1980 Mercedes-Benz W116 450sel 6.9 6.9 litre V8

Summary:

The 6.9 Sedan

Faults:

Many things were wrong with this car when I purchased it. Since restoring the car I have had no further real problems with it.

General Comments:

When I first saw this car was on an Ebay listing late one Saturday night. It was being sold by a dealer as an "all original", the engine was said to be sound and well kept. The bidding ended on Sunday so of course I could not talk to anyone before buying it. But, the body was beautiful and I had to have it. Astral silver is the color, with indigo blue interior. It took about two weeks to have the car shipped from the mid west (yes, it is completely rust-free). It arrived at 9p.m. on a misty night, so of course I still didn't know what I had until the next morning.

The car was in better shape cosmetically than I had expected, some various chrome pieces needed to be replaced, along with the rubber trim pieces, and two or three dings removed. The paint was not new, but in good shape and would do well until she could be resprayed.

The interior was pretty enough, but I soon realized how worn out it was (I suppose from the dessert heat). So the interior had to go. New German leather, German carpet, Mercedes CD with Bose speakers and other various interior items ran into the 5 to 6 thousand range.

The engine had been well kept untill 1995 when it had been parked. Since then the oil had not been changed. The engine was due for its major service and in bad need of a valve job. It needed a radiator, various new pumps, gaskets, hoses, belts and seals. All totaled it took about 5 thousand to get the engine and transmission in order.

The suspension system was shot. To overhaul the suspension and brakes was 3 thousand.

Of course I have done various cosmetics to my own taste including a $4k respray, but the is irrelivent.

Since the restoration I have had no trouble with it other than the climate control system failing once. Make no mistake that I am very happy with my car, but you must expect to do atleast some restoration on this old a car. I just chose to do a lot of restoration. Of course you do have on going maintenance bills, but on a car like this if well documented you could get every penny you put in it. I will keep mine.

A friend of mine named the car "Elvira" and that is her name. Elvira will now easily go down a highway at 120 mph just as she first did in November of 79 when she was delivered to the USA. I like to think after restoration the car is better than it was when new. Elvira certainly got a new life, and well deserved it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2005

6th Oct 2005, 03:34

I just purchased a '79 W116 6.9. It is American spec so the power is down a bit, but it is still quite rapid. My car had been repainted in original (Anthracite) color with original Palamino interior. It has genuine 49,000 miles on it. It was sitting in my friend's A/C (weather is hot in Thailand) garage for many years. Just before being parked there, it had all new suspension.

I think it is one of the cars most overlooked by classic car lover, may be because it is not that old yet. It drives exceedingly well with very smooth suspension and powerful engine. It surpasses luxurious modern cars in many ways (fuel consumption certainly is not one of them).

I will try to drive it as much as time permits me. It is a waste to keep it parked. I was told by the mechanic working on the car that hydraulic suspension needs to be used.

I am a classic car lover with a '79 6.9 (W116), '68 e-type Roadster Series 1.5, '76 350SL (R107), '66 600 (W100), '93 Aston Martin Virage (less than 9,000 Miles) and '92 512TR (with 1,800 miles).

23rd Apr 2006, 19:55

Hello Fellow 6.9 Owners:

I have a '77. Silver/Blue with less than 50k miles. This is an amazing car. Not for the faint hearted--either to drive or maintain. Much of the car is interchangeable with a basic 450 SEL. I had an idle problem that was making me crazy. It would start fine, and after driving for awhile, the idle would drop and get real rough. My M-B guru suggested swapping the FI distributor with the one on my 450 SEL. No Help. I replaced plugs, cap, wires, ignition module, coil. Still no help. FINALLY, looked at the ERG valve. It was sticking. Easy to by-pass.

Mine was a desert car, but kept inside. Leather/carpets are perfect. Dash cover has cracked. Haven't had nerve to remove dash cover to see what the real dash looks like. Bought the car in Palm Springs, CA and drove it straight back to Detroit. Great Drive. Buy only one that has been maintained and that they can prove mileage on odometer.

Regards, Jeff Poe (jmpcitroen1@hotmail.com)

20th Jun 2006, 12:09

Hi guys, don't know if this is checked often, but I have a '77 MB 6.9 with 102k on it... 8 out of a 10... mechanically awesome except...

Sometimes it idles low as a couple of you have dealt with... at 5k RPM rough... then I turn it off, let it sit and come back to it and it's like normal... EGR valve? Good deal!

Also, the suspension leveling system works, but is very very bouncy.. heard it may need new spheres.. ouch. It sits until I can get it an hour north to a reputable shop, as I'm afraid to take it to the local dealer... any advice on this car?

Pics are here... I bet you haven't seen one like this.. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/764349/1977-mercedes-benz-s-class

Thanks

will.

1980 Mercedes-Benz W116 450 SEL 4.5L V8

Summary:

Fun, stylish, reliable, but thirsty

Faults:

I had to replace the electrical wirings.

The reverse gear stopped working, had to replace the transmission.

Fuel pump broke down.

General Comments:

This sleeper rocks! Old, but entertaining and reliable, and very fast.

It costs me less to drive this baby (with style) and to fix it than to pay for a cheap new car (aka Civic). (yes, no more depreciation and if kept well maintainded, it will start gaining value as a collector!

Though..it's VERY thirsty (and drinks premium, not regular gas).

A thing to know... no recommended for winter driving!! keep it as a summer car and get yourself a used Subaru Loyale as a winter toy (that's what I did)

To finish, put some good music in and you feel like flying down the highway... awesome!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2005

12th Apr 2006, 22:31

Hi, I am interested in buying a 450SEL 6.9 in very good condition. It will not be my only car, but your review, which I appreciate, kept me wonder why not to use it in winter? Are there problems with traction -too much power- or something like that?

Thank you in advance for your response.

7th Jun 2006, 14:48

It's just because of the traction. If not driving very calm you will have several u-turns unexpected!

As well it be a shame if the car would get rusty by salt!!!

7th Apr 2011, 13:02

The US-version 450SE marks 132MPH (213KM/H) on good example.

That's excellent for a combination of angular body (CD 0.42) and 180BHP 4.5-litres, catalyzer-equipped engine.

1980 Mercedes-Benz W116 300SD 3.0Turbo diesel

Summary:

Potentially a great car

Faults:

Some clown had welded a plate between body and cross-member on front suspension, so new parts needed approx $600. Driver seat started to sag badly. Body rot had set in and wouldn't let go.

General Comments:

I guess if you buy a good one this is one solidly-built car.

I didn't, and it constantly needed attention. A/C didn't work, cruise-control use to randomly cut-out and then accelerate without warning.

The engine was noisier than other MB diesels I've heard, etc etc.

Be wary - this was an expensive car when new - some parts are still exorbitant and hard to find.

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

Review Date: 28th October, 2003

26th Jul 2005, 19:47

This is a great all around car. Mine needed a little attention paid to the body, but some scrap sheet metal, a sander, and a fresh coat of paint it still looks as good as it did in 1980.

10th Jan 2006, 09:18

You fixed the body yourself too?? well I was planning on doing it myself, because I fixed the rust on my own civic and my brothers, so can you email me and tell me how its done properly on this car? i love it to much to take a risk irule300@hotmail.com.