Is this a deal? ( sorry no pics)

[PanzerSD]

I found out about a pair of 116's at a local car auction place, one is a gold 450 SEL and the other is an anthricite 450 SEL 6.9, both US spec with ECE headlamps.

the 6.9 runs but smokes and the other SEL doesn't run.....$1500 takes both.

is that a bargain? the only way I'm gonna come up with $1500 is to write off my van somehow

*edit*Oh yeah...both have been sitting for more than 5 years. Here, that's a mandatory Safety inspection, I think they'd make good parts cars..

[t walgamuth]

It is pretty tough to make an evaluation on such sketchy information.

The 6.9 is a very very complicated car. Buying one with a lot of needs is not for the weak of heart....or wallet. Ditto on the other car but less so.

If wishing to make them right the purchase price is pretty immaterial. Free would possibly be too much, unless you are thinking of just parting them out.

Tom W

[300SDog]

One thing i can say about SEL wheel base compared with your current SD is noticably better highway handling smoothness and ride of the SEL especially at high speeds, having experience with 116's in both SEL and SD configurations myself.

Personally, I'd be tempted to put the SEL 6.9 on the road even swapping in m110 or 617 engine - assuming 6.9 smoke indicates cracked rings, pitted bores and/or headwork needed.

Otherwise with respect to value as parts cars, interior condition like perfect seats would be tie-breaker for me.

[4ws f 7]

IMO there are to many times people could give you a car like that and $25,000.00 to help with the start of repairs, and you would still be better off with a different car. Be careful and good luck!

[deanyel]

The only good deal in a 116 transaction is for the seller.

[POS]

Sounds like two nightmares instead of one; auction cars are the bottom of the barrel.

[Hogweed]

not too much of a market for 116 parts (compared to 123, 124, 126 anyway). i would be careful. the only way i would do it would be to try and get them for under a grand and build the 6.9 (if the platform were 'straight' enough)

[cth350]

Hand them a business card size piece of paper with 800$ written on it and your phone number. Then wait a month. They'll call. That's about 200$ over the cost of the scrap.

Don't write off the 6.9 unless the smoke is really, really bad. If nothing else, the transmission and engine core are worth the asking price.

Fixing the car is not worth the time and effort, unless of course, the hydraulic suspension is intact and operating correctly already.

-CTH

[t walgamuth]

No chance of that, is there?

How hard would it be to put the 6.9 into the simpler sel chassis?

Also I remember seeing a 6.9 engine in an sl a time or two...now that is pause for thought.

Tom W

[PanzerSD]

Ok, so I went to the guy, Myron Schmaltz, nice guy, but he's all about money.
The 6.9 is no longer a 6.9 at some point it had the smaller V8 put in (4.5?) and that's what smokes. so...I fed him what I know about the 116's and it seemed to catch him off guard that I knew so much...$1000 for both is what I ended up with. There was two feet of snow on the roof so I know it hasn't been touched or even asked about all winter. I'll give him till spring then I'll throw $800 at him. if they go between now and then then they go. the running SEL is an EXCELLENT body the non running one is showing signs of rust and maybe a lower quarter repair, and missinig hood star. but in parts I'm sure I can get WELL over $1000. with two engine cores two transmissions, and two sets of Euro's. Only time will tell...but I WANT THESE CARS!!!

[PanzerSD]

at the very least, I can get one on the road, and turn one into a trailer.

[Emmerich]

If the rear differential is still 6.9, keep that sucker, its worth $500 if in good shape. How is the wood on both cars?

[PanzerSD]

Well, it looks like I'm going to be able to get that 450 SEL after all!

I wrote off my van on Saturday...Got T-boned turning into a parking lot...some punk kid in a Tiburon was going too fast for the road conditions...lol

[alabbasi]

Sounds like a deal, worse case you can part them out and make 1500 on the 6.9 engine and tranny alone.

[rusty_parts2001]

Good Luck. I wish I was there to help you with the project. It sounds like you'll be busy, in a good way.