Regardless of the suspension bits being the same they do handle differently. I've owned 2 W116 SD's and 2 W126 SDL's and the 116 is more nimble for lack of a better description. Perhaps the difference in feel is due to the LWB of the SDL? Different body styles? Aerodynamics? Tire size? Perhaps a little bit of all that.

__________________
Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
95 C280
73 280SEL
90 300D
87 300SDL (X2)
86 560SEL
84 300D
80 300SD

Manual seats...

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

Some 126 had torsion bars. All 116 had torsion bars.They are considerably bigger looking than the swaybar used on the 126. This could have alot to do with the nimble feeling. Comparing a LWB to a standard is apples and oranges.

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Just saw a beautiful black 116 SD parked outside the local hardware store. Didn't get a chance to talk to the owner. I agree that they do have a more sporty feel than the 126.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I bet you're right. The one in the rear of my SDL is puny... I think the stock one on my TDI is bigger :S

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

All the above - not bargy, not mushy, taut, nimble, responsive, and....badass:

Attached Thumbnails

   

__________________
'83 SD, 2x '85 SD
You are entitled to your own opinions, you are not entitled to your own facts.

Drive one:

road - YouTube

You'll see.

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

I'm trying to be patient before buying a W116. I have to told myself that I need to finish my 300TD and sell the other 300TD first.

My self- control has been seriously tested. I've come across a two original paint w116's for $1,000-$1,500 here in Southern California.

Keep telling myself, I will find the right one when time is right. So perhaps I find a original paint w116 in "China Blue" or "Yellow" next year.

Still #1

Looked at my tax stuff for last year and I did 56,000 miles. Maybe 500 miles of that was in the Caddy and the rest was in either of my W116's.

I was making the 120 mile trip home from my current assignment and enjoyed every mile

I usually get bored with cars pretty quickly so this is really saying a lot!

Mostly trouble free as well...

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

My VIN ends with 000433

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

Yep...still wearing original paint too!!!

__________________
Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

Sweet Doc

I want one of these:

Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Unfortunately MB never built what I REALLY want. A SWB, no sunroof, euro 6.9 model with ACC and aluminum trunk and hood...

I'll probably eventually get a US 6.9 but running costs would prevent it from being a DD. That's what 300SD's are for

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

Nice car! Are those US military plates?

I agree I have driven all the diesel versions. The 116 is by far my fav car ever!

Yes, originally driven in Germany and then shipped back to the US. This was during the period where all gray market cars had to be converted to US spec...

__________________
Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership