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Started by marku, 04 August 2019, 12:13 PM

marku

Good write up on the 116 in the current issue about the acquisition of a 280SE. Often wanted to ask what is the driving experience isn't it a little under powered? Would have thought that a car the size of the 116 needed a larger engine.

Also on the S Class. Very supportive on the 116 and its prospects regarding valueand collectors interest but claims the 126 to be the best S Class. Wouldn't argue with its interior compared to the 116 which is very spartan by comparison, but the exterior is quite anonymous where as the 116 has a real presence.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

Randys01

I drove a D jetronic 116 280se recently and had to concede it was nippier than you'd expect. the 4 speed box helps.
I'd imagine the later less powerful K jetronic might be a bit ho hum.
I reckon the 350 se is a great combo.

marku

Just wondered really as I have always thought that bigger is better when it comes to engines particularly for a good smooth take off. Thought one of the 280 owners might have proved me wrong.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

rumb

I have a W126 300se Gen II that a good driver has quite decent enough power but I have learned to anticipate and downshift as needed.  I had for a very short time a W126 280SE euro Gen I manual trans and I could not believe they were the same chassis. That 280 with manual almost felt like a sports car.  The 280 is a great engine. I wouldn't mind having a R107 280sl for that reason. I can understand why the W116 280se was the highest number of units built.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

marku

Good enough I can understand why the manual was more responsive but do you think that it was a better experience than either 350/450/6.9? Certainly a six is inherently a good engine being better balanced. I have had cars with a 2.4/3.4/3.8 and 4.2L versions of the same six engine. All were great drives and all were manual. As far as sales went there were surely other considerations and I think it wasn't chosen on performance. 
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof

p. rex

3.4, 3.8, and 4.2-liter straight-sixes?  You wouldn't happen to be a recovering Jaguar fanatic, would you?

Jordan
1979 450SEL 6.9 #7184 "Die Marschallin"

marku

Yes been a Jaguar fan for ever. Only got in to the 116 by accident really and now a real enthusiast. I should have perhaps added to that list a pre-war 3.5 but of course it wasn't the XK engine which was really something. A great design and looked good as well. Rebuilt some of them but they are so expensive now so just memories.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof