78 450SEL - Prepurchase Intelligence - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rs899 · #1 08-17-2004, 01:03 PM

I am really a dieselhead, and I have been looking for a W116 300SD for awhile to expand the fleet with no result.

There seems to be a 78 450SEL nearby that "in theory" could be what I want, except for the gasser engine. I am going to have a look at it tonight. It has less than 100k miles on it

The PO has replaced the fuel pump and has done some work on the fuel injection.

What are some of the other things particular to the gas W116 that I need to know? I am particularly interested in knowing what the expensive bits are that may be likely to go south to see if the PO has already replaced them

Rick

WANT '71 280SEL · #2 08-17-2004, 02:08 PM

Being a Mercedes V8 it may need valve seals. Fuel pumps are expensive I believe. At least for the 108 they're over $400 I think. Rust is the killer of these, (I know personally). I have a diesel 116 that I think I'm going to sell, but I need to find a replacement gas fintail first. The SWB 116 has NO legroom in the backseat. The SEL will be nice. That is the biggest thing I don't like about my 116. Actually it's the biggest small thing i don't like. Some day I want to take a perfect SEL body and drop a 617 turbodiesel into it to have myself a 116 SDL.
Thanks
David

rs899 · #3 08-18-2004, 07:20 AM

David-

Dropping an OM617 into it was going to be the eventual course of action.

Unfortunately, what some people think passes for the truth is not to be believed.

The car was rusty. Massive patches in the rear wheel wells and lower quarter panels as well as rust around the windows and obvious evidence of leaking through the windshield and rear window so the floors are likely shot. I looked at it for about 30 seconds.

I also looked at a W116 300SD nearby that was worse. At least that owner admitted the car had rust around the sunroof. But there was much more- and it had 307K miles on the clock (yeah- I know they can go a million miles, blah blah blah...but this one WON'T- its used UP).

What is it with people that they can't answer a simple question like does the car have ANY rust? What does ANY mean? I suppose I can understand the definition of ANY RUST can differ between Florida, where I live, and , say, Wisconsin, but really....

For this reason , I can't believe anyone would buy a car sight unseen off ebay, although I have been sorely tempted at times....

Rick

still searching for a decent W116 300SD