Thoughts on the W116
 

I love the style of these cars and I am sitting on the fence getting on.
Talk me into it or outta it

I want to talk you out of it because I'm thinking about the same thing. One less person in the market for one reduces the price.

Go for it. The W116's will only get more rare with time. You have to look pretty hard to see them on the road today. Other than mine, I have really only seen 3 or 4 other ones in the Philadelphia area on my local roads in the last year! In my opinion the level of interior comfort has yet to be matched by any. Most have power windows and a sunroof. The A/C can be a hassle when it is in need of repair. But if you don't skimp and you have it correctly repaired you're in good shape. The diesels are pretty simple and straightforward. The same engine (with minor modifications) was used in the W126 and W123 cars up until late 1985.

These cars love the highway. This is truly one autobahn cruiser that has not gotten the attention it deserves over the years. These cars are overwhelmingly stylized and easily pass as modern classics. If you get one, you will not regret it. Look for one that has been garaged. These cars are built well but from the look of some that I have seen the weather can get to them if they are not taken care of. I've never had any issues like that with my car. The original paint still glistens in the sunlight. Even the original rims still have the shiny clearcoat from the factory.

In closing...I would reccomend to go out and drive one and get a feel.

I have 2 W123, 1 W124, and a W116. The 116 is my favorite. The inerior is simple but a work of art. The body lines are classic and the right ammount of chrome. It handles like a sports car should.

Driving the W116 has been described as "dancing with a fat lady that really knows how to dance". They do handle well.

Other than the servo cc, I love the 116.

buy it
 

One of my biggest regrets is passing on a beautifully maintained 1979 300SD. Don't get me wrong, I love the 123 but there is something about the 116 that always makes me stop and stare. I love the dash/instrument binnacle especially. One of the few mercedes that I think looks better with euro lights.
Buy it.


Kevin

1979 240D manual
1978 300D

Don't buy it so that I can enjoy a big supply of them that nobody seems to want. :D

BUY!!

If I had to describe a Mercedes-Benz to someone, who had no idea of what one is, a picture of the W116, is what I would use! They are Classic, and get better to the eye, as they age.

I am thinking along the same lines, of whether, or when, should I pull the trigger. A Diesel, 4.5 or 6.9 even. Try to buy the nicest one you can find, it will be cheaper in the long run....:pleased:

Just don't come shopping in my neighborhood:D. I am looking hard for one and I am going to be picky about it. Gonna be diesel of course, and rust free. I would also like to have a nice interior to start since they are getting harder and harder to find. I feel it would be a nice step up from this parts car I am driving:o

I'm sure you guys have already heard that I am selling mine...

1980 300SD Turbo Diesel
Manufactured 11/79
124,000 original miles
No Rust
Light Ivory Exterior (9.5/10)
Tobacco Tex Interior (10/10)
Routine valve adjustments always performed.
In my family since new.
Everything works.
No accidents.
Garage kept.

Just throwing that out there!