5 Reasons That Older Mercedes are Better Than New Mercedes (4K) 

What do you think is better or worse about new Mercedes cars compared to older models? Leave a comment down below.

You’re absolutely right I can’t tell the difference between an e class and a c class driving down the road. When I was a kid and my dad drove his s class in my neighborhood everyone knew it was an s class

Yea the hood ornament; end of an era

I have always preferred the styling and overall appearance / performance of the early to mid 2000's models. I'd say from 2000 until 2008. Those were when I felt they had their most classy and timeless designs.

Everything pointed out in this video is 100% accurate, sad to say Benz is definitely going the wrong direction.

W124 E60 AMG most iconic AMG car ever built IMHO :)

All this can be summed up as "Mercedes has lost its soul".

W211 was by far my favorite year. I currently own a W212 but still lust over the W211. Such a classic!

If I were the head of design at Mercedes, the first thing I would do is to make every car have a hood Ornament except soirtier versions.

Thank you! I thought I was the only one that wanted hood ornaments and the old classy, elegant designs.The Mercedes hood ornament is like a seal of approval, standing proudly, signifying the history and the prestige of Mercedes. Now they just slap on a plastic star on the grille, or worse... those glowing ones. Those look ghastly. As for the design. My favorite design era is that of Bruno Sacco with the most elegant models built between 2003 and 2007.W203, W220, W221, C215 W219 and R230. All of those cars still look modern and fresh today. They are the last proper Mercedes cars, before Mercedes started to cheap out.For example, there is no cheap plastic anywhere inside my w203. Not even in the trunk! But today, you can find some cheap plastics even in the S-class.And the interior was a symphony of class and elegance. Everything feels solid, everything feels luxurious. There are no giant screens. Everything is sized right. Don't get me started on the I-pads they slap on the inside of most modern Mercedes. But now Mercedes, sadly, has to play the game of who makes a more striking car. Because of all the competition, they can't fall behind. Take BMW's soft M-versions. Not quite M-cars, but kinda M-cars... Mercedes needs to compete with that so 43AMG...Not a real AMG, but close enough and good enough for that market. Same thing with design. It's a never ending game of who's got the biggest.

Never get tired of seeing the hood ornament on my '92 400e, baby still got the elements too!

LOVE this summerup. I drive a 1983 230CE with a star on the hood. LONG LIVE OLD MERCEDES!

i'm happy that you also agree that AMG is becoming too prevalent of a brand, watered down was a good way of putting it. i feel for a mercedes to receive the AMG designation it needs to be A LOT crazier than the next lowest model not just slightly faster. take the E55 like that vs E500 of the day, and you're going from a V8 to an EVEN bigger AND supercharged V8 that just rips and has crazy low end torque, whereas now they all have similarly turbo'd configurations. if you were to make this video 6 ways older mercedes are better you'd have to include having the Kompressor! modern turbos smoothly ease into the power but the older supercharger immediately kicks in and the engine just erupts beneath you with ferocious violence... i'm so happy to have one!

Well said, especially about the AMG 43 line up

You're absolutely right on all points! I'd just like to add one more. The old Mercedes models were far superior quality-wise. Even some of the oldest models easily still withstand the pass of time with their top-notch interior and exterior quality design and base materials. The newer models seem to age too fast, some to the point that they seem to wrinkled down or smth.

You are so right. It’s as if they’ve forgotten their past and where they’ve come from. They used to be over engineered masterpieces on the road. Subtle, discrete yet packing a punch. The removal of the three pointed star from the top of the bonnet is the biggest mistake they’ve done. There is nothing like looking at the end of the bonnet to see the star and now you look and there’s nothing! Also, the ones with one wiper just look so damn classy. Two wipers make it look so run of the mill like any other car! Bring back the star on the bonnet and one wiper please 😢

Totally agree. Happy to have one of the last NA big V8's in my CLK550. Now it's a smaller turbo V8.

Great video man !

I 100% agree with everything in your video. I don't like how Mercedes is slapping the AMG badge on everything and the C, E and S look the same. Previous generation Mercedes from the 2007-2014 look better imo because they have more lines. Also I'm biased because I have a CL63 but I like the older NA and supercharger sound better. I think the new Mercedes naming system with SUVs, coupes and roadsters makes more sense now. Also I do like the new interiors with all the unique colors and patterns you can choose from. Love the semi autonomous tech in the new cars. And I am impressed with the power and acceleration numbers the new 4.0L twin turbo V8 can put out.

the best mercs are pre 2000 models,since about 2000 mercedes had a brain fart and have not recovered, their tec went very complex and expensive also the build quality has dropped.

You're absolutely right SiR.

Everything is super accurate in this video. Do more!!

I agree. I absolutely love my W210 E55. It’s almost invisible except for the mono block wheels and subtle AMG badging.

All cars can be devided into two groups: Mercedes W124 and all other cars.

Can't imaging getting rid of my R129. Great video.

Driving a Mercedes used to mean you were either wealthy, elite, a true racing fan, or all of the above. Now it's just another mass production brand that is no longer a car that makes the same strong statement about its owner. I think if they do choose to maintain that power as an elite brand, they should definitely focus on separating the classes of models. C class used to be entry. E class was the less sporty and more classy C class model for business and family men. S class usually meant you were someone with title or wealth, and more than half the time you had a chauffeur, because you need to be in the back making phone calls, going over paperwork, taking a nap, etc., because you could afford it, and you needed it. Now Mercedes sells to people who buy the car to look flashy, and thus ruin the status and clout of the history of what Mercedes represented, which was class. Money is not an equivalent to class. It's like a gangster rapper wearing a dress suit and tie, and pretending he has more class than an educated gentleman, because he has more money. The pride in being a nerd, scholar, or intelligent hard worker is being sold out for greed of money and popularity. Being different seems to be something like a lost art in order to follow a trend. Time to find out what brand will replace the old Mercedes position in society. Jaguar, Lincoln, or Rolls Royce perhaps? Maybe even Acura, since their motto is so fitting: "the pursuit of excellence".

Excellent videography!

I have a 77 450SL (w107) That we lovingly take care of. Its hood badge is (was) a lovely cloisone' type emblem. Over the years, it has deteriorated. I ordered a new one from the dealer, and what did I get? a plastic emblem. So, I ordered one from the Mercedes Classic center. What did I get? The same plastic emblem. I need to find a good used one of the 77 vintage. The original Mercedes parts are still superior, but I can't say the same for their dealer service, or the technology race they are participating in with their new cars.

I definitely agree but your references to older Mercedes didn't go back far enough. If you really want great examples of classic well built Mercedes start at 1995 and work backward !

I agree with your view on AMG styling, every manufacturer is doing it now, putting badges on cars that don't live up to the badge

I fixed up an older 1999 C43 AMG, and I drive a 2000 ML55 AMG as my winter vehicle and both are relatively easy to work on. They are still 'mechanical' if you will, and not teched out with components that will cost you thousands to fix if they break. Parts are still reasonably priced (rockauto, etc) and if you are somewhat handy you can work on them yourself. That being said I want to be get a 03-06 E55 AMG like yours. Probably next year! Great channel and keep up the great content!

I agree but with the last point if you remember back into the 90's with the w124 e class and the w140 S class and the w202 c class the front ends were basically the same. So its kinda like that which is irritating cuz with the new ones its hard to figure out from the far they look like S classes but then they get close and your like wao

I own a 1997 W210 E230, and the gorgeous styling on the lights and bumpers are so appealing to the eyes, and the footbrake hand release was one of my favourites, and the traditional Elegance Gated Gear Shifter makes it look so good. Engine overhaul and transmission rebuilt all done 4 years ago, I still drive this car to it's maximum capability, and it easily can keep up with the recent Honda Civic 1.5 turbo on the highways 160km/h and chasing. The W210 takes corners at speeds you would not imagine. Been in love with this car ever since I started owning it. It's just insane how proper, German engineering is.

I just recently bought 2003 W211 E270 CDI Avantgarde spec and to me it's such a beautiful car. I want to keep it going for as long as I can. I love the old school mercs they still have that class look about them.

You are absolutely CORRECT, my ex-college mate who still works at AMG tells me that the old "one-man-one-car" concept is gone except the very high-end cars usually more than 300k DM.

EXCELLENT video. Very concise and straight to the point. New generation Mercedes tend to be less reliable than the older ones. No model will ever beat the W123.

Yeah ur right. I loved the Mercedes logo which used to be on the hood like the Rolls Royce spirit of ecstasy. That gave ur car some style. The new Mercedes cars no longer have that. It sucks.

I fully agree thanks so much for this. Spoken from a place of true passion.

Love the round headlights and body lines of the W211 E class. They have excellent mechanical reliability. Also the M156 and M113 engines are the easiest German V8 engines to work on.

A mother great video and also I agree the AMG is getting too diluted and less classy. Love your E55 W211 more videos please, cheers

Build quality is nowhere near as good as say the W124's those things are built like a bank vault and the later coupes are so gorgeous.

Well said! Nice crisp video :)

Yep - even my missus who has far less interest that me kept using her ‘93 190E 2.6 with full factory AMG body & suspension for 6 months after buying new ‘04 C270 replacement... It wasn’t just the drive & difference in quality; neither of us were prepared for just how solid the 190E felt compared and just how much less character the C270 had in many respects. Biggest mistake I ever made eventually letting that one go. It’s why I hung onto my ‘88 325 Sport manual bought new with options.

Hello, What is the music that you are using in the background? I was trying to find it for ages.

Totally agree! You are so right about the AMG part a specialy. Realy a shame from AMG yes.

STYLING. Old benz are gorgeous, new ones are very unattractive.

Totally agree. Holy shit how much they now starting to look alike. I don't understand the strategy behind this. I am starting to confuse the most basic models of C through S. I wonder what an S-coupe owner feels like, realizing how much his car looks like models below and much cheaper. Mercedes SUVs are just the most unattractive pile of crap imo. However, looking at how many of them out there, they are prolly a good chunk of what keeps the company afloat. It is just kind of sad how this epic brand is competing for the attention of people that purchase toy-looking crossovers that in reality have no offroad capabilities. Removing the 3 pointed star from the top of the hood is the worst offender though. They put that plastic cap instead, and in the newer models, they shove a bunch of white LEDs into it lol. That is like Rolls-Royce removing its Spirit of Ecstasy. I dunno why you would lower your own iconic symbols and decor.

Maaan This video is spot on!!! I currently have a 05 Clk 55 & 07Clk 63 and never bat an eye to newer models . Sad the direction Mercedes has went was the wrong one

you are absolutely right same things I noticed you explain in video 👍👍👍

You are perfectly right! And the reliability of the new ones aint that great anymore whereas the old ones, you could drain them in water and still drive them after!!!

I fully agree with your video. I would just like to add that by competing in every car category including hatchbacks and pickups, the Mercedes brand has lost a good deal of its luster and glamour.

Not just Benz but all cars in general have become really bloated looking, put an E55 next to a 2017 e63 and the E55 looks sooo much smaller and sleeker

Good points and very nice presentation. Totally agree with it

a Mercedes from 2012 is not old. If you mean old, then look to the 80s models, all were designed to look the same so from a distance you could not tell if it was a 180E or 500SE. It is nice that they do this again. What I do dislike, is the rounded bubble look of the cars, especially the entry level cars. Anything with an 'A' in it. They cheapened the brand so anyone can buy a Mercedes. Also, they should not aim at the younger demographic. Its an established car for an established person

You are my voice! It's true, as a Mercedes fan, I like the older ones. Although I do at times envy the newer ones on the interior and technology, like the instant brake, the older Mercedes carries the true tradition.

FWIW the Mercedes Tri Star Hood Ornament is still available on any of the cars, and can even be bought after the fact and swapped in, in literally three seconds (the hood ornaments are spring loaded and snap right out).

Well said, I couldn’t agree more 👌🏻

I have been driving various Mercedes-Benz cars over the last 53 years. I agree with the comments in this video although I respect anyone who thinks differently. In my opinion the trouble with MB today is that they concentrate too much on technology at the expense of build quality and comfort. I recently spent a couple of weeks driving a 2017 Mercedes C200 sedan and although it had more technology than previous models I did not find it as well made or as comfortable as a year 2000 W202 C200 elegance that I owned for ten years. It didn't even have the Mercedes feel of a 1987 Mercedes 190E that I previously owned. I definitely agree that sedans should have the traditional grille with the three pointed star on the hood and that a C class should not look like a smaller version of the E class that looks like a smaller version of the S class. Once upon a time a Mercedes was really special with superb styling, first class build quality and comfort. Now its like a mass produced vehicle that has lost its class and to a certain extent, lost its reputation for being "simply the Best." In 2017 I purchased a 2012 Mercedes ML 250 SUV with low mileage and full MB service history thinking that it would be a reliable vehicle to own and I had more problems with that vehicle than any other Merc that I have owned. That would never have happened years ago.

You totally red my mind on every single one of them. However, I truly believe ,from owning Mercedes for the past 15 years, that the newer generations are more reliable than older ones in the long term. I know lots of people swear by the 90s Mercedes, but did have their share of issues. I'm a Mercedes fan, and I will always be. Thank you for sharing!

All valid points you make Completely agree 👍 Especially with the modern cars It’s like they get a design and just stretch it out for models

I agree to everything you noted in your video, its a shame they all look the same now days......i love the older AMG cars.....I LOVE my 2005 C55 AMG!

Well said. The styling of the old Mercs in my view was conservative and simple yet elegant, with real personality. That is all gone these days.

Well I bought c63 2012 saloon(sedan) I sold it last year after 5 memorable years !, I bought e63s only had it 2-3 months then bought a c63S don’t get me wrong this w205 coupe I bought is such a improvement in terms of handling & performance but I never really got to love it so Iv gone back to 6.2 NA v8 wagon this time and I’m loving every minute of it!🙌🏻

I love them both, old Benzes and newer ones. But I prefer the STAR on the hood as an ornament :)

I love ur video

Very good video! I hope someone wakes up at Mercedes and or AMG !

Hello in your repair videos you show us the torque NM where do you find that

Great video but I think you forgot some of the most important aspect, reliability and repairability! It's no doubt older Mercedes up till around 2005 were built to last where as these new Mercedes constantly have electrical/mechanical issues, starting with the most horrendous ABC issues and M272/273 Harmonic balancer failure. Whereas the M113 and M112 go well over 300,000 easy as long as basic maintenance is not overlooked. No need to mention the diesels Also, as you demonstrated in some previous videos, how manageable done of the issues are. Most new Mercedes mechanical issues are so integrated with electronics that there's almost no way to fix em without having to submit to the stealerships!

I think my 2018 CLA250 Turbo Coupe is pretty distinct. This magnificent looking/performing machine turns a LOT of heads on the street… Not a clone at all. My two cents

I agree with you in everything, good video.

Couldn't be more agree! I have argued many times for the flooding the market with "fake" AMG products (as it is even worst then having 43 models as there is and AMG line for the exterior). I'm glad to see there are other people to share same thoughts...

Agreed up to the end where he implied the old ones don't look the same. A 190e w201 looks VERY similar to a w124

Nice video

Wow where was that Mercedes car show? Amazing specimens!

Dude. That C43 Wagon. Oh my god.

I was looking at getting one of these but where I live it snows quite a bit and I am worried about driving it in the snow. How good are they at driving in snow?

You can still get the bonnet ornament, it's only standard on the ''classic'' version of the cars.

What I like about the old AMGs is that there were/are so few of them. Exclusivity. I have a 1999 C43 silver on black/white designo interior (and a gold 1996 C220 ha :) ) and I have only seen one other one in person in the year and a half that I've owned it. And I've had more than one W202 owners chase me down while driving just because they wanted to take a look at it. Another point is the build quality. The driver seat could be reupholstered, but other than that, my C43 with 138K miles looks almost brand new. Granted the previous owners must have taken good care of it, as about half the ones you see for sale nowadays are thrashed, and the other half are really clean. But if you take care of them, these things will last. Granted the performance of modern equivalents has surpassed it, but it will still out-perform 90% plus of the cars on the road.

I recently bought my very first own car (i'm 25 y/o). It's a Mercedes-Benz c200t station wagon from 2000. It cost me 1800€ and it's been driven 200.000 km (about 125.000 miles) and there is absolutley nothing to complain. The interior looks absolutely like new, the motor runs smooth as fuck and the built in technology is superior for the year it's built: A/C, heated seats, rain sensors, anti-lock-breaking-system, ESC, Airbags in the front and in the doors, cruise control etc. And it is "only" the so called "classic" version. In short it is a absolutely fair and lovely car of you find one for that price and in that good shape. I feel completely safe and confortable while driving it and am proud of owning it. And the best part is that it is really repair-friendly so you can do many repair works on your own.

Old Mercs are always the best. Especially the E Class W124 and the 190e😍😍

I completely agree with every thing you said here. That's why I own a '03 E500. Great lines, hood ornament, classy car.The only measure anyone will have with the direction of the new cars is how well the public buys them, or not. What we think is irrelevant to MB executives. AMG has definitely cheapened themselves with so many models and so many engine choices. Its become a marketing machine to sell the image, more than a specialty sports division that cares about exclusivity.

I agree about the styling. My first AMG was a C32 because to the untrained eye it looks just like every other C-class. They've also become sooo expensive now with a bunch of crap I don't really care about like bluetooth streaming, selectable interior lighting colors, etc.

I own a 1991 Mercedes W126. 230,000 miles and I've just replaced the timing chain, rebuilt the head. Replaced dozens of other gaskets and the cooling system had been overhauled. It's up for sale

100% right. I HATE the 43 or even mercedes with AMG style kits and wheels.

All models available with the classic grill have the bonnet emblem. The decals are usually only for special editions like the edition 1 which is what you showed. As for all mercs looking alike, it's always been that way, look at the W211 and the W203, very suble difference

Also, another big issue with some of the newer cars is electronic power steering. I get that it's necessary for automonous features. It's terrible because it removes all steering feel.

I'm so agree with you👍🏻

On point ... I concur

I used to have two W124 300E and they're the best car my family ever own. Almost bulletproof reliable,great suspension that strike perfect balance between responsiveness road feel and comfortable ride,can still comfortably do high speed cruise at well over 500,000 km done on engine and its understated elegance really make you feel proud of driving one everywhere you go. Mercedes really done fucked it up when their fans struggle to tell a difference between newest E-class and C-class models like now why I have to guess whereas back in the day I can spotted the differences a mile away!? And the whole no hood ornament thing is just a sign that they really have no pride left in the company just endless new soulless models to fill all the markets needs. The 190E Evo I and II and W124 500E are still my dream cars.

What makes AMG more water down is not the 43 range of models in my opinion, I think that putting the AMG badge in a c180d is way worse, just because it has a "AMG line", AMG should be exclusive for the faster line of cars, not for cars that look fast but aren't

Amen! I love my 1997 W140 S320, my 1979 240D, loved my 1984 500SL, and my various 190E's, 300SD, etc. They don't build them like they used to.

Spot-on. It's why I went with the W219 CLS55. It has a modern look with many of the older Mercedes styling cues still in the bodywork. It feels special. I agree the modern AMGs perform incredibly, but they have lost a bit of their class and soul. Also, that intro music was FIRE, what song is that?

I totally agree with you 100%.

One of the things you want in a Mercedes is to look down the gentle tapering engine bulge and see the three-pointed star hood ornament at the end.

I agreed with every point, first video ive seen nice

I agree with all of these, however I can tell the difference between the C, E, and S classes simply by the body style. The C-class is the smallest, with a kind of a round oval exterior and curved tail lights. The E-class is a tad longer, and more rectangular looking, also with rectangular style head and tail lights. The S-class is much longer, with a extended-oval like sloped body. While the others have back ends that are kinda lower to the ground, the S-classes rear is lifted, and it is the only model out of the lineup that is a 4-matic.

Ahh the swirl marks on the merc at 0.50 killed me 😫😫

Did i just see M120 AMG (V12)? What are the horsepower and torque ?

the e55 amg, is one of the best looking amg of all time

My brain has gone nuts for a 2014 AMG E63 Wagon....what am I in for? Turbos go bad, block cracks ect? Will it last? What goes wrong?