W116.org

Will some one please direct me to some type of specific buyers guide for the w116, maybe the 450 in particular? thank you kindly for your support Jasper.

Down the bottom of the home page is a library link, follow that there is buyer's guide there.

Buyer's Guide - 450 SEL, Unique Cars, September 1999.

koan

Yes i have read this article but feel there maybe more to consider or i may simply be use to cars with many more problems!? I have arranged a viewing tomorrow morning it has roof, leather and a good overall appearance and described as in perfect condition...call me paranoid but it sounds too good!

WHere are you located?  The cars are generally solid, and 250 000km is no prooblem mechanically if its been maintained.  Inspect carefully for rust - cars from coastal areas can have alarming quantities of rot. 

Cheers people, im not near the sea so fingers crossed my baptism is not a fiery one! This is my first MB and auto for that matter and im 34yo. I have enjoyed the use of a slugish early 70s 250 and was completly sold, this is the main reason for looking at V8s as the build was lovely but an underpowered donk spoiled the fun factor for me so the 450 with the wonderfull overkill chrome bumpers is for me i reckon. Thanks again for all your input. Jasper

The 450 should be a good choice.

As has already been mentioned, rust is what should be inspected for first and foremost. If something doesn't look quite right, chances are that there has been rust and it has been filled with body filler. This is particularly common in the sill area and all the other "usual places".

Watch out for rot in the floor pan as well.

If it all checks out OK, your on the right track.

Mechanical issues are fairly self explanatory to car enthusiasts of any make, but something to look out for is records for when the timing chain was last replaced. No doubt you have read about this anyway.

Again, if it drives well, your probably onto a winner.

Good luck.

As for the original question, the "Buyer's Guide", by Frank Barrett is a good read. I think the article may be in the library as well.

Tim

Wow this has been a very rewarding place to ask my many mundane questions and i cant thank you all enough for the fantastic advice. I am a car nut in any ones language as my first cars were a 2 door mk1 escort followed by many a Alfa Romeo which admittedly has turned me into a very carefull rust detector and this appears to be the common topic mentioned.. although naturally a little rust does not bother me it seems i should be looking for a rust free example. Again thankyou all and please dont hesitate to keep informing me on the purchase skills needed to find a good car as im hell bent on getting into one of these stout German tanks with a true road presence which has had me admiring this particular model my whole life..finally i have no real want and need for a manual box and this is a real cruiser that makes the right sound.

Good luck Jasper - my 450 is my first w116 and my first Merc.  These cars are great to drive and the 450 has enough power to be fun without the headaches (cost) of going for the 6.9.

Report back after you see the car - take pictures and ask for opinions!

Matt.