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Garage => Test Drive => Topic started by: Green74280se on 22 February 2013, 02:38 PM

Title: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 22 February 2013, 02:38 PM
Hi Guys,

As mentioned in my post yesterday in the technical section... here are some pics of my new green W116

(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405753261.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405753265.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405753266.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405753269.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405753270.jpg)

Obviously it needs a hubcap and a fair bit of tidy up before tackling my locking issue but the car is so clean and straight i'm really happy with my purchase.

And if anyone can advise what "that" shade of green is I'd be very interested... Apparently it is a standard colour but I've never seen another in that colourway.

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: s class on 23 February 2013, 12:17 AM
DB874 Citrus Green

Not seen very often, I think its way cool.  I've only once personally seen a 70's benz in that colour. 
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: entresz on 23 February 2013, 01:34 AM
What a classy looking colour ! Your benz is a head turner  :)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 01:42 AM
Thanks s class..... My wife (an artist and designer) is the instigator of this purchase as we have moved to a seaside village on the south coast of NSW Australia and she wanted something distinctive to cruise around in on her day to day travels. I should clarify that her "toy" needed to be a mercedes and it needed to be a shade of green so I think I definitely hit the brief! LOL. I have a 1989 Alaskan blue Range Rover "classic" that simply wasn't cool enough... or green enough! lol

Our day to day cars are 2010 Alfa 159 diesel wagon and sedan but i have a feeling the W116 is going to used a lot more than first thought / justified. 8)

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 01:54 AM
Hi entresz,

Thanks for that.. I think it looks great too..... I guess I'm starting to appreciate the rareness of the colour also..... The previous owner, a truck company owner in western sydney bought it new and used it for most of his younger life... in the early 90's he bought a lexus LS400  and so his dear merc was placed in a shed (it was garaged all it's life hence the great condition of the paint and interior). During the nineties and noughties the poor old merc (now named Esmerelda) was left for visitors use and as such has only done 30000ks since 1991..... In total she has only done 209k km's.

The things that amazed me after she sat idle for two years are:-

Aircon is cold as ice
Brakes will put you through the windscreen
Idle is rock steady at 750rpm
ALL electrics work!

I'll send through some more car pics when i can

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: entresz on 23 February 2013, 04:40 AM
That's incredible. I envy your air conditioning. Mine doesn't work, needs to be regassed; which means converting it to the non CFC stuff, which is pretty expensive. My 450SE belonged to the conductor of the Tas Symphony Orchestra, who was abroad nearly all the time, so my car was hardly driven for the last 10 years or so. It's got 260.xxx on the clock now, sadly it wasn't garaged so paint isn't so good. Saving up to get it resprayed currently. Looking forward to see more pics of your car. It's so unique !
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 23 February 2013, 05:36 AM
Wow what a stunning colour!  I'd give her a thorough detail inside and out.  Check for water leaks and make sure the carpets are dry.  Then I'd find a hubcap and another mudflap (or remove them all).  And start saving for some sheepskin seat covers, a decent sound system and whitewall tyres!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 02:30 PM
Yeah...... Whitewalls!... Now yr talking.

I think they would be an amazing contrast with the citrus green.

Absolutely no water leaks, carpets and boot are totally dry and rust free, drivers side unfortunately has a "heel hole" but a new mat will fix that.

I'm also not a fan of mudflaps but as they are original and all there I'll leave them for now

And by the way, the sheepskin covers are in the boot, albeit a little grubby but nothing a bit of wool mix won't fix. ;D



Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: John Hubertz on 23 February 2013, 03:29 PM
You definitely need to replace that hubcap.  I can't remember where but I'm fairly certain you can obtain a cutout kit to mask the new 'cap for spraying.  Does anyone recall where to obtain those?
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 04:29 PM
Yes, definitely want to get that fourth hubcap.... My father just called me and reckons he might have found one in a wrecking yard down the south coast... it would be unbelievable if it was a correct match but the guy said he has one only in Kermit green.. if its ok we can have it for $50!... At that price I think I'll take it anyway and have a crack at masking and spraying with a matching paint!!!

All these cosmetics are really a weekends work, the thing that has me a little concerned are the inoperable door locks which means I can't leave it anywhere at the moment.  :(
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Type17 on 23 February 2013, 04:33 PM
Citrus Green, my favourite MB green. (I've only owned four cars in my life, and three of them have been green, so I've got a thing for green)


Looks gorgeous, enjoy!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: jbrasile on 23 February 2013, 05:52 PM
Green74280SE,

Nice car!

See my reply in the mechanical section regarding the door locks.

Your seats are MB-Tex, very easy to clean, maintain and they will last forever. I like using a soft brush and some mild soap (coconut is best) and water to clean them,wipe with a wet terry towel rinse the towel in a bucket and change the water frequently. You will be amazed on how much dirt you will remove. Once you are done the interior will look brand new!

Tks,

Joe
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 06:20 PM
Thanks Joe,

I can't wait to get my new baby sorted out, cleaned up and on the road... I'll check out the mechanical section now.

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: ponton on 24 February 2013, 05:20 AM
That car is a beauty! Always amazed by how cool these cars can look. Seems like you have scored a pretty nice one. Keep us informed!

Ian
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 24 February 2013, 04:08 PM
Thanks Ian,

I've got her booked in for a solid going over and getting the locks etc sorted..... after telling the mechanic ( apparently a W108 and W116 specialist) the systems of my dodgy door locks he immediately knew what it was and believes it's a real simple fix.. phew!

I guess it hasn't helped that the car has very rarely been locked as it's been out in the car and in a shed when at home.

And apparently he may even have a matching hubcap!!! Bonus.  :o
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 24 February 2013, 11:26 PM
Can't believe it... found a matching Citrus Green Hubcap at a Merc Spare parts place. ;D ;D ;D

$25 later it's on it way ... should be here in a day or so!

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: John Hubertz on 25 February 2013, 05:29 PM
What an awesome stroke of luck.  After my many years and dozens of cars in this hobby, I have become thoroughly convinced that some cars seem to want to be driven and loved, and they have their own kind of special luck.  I think you found a winner.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: ZCarFan on 25 February 2013, 06:11 PM
Quote from: Green74280se on 23 February 2013, 04:29 PM
... the thing that has me a little concerned are the inoperable door locks which means I can't leave it anywhere at the moment.  :(

When I visited Stuttgart, I was surprised to see graffiti.  It just did not jive with my preconceptions about German culture.

I feel the same when you Aussies talk about cars getting stolen, burgled, etc...  it just doesn't seem right.  Where I live in Georgia, people leave cars open and unlocked all of the time.  If it's not a high-dollar car, not much will happen to it.  If they want in, they'll just break the window anyway.   My sympathies that you have to guard the 'ol W116 in such a way. 

Love the color.  Can't miss that in the parking lot, can you?
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 26 February 2013, 12:00 AM
Ha ha.. Definitely won't be missing that colour anywhere! LOL

It's funny you mention that because as I was driving her to the Mercedes workshop this morning I stopped at traffic lights outside a Mercedes Benz showroom / car yard.

All there was was a sea of silver, white, black and Dark grey new and near new Mercedes.... I was so tempted to drive my green beauty right into the middle of all of them and take a photo!.. Where have all the interesting colours gone...... Maybe they just don't sell as people are more conservative these days??!!

And by the way, after a 15 minute workshop check the drivers door lock is different so no wonder my key won't work??!!... Locksmith is going over to remedy, Slow locking doors due to sticky / old / leaking diaphrams so 3 to be replaced.... sloppy steering down to a worn coupling and the other thing they noticed was that the wrong hydraulic oil had been placed in the reservoir for the rear shocks... needs to be drained and replaced with correct oil. Total cost to remedy all the above is $805 and she'll be ready on Thursday. All I need to do now is pick up my 76 MERC plates and she'll be hitting the road.

CANT WAIT!!! 8)

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 26 February 2013, 06:28 AM
Sounds like all the pieces have fallen into place for some great experiences in your new car!   :)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 26 February 2013, 11:45 AM
I am "green" with envy. Ha, ha, ha.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: John Hubertz on 26 February 2013, 12:15 PM
Hydro oil for rear shocks?  Is it self leveling in the rear then? 

To our more experienced members - how does that system work compared to the nitrogen sphere hydro setup on a 6.9?   Is it just half the 6.9 system or something completely different?
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 26 February 2013, 05:12 PM
Yes, I believe it is which I thought was only on the top of the range models... I'm fairly certain my other blue 280SE didn't have it so not sure what's happening there.

Had an extra cost added to the repair this morning as one of the shocks were leaking so need a new one of those, rear brake pads needed doing and the muffler has a hole so I'm getting a new stainless one put in.... For under $2k in repairs It seems I'll have a 36y.o Mercedes (Its actually a 76 model not 74 as advertised??!!) that'll drive like new!

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Beastie on 02 March 2013, 09:36 AM
It's a beautiful colour. I don't think I've ever seen one in that shade. I'm glad things are working out well with it and that you're enjoying it.  8)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 02 March 2013, 11:11 PM
Thanks Beastie,

Can't wait to post up a pic with a clean cream interior and whitewalls.. When I can afford them! LOL.

I've never seen one in that colour either... I actually thought it must've been resprayed but no... totally original. 8)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Kjhall65 on 03 March 2013, 06:23 AM
My '79 280SE came with SLS.  I think it was standard in Aus on the 280 by that stage.  It has always been available as an option.  My W115 220 came with it as an option.
Ken
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 03 March 2013, 03:45 PM
So I got in to work at a crazy time this morn (5.15am) and what else to do but wheel "Esmerelda" out of the warehouse and get cracking on the cleanup of the interior.

As it turns out I didn't get as much done as I thought before the troops arrived as the dirt / grime is really caked on.. particularly the back seat. Here's a couple of pics of the progress so far.. plus I wanted to show off my new hubcap and raised (standard) ride height! LOL

As you will see I'm going to need to get some mats to cover the carpet holes for now but the plan is to completely replace the carpet. And you will also notice a hole in the drivers door from what I believe is a non stadard speaker / stereo arrangement.... The Hitachi tape deck works and sounds a treat but definitely needs the fourth speaker!!!

(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405852470.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405852460.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405852432.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405852508.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405852479.jpg)

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Type17 on 03 March 2013, 05:07 PM
Looking good with the fourth hubcap!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Tony66_au on 03 March 2013, 06:53 PM
Quote from: John Hubertz on 26 February 2013, 12:15 PM
Hydro oil for rear shocks?  Is it self leveling in the rear then? 

To our more experienced members - how does that system work compared to the nitrogen sphere hydro setup on a 6.9?   Is it just half the 6.9 system or something completely different?

Something a bit different John, 2 Spheres and a regulating valve with a mech link.

The valve gives you up/down and squat.

A very nice ride with SLS rear and standard spring front suspension and ofcourse standard shocks front and hydraulic rams rear.

Simple enough and only 2 cells to go wrong.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 03 March 2013, 07:03 PM
All i know is that the car now rides beautifully (Smooth) and very flat on corners.

In the end he didn't replace the shocks.. it was all down to the incorrect hydraulic fluid... a drain, clean out of the canister and lines and replacing with correct fluid and all is working great... as a display two large mechanics sat in the boot and asked me to start the car.. when i did the back moved up gracefully and stopped at the level position!!!

Also, with the correct fluid the rear shocks aren't leaking any more... apparently someone put auto transmission oil into it??!! ::)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Tony66_au on 03 March 2013, 07:29 PM
A common shortcut Al as the perception is that MB Hydro oil is too expensive and ATF will do...Which is wont as it is often too thin (Transmax M is closer in viscosity) and it contains chemicals not so friendly to the seals.

Penrite also make a hydraulic fluid suitable.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 03 March 2013, 07:41 PM
Povo door panels and a 280SE badge - was this perhaps a 280SE originally that got a 3.5 swapped in? The VIN will tell...

Also those appear to be W123 seats - the W116 ones had six pleats stitched at the seams whereas yours have 5 using the later heat-melt between the seams.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Beastie on 03 March 2013, 07:41 PM
Quote from: Tony66_au on 03 March 2013, 07:29 PM
A common shortcut Al as the perception is that MB Hydro oil is too expensive and ATF will do...Which is wont as it is often too thin (Transmax M is closer in viscosity) and it contains chemicals not so friendly to the seals.

Penrite also make a hydraulic fluid suitable.

I've been using that Penrite fluid in mine. When I got my car the system was filled with the wrong type of fluid and it was leaking out constantly. With the correct fluid, the leak has stopped.

Your car looks very shiny! And the paint seems to be in great shape.

Quote from: Casey on 03 March 2013, 07:41 PM
Povo door panels and a 280SE badge - was this perhaps a 280SE originally that got a 3.5 swapped in? The VIN will tell...

Also those appear to be W123 seats - the W116 ones had six pleats stitched at the seams whereas yours have 5 using the later heat-melt between the seams.

Oh wow, yeah, I only just noticed the door cards. :P That does seem a bit unusual.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 03 March 2013, 07:59 PM
Quote from: Casey on 03 March 2013, 07:41 PM
Povo door panels and a 280SE badge - was this perhaps a 280SE originally that got a 3.5 swapped in? The VIN will tell...

Also those appear to be W123 seats - the W116 ones had six pleats stitched at the seams whereas yours have 5 using the later heat-melt between the seams.

Cars with povo door panels had heat-melted seams with less pleats, similar to the kind found in the W123. However, W123 rear seats and skins are too narrow for the W116. I saw a few of these come into the wrecking yards in Washington, and I thought someone had replaced the entire interiors from a W123, until I realized W123 door panels and rear seat skins won't fit the W116, anyway.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 03 March 2013, 09:33 PM
Ummm, My car is only a 2.8 litre six... not a 3.5 V8

My Vin is 11602422062268.. first registered 28/5/76

And as far as i can tell the door cards are the original items..... One thing I would like to know....were there speakers down in the bottom corner (Closest to the rear doors) of the front doors as an original item?

And Beastie, the paint seems to be in great condition.. can't wait to give it a wash n polish as it's only been hosed down with a high pressure unit since it's come out of the shed.

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 03 March 2013, 10:07 PM
Quote from: Green74280se on 03 March 2013, 09:33 PM
Ummm, My car is only a 2.8 litre six... not a 3.5 V8

Oops, got this thread mixed up with http://forum.w116.org/lounge/the-newbie-from-germany-my-w116-story-(picture-heavy)/
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 04 March 2013, 01:16 AM
Ease up gents; I don't think I'd be calling the parts on someone else's car, "povo" (even if they were)!  A bit of respect wouldn't go astray
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 04 March 2013, 03:08 AM
Ha ha, Thanks Oversize....

I was wondering what "povo' meant in the world of mercedes door cards.. I think mine look quite neat and tidy but are obviously missing something such as wood grain? / Leather? / Electric window switches?.

No offense taken but again, in my thirst for knowledge on these cars, I wouldn't mind knowing what is included in the "povo" pack and what what was in the "luxo" pack.... Personally, after owning around 15 x 80's "classics" i don't mind a bit of "non-electrics" such as manual winding windows and sunroofs.

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 04 March 2013, 05:04 AM
Quote from: Green74280se on 03 March 2013, 09:33 PM
And Beastie, the paint seems to be in great condition.. can't wait to give it a wash n polish as it's only been hosed down with a high pressure unit since it's come out of the shed.

That's amazing!  Imagine how she'd look after using a clay bar!!!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 04 March 2013, 06:04 AM
Quote from: oversize on 04 March 2013, 01:16 AM
Ease up gents; I don't think I'd be calling the parts on someone else's car, "povo" (even if they were)!  A bit of respect wouldn't go astray

I'm just using the term I learned here on this forum and used every single time I've seen these style of door panels referenced...  No offense meant.  At least around here, it's a desirable thing because they're very rare (only on some imported cars).  Doubt that's really true in parts of the world that got them by default.

It's just a different style - thinner mainly.  More similar to W115's.  I guess that's what the seat style is based on as well.  The pocket and handle and trim styles are different.  Here in the USA we have basically 3 styles of seats - 6-pleat leather, 6-pleat vinyl, or hideous aftermarket jobs.  Velour is rare and cloth was on some euro imports only.

Here's a usual driver door panel style:

(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/42370-1/IMG_0096_002.JPG)
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/42358-1/IMG_0094_002.JPG)
(http://gallery.w116.org/dl/40182-1/IMG_0292.JPG)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: jbrasile on 04 March 2013, 08:20 AM
Hi Guys,

As far as I know:

All 280's (except SEL's) came with a "standard" interior up to 1977, that included the thin door panels,  heated pleats on the seats with a different pattern for the holes in the case of MB-Tex, carpets were always multi loop, luxury interiors were optional. 350's and 450's came with the "luxury" interior but still had multi loop while   SEL's always had velour carpets. I also believe that on 6 cylinder cars if you ordered leather or velour you automatically got the thicker door panels. Starting in 1978 all models received velour carpets, thicker door panels, stitched 6 pleat seats and full wood consoles.

For the US market ALL 116's had thick door panels and 6 pleat seats. MB-Tex was standard except on the 450SEL which got leather. Velour was optional for the whole range but practically no one ordered it.

I am not sure if Euro 280SEL's ever came with standard door panels, never see a picture of one...

Tks

Joe
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 04 March 2013, 03:23 PM
Wow, that is a big difference.

Strange thing is my first W116, a 1974 Blue 280SE had the same style door cards as the tan interior Navy Leather / vinyl with a two tone blue cloth insert but still with wind up windows???!!!

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: jbrasile on 04 March 2013, 04:30 PM
The fabric seats you had in your 74 280SE were a std no cost option, in 74 you could order Tex or fabric, door cards would be the thin ones as std or I believe it was possible to order the thick cards for extra $$$

Manual windows were standard on all 116's except for the 450SEL and 6.9. It is interesting to notice that after 77 you would get fabric seats with the luxury door cards as standard and the doors would have the same fabric in their center portion as the seats did, our friend Gavin in the UK has a 79 450SE with that combination interior, I really like it!

Tks,

Joe
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 04 March 2013, 06:10 PM
Just coincidentally I came across a couple of pics of my old Blue Beast... again a one owner car.. when I sold it, it only had 145000kms (Documented)... unfortunately no interior shots! :(

(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405865881.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24309251/405865870.jpg)

Mr Walton (Yes the department store "Walton") bought this car when he sold his chain of stores back in the 70's and kept it until he had to hand in his license at the age of 91, a couple of years ago. Lack of use was actually a bad thing so a lot of things intermittently worked such as the brakes, distributor, Lighting, gearbox... you know, pretty much most of the basics! LOL.... It also had a little rust in one of the doors and the central locking was full of leaks.

After a full service and fair bit of fettling the car ran great but when I was made an offer I couldn't refuse from an inner city advertising exec I jumped at the chance of offloading it.... Only to regret it a couple of days later.............. Hence, my patient (12 month) search for another clean, one owner W116 with No rust!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 04 March 2013, 09:01 PM

That's amazing!  Imagine how she'd look after using a clay bar!!!
[/quote]

And yes, I'm planning to do the full treatment with her once she's home...... This is my 4yo Alfa wagon after a full day of detailing (inc claybar) so I'm sure Esmerelda will come up unbelievable... will definitely take some pics... Apologies in advance for "infecting" this forum with an Alfa! :D

(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL758/13242494/24101978/403517587.jpg)

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Tony66_au on 06 March 2013, 04:36 AM
Nothing wrong with Alfa's Al, a fun car with a historical background.

Casey, It wasn't the word Povvo so much as the context and your blithe ignorance of the facts and the assumption that the US spec cars are the same as the Euro Spec cars which they are not.

Good manners and upbringing would usually dictate in such circumstance that your mouth is better remaining closed when ignorant and especially with a new forum member seeking knowledge.

Its just rude and makes me wonder if your parents ever taught you manners because you seem lacking in the area.

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: pompy on 06 March 2013, 04:57 AM
I love your car, Al, and I also like the colour AND I also like the name Esmerelda - I think it suits it 100% !
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 06 March 2013, 06:31 AM
Quote from: Tony66_au on 06 March 2013, 04:36 AM
Casey, It wasn't the word Povvo so much as the context and your blithe ignorance of the facts and the assumption that the US spec cars are the same as the Euro Spec cars which they are not.

Good manners and upbringing would usually dictate in such circumstance that your mouth is better remaining closed when ignorant and especially with a new forum member seeking knowledge.

Its just rude and makes me wonder if your parents ever taught you manners because you seem lacking in the area.

I wasn't assuming anything, certainly not that euro cars were the same as US ones - I'm quite well aware of the differences.  The context was "hey, something we don't see here very often!".  But I've figured out one thing in my time here - you are really angry and upset at me for reasons I cannot fathom, and consistently misread my words/tone where I am never criticizing or speaking clearly antagonistically as you are here but just trying to write in an enjoyable manner despite repeated attempts to try to clarify & make peace, and continually put me down.  I'm not going to wonder about why that is, because it really doesn't matter, despite the irony in this post acting like you have superior manners when you are the one coming along and deciding to attack me yet again.  Clearly there is no benefit in me responding to you trying to explain and make peace, because the more I do so the nastier your next response is.  Just as clearly there is no benefit in you writing these scathing attacks on me, because whatever it is you're hoping to accomplish doesn't appear to be happening either.  What you're attacking me over now is me posting a sincere "oh hey, sorry if I came across some way I didn't intend to."  Do you think this sort of thing is something beneficial to ANYBODY ELSE on the forum?  Do you think it's earning you respect?  Do you think there's any sort of positive outcome to be had of any of this?  (those are rhetorical questions)

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I have no animosity towards you, or anyone really.  This is a text-based medium and we use different variants of the English language and live in very different cultures.  A grain of salt and benefit of the doubt is needed in such contexts.  It would be fantastic if you could manage that and act kindly and ask how something was meant or indicate where something is unclear without falling to the level of attacks like this, because that's the level of respect I try to maintain towards you regardless of how you come across to my perception.  I would never think of attacking your upbringing or parents, and find it extremely hypocritical that you do so in the context of talking about respect.

Kindly just leave me alone and I'll pay you no mind in return, which is exactly what I've been doing since your last outbreak at me.  There is nothing to be accomplished by treating me negatively.  I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish, but it doesn't seem to be working and I doubt it will by continuing the same behavior, and such will only serve to disrupt the forum and your own personal sense of peace and well-being.  It is also disrespectful and disruptive to the forum at large.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 06 March 2013, 07:03 AM
Whilst I don't wish to inflame the direction of this thread, I will say that regardless of context, 'Povo' is condescending Casey and not a term I'd use towards anyone.  Especially a new member
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 06 March 2013, 07:16 AM
Quote from: oversize on 06 March 2013, 07:03 AM
Whilst I don't wish to inflame the direction of this thread, I will say that regardless of context, 'Povo' is condescending Casey and not a term I'd use towards anyone.  Especially a new member

Well as I said above, it's a term I learned here - by people referring to the panels in their own car!  It's not a word we use culturally here, and so I'm not familiar with it's implications.  I'm sorry for any misunderstanding that resulted as I sincerely expressed above, and won't continue using it, favoring a word like "thinner" instead.  No problem, and definitely did not mean to disrespect the owner of the car!  I think it's a beautiful W116 and love the color!  I also learned something new on this thread about the seats - I had no idea this style of seat ever came in W116's.  I sure don't claim to know everything, but I do claim that neither does anybody else.  The way to help one another learn and grow is not through attacks and put-downs and name-calling.

My only point in additionally reminding that we didn't get such panels in the USA was to try to illustrate that because we don't get to see them very often around here, I actually admire them quite a lot.  I wish I had such panels in one of my cars.  Assuming you have the parts readily available in your area, I'm sure switching between the two styles is a trivial and inexpensive matter, but that option isn't available to me without paying hundreds of dollars in international shipping costs!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Squiggle Dog on 06 March 2013, 12:01 PM
I agree with Casey that "povo" is also a term I learned on this forum, from members talking about their own cars (even in their vehicle descriptions in their signatures). I didn't know what else to call them, either. I thought this was the proper term the factory used?

I'm also sorry my post came across as condescending in using that term, but sometimes some of us are unnecessarily harsh in reprimanding. I came out rather unscathed, but I don't think Casey deserves the treatment he is receiving in this thread.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 06 March 2013, 04:45 PM
Quote from: pompy on 06 March 2013, 04:57 AM
I love your car, Al, and I also like the colour AND I also like the name Esmerelda - I think it suits it 100% !

Thanks Pompy.... My wife picked the name and apparently my new plates have arrived (76MERC) so we may have her out and about over the weekend! Woo Hoo.

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Tony66_au on 06 March 2013, 04:50 PM
I am far from angry or upset with you Casey because its a forum and I learned long ago that it takes all kinds to make a forum.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 06 March 2013, 10:44 PM
Just so you all know, the word 'Povo' is slang here for poverish (or poverty).  Basically it means the cheap alternative, basic model, or lower specification.  It implies a person is poor, or of limited means.  The opposite would be 'top-of-the-range', high-end, or luxury version.

It's ok if people choose to use it when talking about their own cars.  If you choose to make a joke make sure it comes across that way by adding a 'LOL', ;o) or  ;).  But unless you know the receiver well I'd advise against making jokes as we all have different tolerance levels.

And if you don't know what something means, don't use it.

Now lets get back to Al's wonderful car.....
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 06 March 2013, 10:54 PM
Thanks Oversize.

I feel a little guilty that my thread / topic has caused this angst between a few of us fun loving W116 crowd.

And I truly love Esmerelda with her Poverty pack..... and who knows, that may be more of a rare spec in years to come.

I certainly haven't taken offense to any of the comments and I'd hope we could all just move on and enjoy each others cars... that's what we're here for aren't we? ???

Cheers,

Al
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 06 March 2013, 10:56 PM
Indeed Al!  I'm ready to move on!   :)
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Casey on 06 March 2013, 11:20 PM
Quote from: Green74280se on 06 March 2013, 10:54 PM
I feel a little guilty that my thread / topic has caused this angst between a few of us fun loving W116 crowd.

Please don't - there's a bigger issue here between Tony and I that's crossed a number of threads (the most recent other of which I just had deleted in an attempt to stop this crap) that I really don't understand at all.  I'm sorry that my words seem to instill such unintended anger and misunderstanding, I'm sorry for the effect to all readers on the forum when this crap happens, and I'm sorry to you for it infecting your thread.  I do hope it doesn't put you off of the forum - this is in generally a great place!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Spelzer on 07 March 2013, 10:34 PM

Nice Find Al, I can picture the whitewalls on it as well and think it would certainly compliment the color.

ps Casey, thank you for your input and know that you are defiantly not the issue,
Over the last few months I have read through allot of the posts and can see that you are dealing with a clinical narcissist who true to that has turned on you because you have either caught them out on an exaggeration or disagreed with them once rather than offer narcissistic supply, so best to just ignore it and see it for what it is mate, Take a deep breath and go back to enjoying the forum being glad you are you not them.

Cheers
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 07 March 2013, 11:20 PM
Thanks Spelzer re: Compliments for Esmerelda and the confirmation of whitewalls.

I'm just going to grab some popcorn, grab a comfy seat and continue viewing this topic!!!  ;D
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: oversize on 08 March 2013, 03:29 AM
Hahahaha!   ;) ;D
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: adamb on 08 March 2013, 05:17 AM
I love the colour and would love to own the 280 again. Preferably 1972 model, totally POVO. Btw it's not that povo is insulting but that it can be interpreted as derogative. Mmm I love popcorn!
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: ZCarFan on 08 March 2013, 10:47 PM
The green is nice.  I like the contrast between the conservative styling and the (sometimes) vivid colors.
Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: W116-M117 on 10 March 2013, 04:18 AM
Nice car, Green74!

Citrus gruen is one of the representative colors on the W116 (then in the W123, too). It' s unusual to see in Italy such a kind of color (large sedans, whatever brand, have a poor color spread: grey or blue. Sometimes black. No more. Since decades... :().

Living in Turin, I have the opportunity to see the next Maserati Quattroporte (just presented now), whose prototypes run in the highways around the city: well, also prototypes have grey/grey-brown colors, just one masked has a white paint (fashion color in the last years).

Title: Re: My New Green W116
Post by: Green74280se on 10 March 2013, 03:12 PM
Thanks W116 - M117,

Yes, It seems to be an unusual colour anywhere!  :D

I haven't been able to drive it yet as I'm waiting for my special order number plates before registering again but I'm sure once she is out on the road she will get a lot of looks and comments!

I love the current lot of Maserati's....... Whatever colour they are and whether they have 2 or 4 doors!!! ;D..............  I dream of owning one , one day!

It must be great to live in Italy seeing all that exotic machinery driving around.