What is the best Mercedes........

[VB123]

This question has been buzzing around my head now for a couple of weeks, What's the best Mercedes?

For me it's either a 123 or 202, leaning more towards the 123. Living where I do, there are a lot of 123's trundling past the later models in breakers yards. So it got me thinking and I'd like your thoughts.

 

[219]

What a question !

Some will tell you that a late '20s/early'30s S/SS/SSK/SSKL is the best ; others a 1950s Adenauer or Gullwing ; yet again W113/108/109 has its devotees .

Some don't care as long as there's an M100 under the bonnet ...........

Of the more modern cars , and given where you live , I'd have thought the W126 in 500 or 560 form would be the King of affordable cars ?

 

[whitenemesis]

The best Mercedes is always the one in your garage!

 

[VB123]

Actually, the 126 is still about, no 140's left mind you....

 

[renault12ts]

Mine.

 

[Phil Thomas]

This question has been buzzing around my head now for a couple of weeks, What's the best Mercedes?

For me it's either a 123 or 202, leaning more towards the 123. Living where I do, there are a lot of 123's trundling past the later models in breakers yards. So it got me thinking and I'd like your thoughts.

I find my 126 good in hot weather, and is both durable and reliable. And you can get it in rauchsilber with matching leather. No contest..............but hang on what about those sports cars? SL's are they? Some quite nice, but not those pagoda things. It all depends if you are looking for a toy or a workhorse I suppose. On that score the 210/211 series are pretty big, but full of problems, not limited to rust.

I suppose there is no one answer. I have just got a courtesy C180k SE, and it seems very gloomy. Silver/ black mostly, and a lot of the black shiny, with bits of chrome all over the place. Still someone will like it: just not my cup of tea. No reason why we should all like the same anyway.

 

[wemorgan]

........the one that is yet to be made.

 

[PXW]

The best for what? Best load-carrier, best handling, best looks, best engine, greenest merc (as in the colour your neighbours turn) etc etc....I would be amazed if any forum (especially this one!) could come to agreement on a question like that

From modern/current mercs, my best family load-carrier would be my e-class, the best longdistance cruiser would be a CL etc etc - you see, I can't even agree with myself

 

[jeremytaylor]

The Vaneo?

 

[stevesey]

The best Mercedes is always the one in your Talbir's garage!

Which one though

 

[A210AMG]

The first one they ever built as without that we may not be in what we are now.

All of them are the best if your happy with it and what it does for your needs.

For me right now I would like an ML63 is it the best NO. fact is an SLR or an old Classic one is no good for my needs.

 

[219]

The best for what? Best load-carrier, best handling, best looks, best engine, greenest merc (as in the colour your neighbours turn) etc etc....I would be amazed if any forum (especially this one!) could come to agreement on a question like that

From modern/current mercs, my best family load-carrier would be my e-class, the best longdistance cruiser would be a CL etc etc - you see, I can't even agree with myself

Agreed !

However I think the OP is talking about longevity since he talks about 'the W123's trundling past the later models in the breakers yards' . Given also that he lives in the U.A.E. , I'd have thought the W126 would be up there since they were built to the same ( or better ) standard than W123 ( they actually share a lot under the skin with the W123 ) and were very popular out in the Gulf States , so I'd have thought a plentiful supply out there . The only other readily available models that come close to W123 and W126 in terms of build quality are W107 and W201 ( all from more or less the same era ) .

 

[VB123]

Hi all, yeah, I just mean, the best to you..... the enthusiast, and why?

What models have really left their mark both in longevity and technological advancements, what models have served you well, I just want to hear your thoughts.

 

[glojo]

This question has been buzzing around my head now for a couple of weeks, What's the best Mercedes?

For me it's either a 123 or 202, leaning more towards the 123. Living where I do, there are a lot of 123's trundling past the later models in breakers yards. So it got me thinking and I'd like your thoughts.

Do you mean the most expensive, the most desirable, the best looking, or most practicle?

I would like the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz estate car as to me the estate car is the most practicle...

What is their most luxurious estate? The 211

If Shude's concept vehicle was ever built, then that would be my dream car

 

[BlackC55]

The 202.

Good to drive, quiet and well built. An ideal 4 door saloon.

 

[Will]

I agree with Olly in a way.

It's strange how things mellow with age.

When I first had 202s back in about 2001/2, I remember thinking that they were lovely 'modern' MBs, but questioned if they were as nicely made as the 201s, etc.

To be honest, I think they pretty much are. They seem to have stood the test of time quite well. Perhaps they don't feel 100% as solid, but they're probably just as reliable overall, whilst being nice to look at/drive etc.

Maybe not quite as DIY-friendly, and I'm not a fan of the early M111 engines (not very smooth or powerful IMHO), but a non-rusty W202 turbodiesel, 230K or 240/280 has to be a good example of affordable, pleasant MB ownership

It's just a shame how early most of them started to rust away. There's still a fair few clean ones about though

Will

 

[C43AMG]

Everyone that i have owned. From the 300SEL 6.3 to my W221 S-Class and in between 1980 450 SEL,560SEL (The W140 i didn't buy to big and to ugly) W220 S-Class, W202 C43AMG .

 

[jaymanek]

My favourites for best built are W123, W126, W201, W124, W202, W140.

My favourite for best looking post 1980 (pre 1980's were almost all beautiful cars): R107

Overall for me the W123 due to its simplicity, looks and build quality...

 

[RBYCC]

You can't overlook the 124 cars....the most over engineered vehicle ever manufactured by Merc...probably more 124's on the road worldwide then any other pre 1990's production Merc

 

[SilverSaloon]

W123, R107 or W124 for me.

W123 or a W124 estate - cant beat them!

R107 for looks