I'm planning, this spring, to begin to ride my bike to work, for the majority of the warm months, and that will free up the SEL for some much need interior TLC.
I know how to re-finish interiors, from my years spend in the autobody Industry, but now I need to choose colors. the interior currently is all white, or muchroom or something light like that, While I like it, I do, and will always love black on black, but recenty, I've been seein members photos with interiors of tan on black, and white on black and such. I HATE blue or red.
Some other options I have are blood red on black (the exterior will be painted black)
I kind of have my heart set on the tobacco from my SD on black..What do you guys think? a black 78 W116 with what color interior?

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RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

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FACEBOOK: PANZER450

Too bad you don't have a W114, I'm swapping out my tobacco interior for a red one.
Are you planning to re-do the interior with OEM pieces? I can always keep my eyes peeled at the local pick-n-pulls for parts you need.

Black interior might work in your climate.I would not want it in places where summer temps are high!
A lot of the 126 cars used grey or silver interiors with dark exterior colors.I noticed this was not a color you mentioned.
Tan and black is popular and not just with Mercedes...A lot of newer cars use this combo.
I have also seen a few of the older models in what I would call a "dark wine" or burgundy.Not sure if this is the same as the "blood red" you referred to.This would probably be my choice.
Are you planning to do only the seats or carpet,door panels and all? If you aren't doing everything your choices might be a bit more critical.I am not a fan personally of seats one color and trim/carpeting in another.it looks "cheezy" at best.
The 116 is a classy looking car regardless of color.It sounds like you are not overly concerned about keeping it at it came from the factory.Pick what you personally like best as you are the one driving it!

Black with tan was a popular late 70's color combo. I've seen a few 116s with it and it looks awesome!

I noticed you said you HATE red, then you said "Blood red" is an option. Are you a schizophrenic vampire?

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1979 240D, 4spd manual, Power Sunroof, manual windows, 147k miles, Pastel gray/Black MB Tex.
1991 300D 2.5 - Smokes like it's on Crack!

hahah no, I goofed I guess, I meant I hate the typical red/maroon/ interior.
My idea of blood (veinous not arterial) red is a barely perceptable hue of blood, that only stands out when put next to black.

I have access to a complete SEM vinyl/leather color system so I can mix any color I desire...

I've seen pics of a tan on black 500SEC in the forum here that looks AWESOME

__________________
RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

____________________________
FACEBOOK: PANZER450

I love the look that mine came with: medium red on bamboo hides. The geezer I bought it from had the leather and seat padding completely redone - a beautiful job worth probably more than I paid for the thing. My 116 also has leather door panels - I don't think I've seen another non-6.9 with that feature.

PS: I posted some pics awhile back to the forum photo section... check them out