Looking into a W116 450SEL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimRockford · #1 12-26-2014, 07:19 AM

Simply put, always wanted one since I was a kid. Now I have the opportunity to buy one as a weekend toy. My '81 300TD is my daily driver, love how these cars are built.

So with that, what should I look out for? From what I have gathered the window regulators are weak, also the $700 heater control by the dash can get funky. Other than that I don't really know what to specifically look on these as issues.

Thanks guys!

alabbasi · #2 12-26-2014, 08:36 AM

Biggest problem is rust, should be obvious with a Chicago car. They drink fuel at an alarming rate. The 73 models and Euros are better looking with the smaller bumpers and the pre 76 models had EFI which can be expensive to repair.

They're pretty cheap but like any Mercedes, parts are expensive so buy a driver, not a fixer upper.

gerryvz · #3 12-26-2014, 10:59 AM

Having owned & daily driven a 450SEL 6.9 for 5-6 years..... Buy a W126 as its a better car in every way than the W116. They generally have the same look but the 126 is light years safer & more refined, efficient, easier for parts availability and just overall a far better car.

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Graham · #4 12-26-2014, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerryvz

Buy a W126 as its a better car in every way than the W116. They generally have the same look but the 126 is light years safer & more refined, efficient, easier for parts availability and just overall a far better car.

I was going to say same thing. I always wanted a 126 diesel. Classy cars. But the diesels tend to have high mileage and therefore well used. Gassers with very low mileage can be found, but even the later 126s are not exactly fuel efficient. However, even a 116 would be fine if it is not going to be driven a lot. Fuel consumption on my 1972 350SL 4.5 is the least of my worries seeing it at most gets driven 2k miles per year.

Alabassi said:

Quote:

The 73 models and Euros are better looking with the smaller bumpers and the pre 76 models had EFI which can be expensive to repair.

The pre 76's do have Djet electronic injection. New parts are expensive, but there are many used parts available and things like distributors can be rebuilt. Inexpensive Pertronix overcomes ignition problems. I just looked at a K-jet (CIS) - It would not run unless fuel was poured into intake. I know little about K-jets, but it seemed to me that the parts I would need to get the injection system working could be quite costly. I decided against buying car despite very low price - Maybe a case of better the devil you know.

Season's Greetings to all.

aluminum · #5 12-26-2014, 01:36 PM

[QUOTE=Graham;3423217

The pre 76's do have Djet electronic injection. New parts are expensive, but there are many used parts available and things like distributors can be rebuilt. Inexpensive Pertronix overcomes ignition problems. I just looked at a K-jet (CIS) - It would not run unless fuel was poured into intake. I know little about K-jets, but it seemed to me that the parts I would need to get the injection system working could be quite costly. I decided against buying car despite very low price - Maybe a case of better the devil you know.

Season's Greetings to all.[/QUOTE]

Happy Holidays
Personally I would only say the only advantage I see in a K Jet car is that their are far more of them available for used parts as they are newer . Salvage yards are full of them where the Pre 1976 are much harder to find.
However Many "on the Engine " Parts are the same " and the Body Parts like window regulators interchange up to about 1980 with many models ...
Then again you might look at resale Value seems the older the more desirable in these somewhat Classic and semi Classic cars .
They are all good car's if you can find a Nice one ( just keep shopping ) Buy it

zooklm · #6 12-26-2014, 05:58 PM

I had a 77 450 SEL. I loved the way it looked and rode. Like all Mercedes, maintenance is important. The k-jet system is a simple pressure system but fuel pump pressure and flow is important for it to run properly. The warm up regulator could aslo cause problems, too. In general, rust is a big problem for many years as they used imported steel for several years when the German steelmakers were on strick in the 70's. I had problems with the rain drip rails as well as the rear wheel wheels. As always, the more records, the better. Good luck.
Lee

JimRockford · #7 12-26-2014, 07:49 PM

Thank you all for the input on these, lot to digest.

I found a rust free 1977, all records but both window motors are not working (you can hear them winding). The sunroof is sluggish, and it looks like someone spilled something on the hood/roof, then did a poor respray on the areas. OTHER than that, shes mint bumper to bumper.

The car has 58k original. This will not be my daily, nor will it ever go out in the snow.