Faults:

The power windows in the back have stopped working and as have the dome lights, but those were due to someone stealing my stereo and doing a very bad job at it.

Other than that, I've only had the alternator go on me. And it was the OEM alternator. 27 years later, she still runs like a gem.

General Comments:

I received this car from a family friend whose wife had passed on. She took EXTREMELY good care of it and except for a few tears on the drivers seat, it was pristine.

Even for having the smaller engine, the car has plenty of get up and go. I still pass newer cars climbing the lovely uphill interstates of western Colorado. Engine runs very smoothly, and never makes a complaint.

She also handles well for a 5000lb land yacht. You can't pull any stunt work, but then again, you're driving an S class. Why would you?

Cabin is VERY roomy. No one has ever complained about riding in the back. In fact most people chose to ride there, with the illusions of being chauffeured.

If I ever see another for sale when I'm buying a new car, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. FANTASTIC car. I'd make a review of all swear words to express the joy I feel about driving it.

Faults:

The power steering pump blew, but was easily and inexpensively replaced.

A low pressure air conditioning line chafed through, also a fairly affordable replacement.

Paint on the hood, roof and deck lid is badly oxidized and may need to be color-sanded to make it at least presentable. Some evidence of repainting at the front, but extremely well done.

One accumulator for the hydraulic suspension has been replaced and it needs at least one more. Again, an easy and cheap fix.

The cruise control, odometer, two power windows and automatic climate control are all inoperative. Typical for the breed.

The windshield washer and headlight wiper/washer systems are an ongoing project and nearly complete.

The central locking system worked until recently. The problem is a broken line going to the right front passenger door.

The factory power antenna I refurbished doesn't work properly since the wiring had been badly redone to accept an aftermarket radio.

Seats were reupholstered with inferior material and are in shreds. The rest of the interior is in nice condition.

Body is in excellent condition with no rust.

I've replaced a myriad of small parts and components including the European-style headlights and front turn signals. I stumbled on all four units at a wrecking yard and paid only $60 for everything!

General Comments:

This car is true automotive royalty and a bona-fide, blue-chip collector's item, despite the fact it had been neglected before I bought it. It was a $99 "come-on" for a used car sale at a local dealer! I'd wanted a 6.9 for years and finding this one for such a low price was literally the deal of a lifetime.

It's blindingly fast, fun to drive and handles beautifully thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension unique to the 6.9. Handling and ride will improve greatly when I replace the other two accumulators. These are pressurized, nitrogen-filled spheres that take the place of the springs.

It's a rare, exotic and just plain wonderful machine despite the fact that it looks like thousands of other W116-chassis Benzes. Make sure you get a good one, because certain parts are horribly expensive in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion. Having some mechanical aptitude and shopping for parts on the Internet will save you a bundle.