W116 Purchase Advice

[smharr4]

I have the opportunity to purchase one of my all-time dream cars, but I'd like some advice from forum members before I take the plunge.

The car in question is a 1979 450SEL6.9 with European headlights and has under 100,000 miles. It needs repainting, the seats redyed, and the cruise control repaired.

Recently, it has had several items replaced/repaired:
* right front strut
* steering box
* shift rod bushings
* passenger power window motor
* driver's door check
* ACC amplifier and servo
* ignition switch
* crankshaft seal
* thermostat
* all injectors
* EGR valve

What else should I be looking for on this vehicle? It supposedly has no rust, and no major body damage.

The seller is asking just over $5000 and I don't think it's a bad deal. Will these cars go up in value in time?

[jhodg5ck]

I wouldn't pay 5K for a 6.9 requiring that much... 6.9's are cool in their own right but $$$$$ when it comes to long term ownership.

Jonathan

[hanno]

Steven, I'd keep looking as there are very nice examples out there under $10K. They are not show cars but very presentable drivers. By the time you have a proper respray and attend to the interior, you will be at that price anyway. If you or a friend does this work and there actually is no rust then of course go for it. Also visit www.m-100.cc for further enlightment.

[smharr4]

Hanno - those are exactly my thoughts... I could get a good example of a 6.9 for 10K, or I could get this one and fix what's needed for probably about the same cost.

I had a fax from the seller today with some additional parts that have been replaced in addition to the ones listed above:

* both front wheel bearings
* antenna mast
* drive shaft support & bearings
* drivers seat frame
* both upper control arms
* washer system

It still needs:
* cruise control repair
* front window seals (current ones have dried up)
* dash (current one is cracked - seller does have a W116 dash, but not a matching colour)

I also have a VIN: 116.03612007071. If I'm reading it correctly, it's number 7071 of 7380 to roll off the production line, one of the last ones (I think)

A local indy that I've used for one of my other cars quoted me $6K (without seeing it, just based on the model) to dissasemble the car, repaint it and re-assemble it, with a warranty for as long as I own the car.

It doesn't sound like there's any rust - it appears to have been a west coast car (WA state title, but currently in San Diego), and it supposedly fires right up and goes like the rocket that it is.

I am still undecided. Sounds like a reasonable deal, but I know there's nothing more expensive than a cheap 6.9. Suggestions anyone?

[jhodg5ck]

that's REALLY cheap for paint to that level.. Considering the time it takes to R&R, completely strip the paint I don't see how he could do it for 6K and still make money.

With all cars (but M100 cars in particular) it pays to find the BEST example you could ever hope to afford. If you are going to purchase this car for 5K, paint it for 6, figure another 2-4 in other items and you could with that money buy a Beautiful, first rate 6.9...

10 years from now the clean/original car will be worth Far more then yours with a re-spray etc, etc.

Jonathan

[Benzcrusher]

I also have a VIN: 116.03612007071. If I'm reading it correctly, it's number 7071 of 7380 to roll off the production line, one of the last ones (I think)


Motor # 100985 12 007191

Paint # 930 Silver blue
Blue interior leather # 202A

Sounds nice..

[smharr4]

That's interesting - the pictures I've been sent show a blue interior, not burgundy. Sounds like the paint is original (it's still silver blue) but the interior may not be.

[Benzcrusher]

OOPS, interior color 202A is BLUE leather

[smharr4]

Had me scared for a minute there! The blue interior (and heated rear seats) may still be original.

jhodg5ck, I called a second place locally about repainting this car, they quoted me the same price, $5k-$7k to repaint a 6.9.

I am still undecided about this car.

[300SDog]

Metallic silver paint? Heard rumors of repainting em being difficult, like metal paint is near impossible to prep and very few primers will stick.