Getting parts for a 1975 450SE sedan - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

95benzman · #1 10-26-2006, 12:50 AM

Hi All

I maybe be able to purchase a 75-450SE. The car is all original with only 82k on the clock. No body rust etc. The car was in storage for a long time and just recently put back on the street. It presently needs nothing, however for the future how difficult will it be to get parts? I am to old to do any work myself, so how hard will it be to find a good mechanic to keep this MB is good shape?Is $2200.00 to much for a 31yo car? Thanks in advance.
I hope this is the right section to post this question.
Happy driving.

86560SEL · #2 10-26-2006, 01:50 AM

Shouldn't be bad at all. Being a older model, it should be fairly easy to work on. These cars are built like tanks too. Since it has set- I would change ALL fluids and filters (have them changed), also check out all fuel lines- replace if necessary. Parts should be easy as mentioned, because I think this body style ran from 1973 until 1980 in the USA.

Good luck and enjoy!

Jim B. · #3 10-26-2006, 04:53 AM

Make sure it isn't a rusty example, these W116 bodied cars did tend to rust out. Look under the carpets, trunk mat, the lower body, the jack points. Might even want to run it through an auto car wash to see if there are leaks in it

'75 was the first year for the catalytic converter, and they were mounted under the hood, so there could be a problem with overheating the engine wiring, underhood fires and such. In 1977 the catalytic converter was moved downstream, and the problem was solved.

If I owned one of these, and my state didn't have emissions inspections and I was never going to sell the car, I'd consider removing the catalyst or gutting it

These cars were big, heavy, thirsty, safe highway haulers that still look imposing today. Very durable and reliable. These cars very exspensive when new, were built to the highest old world Mercedes quality, and with cost no object, engineering standards at their highest, and this model was built utilizing every possible innovation from the ESV (experimental safety vehicle) so for its time, it was about the safest car on the road.

Spares are still available in junkyards but no longer abound.

One neat plus is the car comes to you with free Mercedes Roadside assistance, 1-800-formercedes gets a free battery jump, delivery of 2-3 gallons of gas, and flat tire changing. It devolves to any owner of any Mercedes Benz. Great service, just used it this year.