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W116 Euro 6.9: Fix or Part-Out?

Started by Armor, 13 January 2023, 03:59 PM

Neil4speed

Quote from: rumb on 15 January 2023, 11:55 AMBefore you write it off, perhaps connect inlet and outlet fuel lines from fuel disti, run pump for 20 minutes and see if gas is clear. Then try starting it.

If it runs then fill hydro tank and see if it rises.


Running and rising is worth a lot more than non functioning.


Totally agree - Mine was sitting for a long period of time, and this is what was done by a specialist shop. Although I am doing a full refurbishment of the spheres and reseal of the rear strut (Rumb, my kit is still sitting in the glovebox!), it actually rides really quite well compared to my daily with Air suspension.

jtucker

It kills me to say this but I would part it out and move on to another 6.9 in better condition.  I say this based on personal experience.  I have owned a 1979 6.9 (#6235) for eleven years.  The least expensive part of my ownership was the original purchase of the car.  Mine was in great condition cosmetically and was actually well cared for mechanically.  That said, it had been in storage for years before I purchased it and as I started driving it more frequently, problems arose.  These are super expensive cars to maintain, let alone restore.  I'm into the six-figure territory with all the repairs over the past decade, and I would have been much better off had I purchased a perfect example eleven years ago for $60k or so.  I would have saved a ton of money...

raueda1

Quote from: jtucker on 19 January 2023, 09:50 AMIt kills me to say this but I would part it out and move on to another 6.9 in better condition.  I say this based on personal experience.  I have owned a 1979 6.9 (#6235) for eleven years.  The least expensive part of my ownership was the original purchase of the car.  Mine was in great condition cosmetically and was actually well cared for mechanically.  That said, it had been in storage for years before I purchased it and as I started driving it more frequently, problems arose.  These are super expensive cars to maintain, let alone restore. I'm into the six-figure territory with all the repairs over the past decade, and I would have been much better off had I purchased a perfect example eleven years ago for $60k or so.  I would have saved a ton of money...
Just curious what your experience was.  If you're doing your own work then the 6.9 isn't much different from any other W116, apart from the suspension (!!), provided that drive train is basically sound.  Are you doing work yourself or paying somebody to do it?  If the latter then it all makes perfect sense.  The previous owner of my parts car got hit by a $15k bill by MB dealer and that was that.  All it really needed was new spheres!  Rumb and got a ton of useful and valuable parts out of that car!  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

jtucker

All the work on my 6.9 has been performed by my ace mechanic, who has been a Mercedes specialist for over 35 years.  The work performed is too long to list here in detail, but it included a full engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, replacement of numerous electrical relays and switches, new front and rear brake calipers and rotors, and new tires.  We also replaced all of the suspension accumulators, hoses, the timing chain, belts, and filters.  Finally, we pulled the dash out to replace a clogged heater core and also chased down numerous vacuum leaks.

Had I not had to do the engine and transmission I'd be in a lot better financial position with this car.  Once they are all sorted, properly maintained, and driven regularly, a W116 is largely bulletproof and incredibly reliable.  But when they've been neglected, they're rather expensive to put right...

daantjie

Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

john erbe

I'm up here in Bay Area and also interested in a chin spoiler if available. Also, sent you a PM as I know someone that might take the car off your hands.

jtucker

daantjie,

Yes, that's my engine!  I've put 16k miles on the car since the rebuild.  Wonderful car.

Jeff