500 SE Donor Car

[robertd]

Here are some photos of a W126 sedan that I have picked up, its an import from either UK, Hong Kong or Japan last registered in Australia in 2008.
It has the all alloy 5lt. M117 motor and 4 speed trans. the final drive is an SP 2.72 ratio. It must one of the early series as it has 14inch wheel.
There is no ABS and standard steel springs and no sunroof. it seems this car has all the performance goodies with none of the optional extras of the day.

Can anyone tell me what year this car is from the chassis number

[TJ 450]

An early K-Jet with mechanical Aux Air valve... That is ideal for a swap as long as the engine is OK.

I would pull off those radiator hoses, and drain the coolant from the block and check for corrosion and sludge as a first port of call. And do you plan on getting the engine running in the car to inspect and determine how it runs? It should be easy as long as the fuel system is OK and you get an ignition module... That's the basic early one, so you shouldn't have any issues there.

Have a look at the date on the coolant reservoir, as that is original and all the other usual suspects for date stamps. I have no idea how to tell from the chassis nr. on the 126 how old it is, but it looks very early to me.

Tim

PS, anyone considering a 126, don't forget that the early ones do indeed feature basic K-Jet like the 116. I suspect in the future we will see more of these early cars still on the road because of that. It is only the KE-Jet cars that feature the expensive electronic bits, aside from the electronic idle speed control valve that can be found in place of the AAV on certain early cars.

[robertd]

Hi Tim,
thanks for the reply. I'm going to attempt to get the motor started as you suggested, I will try an ignition module from a 450SE, can't hurt?
If its all good I will clean it up and remove to have ready for a possible transplant. How about a "450SE 5.0" should be an fairly uncomplicated swap?
These motors were rated at 240hp with about 300nm torque and with the slightly lower diff ratio would give an Aussie 6.9 (low comp) a run for its money from a standing start.
Cheers
Robert
Tim if you need any small bits from the interior just let me know

[Big_Richard]

.

[TJ 450]

Well, the '83 500SEC I had certainly gave my 6.9 a run for its money. The main benefit was the first gear, but that means wheel spin if you plant it.

I think the difference between Aus and Euro 6.9s appears to be very subtle too, but obviously it would depend on the car. One would have to drive and get to know the two before making any judgement. I once went for a ride in Bill's 6.9 and couldn't tell the difference, but again not knowing the car personally means I'm not in the position to make any conclusions.

It takes a lot of critical driving to work these things out.

Tim

[robertd]

I would have to agree with you Major Tom on the possible differences between the two 6.9's, However having owned both varieties for a number of years I was in a position to drive them time and time again to compare and I can assure you that the Gold Euro 6.9 I had was a absolute beast if feed the right fuel whereas the Silver Aussie 6.9 was a bit more subdued and both had similar mileage on them.
In any case I still think a 450SE 5.0 would be an interesting project
Cheers
Robert
now I need to find a W116 450SE with good interior and body, with a blown motor

[robertd]

hey Tim,
You were right, there was a date on the water bottle  4/84, that seems to fit?

[Tony66_au]

Gents for my money the 5.0 and especially the early ones went far harder than the 5.6 which seemed to be a bit more leisurely.

I have to say this looks like an interesting swap Robert!

Perhaps something for me to do with the Topaz Brown 450 a little down the track.....

[TJ 450]

Indeed, 84 would be it.

The 116 transistor box might work, I'd confirm that first though.

Tim

[nathan]

you are on a 126 buying spree RD!

my 2 west australian cents (of which 1.5 goes to you east coast bludgers!)
-the update m117 5.0s had MUCH more power than the early ones. before finding my first 6.9, i tested a bunch of 5 litre variants (mainly sec's).  the early ones are more leisurely than the updates). the overseas 5 litres we got from the UK as grey imports were also more likely to be high compression and bloody quick. before the engine rebuild and transplant, my 500sel 1988 would fly off the mark (when it wasnt 'pulsing' or having a seizure!) - but as usual, im sure the 6.9 would chase it down from 80/90kmh
-i think the issue comes down to weight and gearing, not the fact that it has 4 speeds though. to say the 1st speed ads anything on a 126 to me doesnt make sense. these damn 1st gears need to be manually selected and only went up to40kmh by which time they were screaming. a slow gear change meant it was better to take off in 2ndanyhow.  1st was only intended for downhill descents and heavy towing i understand from the manual.
anyhow, look forward to progress RD
nathan

[robertd]

Here we go with ignition module from 280se and fresh coolant the original oil looked pretty good, Started with the first spark and settled down to a smooth and steady idle, I am very supprised at how quiet it is, almost silent running!
the surface oil burning off, need to clean it upHot wired as ther is no ignition switchinternals look very goodafter a good cleanlooking better
Well it seems we are off to a good start, pity it can't be driven (the steering column has been removed)
I am now looking for a transplant recipient 450SE

[Tony66_au]

Great to hear you got the old girl up and running, at least you know the engine is a good runner and she should go well in a 116, maybe even as quick as a D jet 450 :-)

[nathan]

nothing like a degreased engine! looks good.  but that is one very sorry looking 126. has that been sitting in someones paddock for a while?!

[Tony66_au]

They get like that parked under tree's too Nathan, I went and had a look at a pair of 126's I was told were 116's and they were very mucky.

[WGB]

You are going to be a busy boy Robert.

Best of Luck.

Just watch  coolant weep into a bore hasn't removed the nicasil lining.

Bill