New guy saying hello- Euro 116 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-02-2003, 11:29 PM

Hi everybody-

This is my first post here, wanted to share my new to me 116.

This was a car that was a hand me down from my uncle. it's a 77 that was imported here in 86. Decided to take it on as a driving restoration - I can't stand to see this wonderful car rot away unused. There's no such thing as a disposable Mercedes! There's always been a Benz in my family but this is my officially my first one. Although it's old, rusted and tired, it still drives wonderful. White with a Moss Green interior.

I'm looking forward to learning a bunch from everybody.

thanks!

rjp

300SDog · #2 06-03-2003, 07:05 AM

Right you are.... never take the car off the road and it will serve you for hundreds of thousands of miles.

What are the specs...... 2.8 - 4.5 - or 3.0 diesel??

116s have been getting alot of space on the board lately, scroll back a couple pages and you'll find lots of work in progress.

#3 06-03-2003, 10:54 AM

It's a 4.5. If I'm reading all the reciepts correctly, it's got close to 240K on it. The odo isn't correct since it was switched out when it got imported.

Reading through the boards, it seems that this model is notorious for rust problems. Lots of people cleaning them up.

What's the deal with these v-8's? I understand that they need timing chains and valve stem seals replaced every now and then. What's the typical labor price if I took it to a shop for this?

One last question - I'm thinking about a mid 70's 450 SL (107 chassis?) next - another driver. Any thoughts on this? Are they known for any big problems like rust? It would live outside since the garage is loaded.

thanks

rjp

MikeTangas · #4 06-03-2003, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randyp_seattle
It's a 4.5. If I'm reading all the reciepts correctly, it's got close to 240K on it. What's the deal with these v-8's? I understand that they need timing chains and valve stem seals replaced every now and then. What's the typical labor price if I took it to a shop for this?

The deal is, the V-8 bottom is virtually bulletproof, meaning it should last 400K + miles easy. The top end will likely need valve stem seals every 200-250K miles and probably a valve job too if the valve adjustment haven't been kept up. Not sure when they stopped using an adjustable valve train on the 4.5 though. If the '77 has adjustable valves, check them every 10-15K miles.

The '77 should have the phenolic plastic guide rails. These should be changed every 100K or so. One needs to pull the valve cover to check condition. They start out white when new and change to amber as they age and are likely to break by the time the turn beer bottle brown. At about 100K you'll also want to replace the tensioner.

The chain is good until it reaches about 8* of stretch. A lot of folks do the guides, tension and chain at the same time...cheap insurance. You can get all the parts for about $200 or so. Shop job might set you back $700-$1,000. Failure to keep up on these items will set you back between $3,000-$5,000 if a chain guide breaks.

joshhol · #5 06-03-2003, 03:07 PM

Dont quote me on this but I think 1976 onwards 4.5L V-8's with CIS fuel injection have the hydraulic lifters.

#6 06-04-2003, 01:17 AM

thanks for all the responses. I'm still trying to get this car sorted out. I can do a lot fo the work myself but something like a timing chain I'll probably take to a shop.

Now finding a good independent Benz shop is the next step....

Anyone have a good source for new parts online?

rjp

MikeTangas · #7 06-04-2003, 03:12 AM

Your best source is located right at the top of this page. Look for the tabs for FastLane and PartsShop. Very reasonable prices and personal service from Partsman Phil. Shoot, if you can't locate a part, or if the database shows the part isn't available, Phil can oftens times source the very part.

Best part of all, buying from FastLane/PartsShop supports this site, which in turn continues this site and one of the worlds largest enablers...catering to all of the MercedesShopaholics.

BTW a timing chain, rails and tensioner should be a cake walk for an above average DIYer.

Hawk180 · #8 06-11-2003, 03:24 AM

Randy, about the most reasonable and knowledgable Mercedes Mechanic in the Seattle area is Uve Odenwald (Pronounced O'denvald) at European Motors. They are at 145th and Aurora. Uve retired from being a mechanic and test driver for Mercedes Benz and immigrated to the U.S. several years ago. give him a call sometime if you want a local mechanic.