Considering buying this 6.9

[sirmathrocks]

Do you know about auction websites like bringatrailer?  https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=mercedes+6.9

Hi.. Yes.. I know BAT well but I am specifically looking for a Euro version

[Jan S]

If I were you I would try to find an experienced MB mechanic in the Linz area (Austria) and ask for an independent assessment of the car's history (a prominent previous owner?), body/paint, interior, technical systems/parts and driveability. A mechanic or dealer that is not associated with the seller.

And the assessment's results summarized in a formal written report incl. pics.

A minor investment to safeguard the deal.

[Eyeman]

The higher mileage Euro 6.9 that did not sale on BAT in February seemed very nice.  Not sure why the bids were so low.  I didn't notice any comments but the speedometer still being Euro would be the most bothersome issue to me.  I guess collectors want low mileage.  But then you'll hear so many comments that these cars need to be driven.  My 6.9 is a Euro version, but I never had the Euro bumpers (has Lorinser "bumpers" now but I plan to find some Euro bumpers once I get my repaint, etc done).

[sirmathrocks]

Hello Folks...wanted to close the loop on this thread....I bought this US spec 6.9 from BAT

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-mercedes-benz-450sel-6-9-26/

[Neil4speed]

Hello Folks...wanted to close the loop on this thread....I bought this US spec 6.9 from BAT

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-mercedes-benz-450sel-6-9-26/

Wow! Congratulations. Surely one of the best specimens around. Would love to hear more as you get to enjoy it!

[Eyeman]

Definitely a nice one, congrats.  Definitely would have been harder to find a Euro version in this condition.  And then some of the Euros never converted to MPH speedos.  I guess the big decision now is do you stick on a set of Euro bumpers (but keep the originals for resale). 

[sirmathrocks]

Definitely a nice one, congrats.  Definitely would have been harder to find a Euro version in this condition.  And then some of the Euros never converted to MPH speedos.  I guess the big decision now is do you stick on a set of Euro bumpers (but keep the originals for resale). 

Would love to change to Euro and save the originals. Can that be done without molesting the car? Drilling holes etc? Is the process 100% reversible?

[Eyeman]

I can't answer that, hopefully someone can.  My assumption would be yes you can, it's a pretty common conversion.

[daantjie]

Do a quick search here on the forum.  A few members have made detailed posts over the years showing different approaches.

[sirmathrocks]

I read older posts on this. The front bumper replacement is definitely not plug and play. I am going to leave the car as is for now.
Yes the US style bumpers are ugly for sure but overall the car still looks good and I have never seen any 450sel on the road let alone a 6.9. These are definitely a sight to behold.
I want to get my 6.3 and 6.9 together and take a few pics...that will be something!

[Eyeman]

I'd do the same in this case also Sirma.  To me you try to leave perfect collector car as stock as possible.  My car is a Euro and has Lorinser "bumpers", so I plan to go back to stock Euro bumpers.

I bought my 6.9 in 1994, it was not that unusual back then.  Now I do not remember seeing a W116 on the road in a decade or so.  If I see an old Mercedes it's usually a W126.  The funny one is there is a guy I always see going the opposite way from me that daily drives a W108 or something more from that time frame.

[daantjie]

For sure decent 116's are getting thin on the ground.  6.9's even more so. This one was the last one listed on BAT and that was Nov 2023.