oklahoma and I love roadtrip videos with you and Randy!🙃
Looking forward to another road trip video. With your background in broadcasting, you should offer consulting for a fee to other TH-camrs on how to use their voice and present on camera to make entertaining videos.
Should try the old caddy it's old and people like to an old cars could go on like other cars on the road these days now.. I have an old 1991 camry from ground and up now its daily driver and road trips with no problems.. I like all the videos u and randy have been watching it for long time.. keep up good work mike.
I think the benz will do great on the trip
Love the caddy wish I had one like that again
Mike you do need some gauges. To drive that far. But, maybe your love for the Mercedes will pull you threw. Maybe you can figure that out. I would guess any of them will make the trip. Thanks for sharing!
Yes...easy for a W202..had 2...both with close to 200k..great cars! Both totaled by our kids or they would still be going.
I know you love the Benz. Go for it. 😊 BTW, Bill Meck is still at WLEX.
My only Mercedes I ever owned was a 1983 5 Cylinder Turbo 300D Coupe loved it to death had a German Mechanic who did all the maintenance on it for me. Sadly I let a friend of my ex's borrow it next day after he brought it back it ran like crap. I called to see if he had any issues and he said no it ran great he said he filled it up at the Chevron Station in Scottsdale I said wait when they start selling diesel? He had filled it with Super Unleaded ended up selling it to the mechanic for $2500 makes me sad to this day when I see one.
To heck w/ the Benz!! Drive that Caddy !! Bro..
Cadillac would be interesting
Mike I don’t miss one of your videos , this was very good . Just wondering what’s going on with the 190 ? Really looking forward to the next video on that car ? Not a smarty-pants. Just looking forward to that car. Looking forward to what’s going on with it.
Dude I live in lex ky & I swore u looked familiar... That's how .. omg !!!! Awesome!!! Haha I followed u un aware haha!!!
Take the Benz of course! Mike that was a well executed fun little video! Thanks
I'd take the Celica, everything probably works... Benz would be fine too.
Mike, I love your videos. they are very entertaining 💯 I like that Baby Benz Mike, its really nice. just replace the arm rest and its perfect.
I'm from Eastern Kentucky . Lexington is about 120 miles from my hometown cattletsburg .
Awesome so smooth it is
Never seen cassette holder before. My grandmother had 97 C280.
I think it will make it 👍
Hi my best friend mike. Good luck to you and have a safe trip back.
Nice one mike
Lots of room under that hood looks easy to work on too
Drive the Caddy Seville !! I had a black one when I worked in the Heat of the night TV series. They used it often !! Paid more for the use of the car than they paid me as an extra. ,LOL...
@Monkey Wrench Mike , I have had 2 W202 C Class Mercedes & i loved them both .
I would definitely own another 1
Drive it home. No worries without a speedo. If you’re passing everyone, you must be speeding 😂.
Take the Benz! As far as the gauges, get a Scangauge. It plugs into the OBD port, and you set it for speed, coolant temp, fuel remaining, mpg, miles to empty, etc and rpm's. I have one, and if I can figure it out, it is simple for Mike! Then he can fix the cluster at home, and not have to mess with it now....
I enjoy the heck out of the road trip videos but that Mercedes is going to be an interesting video.
The Baby Benz!! Question have you inspected the fuses and relays for the no gauge cluster operation? It might be that easy of a fix? IDK, you know MB's Mike. Well, whichever car you choose, safe travels--- it's now snow/ice season on the highways.
Great car. Out of curiosity i looked it up on Germanys biggest Online-Marketplace. Only four 98 C230 availabe. 3 compressor, 1 NA. All between 3k-4k eurodollars.
Hi there thanks for the great content as all ways
I had 250 Diesel I was slow to get moving but in cruise on motorway was comfrtable to sit in the Drivers chair for 6 hour long drive.
I would take the merc but would fix the instrument cluster first before taking it on a LONG Drive,My personal opinion
The c250 is such a smooth unit, it's easy to forget that it's a diesel, passengers could be forgiven for thinking it was a petrol vehicle.
I have a 1997 E320 w/inline 6 (the million-mile motor) and 5-speed auto! I have had it for a few years. I love the old bug eye cars. The Interior is spotless and I have about 250k on it now, it still drives like brand new. They are extremely solid cars. It still passes the smog tests with no problem here in California. I have the old AMG rims on it I refurbished and painted silver. It is gold with a tan interior. I bought it for $400 originally with the peeling paint and all, I repainted it. I have done custom paint on all my cars for over 40 years. About to repaint it again since it has been several years and I got some bad materials the first time. But it runs and runs and it will move out real good if you step on it. I have one problem with it, the cruise control kicks off when I go over 65 mph. Any idea what that could be? It works perfectly under 65 mph.
I know you will take this Mercedes back and you will make it no problem. It seems to have been well taken care of! Plus, You are the Mercedes man Mike (MMM)! LOL!
Good luck take care and God bless you all! David
I would like to find a car like that for my son to drive as his first vehicle. Nice condition.
My dad had a 1996 C280, the same color exterior and interior. He didn’t care for it, my mom hated it. She wanted the E class.
Hey mike didn’t know u lived in lex I used to live there now I live in London ky u have been getting around lol love the videos 👍🏾
I'd take out the instrument cluster, and clean the contacts. I realize these often have ribbon cable issues too.
If it has been well maintained the age of the vehicle is of no consequence.
You could break down in a brand new car as easily as you can an older one.
oh i can’t wait to see the seville !