I just inherited a mint 1976 450 SEL with 46,000 original miles - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-24-2002, 01:44 PM

Hello All,
I just inherited from my old man a 46,000 mile mint condition 450 SEL..circa 1976. I have it because my Dad understands my meticulous nature when ity comes to cars...I currently own a 1997 BMW 328is that has been modified with a SS exhaust, ECIS cold air intake and Jim Conforti software.

My question is why are there no real forums for the W116?...I am learning about this car so if anything sounds ignorant it is because I have been nose deep in bimmers for the last 6 years.

Where can I find service intervals and types of oil people use etc?

I plan on keeping this beautiful car for a looong time.

thanks,
Robert

ps. any other advice/help will be appreciated.

#2 06-24-2002, 02:06 PM

well..i guess 2...I smell like gas when I finsih driving it...could this be because the fuel lines/ exhaust system is old?

also when I lock the door with the key only the front locks go down..not the back

??

gmask · #3 06-24-2002, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rdp450sel
well..i guess 2...I smell like gas when I finsih driving it...could this be because the fuel lines/ exhaust system is old?

also when I lock the door with the key only the front locks go down..not the back

??

As far as your locks go you have a vacuum leak in the system somewhere.

suginami · #4 06-24-2002, 02:53 PM

I love the 116's, too, and noticed that very few owners of 116's post here. Most members have 126's, 124's, 201's, 202's, 210's, etc.

I started the following thread, and many owners of 116's responded.

Try posting on the thread and hopefully they will respond.

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

cth350 · #5 06-24-2002, 07:43 PM

The vacuum system tends to develop leaks. Most likely, your problems will be found in the solenoids inside the doors & trunks (and in the climate control system come to think of it). You'll have to start isolating parts of the system to figure out where the loss is.

As for the fuel smell, There is some specialized plumbing to capture vapor and recycle it back to the tank. Either this plumbing is bad, or you have something venting to the atmosphere that shouldn't be, or you're running way to rich and just dumping gas into the engine.

If you are in the way to rich state, your plugs will be blackened and the oil on the dip stick will smell polluted with gas.

BTW, there's nothing like a vacuum leak to mess up your otherwise reasonable state of tune.

You are going to REALLY, REALLY want the service CD for the 116 model line. It has about a 1 foot thick selection of manuals... Body/Chassis, Engine, Climate Control, Electrical, Owner's manual, Maintenance manual, etc.

The answer to your question about intervals is in the owner's manual of course. The vacuum diagrams are in the climate control, chassis & engine manuals (and yes, each one shows where one leaves off and the other begins and you can nicely isolate each system).

-CTH

gmask · #6 06-24-2002, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cth350
The vacuum system tends to develop leaks. Most likely, your problems will be found in the solenoids inside the doors & trunks (and in the climate control system come to think of it). You'll have to start isolating parts of the system to figure out where the loss is.

My neighbor has a 123 and the locks are controlled by the vacuum.. I don't know if the 116 is electric or vacuum. I thought it was kindof funny that so many parts of that car are controlled by the vacuum. In the case of the lock on his gas tank.. the previous owner had botched the job of fixing the lock and lost the spring that unlocks it when the vacuum is released. Anyway he found several bad lines or lines that the PO had not connected or misconnected.. my neighbor could not have fixed this without the CDROM.

suginami · #7 06-24-2002, 10:51 PM

MB door locks have always been vacuum controlled.

Earlier door locks were mechanically vacuum controlled, whereas modern MB's are electronically controlled vaccum door locks.

#8 06-24-2002, 11:35 PM

thanks for the info...I am learning every day about this car and what incredible solid well built craftmanship is in it. I am definitely going to go to my regular bmw mechanics..they are honest and do quality work on Mercedes as well... I just want to get them to check it out and get on a regular service interval....

Is there any advantage to a drop in K&N air filter?

And does anyone Redline oils? or synthetic oil?

I hear the synthetic oil is a huge debate in these cars..I personally only trust Mobil 1 20W-50 for my modded 328is but am not sure what to do here..suggestions?

gmask · #9 06-24-2002, 11:49 PM

As per the previous discussians on this subject it seems that the main issue is to change the oil frequently and the oil filter ever other change. Given the frequent changes.. cheap bulk oil with a weight that matches the local climate range should do fine.

cth350 · #10 06-25-2002, 07:46 AM

Oil is oil, but some oils are better. If the car has been pampered, keep pampering it. If it's been abused, then you have a choice to just treat it like a regular car, or change its oil in a style it would like to be accustomed to. One little point though, that engine likes 8 quarts of oil.

Oh, and a K&N filter lets more air, thus more particulate matter in.

-CTH