1975 450 SEL

Hello, I have the oportunity to purchase a 1975 450 SEL. I have not seen this car yet and plan on tommorow or tuesday.

Basically I was washing my car and another benz owner approached me and told me he was selling it. It hasnt been started for over a year and needs a few minor repairs from what I was told.

I dont know anything about this model car and quite frankly I wasnt even born yet when this thing was made, so maybe someone here can educate me on it.

Is it a troublesome model, any engine or tranny problems, electrical gremlins, possible classic, etc? I will probably fix it and sell it or just keep it around for the heck of it. Any and all suggestions welcomed.

Also, about how much is this car worth in good condition? Most car guides dont go back that far, lol.

[ymsin]

Where are you writing from Johnson?

Such projects really get me all excited too. The thought of bringing back to live some classic model. But I would think this 75 classic would need minimal upkeep once the engine is rebuilt as it runs on plain mechanice with every little electronic wiring. For such an age, I would think that most of the wires and moving parts needing some form of lubing to get it out from having been well dried, and getting the idle to run smooth.

The only concern would be the consumption as the 75 450 is known to drink by the gallons. It has some power, but at a cost.

Rust is again another factor to consider. For this age, depending of how well it has been kept under wraps, rust is one thing that will make the difference between a classic vintage, and a classic scrap.

If this was in Malaysia, it would not be more than US$1,000 - again depending on the condition.

Do tell us more.

ymsin,

I am from St. Louis MO USA.

no more than $1000.00 USD? Hmm. parts will probably cost me more than that, lol.

[rickjordan]

If you don't already know that car would be the W116 chassis, which is the same as mine. The problem areas I have read about and experienced are related to the cruise control, power windows, A/C system, and of course, rust. For rust look carefully at the rocker panels and check unser the carpeting for evidence of water and rust. As far as the engine goes, someone else will have to chime in, mine is a diesel. The A/C system is vacuum operated and not as reliable as the later electronic ones. These "german yachts" are at home on the highway. Just FYI in 1975 they only made 6,167 450SELs, and sold for $21,709.

[Aaron]

OK, where to begin, where to begin....

The car you are looking at is a '75 model. That means EFI rather than CIS fuel injection. The EFI did not age well and you're always fiddling around with something on it. As Rick said, the W116 is known for rust problems as they age. Thoroughly check the rocker panels (especially around the jack holes), the rear quarter panels at the bottoms, the door threshold panels, and the firewall for rust. Firewall rust is about the most dangerous place it could possibly go. The reason for this is because the front stabilizer bar mounts to the firewall via half-moon brackets and when the tin worm hits there, the mounts can suddenly break away from the firewall at speed causing a bad accident. You must take a screwdriver and poke thoroughly in the front wheelwells at the metal around where the stabilizer bar comes out. If this metal is weak, expect the same for the firewall. And as you can probably figure out, it's a nasty job to replace the firewall! Pull up the carpets and make sure there are no holes in the floorboards and also check the spare tire well.

Getting back to mechanicals, the 4.5 engine is virtually bulletproof but watch for camshaft wear and/or noisy lifters. The cam followers can also wear. Check for oil leaks and also check the tranny for major leaks. This car wouldn't have the automatic climate control yet so you're lucky there. Driver's door window regulators are known for breaking constantly, so if possible, make sure the windows work. It's alot of work to resurrect an old car that has sat idle for long periods of time, but with some $$ and some TLC, I recommend you go for it! But most importantly, watch that coachwork for deterioration!

[ymsin]

Would you issue a similar caution for 126 firewalls? I never knew them to succumb to rust?

[Aaron]

I have never seen a 126 firewall rust. But I have seen a few 116s totaled becuase they were involved in accidents due to the stabilizer bar coming loose.

Hi guys and thanks for the replies.

Today I went to take a look at the car. It was a rust bucket! Not one good sheet of metal that I could see. It will need new tires, battery, oil change, tune up, paint job, new drivers seat, etc. <-- car has been sitting for over a year so this is a must.

I could fix it up and sell it and still profit, but I dont think it would be worth my time and it would cause mental frustration instead of enjoyment. In the meantime I will invest more time and energy into my computer consulting company, good day :-)

[ymsin]

Originally posted by Johnson Chan
I could fix it up and sell it and still profit ...

Just curious, how much would you have had to pay for it and how much do you think you could sell it for?