1974 Mercedes-Benz W116 450SE 4.5L gasoline

Summary:

U-turns like a hatchback, and turns heads as a classic car should do

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car while I owned it, but there are problems with it when I bought it:

- Had tie rods done ($500).

- Needs new upper control arm bushings & ball joints.

- Needs a complete new exhaust system minus manifolds/headers.

- Marginal rust on one side of the car due to the previous owner parking it on the side of the main road during salty winters.

- Some electrics such as the aux engine fan, dash illumination and air conditioning not working.

- Indicator stalk won't stay engaged unless I hold it.

- Springs are worn out for front and rear passenger seats, but the driver's is still perfect.

- Front and rear windscreens are starting to de-laminate.

- Engine idle RPM is a bit too high.

- Power steering sometimes leaks.

General Comments:

First car and spent only a grand on it. Even though it needs work, it is a reliable daily driver, never breaking down on me. I hope to slowly restore it, bit by bit every month or so. If things work out, I'd like to hold on to it until the day I have children and pass it on to them when I pass. I'd like to see the day it reaches 500 000 km too.

The car is worth a lot more than the grand I spent on it. The interior is flawless with no rips or scratches in the leather.

Surprisingly easy to park and to control in the snow. U-Turns like a hatchback, and turns heads as a classic car should do. Acceleration is smooth, if not a bit leisurely.

Gas ain't bad, $60 to fill up 94 octane every 2 weeks. But it'd be nice to have a second car for driving to class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2009

1978 Mercedes-Benz W116 280SE 2.8 gas

Summary:

I love the car

Faults:

None so far.

General Comments:

The car rides like a dream --- super comfortable.

So far, it is very dependable; never failed me.

A/C could be colder, but the old York compressor is dying.

Steering is straight as an arrow; no vibrations anywhere.

One air leak in driver's door; fix it later.

Paint is beautiful (white); the car turns heads now and then.

Gas mileage is not great; 14-15 in and around town.

All said, I love it, and plan to fix the little things.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th June, 2008

31st Jul 2008, 20:19

I have a '78 280SE in Dallas, Texas, where it is very HOT right now. I put in a new Sanden a/c compressor, only to see the vent temperature go UP! The old York, clatter though it did, gave vent temps from 8 to 11 degrees lower than the new one. Frustrating! Other than the cooling issue, I love the car.

James

Garland, Texas.

5th Nov 2010, 20:44

Update on my 280SE A/C. I changed the refrigerant from 134 back to R12, and the car is definitely cooler now. It's not as cold as I'd like, but now it's livable, even when it's 100 degrees outside.

I've had to fix a number of things on/about the car (not cheap), but nothing I shouldn't have expected due to its age. I'm happy with it, love driving it around town, and yes, it does turn a head once in a bit. Circa 14 MPG around town if I don't cram the accelerator to the floor, and it's premium, which impacts my wallet, but hey, it's a classic Mercedes, not a Ford.

James.

10th Apr 2011, 19:59

I love my little 78. Yes, it is a pig on gas, but you could not ask for a more reliable car. I love it, and it was the best Birthday gift ever.

1974 Mercedes-Benz W116 450 SEL 4.5

Summary:

German Engineering, need I say more

Faults:

Seats worn. New Tires, Battery, tune up in 06. Needs paint and professional body work to look 100 percent.

Wheel bearings, brakes.

Car is currently in shop now for stuck throttle and major maintenance. 1200.00 and counting, Expensive!!! Only paid 400 for car, I new at some point money would have to be put in to get it mechanically sound.

Gas prices keep this car as a Sunday driver or back up to my main vehicles.

General Comments:

This car handles well, as it should, it's a Benz.

Once up to speed, engine has an endless amount of tourque.

A/C works great/Heat is marginal (needs thermostat). Transmission is awesome, shifts as it should. Great turning radius, I can maneuver this car almost as well as a mid size.

I plan to get it mechanically sound then begin fixing the body and eventually paint it.

Has original Becker Radio, sounds pretty good for 34 years old.

I can load a lot into it, very spacious.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2008