Took the 450SEL above 90

[bobboyer5]

So....

On my turnpike stretch into work this morning, took the 450 SEL(4.5L euro version) above 90 for a 15 mile stretch. She drank it up like penicillin.

Somehow, when the W116 starts cruising above 85-90, something transforming happens. It's kind of a planted, floating but well-controlled drive that Rudy Uhlenhaut must have designed into the chassis. Truly, this chassis doesn't come into its own until it hits above these speeds. This was the last Uhlenhaut-designed vehicle, and the inside-out engineering shows. Ugly? Maybe. But obviously meant to be driven.

Just my 2 cents for the day. Any similar experiences????

[jas2wa]

Yes, a similar experience just this morning on my way to work...

the car: 73 280sel 4.5 (108 body)

the road: rt. 29 north into Charlottesville (a 2-lane each way, with grass median)

Have recently completed a bunch of work to the car, incl. a full stainless steel exhaust system, front end alignemt, and 4 new tires mounted on 6.5" wide wheels-

Dumb &*%^& in left lane, in SUV (of course) going about 60.

Squeeze on the throttle, 90 comes up in no time. Cruised for a mile or so at about 100, and I agree, my car feels better at that speed than it does at 65.

LOVE my early non-smogged 4.5 (which I imagine is the same as your euro 116 chassis 4.5?)

-JAS

[kpb]

I was contemplating starting a thread just like this because my 30mi. commute today was so-o-o satisfying.

Got the 4.5 on the highway before 6AM and just flat-out flew into the office. Average was probably about 85 with a few miles a bit over 100 .

Of course, I think I have about a 5mph optimistic speedo at 65 or so, so I really dunno the true speed, but at indicated 90, she really smoothed out. The little thrumming and oscillation went away and just cruised like on rails. What joy!! Someday I will have to get the speedo calibrated, or else intentionally catch the attention of the gendarme merely to check the accuracy of it

kpb

[bobboyer5]

Guys:

Yeah, the euro is non-smogged except for the obligatory aftermarket cats. But enough left with those hot cams to blow anything away, other than my memories of a 1970 GTO in the family.

Know what you mean about smoothing out above 80. Everything that's even remotely noncopisetic (oscillations, etc) just go away. I'm just afraid of busting something by going so quick. My fear's probably unfounded, but I'm a bit prudent anyway.

Funny thing. I've had various 126 cars. All good at higher speeds, but no chassis like this one. It just gets into its own element over 80. I think it could cruise all day at 120, but I'll never try.

Why is the 116 so much better at high speeds than the 126 chassis?

[jas2wa]

Those hot cams, yum! (And my 108 chassis doesn't have cats at all, either!)

Love the smell of unburnt hydrocarbons in the morning...



As far as the 116 vs. 126 and high speed stability, I am not sure what the difference is- I always felt that my 126 (81 300SD) was very under-tired and also sensitive to front end alignment. The steering never felt as 'positive' as that on my 108 or what I imagine a 116 (or a 123, have had several) feels like at high speed.

The 116 has always appeared to have a wider track than the 126 to me, but it might be just the styling that tricks the eye, not sure.

Otherwise, I bet it comes down to camber adjustment and other such things, as I think the overall design of the front suspension is similar for both the 116 and 126, no?

I'd be curious to hear more from someone who knows more-

-JAS

[kpb]

Cat, wut cat(s) I feel like such an eco-whore enjoying my wee bit of pollution!

[olpos]

what about the 124 3liter
mine does run better at 80-90 than at lower speeds.seems to feel like it wants to just go faster.
at 110-115 if feels good but you know you are going fast. hey had to test it. 90 seems to be a good feel. brakes still work really well at that speed.
here in san diego driving under 80 is slow. lots of cars passing.
these are non commute times when its safe to drive fast. nice to have 5 lanes also
love the feel of a well designed car
driving at 60-70 the car feels like its not moving more than 30
rich
the door sticker does say to add 6lbs for speeds over 100

[fahrgewehr2]

As you can see below, I have owned both 116 and 126 cars.
It should be pointed out that to compare these cars today is really near impossible. There are so many variables in the way a car drives- suspension, steering components, tires, wheels, and shocks, which all contribute to the feel at high speeds. Unless the car has had everything replaced (at this age) it will not drive 100%.

On my 116 car, the suspension was mostly original at around 200K miles. There was a little groaning from a ripped boot on an upper control arm, but besides that, she was tight. No clunks and drove straight as an arrow. I would steer it with one finger- no problem. Its been a while since I owned that car, but I remeber it just feeling 'right.' like it was designed to eat up interstate without the driver breaking the sweat.

On my 126 car, I have found the front end to be very difficult to set right. Tires are difficult to balance, needs alignments more often and was full of clunks when I bought the car. I have now replaced the tie rods, L.B. joints, upper ball joints, steering shock, brake strap bushings and tightened the steering box a tiny bit. Have also put GOOD tires on the car. It is now just as good as my 116 car was at high speed. I had it at 100 and it was just as you described your cars: any small vibration is gone and everything seems to tighten up. I love the low gearing as I am pulling over 4500rpm at 100. The engine gives off a healthy purr and the tightly wound motor gives me more control as I can slow the car without using the breaks.

I can't stand cars that loaf along in overdrive at high speed- constantly downshifting if you want to accelerate and the coasting feeling does not instill a sense of control.

If I remeber correctly, the 116 is about 2.5 inches wider than the 126. This doesn't seem like much, but if you sit in the back seats of both models, you will feel the difference. The 126 is a narrow car for its length. Perhaps the wider track of the 116 results in greater stability?

Another thing- the 126 seems to load up the suspension more than the 116 car did, especially the front tires. 116 felt slightly more neutral.

When it comes down to it, the two models really aren't that different. The feel very similar in most ways- much more so than the other S class models. I've driven a 140 at high speed and it beats the 116/126 hands down. Much more modern, the 140 feels lighter, but IS heavier.

My conclusion is that whichever car (between the 126/116) is in the best state of tune with the best tires, will feel the best at high speed.

Mike

116s I've driven- 300SD, '73 450SE, '77 450SEL
126s-'' '' - 300SDx2, 300SE, 280SEL
108/9- not yet

Originally posted by olpos

driving at 60-70 the car feels like its not moving more than 30
rich
the door sticker does say to add 6lbs for speeds over 100

I lost you there.
Tim

[olpos]

at 60-70 mph this car feels like its hardly moving.
the air pressure sticker on the drivers door is where it says to add 6lbs of air for speeds over 100mph.
love the feel of driving at high speed, but this is not germany. still a fun car
thanks rich

Sorry I just didn't understand the rich in there. I have not seen that sticker yet.
Tim

[MikeTangas]

Tim,
I can't recall where that label is on the 108's (wish I had mine here to check for you)...on the 126's it is inside the fuel door. I know it should be in the owners manual.

[olpos]

after checking again today, i found it on the fuel filler door. no it is not on the door . my mistake.
this car sure is fun to drive
rich