What happened to all the W116 - '73-'80 450 SEL's?

[Zacharias]

Originally Posted by suginami

Thank you Colin.

I was waiting for a reply like this.

I think they're too solid of a car to be ignored.

I have to agree. But many people in MBz circles don't seem to like them.

When the w116 was introduced, it was hailed as the 'greatest sedan in the world'. Likewise, the 300sd was a groundbreaking automobile.

Aside from the miserable ACC II climate control system, I don't grasp what can be faulted. It shares the same 'ownership challenges' as other models (window regulators, seat construction, wood veneers, etc.).

[alabbasi]

Originally Posted by Zacharias

I have to agree. But many people in MBz circles don't seem to like them.

Sure, many people only like the roadsters, many people don't like gas engined models, many people don't like diesels.

There are a lot of people that like W116's. I see them on the streets more so then C107, W114/W115's or pretty much any other MB made before it.

They are not worth much and they rust like crazy so you probably don't see many in Qubec, but here in Texas, they're a fairly common occurrence.

[dseretakis]

I think that the 116 450SEL is a very elegant car and quite pleasant to drive. It has a very tough engine. I agree that this car is highly underrated.

[AlanTbird]

I am trying to get my 74 450 SE running...found an unfuct parts car recently at one of the yards and hope to git back soon for the rest of my list. Just popped in all the D-jet parts I got from it and it still wont run TRY'S but no go! Next thing to get is the fuel pump and accumulator and try that!

[tonkovich]

several good looking w116's on craigslist right now, here in l.a.

one 73 450se that i have been watching not sell for a bit (2k for several months; could be had for much less), and a 76 euro 450sel? (good bumpers, manual climate, seems to be the real thing, starting at $4k, certainly will go down).

if you're of my era - born in '62, it's still the benz you remember most, maybe like imprinting with ducks and geese?

seriously, having had a w108 and and a w126, i feel i am missing a decade. (we won't even get into the 6.9 fantasy )

[Sev]

it's rare to find a good condition w116, much more so than a w123. but they are beautiful cars and well-built. Much like how w124's are built better than w201's, w116's are built better than w123's. Those two statements are based on the culmination of my knowledge on these cars. w116's are built like tanks, have great engines (diesel and gas) and if kept in good condition will give a lifetime of good service. Too bad people ignore them and go for the 123's or r107's instead

[billhard]

Wish I had some spare change, the photos make it look like this seller make actually be telling something close to the truth.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/2789575502.html



Classic 1979 Mercedes - Benz 450SEL

58,000 Original Miles

Immaculate Condition. No rust anywhere as this car was bought new in San Diego and has remained here since. It has always been garaged and kept out of the damaging sun.

Everything is like new inside - well like a time-capsule from the seventies. Black leather is soft and clean.

Perfect mechanical and physical condition. Serviced and driven regularly. No expense spared.

This is your chance to get a clean 450 that performs as good today as it was when new.

All receipts and original window sticker included.

[tram]

This looks like it might be very worthwhile to rescue:
Classic 1973 Mercedes

Likely a Bosch D-Jetronic injection issue.
It's in the Eugene, Oregon area. No affiliation to me. And, it's a '73 with Euro lights!

[westchester aut]

I HAVE A 1979 300 SD TURBO DIESEL 116 WITH 114000 MILES.JUST BOUGHT FROM MY FRIEND WHO OWNED SINCE NEW.RUNS AND DRIVES LIKE DREAM.I NEED A CLIMATE CONTROL SERVO SOME ONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN FIND IT.630-918-6253

[Ether]

Originally Posted by westchester aut

I HAVE A 1979 300 SD TURBO DIESEL 116 WITH 114000 MILES.JUST BOUGHT FROM MY FRIEND WHO OWNED SINCE NEW.RUNS AND DRIVES LIKE DREAM.I NEED A CLIMATE CONTROL SERVO SOME ONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN FIND IT.630-918-6253

Contact George Murphy at Performance Analysis Company
(865) 482-9175
perfanalysis@comcast.net

[AlanTbird]

whoohoo~~~got mine running on Sunday with a new set of Bosch plugs. I treated my self to a new plug socket with a fancy magnet inside to replace the one i am sure ive had since age 15!!! The autolites that were in there had 4 fowled and 4 not fowled and looked NEW. Once I put the plugs in and set the point gap it started right up even with the fuel pump relay pulled out. Tinkered for a while with timing as it was WAY too advanced. Got er on the road for a few blocks and back and was quite astounded at the guts this ole gal has as my 75 SL never had that kind of get up and go!
I do however get grey smoke out the pipes under load and will be taking her to work (TWO BLOCKS FROM HOME) for a while just to tinker and play for some tweeking. Love my job, hate the commute LOL!

[martz0r]

Originally Posted by suginami

I'm sure that in another decade or so, nostalgia will start to creep in, and prices will go up as people want to own the cars they admired when in their youth.

I came across this thread while looking up speaker information for my 1973 450SEL. I had to laugh at this because this post was made EXACTLY 10 years and 1 day ago. Too funny.

BTW, I got my 450SEL for $1,900 earlier this month and it has 99,000 miles on it:

[Ether]

Wow, 10 years indeed, quite a long running thread. I posted to this thread 10 years ago and I'm happy to say am still driving the same W116 today.

[suginami]

Originally Posted by martz0r

I came across this thread while looking up speaker information for my 1973 450SEL. I had to laugh at this because this post was made EXACTLY 10 years and 1 day ago. Too funny.

I started this thread 10 years ago?

Where has all the time gone?

[martz0r]

That's great Ether. Suginami, I was wondering if you were still active on here (didn't think to check your recent posts) but I guess they haven't gone up in value much! lol

No nostalgia from me, as I'm only 21... But I feel I should have certainly grown up in that time period.