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  #1  
Old 10-07-2009, 12:42 PM
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Merits of 126 vs 116...

In my search for a nice 300SD (~79-87) I wonder what the differences are between these models - were there any major technological improvements in the 126 or if the longevity of the 116 is perhaps more superior in the long run?

I won't ask which one is a better car, because I'm sure there will be strong opinions on both sides, but how do you think they rate in terms of durability of major components, reliability of keeping it running as a daily driver and general comfort of the ride. I have to say that I used to favor the 126 for looks, but I'm growing more and more fond of the lines on the 116.

James

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  #2  
Old 10-07-2009, 12:45 PM
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The W126 is far more resistant to rust than the W116, has a more advanced suspension, a nicer interior, more comforts.....its just a much more advanced car....and came with later revisions of the 617 engine (and 603 etc..) and later transmissions that shift more pleasantly.
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  #3  
Old 10-07-2009, 01:04 PM
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Plus the w126 has no evil servo.
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  #4  
Old 10-07-2009, 01:06 PM
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Rust resistance of the W116 depends on the year. One year (79?) there was a steel strike in Germany and inferior steel was imported for the cars.
Biggest drawback of the 116 in my view is the Evil Servo.
W116's also had (have?) a problem with the ears breaking off the input shaft of the transmission due to the incredible torque of the 'new' turbo engine.
There was also a recall on 116's for the crankshaft pulley.
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  #5  
Old 10-07-2009, 01:09 PM
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In addition, there are many, many more W126s around than W116s = more W126 parts available, both new & used.
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  #6  
Old 10-07-2009, 02:02 PM
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I used to own a 126 and now own a 116. Everything above about the 126 is true, but the 116 has more of a classic shape that I enjoy. Even with the ACC servo, I would buy another 116 before a 126.
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  #7  
Old 10-07-2009, 02:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pawoSD View Post
The W126 is far more resistant to rust than the W116, has a more advanced suspension, a nicer interior, more comforts.....its just a much more advanced car....and came with later revisions of the 617 engine (and 603 etc..) and later transmissions that shift more pleasantly.
I agree with most of what you said, but the 116 I had shifted the smoothest of any Mercedes diesel I've ever driven.

The two downsides I see of the 116 is the servo and they are more rust-prone. But if you find one or care to fix/replace the servo and it has no rust, they are great cars.

79-80 were 116 models. 79 has less HP otherwise virtually identical.
81-85 were Gen I 126 models. Virtually all the same with some changes to the tranny in 85 and I believe a lower gear ratio rear diff. Also some later models have airbags and anti-lock brakes.
86-87 were the Gen II models. You will only find 126 SDLs with a diesel engine. They have a longer wheel base and a new aluminum head engine. No diff between 86 and 87 as I remember.

There were some american diesel 90 and 91 126s. Those all came with the 3.5 engine that is known as the rod bender. No personal experience with them, just the posts of others.
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  #8  
Old 10-07-2009, 02:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thorsen View Post
. Even with the ACC servo, I would buy another 116 before a 126.
X2
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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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  #9  
Old 10-07-2009, 02:34 PM
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ACC servo?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry View Post
X2
What is the ACC servo - and why is it so evil... what type of exorcism process cures its demons?! DYI replacement or repair?!
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  #10  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thorsen View Post
I used to own a 126 and now own a 116. Everything above about the 126 is true, but the 116 has more of a classic shape that I enjoy. Even with the ACC servo, I would buy another 116 before a 126.
I WILL remember this statement. I might have a w116 to sell soon.
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  #11  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by thorsen
. Even with the ACC servo, I would buy another 116 before a 126.


Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry View Post
X2
I WILL remember this statement. I might have a w116 for sale soon.
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daw_two
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Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
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New Old Stock (NOS) parts

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& many more
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  #12  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MercFan View Post
What is the ACC servo - and why is it so evil... what type of exorcism process cures its demons?! DYI replacement or repair?!
I heard it was designed by A Chrysler engineer in the 60's who was fond of 5 martini lunches, sold his soul to the devil, and idolized Rube Goldberg. When Mercedes wanted to have Automatic Climate Control, (because Americans expected it on cars priced at 1.5 Cadiilacs.) One of Mercedes engineers was out one day, when he came across Satan having a garage sale. Thinking this would make a great short cut to ACC, Mercedes bought the rights to the evil servo, and the rest is history.

However, My personal experience with 1978 and 1980 300SDs is that there were no problems for the first 5 years. Perhaps if you just planned on rebuilding them every 5 years, you would be fine? Or maybe it was because we were Church going people who prayed for our cars?
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Last edited by Brandon_SLC; 10-07-2009 at 04:05 PM.
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  #13  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MercFan View Post
What is the ACC servo - and why is it so evil... what type of exorcism process cures its demons?! DYI replacement or repair?!
They are more costly to replace than the 126 (and other models) ACC and the originals don't hold up. The servo is what controls all of the air/heat flow. Do a bit of searching on here and you will find lots of info.
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  #14  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:21 PM
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The ACC servo is part of the climate control servo. The 116 and 107 cars had ACCII which used a servo in the engine compartment to control water flow to the radiator core and positioning of the flaps. It is driven by the ACC amplifier which reads two thermometers and the temp select dial, then adjusts accordingly.

The servo is prone to leak and fail. There is a $600 kit to replace it with more reliable hardware.

I spent an entire day checking sensors, testing the servo and the amp before I got the heat working in my 116. It's not the end of the world, but it's a fairly complex system.
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  #15  
Old 10-07-2009, 03:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon_SLC View Post
, and came across Satan having a garage sale, Mercedes bought the rights to the evil servo
Best line yet in regards to the Servo.

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1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
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1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13
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