116 vs 126

[oversize]

Interesting that I've noticed on other MB sites that have categories for all MB models that the 126 is far more popular than the 116...  Could it be due to less rust issues, or more bells n whistles?  Or could it be interpreted another way; more posts means more troubles??  LOL

[karmann_20v]

Wasn't the 126 the best selling S class generation? Even if that wasn't the case, it outsold the 116 by a pretty big margin.

And the 126 feels and offers amenities more modern than its build year would suggest, so that makes it alot more appealing.

[rumb]

I think because this site exists that most use it instead of benxworld.

[Squiggle Dog]

I will tell you one thing--the turning radius for the w126 is atrocious compared to a W116. I have never driven a car with a tighter turning radius than my W116, but with my roommate's W126, it is difficult even to get it into a parking space. It's odd that the steering would get worse on the next model, but there it is.

They may have done better rustproofing in the W126, but we've still had to weld in new rocker panels and patch holes and replace fenders in my roommate's W126 (and it's 11 years newer than my W116).

Also, I can burn rubber in my W116 with a 5 cylinder engine. The W126 has a 6 cylinder engine with more horsepower but it's a bit sluggish off the line. I guess the W126 got heavier.

[shaggy]

I ran a w126 300SE prior to my current w116 280SE. Although both these cars vary from model to model and country to country, my own experience is that the w126 is lighter, more refined and wholly more modern. The engine is supple and economical and feels surprisingly swift. On the downside, the plastic bumpers  can look cheap and the fuel injection gained in complexity.

The w116 with the m110 engine, by way of contrast,  feels better built but the twin-cam is surprisingly unrefined - or, is perhaps not entirely suited to the image of the car, being more of a a revver in the Alfa Romeo mould.

Both w126 and w116 offer extraordinary reliability if well looked after, the late model k-jet w116 280SE does however carry the added advantage of having an entirely mechanical fuel injection system - a huge advantage for the home mechanic using the car as a daily driver.

[Peter]

I also ran a W126 before my W116 and the W126 was special order by the chief Pilot for Cathay Pacific. Smoke silver with custom extra thick brown leather interior. Just a beautiful car however I still much prefer the finish and styling of the W116. The chrome on the W116 gently screams classic and W116 drivers tend to be more intelligent and better looking !! 

[floyd111]

I agree with Peter. I think the W126 is far superior by today's standards, the 500SEL  is probably the best, most powerful, most comfortable car I ever drove. (but I haven't driven a lot of fancy cars) It's still smashing to look at, as is it's partner, the SEC, that is one of the most gorgeous cars in history.. W126 are so abundant here that I see one of them at least, per hour, often more, just going to the 7/11. They never get boring to spot. Amazingly modern, even compared to cars today. For that reason, it will be a long while before it can be ranked among the chrome-laden classics.
The 116, prettier or not, is a classic, for all the obvious reasons.

[Delibes]

W116 drivers tend to be more intelligent and better looking !! 

That's a fact!

The mechanical nature of the W116 and the thickness of all materials used makes it a better car in my book. And ditto to what Squiggle said on the handling... the weight of the W126 makes these cars nearly clumsy in comparison.

[floyd111]

Weight? As far as I know both the W116 and the W126 are about the same 1650kg?