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Mercedes-Benz Classic

Started by marku, 22 May 2022, 12:52 PM

marku

Nice write up and feature on the 116. Also a 79 450SE for sale E58500.

Mercedes Classic often features the 116. Definitely not the neglected model now.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

UTn_boy

But don't forget that Mercedes still won't support or recognize the W116 when it comes to spare parts, nor will they ever.  They merely rest on the laurels of their past triumphs at the expense of other people.   
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

raueda1

Quote from: UTn_boy on 22 May 2022, 03:49 PMBut don't forget that Mercedes still won't support or recognize the W116 when it comes to spare parts, nor will they ever.  They merely rest on the laurels of their past triumphs at the expense of other people.   
Do you have any ideas on why this is so?  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

UTn_boy

Yes.  It's because the W116 is not a highly coveted or sought out model among the masses, and because Mercedes knows that the majority of W116 owners will not pay what it would cost to offer many parts to be remade.  Much of the same goes for W123, W124, W201, and W126 cars.  More so the W140, as the W140 was an embarrassment to Mercedes, and they'd rather sweep it under the rug.  When it comes to the W140, Mercedes was able to build the best car in the world (at the time) with the cheapest parts possible.  Doing so caught up with them really fast, and they ended up loosing millions of dollars on the W140 for warranty work they had to honor.  The earlier models were made well enough, and were long lived for the generation they were made in, but 30-40 years later the demand is small compared to other models, and most owners haven't the money to spend on spare parts.  Essentially, there is no money to be made in supporting the W116. 

For example, around 10 years ago Mercedes had a new batch of W116 gas tanks made.  They still have 80% of them in stock because not many, if any, are willing to pay $2,000 USD on a gas tank for a car the owner paid $500 for. 

So we have to rely on each of us in this group to keep parts flowing since Mercedes won't support the W116.  I think we'll always be able to get maintenance parts and the like, but anything else is questionable. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

marku

Bit negative glad to see the 116 get any air time. Never had any problem getting parts really. I don't think the 116 is particular neglected. There are always write ups now and then and the All Stars site features the 116 quite prominently with a few on sale.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

UTn_boy

Negative as it may be, it's just how it is.  We have no control over any of it. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

marku

Don't really agree. MB doesn't do too badly in comparison to other marques. I think I was fortunate in choosing the 450SE. For many years I was, and still am, a Jaguar enthusiast having had several classics over the years. I was proposing to buy an XJS12 for my next project but by accident came across the 450 as the owner wanted a quick sale as emigrating. I am really pleased I did given the support MB gives in comparison to other manufacturers.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

UTn_boy

Just because we buy the cars, love them, and make them live again doesn't mean Mercedes is going to change their minds and start offering parts for the W116 for any affordable rate. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo