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  #31  
Old 03-28-2002, 12:04 PM
Jim B+
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why they seem scarce, and Frankenheimer's MBs...

A neighbor had one of these recently in great shape, but something blew in the suspension, and the car was deep-sixed because it cost far to much to fix. Did this model have air suspension or some other vulnerability.

The Star I believe (or maybe Mercedes magazine) did a profile of John Frankenheimer when Ronin came out. Seems the director has a number of MBs he bought new and has kept up, including one as shown in the movie.

Another very good movie featuring this model is "The Limey."

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  #32  
Old 03-28-2002, 12:31 PM
sixto's Avatar
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Re: why they seem scarce, and Frankenheimer's MBs...

Quote:
Originally posted by Jim B+
Did this model have air suspension or some other vulnerability.
I believe the 6.9s were the only W116s with pneumatic suspension. You don't deep six a 6.9 for any reason. You might part it out or move the drivetrain to a 'regular' 450SEL, but you don't shoot it because it hurt a leg.

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  #33  
Old 03-28-2002, 08:03 PM
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amskeptic,

Hey, man, nice 450! Looks like my SD, except faster! Looks like you've got the same camber as mine too... I've got some front-end work to do soon. Very nice pictures!

There's a nice grey 450 a couple of miles down the street from me...It looks pretty straight, but usually looks pretty dusty and neglected...I hope the guy is not as negligent with the maintenance as he is with the washing!

Mike
Attached Thumbnails
What happened to all the W116 - '73-'80 450 SEL's?-dsc00640.jpg  
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  #34  
Old 03-29-2002, 12:22 AM
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The "stately" looks are one of the many things I like about my W116. I do think that one of the reasons you don't see the W116s around is due to rust. These cars were known for it. Another problem may be that most people think getting parts for these "old" cars would be very difficult to get. I mean, who would think you could still get OEM parts for a 1973 car, from a dealer. I say 1973 because that's when the W116 chassis was introduced. For example, I was able to buy from a dealer the power window switch for the passenger side, which controls both front and rear windows. This switch cost me $25. This style of switch had been used even before the W116. Go to your local Ford dealer and try to get an OEM switch for a 1973 model. I think that the time will come when these W116s will be more appreciated. Especially as Mercedes styling starts to blend in with the common car.
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  #35  
Old 03-29-2002, 12:55 AM
SKlasse
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I'll add my .02 cents, I've always loved the w116, it was basically was the car that attracted me to MB in the first place. I would call it a "modern classic" with the chrome bumpers and aerodynamic bodywork. I think a great number of them have rusted away or broke a timing chain and the owner's scrapped them thinking it was not cost effective to fix. I have been seeing increasing numbers of them in the salvage yards I frequent.

My present w116 is something of an oddball. 79 450SE Euro car with factory installed ABS. It also has the torque-compensating rear axle as in the 6.9s and later 500 series w126 cars. No sunroof or power windows, but it does have the Auto Climate control and orthopedic seat backs. I will be installing an aluminum hood,trunk and gas tank bulkhead from an SD to save weight and improve performance. It needs alot of work, but I have grown attatched to it.

Best,
Wayne
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  #36  
Old 03-29-2002, 08:49 PM
amskeptic
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by mikemover
[B]amskeptic,

Looks like you've got the same camber as mine too... I've got some front-end work to do soon. Very nice pictures!

I have had those Michelin MXVs since the day after I bought the car. The tires are wearing spot-on evenly, with diligent rotation.
The fronts have outside shoulder wear with all that amazing positive caster at lock, and the rears have inner wear due to the negative camber when loaded. Front-to-rear rotation keeps my shoulders wearing evenly on all tires.
I keep the tire pressure at 38 psi so the centers wear at the same rate as the shoulders. They are 1/2 down at 21,000 miles.
The negative camber in the front suspension which you noted in the photograph hasn't manifested any tire wear symptoms. . yet.
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  #37  
Old 03-29-2002, 08:58 PM
amskeptic
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Quote:
Originally posted by rickjordan
The "stately" looks are one of the many things I like about my W116. Especially as Mercedes styling starts to blend in with the common car.
I agree.
Colin
( the skies rained down ten seconds after this shot)
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What happened to all the W116 - '73-'80 450 SEL's?-mblsdrk.jpg  
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  #38  
Old 03-29-2002, 09:23 PM
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What a beautiful shot of the car in silhouette.

Pure poetry.
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  #39  
Old 03-30-2002, 11:19 PM
amskeptic
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Quote:
Originally posted by suginami
What a beautiful shot of the car in silhouette.

Pure poetry.
When I had my Lexus LS400, I found that waxing it
was as boring as waxing a refrigerator,
not that I ever have waxed a refrigerator,
but this Mercedes always it is a pleasure.
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  #40  
Old 03-31-2002, 08:48 AM
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WHAT CLASSIFIEDS?

i'd be interested in Carlos' 450sel...what classifieds are you refering to?
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  #41  
Old 03-31-2002, 08:57 AM
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The classified section of this forum. Here is a link to the thread.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=23723
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  #42  
Old 03-31-2002, 10:46 PM
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Man, Carlos, that is a nice looking car! If I were closer I'd come check it out for sure.

I've been watching this thread progress, and tonight I saw a yellowish/saffron/palomino (ok, it was dark, and I'm not up on my 1970's colors) W116 300SD going south on Rt 191 near Nazareth Racetrack. Appropriate, or what?

Seeing this stately old S-class prompted me to reply to this thread. I personally think that in many ways that the W116 is the ultimate S-class, maybe because that was the "new" S-class back in early 1977 when I first got interested in MB's.
At that time I ended up with a W108 280SE, which I should still be driving to this day, but like a fool, I traded it on a new 280Z. OOPS.

Most of the W116's I ever see anymore are SD's, but there is a shop up the road that has two of them just sitting around. I might stop in just to peek I can say that the W126 is a nice cruiser for highway use, but the W116 that I remember (1979 SD new, on a test drive, so it's been awhile) handled more like a W108 than my W126. The W126 is more of a land yacht that seldom pushes me to go much over 70-75 mph, whereas my W108 was more at home around 100-120 (I know, yikes!).

Just my ramblings, but I had to share. I hope I can find a W116 when the time comes for me to get my next car. I'd have to choose between a 450SEL and a 300SD, mainly because I feel that these two offer the most reliable powerplants that MB has ever built.

Just my $0.02....
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  #43  
Old 04-01-2002, 08:13 PM
amskeptic
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Robert W. Roe
I can say that the W126 is a nice cruiser for highway use, but the W116 that I remember (1979 SD new, on a test drive, so it's been awhile) handled more like a W108. I hope I can find a W116 when the time comes for me to get my next car. I'd have to choose between a 450SEL and a 300SD, mainly because I feel that these two offer the most reliable powerplants that MB has ever built.

My 450SEL has been a superb Interstate traveller. It belongs to the old school of thought as far as engine revs, it is turning over at around 3,400 rpm at 80mph, which makes for a rather involved
automotive symphony, but it's one I adore. You also get authoritative engine braking at that rpm, which gives me additional control in the hills of West Virginia on Interstate 79
at a 100mph. This car is rock-solid at speed.
With regular oil changes ( Castrol 10/40 ) this engine has never been touched at 137,000 miles, save for some $14.94 alternator brushes. The rubber vaccum hoses are petrified rock after 24 years, but they don't care. The day I do have to touch anything
will be a day of woe.
Colin
p.s. make sure coolant level is up when towing : )
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What happened to all the W116 - '73-'80 450 SEL's?-mbtrlr1.jpg  
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  #44  
Old 04-02-2002, 09:05 AM
Jim B+
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Great cars and West Virginia

Although most Duesenberg stories center on Manhatten or Hollywood, your comments on your Mercedes remind me of a letter reproduced in Elbert's 1950 book on Duesenberg. The letterhead simply stated "Coal and Timber," but the writer obviously had enormous quantities of these resources to draw down since he had bought new and owned for 15 years an open J Duesenberg. He also comments on the ability of that giant car to master both the twisting mountain pre-highways of the region and the generally great distances he had to travel from point A to point B...and at speed. He made roughly the same comments as you did on the car's reliability and durability. There's also an amusing anecdote concerning the distress of a hitchhiker he gave a lift to who was unprepared for a mountain road Duesenberg ride at speed. If you'd like a copy, please e-mail me privately with your fax number.
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  #45  
Old 04-09-2002, 12:30 AM
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Thumbs up I have one

OK So i just bought this 1976 Mercedes 450 SEL. When I put it in gear, it makes this clunk (just kidding).

Anyway I like the look. This car has 167,000 Miles on it and diagnostics say all is great. However, could someone please tell me a couple of things.

Is there some kind of trick to opening the drivers door lock with the key? I can't manually lock the door unless all others are down but then I cant open it with the key anyway.

2nd. When i turn off the climate control it seem to still be doing something (makes noise)

Other than that teh acr is awesome. It has the small 276 cu. in.? V8 and it appears to be getting reasonable gas mileage. Anyone know what it should get?

Thanks and Hi there to all!

Mike

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