300SD - Torn between the W116 and the W126 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VWGuru&BenzFan · #1 05-23-2007, 01:47 AM

Here are the two cars:

and

The 1980 has 231,000 miles on it, and is considerably cleaner and nicer inside. The door slam is almost erotic.

The 1982 has 315,000 miles on it, and it runs so smoothly, shifts perfectly, has cold AC, and everything electrical works. The locks work. The paint is in great shape.

Things to look for?

#2 05-23-2007, 01:58 AM

They both look very good.

IMHO, the extra $400 they want for the W116 would be worth it.

VWGuru&BenzFan · #3 05-23-2007, 02:18 AM

The W116 is really nice inside. Honestly, I think the stock W116 interior is so much more classic than the W126. I love the W126 though. I think the front end of the W116, with that wack-status, all-business grille is awesome.

MBeige · #4 05-23-2007, 03:36 AM

I don't know, Star European wasn't the most honest to me when we looked for a 300TE...

diametricalbenz · #5 05-23-2007, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

I don't know, Star European wasn't the most honest to me when we looked for a 300TE...

Do they wear polyester, always sound overly confident but have no answers when you have technical questions?

MBeige · #6 05-23-2007, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diametricalbenz

Do they wear polyester, always sound overly confident but have no answers when you have technical questions?

It wasn't polyester

Bo (or was it Peter) wasn't really interested about the car. He mentioned a few things here and there but couldn't answer technical questions really. I mean it's understandable if he was selling a dozen cars, but my first impression was that he wasn't that interested to sell the car. He thought of us as just another customer looking around, when in fact we wanted to look at their '88 TE.

One thing I noticed, is that they repaint some of their cars prior to selling. When I was there, there were around 3-5 that have been repainted already, with matching freshly painted wheels...

rs899 · #7 05-23-2007, 07:00 AM

I know what you mean about the door slam on the W116.

I can't even describe it. Bank vault?

I don't know the prices but for $400 extra I suggest the W116- especially in California assuming the car is rust-free. There just aren't that many left around in good condition. The W126 is a great car too, just a bit more plasticy, less classic looking. Both cars benefit greatly from Euro lights and bumpers on the W116.

Rick

rbardolv · #8 05-23-2007, 02:28 PM

well I have a 126 , I am somewhat in love with it and I never hit the road with her yet as I am doing repairs first to bring her up to speed.... (I have had her for about a month)

But, one thing I must say, is that 116 just turns me on a bit more.... Older look, classic look, call it what you will, to me the more timeless a look and the good shape it is in for that classic year turns me on truly...

Enjoy whatever you get.

TX76513 · #9 05-23-2007, 02:34 PM

I am partial to 126's and that would be my answer. However, with that said I was getting sort of aroused daydreaming about euro'ing the front on that 116

PatricdeBoer · #10 05-23-2007, 03:51 PM

I would opt for the 126. It's more imposing looking than the 116. Those are cool rims too.

Douglas.Sherida · #11 05-23-2007, 03:58 PM

I'd go for the 116 hands down.

Much classier car.

Abner Mality · #12 05-23-2007, 05:09 PM

I own one of each; a 1980 300SD and a 1990 420SEL, and here's my two-cent's worth. The 126 has considerably more rear seat leg room, a stiffer ride, harsher steering, is a hotrod compared to the oil burner, and returns about 20 MPG on premium fuel.

The 300 out rides, out drives, and out looks the 420, AND gives me over 30 MPG consistently. I suspect, too, that it will out last the 420, but that is speculation. Either model has the potential to make an owner very happy. If you get a deal you can live with, good for you, and I doubt you can go wrong either way. Any possibility you can do both?

Rashakor · #13 05-23-2007, 05:26 PM

My vote goes to....

The W116. If the AC alone works it is worth more than the 126. Given that they have the same engine, and in this case the same body length (both S-class short bodies) the ride on the 116 is better and turning radius significantly smaller than the the 126. If the 116 has no rust it is a definitive winner.

mileage wise i would be leery of a 300k car. 200k yes, 300k it need a new chain for sure!!!

Last point, my wife mentioned the poop color of the 126. Cream is so much classier...

Jim B. · #14 05-23-2007, 07:02 PM

Both of them look good. Test drive them both over the same roads and then decide.

Rust is their enemy. White is a nicer color, but the condition, and body style of the car you choose is more important.

dunl · #15 05-25-2007, 02:01 AM

I have a 1980 300SD w116, and I love it. Just bought a 1982 300SD 126, and think I'm going to fall in love with it too.

As for the door slam on the 116....I remember opening and slamming the door about 15 times in a row when I first got the car.....there's a sound you never tire hearing of. My friends would "close" the door, and I would have to tell them "Slam the thing - this is a REAL car, not one of those newer plastic toys!"

Get both, and sell the one you like the least. The 116 is worth more if it is rust-FREE. Not mostly or anything like that, but rust-FREE.