The W124 Mercedes 500E was the world's most perfect sedan | Revelations with Jason Cammisa | Ep. 05 

"This is a car from back when Mercedes engineers outranked Mercedes accountants" - That hit me real hard being an Automotive Engineer :(

Been driving a w124 300D as my daily car for about 20 years now, sitting at nearly 700 thousand km. All I can say is that she'll be driven at least another 20 years. Best car ever.

My father owned one…one of the first to arrive in Greece… I got it 15 years ago from him. It’s my only car , still. I can surely say that this piece of engineering is the HIGHLANDER of cars…

There's a Gentleman in germany who was featured in a vintage car magazine here recently, who built the one thing Mercedes skipped: A 500E WAGON. And due to all the changes in the bodyshell it's not just a powertrain-swap. The guy had a 500E, so he bought a W124-wagon and basically cut large parts of both cars' body off. And then swapped them. Roof, rear doors, rear quarters, trunk, tailgate, all grafted onto a 500E, without letting that one's cut-down body get too soft in the process to ensure everything remains straight.

My Dad had this car and he was so proud, so was I. My best memory with my Dad is him picking me up abruptly from my Mum's house and us driving from Lusaka Zambia to Harare Zimbabwe for the weekend. He had a business there. He was a pilot so he drove expertly and fast. It was like I was on a very expensive, air conditioned and cushiony rollercoaster ride. With Luther Vandross, Lionel Richie, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston blasting through the cassette radio. We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel and were woken up by the sounds of motorcycles and police sirens. I went to the balcony and President Mugabe's motorcade was going down the street. 10 or more of this very Mercedes speeding by, with outriders stretching as far as the eye could see. Great memory surrounding this car. I was about 8 or 9 years old.

This popped up on my feed, an I just couldn’t stop watching! What an incredible piece of machinery.

Bruno Sacco is a genius. W124, R129 and W140 are absolute pinnacles of modern Mercedes-Benz.

I think it's still one of the most beautiful "modern" Mercedes ever made, together with the 190 EVO 2.

This is some of the finest youtube'ing I've ever seen.

When I was a kid (I’m 45) MB were really the top of the line. They had a reputation of being built like tanks with indestructible engines. I think you nailed it when you said today they’re built by accountants not engineers. Well done video!

From a lifelong Mercedes-Benz fan, this is the best video I've ever watched!

I've loved the creation of the W124 since I was a kid in Germany when it was introduced in late 1984 as a 1985 Upper-Mid Class Car. This particular Car was the beginning of the insane one up- man-ship between Mercedes-Benz and BMW in that segment much as previously the Battle between the W201 Baby Benz 190E Evolution and the BMW M3. I remember when Automotive Journalists compared the cost of the (C124) AMG Mercedes Hammer's Brakes to the entire cost of an M5 (E34) just to make a point to the reader about the intensity of this rivalry. When AMG gets involved BMW used to benefit from Schnitzer or Alpina getting involved for an attempt to settle the scores. Anyone here remember Opel's Omega getting the Lotus Treatment that resulted in a creation that could outperform even the 500E? It could do 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and come close to the 285km/h mark. It's time we change the way we measure performance and focus on 0 - 160 or 0 - 200 as almost everybody can build you a Car that can do 0-100 in under 3 seconds. I miss the 80s when all this was going on! I remember the yellow 911 Turbo S in 1987 that could beat a 747 from 0 - 250 km/h. Another milestone I reminisce about.

Jason Camissa is hands down one of the greatest automotive journalists I have seen in a very long time. Thank you for this series.

I am a mechanical engineer student and I adore these old German sedans, I have two E34s, a Granada, and I would love to have such an iconic car as the 500E one day, they truly don't make them like they used to anymore.

Excellent. Thank you. As a Mechanical Engineer I appreciate the beauty of the W124 design in form and function...my 1991 300e at 451k miles shrugs off aches, rides like a tank, starts at one shot, delivers good MPG, never stranded, and people start asking me in Los Angeles freeways: Want to sell it??...an emphatic and nice NO is always replied.....modern classic indeed....nice video !!

Was raised in Germany and this car is an ICON to me 🥰

My Dad had the 300E 1986, He bought it brand new , This car is indeed the perfect 4 door sedan, built like a tank, straight 6 engine, german engineering at it's finest, very comfortable ride, My dad donated the car in 2015 with 267K miles . Lots of memories

It's simple... An episode with Jason Cammisa deserves a like by itself.

i had a 93 400 E . Car was a torque monster. low revving and would pull until ever ! Lowered the suspension, and for a heavy car , it handled really well. Plus cruising at over 130 , the Blaupunkt stereo was brilliant. Loved that car.

these videos are so necessary, people need to know a little bit of history behind these iconic models! well done sir, well done.

Crediting Derek Tam-Scott as Derek TamHyphen Scott brought such huge smile to my face. GOAT editing

Who directs/edits these? Absolutely deadly work - this is how you capture a host who can carry a show. I promise, I don't usually get this excited.

I worked as a Mercedes Benz Mechanic in the late nineties and the early two thousands, apart from being the best job I ever had, it had the pleasure of working on the best cars that the world had to offer. The E500 was one of those cars and the importance of a massive V8 in that compact sedan was not lost on us and whenever we had one come in, we treated it very gently because, despite it being one of the best cars ever made, very few were ever purchased in comparison to all the other models Benz made, and as such they were rare and seen as an incredible work of art that had been created to blow the doors off BMW, a slap in the face of the Bavarians if you will. But one thing we always clear to me working at Mercedes Benz, the Younger German executives bought BMWs and they were nice cars, and I worked on many of them at the Benz Dealership, having customers with bad tastes in their mouths from BMW dealerships, and after the Executives grew older, more refined and maturer, he bought Mercedes Benz cars because Luxury and comfort were much more important than Performance. And this was almost always the real truth behind German Car sales. a good majority of Mercedes owners used to own BMWs but were "Converted" to the Mercedes line as not only a much higher level of status, but also of reliability. I was shocked to learn that BMW cars pretty much had the same long term reliability as the average Ford or Chevrolet, but Mercedes Benz Long term Reliability was vastly higher than any other manufacturer save for Toyota. I could give you hundreds of examples to support this statement, having been incharge of not only pre-delivery Inspections of New Mercedes Benz Models to their customers, but also in charge of used car inspections when they came in from the Auctions, and BMW, though having a high initial quality, they dropped sharply at about the ten to 15 year level, having need of some very stupid repairs that shouldn't ever be an issue with a German manufacturer, such as fit and finish trim inside and out , body panel rust issues and wear on components that even Ford had mastered long ago. In short, BMW was cheaping out on many parts that seemed to last for about 10 to 15 years and then start failing. BUt this was never an issue for BMW, really, because almost all of BMW owners would trade in their models long before this time for a newer one, but there were some hold out customers that thought that BMWs were just as good as Mercedes Benz....a mistaken conclusion. and I had a long list of Customers that I worked on their cars personally who used to think that way, but had been woken up by their 15 year old BMWs issues, and came in to Mercedes Benz to trade in their BMW for a Real German Luxury Car. And we can see in many aspect, at least in the crowds that I associated with, that Mercedes Benz owners held onto their cars, basically until they died, but BMWs were sold on down the road for newer ones because they didn't want the hassle of having to replace practically everything in the car aby the 20 year mark. So when we saw an E500 come in, it was treated very, VERY gently because not only were they RARE as hen's teeth (because of the crazy price tag they demanded for them) but they were a collectors piece that would end up in auto shows as an example of Mercedes engineering that put performance ahead of luxury, or at least on equal terms, which, if you know anything behind Benz mentality was a serious rarity. SO yes, they were beautiful but most long term Benz Customers payed the model no attention, because the E-class was a compact model, intended for people with a lower income bracket than the S-class or SL models. so it is a very rare car, despite it being perhaps the most perfect compact sedan ever made, it was small, and cramped inside compared to the S-class. and although many Benz buyers could easily afford it when considering the cost of the S-class cars, it wasn't appealing to them, so most of the buyers of the E500 were a small fringe group of Benz buyers, or BMW customers that wanted a Benz that could compete with their Beloved Bavarian automobile, and as a plus they could proudly claim they were a Mercedes Benz owner. I would have bought one in a heartbeat if one would ever come up for sale, which was NEVER. but I was a young man back then and would have loved to own ANY Mercedes Benz, but an E500 would be on a different level. even today, that car is fawned over when it is seen, due to being so rare.

I really enjoy your videos. They are historically spot on, a perfect length, and hit the pros and cons with exceptional balance. It is like the Easter egg of car videos, so keep it up!

I learned to drive in this car without having a clue about what was under the hood. 25 years later and I have been looking for a car as good as this one ever since. There is simply no match. It's a masterpiece.

Finding little gems like this is why I still have hope for the YTube.

Jason, you're gifted in storytelling. Can you please do a part two with the W201 and it's EVO versions... Please ?

I love Jason Camisa's style. Manages to create a mesmerizing piece every time, making people long for the car he's talking about. So good that a BMW guy like me now NEEDS a W124.

My father bought a W124 in 98' I was about 2 years then. I'm 24 now and I still feel like a little kid when my father drives me in it in summertime 23 years later. Why does my dad still keep it? He totally agrees, it is the most perfect sedan in the world.

Im 25 years old, pretty young but ever since I was a kid, this has always been my dream car.

When I was back in high school, this was one of my favorite cars. I always wanted but never could get.

I live near Stuttgart and i basically see this mercedes atleast 5 times a day. I never thought about how old it actually is as allmost all of them are in good condition. Its very rare to see an bmw or audi from that time on the streets. Just speaks to how crazy well engendered Mercedes used to be

This car is truly a timeless piece of beauty. Never knew a four decade old car could look so captivating..

I remember having the opportunity to buy one of these in 2002 for $6,000 or around there. I didn't do it because I was concerned with Mercedes Benz reliability. Then a few years later I bought a W124 with an inline 6 and never had one issue with the car. That was when I realized the mistake I had made. That 500e would have been a way better car to own. Lessons we learn in life.

This was by far one of the best made videos that I have seen on RU-vid, the sound quality, camera angles and movement, the music, information and the presentation (I could go on and on) but anyway beautiful job

It's like less than a month I know jasson and by far he is my favorite car journalist ever, Having a pretty damn awesome sence of humor combining his flawlessly way of transporting knowledge has made these videos something beyond this world

Including the little driving footage I was desperately waiting for at the end made this video a 10/10 for me.

I've never identified with a car reviewer more than when Jason gingerly caressed those fender flares

Greetings from Malaysia, I have 4 units of the W124, 2-E260 and 2- CE230, I just cant imagine the comfort, handling and durability of these cars, I simply love them .

I went to school in one of those, memories...I like all your videos! All the valuable information you give are highly appreciated! Thank you

I worked at a Mercedes Benz dealership for over 19 years (starting in 1988). The500E was an awesome car and fun to drive. The video says no Porsche parts, but I remember standing at the parts counter as they ordered transmission parts from Porsche for a 500E. My friend who still works there had one. He always floored it when we went to lunch. Good times.

I just discovered this video. I have a 1989 W124 200, which has done 446 000 km - every thing still original and she goes like a bomb. When I give my grandchild's friends a lift from school, they always say, "wow, it rides so smoothly" even though their parents have the latest models of all types of vehicles. I love my Merc as it goes untouched from service to service. Other cars dread colliding with it as it is like a tank in comparison with many of the flimsy cars of today. Although it has been a family car for years, the interior is immaculate and so too the exterior (except for a bit of rust at rear window (coastal car)). Still quite a few in my Town looking super good. You can park them next to the latest models and it will stand proud. Thanks for the excellent presentation.

You are incredibly entertaining and a topics are 10/10. Not many really knew this story behind this Benz

This have to be most elegant video about Mercedes 500E I've seen. IS very iconic and timeless car.

Can we talk about the wheels? Seriously the sexiest looking OE wheels in history

I had the opportunity to buy this car in 2003 (I was the second owner) and it was such a joy to drive. It was hugely misunderstood as a car, and had an army of critics who mocked everything about it. All I can say is that it was way ahead for it's time.

Love that at the end we get to see a POV drive, no music, no talking just the sound of the engine on a winding road.

You my friend are by far the most knowledgeable person on cars, car histories, their comparative histories and their contexts within the modern times in the world my brother....

That driving bit was the cherry on top of one of the finest pieces of automotive content I've seen in a while.

When I was a high school senior (2002) I worked at a body shop after school and there was one that had a fender bender and it sat there for like 8 months and the inside of it was immaculate.

This had to be one of the best and most interesting Videos I've seen on RU-vid so far, I've Owned a E500 in the mid 90's, Never knew the history of it in this detail and now it's making me want to go find one and restore it.

The algorithm sent me your way and this is a hell of a video to get my first exposure to you on. Excellent work. Beyond superb.

Still an incredibly handsome car, and you can tell that the build quality is fantastic just by looking at the panel gaps and precision with which it was made. I would’ve loved to have seen these offered with a stick, that would’ve been perfection.

What a beauty. I remember the first Merc I rode in when I was little was a W124 which my dad owned as his first German car. Fond memories. He'd always been a fan even after selling his W124. He would flip W124s once in a while as a hobby while earning some profit from them...Sadly, he passed away exactly a month ago. As for myself, I own a W202 C230 Kompressor (manual transmission) for 8 years. Enjoy every second of driving it. My dad played a major role in helping me to keep the car in mint condition. As a way to honor and remember my late dad, I will never ever sell my W202 and will make sure it lasts forever.

Great video! Whenever work got tough, I would think of all the hard work that the Mercedes engineers had to get through and then I would feel better.

Thank you for making it interesting to watch all the way through and of course it was educational.

I bought a 1992 500E for $31,000 in 2002…it had 38K miles on it and it was an awesome car. The best car I’ve ever owned, save the A/C. This car garnered looks, thumbs up, compliments and requests to drive her. She gave me nothing but good times and great memories. I wish I still had her. I sold her to a California couple because the black leather interior was a heat sink in the Texas summers and the A/C just couldn’t cool the cabin or us. But that car was a dream…better than the BMW, Porsche and other sleds I’ve owned. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this car today because no one makes a car like this. No one. Thanks for this. I truly enjoyed it. 👍🏼

Only the Germans can work together despite being rival brands. It does make me appreciate their friendship even more.

Its good to have these types of vehicles/automobiles that knows not just the brand, most of all it is the quality, the engineering, the applications, the design and aesthetics. It is a must have for most that knows the details of quality that is built to last. Congratulations Mercedes Benz.

My dad gave me a w 124 when I was 18. It had about 550000 miles on it being a former Taxi. I changed oils and filters and drove across Europe like it was brand new. I miss that car and those times. It was a beauty . Yo uh don't see them anymore on German roads.....

My father owned a '86 300E which still works perfectly up to this day after tens of years in service, then this video just make me to appreciate more about that car.

I have a 1992 Mercedes 500E that still kicks with 240,000 miles. Soon I’m going to restore it and truly create a beast on the road. There is a reason this was called the “first Porsche sedan”. This is truly a special car and no other classic I’ve driven is like it. Loved you video to truly showcase just why this is an awesome car!

These videos are PERFECT, please keep making them.

The camera work and production quality of the video with the amazing storytelling is insane!!

this popped up yesterday in my feed and today the first car I passed on my way to work was a mint 500E. Mind was blown with the biggest grin on my face.

So great to watch someone praise my beloved W124... she lasted our family just under 30 years, eventually replaced by a superb W211... thank you 🙏🏼

We NEED to see an episode deep diving on the W124 wagon's legendary quality and ability. NEED.

Thank you Jason, what a great show case of this fantastic 80’s icon, I lived these little screamers ever since their debut, I was in high school then. I’m still hopeful that I’ll find one to buy for myself, sooner or later, lol! One of these and a trans am I’ll be happy! Here’s to your channel thanks, most definitely “liked” and “subscribed”!

I absolutely love your personality during all your interviews well done my friend! Subscribed 👊🏼

"So you don't back over your neighbour's kid...by accident". Good one

Wow, I just discovered this channel and it was an instant subscribe for me. The content and narration is excellent.

That was some awesome driving there at the end! My dad always said you should never drive so fast you have to have both lanes so you can have an out if needed. Most people I know don't follow that (Not that I've never been guilty of it) and its nice to see folks that do.

I'm stunned by the production quality of this video. Here ... Take my sub.

I’m loving the Revelations series with Jason Cammisa. A lot of stuff people don’t know and packages it into a really interesting, digestible episode.

I haven't enjoyed a car review like this in such a long time, Great job!

One of the best videos about a car ever made!

Can I request an episode on the E34 M5?

I used to work for Mercedes Benz and I had the unique honor and pleasure of driving a brand new 500E several times, until it was sold to a customer. It was a fantastic car. The handling was excellent and I loved the 300 E of time but the 500 was a whole different animal and the engine and suspension made it epic. The seats were comfortable but firm and you knew were driving a fast sports car as soon as you sat down. It was a fantastic car.

There is no other channel that I would rather watch history on. Keep up the Work G.

Great video, expertly told and shedding light on a period in automotive history where anything was possible but build quality was the first consideration.

This guy, jay leno and Clarkson are the only guys I like to hear talk about cars.

Thanks for the superb flashback!

Oh man... That star at the end of the hood. I'm driving a new E400d today but I still remember and miss that view with the star from my 2nd car: The 190e 4-gear automatic. Ps.: I loved that it started out on the 2nd gear. It made city cruising so calm and smooth 🙂

Watched this vid some time ago, thought it was brilliant, informative and entertaining. Love the car, the W124s were probably the best sedans ever made. A clean example will still turn heads today. The 500e and AMG Hammer were legends in their own lifetimes. And yes it is the world's most perfect sedan.

2:58 My God that single wiper. I can't forget how I used to love watching it on those rainy days while my dad drove me to school.

You got the same vibes and soul of the old British top gear when reviews a car or talk about it, cheers for the great job

so well narrated, thanks man!

They have souls... my 90's childhood was spent with W124 and S500. Thank you Mercedes for showing me the world, with your beautiful light.

I have so many great memories about the W124. My dad had one, I was sitting on his lap steering maybe 8years old. This was the moment I became a lifelong Mercedes fan and owner.

Hagerty videos have reclaimed their position amongst the best automotive videos on RU-vid, well certainly those narrated and produced by Camissa and his crew, 4-shore, in addition to the long-standing other themed videos like barn find. I imagine that Hagarty is quite ecstatic for its decision to beef up its brand with Jason. Keep up the great work!

Thank you, Jason, absolutely fascinating, one of your best!

Jason. I've been watching your content for about 5 years. You have never ceased to amaze me. Please keep going with videos here.

I really adore the piece of driving down the winding road at the end of each series. Great idea. Thank you!

Probably one of the best videos (if not the best) i've ever seen.

That "Old and stodgy" was perfectly delivered.😎 Props and subscribed.🤞

These pre-electronics cars were amazing. Simpler to fix, with cheaper parts. Their upper bound of maintenance costs were dictated by manufacturing and design flaws. Now, every component is so complex, that the smallest fixed require massive costs and non isolated replacements

I would watch a car show that this guy presents every day. Clearly he loves cars!

Great video man. What a time it was

I love your show, all the way from RSA ex colonies, keep up the good work, exceptional story telling ability and wonderful unconventional humor.

I've been in love with that car since I was a kid after I saw the French movie Taxi. The German bank robbers were driving those