Mercedes-Benz W124: "The Masterpiece" - H&L Enthusiasts Series
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2022
- Mercedes-Benz W124: "The Masterpiece" - H&L Enthusiasts Series
In some countries, the final batch of the Mercedes-Benz W124 was sold as the limited edition Masterpiece in 1995. With the impending release of its successor, the Mercedes-Benz W210, the remaining units of W124 were fitted with additional and unique accessories not found in stock models of the time.
As part of our H&L Enthusiast Series, we share the stories of the owners, the cars, and what makes them so special and worthy to be cherished and preserved as a time capsule and glimpse into the world that was.
If you have an interesting classic car and would like to share it and your story, and you are based in the area of Greater Kuala Lumpur, please feel free to let us know in the comments below or drop us an email and we would be grateful to get in touch with you.
We had the privilege of spending the day with this Mercedes-Benz E280 Masterpiece, proudly owned by fellow enthusiast Tony who graciously shared his perspective on this limited edition W124.
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very nice , no, its an excellent video on the Masterpiece , and you definitely have a well-care for 280. I understand, there were about 3000 ++ Masterpieces made by Cycle and Carriage as they were phasing out the 124 models for the newer E series, the 210 models. To give these iconic 124 a grand send off, ( or to push, to clear stock) C&C as a marketing gimmick, decided to up the specs on these last few thousand cars to create this flagship brand, called the Masterpiece Series ! The top of the range came with the 2800 engine, followed by the most common 2200cc and finally (Baby Masterpiece) the 2000cc. Singapore C&C took the bulk these luxury cars, and introduced them as the white Masterpiece luxury taxis. (very popular used in Singapore as airport limos and wedding cars) However as car life cycles in Singapore is only about 10 years most of the Masterpieces there have been destroyed or sold off to 3rd world nations where they remained as taxis . It is estimated that there are less than 1000 Masterpieces left in the whole world. thus keep your car as it is, can only keep apricating in value, If however you feel you want to sell it or want it to go to a appreciative owner, please message me, I will be trilled to carry on the tradition of caring for these icons!. I was lucky to have picked up one of these beauties, the baby masterpiece, in its original paint with the original (working ) radio!.
.k i
Good info Ruben but some corrections. The white W124 C&C brought in for taxi use were not Malaysian made but were from India. They only came with a diesel power plant as can be identified by the fender grill at the front. The limousine versions from private companies may have been the ones made in Malaysia. Despite being a very young boy when these were released, I remember seeing so many masterpiece versions with private registrations. I believe these were very popular in Singapore too just before the introduction of the W210. Although there are quite a number of early W124's that were converted to Masterpiece editions. They were generally the E200 versions. I don't think they brought in many higher displacement models due to the exorbitant road tax here.
everyone who save w124 is a hero
I have one manufactured 1990. Inherited from my late father. His favorite car and most reliable for long journey...
Incredibly reliable cars. It would be worthwhile to restore and keep to last you another 30 years
@@HLClassics i hope so.. tq
In my opinion, the two unforgettable vehicles in the world are the W124 and W140.
Both are amazing, solid, and over-engineered vehicles. :)
@@HLClassics Thank you so much for your contributions.
@@HLClassics w123 and 126 are in there as well
And then rite in the middle of 124 and 140 comes the legendary W126. For the love of God, a few 3rd world embassies and Russian crime syndicates have a 560SEL or two still in service! 👌🤌👍
Agreed
Your Masterpiece very nice indeed sir...awesome. I got one w124 since 1999 when i was 24 years old as my daily driving. Now i am 47 and still love it every single day.
Same car for 23 years? That's awesome!!
Bought my S124 almost two years ago at 41. Had been my dream car since I was 14. Love it!
You'll definitely have many more years and miles of enjoyment with your S124!
Can definitely agree on the appeal to younger generations bit as a young guy with a 124 👍🏻
For the young and financially savvy, they might find the W124 a better value proposition over a brand new Honda Civic.
Great interview! I’m one of the “younger” enthusiasts he spoke of. And my father also used to have a 124 (and 123), which has fueled my addiction for these. :)
I don’t think they is a better word to describe my 500E. Great video
Thanks!
w124 masterpiece is a lifetime. glad to own this too💫
It is indeed a masterpiece!
I’m in love with my w124 e250 Turbo very very nice condition , it’s good to a man in that age and still show love to the w124
I also driving my W124 E320 1995 M/T Masterpiece. I bought from new and right now still running well and comfortable. My W124 make me confidently.
How is the M/T ? Quite rare maybe?
Boss.. how bezakan ori masterpiece dgn model.lain
W201, W124, W140...the Holy trinity of cars
Please add the SL R 129 as well!
I've managed to get ahold of a 1994 e320 with the larger inline 6, that's sadly been modified and isn't in the best shape, but as a result it was very very cheap, and I've managed to buy it in full with cash at the age of 20. And while it's beat up, and has some dumb stuff like a non functioning aftermarket sound system which seemingly has blown out all the speakers, the car runs and drives near flawlessly, and doesn't even have tons of body damage or fading etc, ultimately I think I've gotten ahold of a car that's going to clean up really nicely and be an incredible daily driver once I've got everything sorted.
Well done.. In USA?
I also own an W124 and I love it. You could add a double brake booster to improve the brake.
I had my W210 10 years ago and still daily it and I would like to get myself a W124. I just turned 35, these cars do have a young gen appeal.
We are young ourselves, and we keep buying older cars, lol
I recently bought a red Mercedes 260E 1989, from the previous owner of 29 years (since 1995) in JB, This car will be our main chariot for the JB to Singapore weekly excursion. I also have a 1984 300GD Auto G-wagon and a 1984 280SE Auto S-Class W126. Malaysia is a great place for older cars. Cheaper petrol and great mechanics and parts supply.
Mercedes Benz sits above all the other car manufacturers.....it will always be this way.
Hope it will continue to be!
One of your best videos!A proud owner of a w124 1993 with M111 engine.
Thanks for watching and supporting!
Very nice vid and channel 👍Greetings from Germany to Malaysia. Good examples of the W124 are now hard to find even in Germany.
Danke! Worthwhile to preserve the few good examples remaining
Hi nice to meet you on this video....i remember meeting you at kenzone at kelana jaya...some time back....fyi....the merc w124 masterpiece was a unique malaysian creation, done by then merc distributor, cycle and carriage malaysia...with the main of clearing off their old stock..with extra embellishment such as different alloys, wooden trims etc....and ironically in 1996, cycle and carriage sold ckd w210 merc e280 with a 2.8 v6 sohc triple valve twin sprark plug configuration with a 5 speeds box...interesting times
Hi bro! Yes remember was January 2021..Ken serviced the brakes and gave her a thorough check over up on the ramp.Hope your machine is running good too!
@@flyinghedgehog3833 nice to hear from you...thus far my vw polo gti 9n3 turbo manual is still being sorted out by my mechanic, minor items.. .and the car should be running well...congrats again on your w124 purchase....it is a lovely car....do take care and do keep iin touch
I have 6 old Mercedes’, 2 124s a convertible and wagon! Thank you for great video
Had a smoked grey one with 3.0 liter diesel engine and a white one 2.0 liter gasoline, were best cars ever, in all purposes. Reliable, durable, comfortable, some true Mercedes. I'm sure now, best Mercedes are W108 and W124...
My W124 get all over 300 000 kms easy and still "fresh engine"...
Very nice. The W124 is going to be a collector soon. I have a 95 E320. Really well built. The carpets are still REAL wool. Nowadays real wool is only on the S class! Enjoy and keep well.
In 20 years, the W124 would be immensely desirable as a classic!
Thanks Anthony.. The E320 is a great machine!
E320! WOW.
Thank u for e video n it was a very good interview n insights.
Thank you for watching!
Irreplaceable, unforgettable & irepeatable car ever even by Merc. itself.
Time will only tell if my W211 can stay as old as this W124 does.
Been having a W211 E240 since 2019 and because of the amount of electronics it has, it requires the owner themselves to sometimes outsmart mechanics because a simple blown fuse can sometimes trigger the car to not start, or even go into limp home mode where meter declares ESP DEFECTIVE. Hence when something wrong happens to a W211, don't panic, always depend on a proper Mercedes scan tool like an iCarSoft so that you can dive down to know the exact diagnosis.
Also, always try the cheapest method before going to mechanics. If car idles funny, some say u leave the key in accessories mode for 3 minutes, then plug out the key and put it back in, still leave the key in accessories for just maybe 3 seconds then crank. If that's too cumbersome to say the least, put the key in, let it stay for 3 seconds, turn to accessories and leave it for 3 seconds. Repeat le cycle once, then take key out and wait 10 seconds. Then start the car. This method applies for most ETB (electronic throttle body cars) so of course cars like the M104 powered W124 probably doesn't need such annoying processes just to take it out for a drive in a breezy morning.
This UK fellow is also very smart to have gotten the facelifted version of the W124. Normally cars are known to be more reliable if they have been facelifted. Too bad I got the prefacelift W211 haha.
We believe the W211 would not last as long as the W124. The pre-facelift has the problematic SBC system, and the post-facelift lacks reliable petrol engine options for the most part. We reckon only the W211 diesel and the petrol V8 models will endure.
@@HLClassics I'd beg to disagree. Down here in Australia, I recently helped a mate of mine get a facelifted '07 W211 E280 for AUD 9500. It's done 230,000+ kilometers to date (slightly under 220k at time of purchase), but hasn't had any problems (it also helped that it was well-maintained on schedule at Merc specialists). Good old brakes (none of that SBC rubbish), and it had the M272 engine without the balance shaft issues (after engine number #468993). None of that rubbish M271 4-cylinders that were maligned with timing chain problems. It was as basic as it could get (16" rims, semi-electric front seats, no electrically folding mirrors, the most basic infotainment system, front-only sunroof, halogen headlights), but that also meant less things to break.
I adore the W211's design, the rear especially. But concerned about the electronics and SBC and getting the right mechs to care for it. Planning to get one. Now driving a W124.
Cool car and best owner!
I absolutely love my e300d w124 best car I've owned so smooth needs some love but only gave 800$ with no rust deal of a life time
I have a black on black 1995 sw124 with e500 e36 style euro kit and lowered with mono-block amg off set.
Love my wagon.
Very nice! S124s are worth keeping
My father used to own this magnificent of a car an infact was his first Mercedes. Unfortunately he sold it after replacement parts kept being expensive. He was only able to drive the car for only 2 years, which may seem to be a short period of time. But to him, it was more than enough
👍 car.
I grew up at my grand parrents and my grand dad had a 1991 560 SEC (C126). The first car I ever drove.
And now I own two W201/190E and a W124/300E. Im 28. 🤷🏼♂️
I only need a 126 to complete my simple collection. 🤣
Love that era of Benz's.
Your collection will never be complete. You have gotten yourself into an endless Mercedes-Benz classic hole that you can't get out of. We look forward to you acquiring your 10th Mercedes-Benz when you hit 30.
Im sure this is the same engine used from the c class..they started using them on the later models of the w124..great engine ither that that biodegradable loom that needs replacing every now an again..
But what a motor car.
Engineered like no other car💪
This is the M104 2.8L engine used on both the W124 and W202 about the same time in 1993. Quite a solid engine.
I remember there were w124 MasterPiece in Hong Kong too
Really? That's fascinating! So far we know of Malaysia and Singapore having Masterpiece editions.
Beautiful I like.the wagon model more. But I cant.find one where I live. Used to have a 190d from 84. Best.car.I ever had. Wouldnt be suprised if.its still going strong somewhere today.
truly masterpiece from MB
Literally, yes!
I was hunting for JDMs fast cars like the SR20s silvia and RB skylines surely I am a pure JDM enthusias. I came across an advert a W124 masterpiece in zircon silver up for sale...and say to myself 'Why not give it a try'. And so, magic happens! W124...Surely a dream to drive ! Now A month of ownership..power,comfort and luxury feel
Welcome to the club..enjoy in good health .in KL?
It was manufactured whole heartedly
The quality is impressive
Thank you for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Indonesia had their own version of Masterpiece, the E220 & E320
Seems that Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Hong Kong had Masterpiece editions
My family owns a c124 300 for 34 years (purchased new) and it is still perfect! ( self evidently never let us down)
Keep it in the family
The next generation is already champing at the bit : “Dad, can I have grandma’s Mercedes’?”
Regular basic maintenance like oil changes etc..good for another 34 years!
I've had a bmw 335i coupe for nearly 15 years and my C124 for over 6 years , selling the bmw keeping the 124 , no computers, just so classy.
Modern cars don't need as many computers as they currently have, that's our view ;)
Hi Bro... 75K views!
I have a 1995 E320 that I absolutely adore. I have replaced a
Lot of things in it and it’s only at 140000 miles. Love this video and the steering wheel is gorgeous. Where can I get one like that?
The wood/leather steering wheel was a common option available for MB models of the era. It should be easy to source a used one.
Had an E280 Masterpiece years ago. Had an accident (not serious, some body damage) but wasn't repaired well and i got fed up and sold it. Regret it now. It was a lovely car.
Sorry to hear that , at least you enjoyed your time as the owner.
i drive a 1993 W124 400E ( 289K miles on it)
I purchased a 1990 MB 300E in 2013 that was like new; only paid $2,500 for it and thought it was good for a million miles.
One family owned it and they babied that car. It only had 144k miles on it.
However, I was wrong because AGE takes a toll. It may look new but it's an old car (classic old car).
I stated putting $ into it because I could not envision that car going to the bone yard.
I finally had a big decision in 2021 to make as it needed a valve job so here I am again = bone yard or bank acct.
I decided to put the $ into it as this $3,200 should be the fix. It ended costing me $4,800 with motor mounts, new oil pan, etc.
So, I purchased the car for $2,500 and since 2013 have put ~$12,000 into it.
Now I have a beautiful W124 which I pretty much made new from top to bottom; transmission done in 2016.
I did not plan on "rebuilding her" BUT I love this car and could not let her die.
I'm old too and can relate to this little Mercedes = some things are not easily disposable.
You're still on top as there isn't a new car you can buy for that money with the same presence and build quality today.
@@HLClassics That was exactly my thought too pal!
👍 like to see this car in Malaysia ones
nice video.. i have a E280 local masterpiece too. i own mine when i was 28 years old .the odometer if can be change to original i think should be in KM. not miles . add on rear door sun blind. then should be perfect for that .. hope to have chance to meet up. my car in Johor Bahru , fully original with me nearly 9 years and daily drive car .. :) nice to see H&L classic very professional in restore car to original status . good job ..
Yes, odometer and speedometer should be in KMs. There were no UK market Masterpiece cars. Easiest way is to check the VIN.
@@HLClassics yeah indeed .. nice i am impressed by your work done. and many thing u may source the original part. . nice nice..
Let me know if u ever in KL. Yes mine was replaced previously.cheers
@@flyinghedgehog3833 hi nice, u r the owner of this car ? cool ya. sure, i let u know when i go up n free to meet up... will text u ya .thanks should change mobile number here or any place we can private msg?
If u r selling it sometime, please let me know. Im buying....
W124 и w140 это произведение искусства, таких больше не будет. В мире есть два вида автомобиля, первый это мерседес а вторая все остальные марки машин.
True¡¡¡ 👍
mercedes memang terbaik.tiada tandingan
I own an 95’ e220 w124 T model with a 4-speed slushbox, it is very reliable and practical.. its about to pass 400k km. but i gotta maintain quite often because we have a lot of roadsalt in norway that makes the car corrode and rust rather fast..
Its a car that i wanna take care of, but at the same time i really want the sedan or coupe because of the looks, but i also want the practicality of the T-model… maybe get both models😂
(Edit)
I was quite lucky tho, this car is as OEM as it gets, it has never been modded or anything
Like the wagons too.Don't see many in Malaysia.. Just SUV everywhere!
That speedometer though...has been swapped with UK spec 124. Malaysia spec reads in kmh only.
Btw i drive a W210, very affordable now and just a couple of grand difference with 124 today
Quite likely swapped at some point
But the gear handle is on the wrong side! Just kidding!
My 91 300E just passed 600K km lately. These cars can live forever if you take care of them at least moderately, not need for excessively. Hopefully the parts and labor stay that long where I live.
If the parts are available, these will run for a very long time
ima yung blood just 20+ age, granpa bought 230E 1988 masterpiece from UK brought it back home.....i can say i can close the manual book for the KE jetronic 😋
Perfect age to own a W124!
My understanding is that airbag is dependable only for max duration of 15 years, due to deterioration of chemicals encapsulated. Correct me if I m wrong. Thanks
We have had personal experience of the airbag deploying after 25 years. But that doesn't mean that they were designed to last that long. They do have expiry dates.
@@HLClassics
Noted- thanks for sharing; much appreciated.
Very nice video and awesome beautiful specs for this beauty in Malasya. I’m Looking forward to buy a 1995 W124 E420 (W119 engine). Owner says it has A/C malfunction. Sunroof sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, dash lights do not light-up. Any thoughts/recommendations would be highly appreciated. Thanks
Get it inspected by some workshop who really knows this era of MB..where ru based ..USA??
@@flyinghedgehog3833 Mexico actually
@@DanielReyes-ut9xi aha OK I guess you will need good aircon there..maybe try the MB owners forums in USA/Mexico?
@@flyinghedgehog3833 will do. Thanks.
How do we get rid the awful smells in old merc? Appreciate your advice. Tq
And old Mercedes-Benz shouldn't smell bad unless there's mould in the upholstery.
@@HLClassics How do we check it and what treatment can be done
shouldnt smell bad, the old mercs do have a distinct smell, but not a bad one
What about the ICONIC W123?
Coming soon in a future video 😊
But for steer .... i like w124 300 E steer wheel... the 3 star logo still metal logo.. not embose to the plastik steer
Is it petrol or diesel
Petrol
The radio looks out of place to me. To each their own.
I agree...if you come across a Becker Mexico let me know ..thanks.
@@flyinghedgehog3833 saw a few on eBay. Pretty expensive, not sure if it's worth it. Maybe just something that looks period correct will do the trick.
Durable, but *not* reliable. What language is he speaking?
Why do people like these bag of bolts??
Mercedes doesn't build cars like they used to. Compared to my GLC (even though it's Bremen-built), my youngtimer W201 190E-1.8 (it's actually an Australian-market special badged as a 180E built with some Aussie components to dodge import taxes, no tacho, no ABS, no airbags, no sunroof, no rear-seat headrests, no center front armrest, no cruise control) feels way more solidly built, and still feels like it was meant to take abuse. Despite being a cut-price Merc with barely any equipment, it still feels like a proper cruiser and time just slows down every time I'm behind the wheel.
I wrote a long, detailed review about my car before, which can be read here: www.wapcar.my/news/owner-review-youngtimer-classic-review--my-mercedesbenz-w201-190e-18-4222
Great write up.yes designed to last !
Modern Mercedes-Benz cars are built to last the warranty, and that's where they tempt you with agility financing to lease another car.
Its not real wood 😔
Yes it is real wood veneer.