Added a 300SD to the stable - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Lambrettaman · #1 02-02-2017, 08:04 PM

A few months ago, my wife spied what she thought was a W123 sedan at a wrecking yard. It looked like it was in fine shape so she stopped for a look. It was in fact a W116, 1980 300SD. Paint almost flawless, no cracks on the dashboard, 240k miles. Only problem was that it wouldn't start. We had it towed to our indy and found out that it had overheated badly and the motor was toast. We negotiated a screaming deal on the car and found a donor 617 motor from a W123 locally.

What an amazing car Mercedes built. It is so much more than just a bigger W123. It is a dream to drive.

HarvAMG · #2 02-02-2017, 08:08 PM

Congrats. I personally believe the 116 is a far superior car to the 123 in every way. Come on over to w116.org for info.

tyl604 · #3 02-02-2017, 08:39 PM

Another great car saved. Thanks for that.

t walgamuth · #4 02-02-2017, 11:12 PM

Great looking car! Congratulations!

ROLLGUY · #5 02-03-2017, 12:43 AM

My second 'Benz was a yellow 1980 300SD exactly like yours, and I thoroughly loved that car. I have had several 116's since, but none as good as the first one. I can't imagine back in the day, anyone driving a better car. There is a member here that has one with over a million miles on it. Thanks as well for saving another on of these great cars.

strelnik · #6 02-03-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lambrettaman

A few months ago, my wife spied what she thought was a W123 sedan at a wrecking yard. It looked like it was in fine shape so she stopped for a look. It was in fact a W116, 1980 300SD. Paint almost flawless, no cracks on the dashboard, 240k miles. Only problem was that it wouldn't start. We had it towed to our indy and found out that it had overheated badly and the motor was toast. We negotiated a screaming deal on the car and found a donor 617 motor from a W123 locally.

What an amazing car Mercedes built. It is so much more than just a bigger W123. It is a dream to drive.

Terrific car! My lawyer has one.
Only issue might be that the HVAC system can give out and die and is difficult to access and repair. He went through hell one hot summer until it was fixed.

HVAC parts might be something to check on. Any more in that wrecking yard?

strelnik · #7 02-03-2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarvAMG

Congrats. I personally believe the 116 is a far superior car to the 123 in every way. Come on over to w116.org for info.

You really can't compare the 116 to the 123. Compare it to the early 126, which is the next generation.

I like them both My lawyer has the 1980 116 and I have the 82 126

The OM617.951 is a great power pack!

Diseasel300 · #8 02-03-2017, 10:51 AM

Every time I see an Americanized W116 I just die a little inside. What a wonderful car, ruined by those "park-bench" bumpers and the HIDEOUS headlights! WHY!

The W116 is one of my favorite Mercedes models, with the exception of the US-spec trim. I even like the color of yours, it seems to be a common color on the W123's I see around here. Perfect for the era, but please give that car the dignity it deserves - ditch the bumpers and those lights!

brownrice78 · #9 02-03-2017, 10:28 PM

Nice score. The W116 is my favorite. They seem so hard to find nowadays