Rough 1980 SD sells for $8400 on BAT - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chasinthesun · #31 11-28-2018, 09:40 AM

If you search a euro version of the w116 you’ll see what I consider one of the best designed cars from the 70s ,it’s not just the lines that the wide body owns but the bumper and lights that the car wears that makes the car a desirable garagable Parker.

Sev · #32 11-30-2018, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiggle Dog

In my opinion, the W116 is better-looking and seems to be higher quality. It is, of course, the S-Class to the E-Class W123. It's also a lot nimbler, has a much sharper turning radius, and is easier to drive than a W126--which feels like driving a big boat that's dragging its anchor, and is hard to park. I've never driven a car with a nicer ride than a W116.

A W116 is built more like a Rolls-Royce when compared to a W123, but it makes sense because the W123 was meant to be a more economy-minded vehicle. The W126 has too much plastic for my liking, and then anything newer than that, might as well just buy a new car.

W116's aren't higher quality than w123. They are essentially equal in build quality. Of course, you're free to try to provide examples of why you think so

w116 does have a sharper turning radius than all w123's--that's one provable fact in your post

I never had a problem parking a w126--I owned a 300se for years. What is the difference in length and visibility between a 450sel and a 300se?

As for plastic, that's quite a leap in the last statement: "might as well buy a new car." There is an appreciable difference between a new car and a w126, and it has a lot more to do with quantity of plastic components.

You make a lot of broad level statements in one brief post. Definitely don't assume that everyone agrees with any of them

Squiggle Dog · #33 11-30-2018, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sev

W116's aren't higher quality than w123. They are essentially equal in build quality. Of course, you're free to try to provide examples of why you think so

w116 does have a sharper turning radius than all w123's--that's one provable fact in your post

I never had a problem parking a w126--I owned a 300se for years. What is the difference in length and visibility between a 450sel and a 300se?

As for plastic, that's quite a leap in the last statement: "might as well buy a new car." There is an appreciable difference between a new car and a w126, and it has a lot more to do with quantity of plastic components.

You make a lot of broad level statements in one brief post. Definitely don't assume that everyone agrees with any of them

Those were my opinions and my explanations for why I feel that way. A W116 does have more wood trim, higher quality interior paneling and parts, and is more highly optioned than a W123 since it was a more expensive car and in a different tier. I also think they are more comfortable and better-looking.

That doesn't mean a person might not still prefer a W123 over a W116. People usually don't agree with me. I'm often the only one in a group who feels a certain way, so it's nothing new to me. I just don't understand the other persons' reasons as they don't seem apparent.

I don't think there is really any appreciable difference in length and visibility between the W116 and W126, but I do know from experience that a long wheelbase W126 is difficult to park. I'm not sure how it compares to a long wheelbase W116 or a short wheelbase W126, but know a short wheelbase W116 has a W123 and W126 beat in turning radius. Not that that's a deciding factor, just a bonus.

Also, what makes you think that the "W123 and W126 are better than a W116 in every way"? 116's are the best... All I keep reading from you is "built better". How is that different than what you are pointing out about me?

I'm not sure what your crusade is against the W116, but not everyone dislikes them as do you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sev

i don't know about 'best'. i mean, the w126 chassis was built better than the 116 in every way. it's heavier, has the same engine, but built better. the 123 is built better than a 116 also, and is lighter, with the same engine, but not as roomy and not built as well, in my opinion, than a 126.

so how does one determine best??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sev

you have to wonder why so few 116's are still on the road today, compared to 123's. because 123's are built better than 116's in every way.

until i see a 116 hoisted up like this:

i will stick to my 201

To which I responded:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiggle Dog

Like this?

Also, you have to understand that there were probably many more W123s, W126s, and W201s built than W116s.

Not that it really matters. The jack points are supposed to be strong enough to support the weight of the car, anyway, and any Mercedes made after World War II will probably stand up to lifting it from all four jack points.

I'm simply expressing my opinion. Sorry if you don't feel the same, but I'm not asking you to, either.