about the variants of the 116

[discord]

Hello

When I was a kid, my folks had i believe a 1980 450 SEL. I loved that car inside and out. Unfortunatly they sold it maybe in 1988. Anyhow I really like the interior and exterior of the car. I was wondering which models/years have the same interior and exterior as the 450 SEL? I'm thinking about purchasing a 116, however am thinking about buying one of the smaller engine variety. I have a feeling it would last longer.

[oscar]

Wouldn't it be good to track down your folk's 450SEL.

I reckon it doesn't really matter so much how big the engine is compared to how long they'll last.  But maybe it goes the other way, a smaller engine's pistons such as those in a I6 2.8L will do more work over the same distance as the other extreme, a V8 6.9L.  It'll be revving higher at cruising speeds and one would think, need a rebuild sooner.

Thing is though, 30 years on it's going to come down to maintenance history and condition of a car as it is now.  But in general, most updates to the w116 occured for the production run during and after 1976.   To get leather interior, full zebrano dash and console trim, electric windows and sunroof etc, you might as well look for another good late model 4.5L 450SEL in my opinion.  Go for 1978 onwards.  Check out the specification links in the library on the right side of this link http://www.w116.org/library . It wont say what features were standard as such but there's a rundown of specs for other chassis codes and engines.  If you're situated in the US and don't mind a diesel, you could always consider a 300SD as well which were as optioned as a late model 450SEL.

[another sad 280s]

the m110 does have a reputation for being bombproof.

[oscar]

That's true, no argument there, and I'm doing my darndest to break one as a track car .  It's done over 400,000km as has my 350se and neither have had, to my knowledge, anything major done apart from timing chains replaced and valve stem seals.  In other words, heads haven't been removed nor valves replaced nor pistons taken out.  They don't run like new either but there's nothing wrong with them mechanically (touch zebrano).  How long they'll last for without major overhaul is anyone's guess.

I was of the opinion that the durability of all the motors are comparable, it's just why I reckon the condition of any car needs to be assessed for their own merits due to their age, maintenance history and current condition, moreso than what size they are.  The 280 I would argue though is easier to work on due to the small block size leaving a lot of engine bay space and only 6 cylinders (300sd owners might say otherwise and may be right).  Personally I would prefer the power of a big V8.  The 3.5L V8 and 2.8L I6 cars are evenly matched.  A good example of either should do about 0-100km/h or 0-60mph in approx 10sec with different more powerful versions managing a tad under 10sec.  But you're less likely to find a fully optioned 280 or 350.

[discord]

I've noticed those W123 models look very similar to the 116 also.

[oscar]

They do but w116s are cooler   Of course I'm biased but the beauty of w123s is that they were produced in numbers way beyond the w116 so spares either 2nd hand and new are well catered for. I can't really talk of other differences between the two having never owned one.  If I was going to buy one it would have to be the other end of the scale, ie, not a long wheel base V8 w116 but a 2 door coupe w123 280CE.  But if you want some more info on them try http://w123gassers.smfforfree2.com/index.php or the w123 section on http://www.benzworld.org