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Comparison drives: W116, W140 and W220

Started by beagle2022, 02 July 2017, 11:17 PM

beagle2022

So I've sold my beloved W116, bought a 1993 W140 and just test drove a 2004 W220.  In the space of a month I've just experienced more than three decades of MB engineering.  So I thought I would journal my refections and kick start a gentlemanly bun-fight on the topic of model comparisons.

What do I miss about my W116? Driver visibility.  It was outstanding. A sense of ageless style.  Very simple operation. Straightforward and obvious engineering/design. Character. The sense that you actually drove it (as apart from sitting in it and steering).

What do I like about my W140? Amazing build quality.  Really, it is exceptional. Bold engineering and obvious innovation everywhere you look. Tremendous road-feel. It is a joy to drive.  Silence.  It is eery at times. The Bose sound system (can blow your head off). Comfortable seats. No rust.  Anywhere. Ever.

Why I didn't buy the W220? It felt cheap. Plastic everywhere. And after only 13 years all the most-used buttons and switches were sticky and dirty due to deterioration. The frames had fallen off the vanity mirrors. And that was after only 65000 kms. Lots of idiosyncratic inbuilt technology that will inevitably fail.  The need for specialist diagnostic devices to maintain it.  That said it was a great car with excellent performance.

Now I've never driven a W126, so I know there is a big piece of the puzzle missing. 

Over to you....
Sydney, Australia

daantjie

I think you are spot on. As much as I love my 6.9 I don't think I could live with another  "older" Benz. I really just want to get in, turn the key and experience effortless and stress free motoring. With any 25 plus year old car there is just that much stuff that can go tits up on you unexpectedly. I will buy a low miles W140 500 SEL in a heart beat and daily drive it like a boss ;D but keep the 6.9 for high days and holidays  ;)
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

rumb

W108,  a very pleasant car to drive, but noticeably different suspension/steering technology, sedate compared to modern cars, but easy and smooth to drive.  All that lovely wood to look at. at 50 years old, you do know you are driving an "old" car.

W126, enjoyable to drive everyday -(my winter car now) feels very firm and safe.  I have not driven my W116 more than 50 miles yet, but it feels and even looks  very similar to the W126.  I think the hydro suspension is smoother.  Both drive and handle nearly the same. Well built to last -  currently 228K mi.

R129,  fun car to drive, sporty, fast, great handling. worry about plastic parts breaking.

W218 (2014 CLS550)   WOW - car appears extremely well made fit, finish and quality of interior material.  huge power, airmatic suspension is amazing, drivers seat is fantastic - bolsters inflate on corners, massage, etc. VERY quite and smooth car to drive. Take about a week to learn how everything works on it's many features.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

Peter

Hi Peter, nice to see you back here. I agree that the W116 is an ageless sense of style, great visibility and a sense of safety and security that is almost unmatched. I think the W140 is superior engineering however some of the classic style was lost, thereafter Mercedes lost the plot with material selection. My daughters 1998 E320 is a pleasure to drive but the level of deterioration of the interior and trim is shameful and the same can be said for the wife's ML320. I would like a W116 implanted with W140 engine, running gear and stereo.   ;D

beagle2022

I think you've nailed it Peter!  A W116 with a quiet, leak-free engine, a responsive transmission and a great sound system would be a gem.
Sydney, Australia

oversize

A W116 with a W126 drivetrain would be perfect!  The W140 scares the hell out of me with all the plastic, diagnostic equipment required and unrepairable parts.  I think they were also the first Benz infected with the Torx 'virus'!!
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P