With respect to suspension components, yes.... very similar ball joint arrangement on the 116 to the 123 - except with chunkier components, larger steering knuckles, etc.

Final drive ratios are wide and varied on the 116 too. Had myself a stickshift 280SEL last Summer and the final was 3.60..... but have heard of 116's with 2.7x (Autobahn) and 4.xx (American versioin V-8).

It's wide tracking and long legs that make the 116 an outrageous highway animal that eats up the pavement. For sure, its a job to keep em under 85 mph. The 116 clearly outhandled the 123..... but with wider gear ratios and gasoline engine, it just wasnt as much fun as my 240D hammer down paddling through the gears.