Topic: New boy buying a 116

[tcj]

In between I've been using the red AMG6.9 as a daily.  At present, Its been my daily again for the last month.  Its go an extended range fuel tank, and I just filled it up yesterday, about 130 litres.... and I will be lucky to get 500km on that.  So yes, 6.9 is heavy on fuel. 

Hi s class,

interesting. Had a look into the epc, only found an optional tank with 96L. Do you have any details on the 130L-Tank?
Do you have a part number?
Does it reduce the size of the boot?

Thanks,
Thomas

[floyd111]

I don't have the details on those bigger tanks, but I have seen boots with additional tanks. Not pretty, and they eat space. Also, that's another 40kg in fuel, plus the weight of the tank to be carrying around all day. That's like driving around with an extra Asian on the back seat, every day of the week. Not good for fuel consumption. I already notice the diff with my CRV, having dropped side bumpers, 4WD axle and the spare wheel, effectively changing it's drinking habits from 1 in 9 to 1 in 11.

[nathan]

not doom and gloom Floyd, just reality! when did you last drive a 116, let alone as a daily driver ? I think the romance versus reality of a 116 daily in nice condition in a place like London is a huge disparity.  Again, I would suggest checking out 123s as I think they are a heck of a lot cheaper and easier to live with than our 116s.  I have also had a daily 123 this millennia, I even drove it across Australia and back so I know the realities of a daily 116, 123 and many other mercs for that matter.
good luck with the hunt Lord L!

[floyd111]

Being Dutch, I an very aware of the conditions you describe. Same stuff. Thought it may sound a bit gloomy to the Noob at hand. 
Yes, another car would be a better daily driver in the long run, but a W123, or a W124 just ain't the same thing. From my viewpoint, if I had to change from W116 to another car, I would probably not even go for a 80's Mercedes. Maybe a W126, at best, but I would have a long look at other classics, other brands, to see if there's anything with the W116 charm out there that may hold up better in nordic weather.
Someone mentioned the need for a second car, by definition, if one drives a W116 daily. Stuff WILL break down.  I think that is essential advice. I need 3 cars daily, in order to have at least one of them drivable at any given time. They are under 20 yrs old. Now imagine a 40 year car. In that light, have 2 cars, and drive the second one in bad weather.

[ptashek]

I can compare between my 450SE and my W124 280TE - first one is a V8, the other I6.  Each covers no more than 4k miles a year.

The 280TE has just shy of 30HP and 100Nm less than the 450SE,  and consumes on average 30% less fuel. It's much quieter and more comfortable too. It's my choice for a semi-daily.

Repairs and fuel aside running costs are negligible for either car.

[Lordlivingstone]

What a great forum this is - thank you all for your full and considered responses. So helpful. I should explain WHY I don’t go for another 124 - which I love dearly. There is a new emmision regulation in london that bans pre Euro 4 petrol engines unless they are categorised as classics (over 40 years old) so all 124 and 126 are out, and many 123. I also don’t really love the 123.

Also, when I said daily driver I meant my only car. My real daily driver is a scooter round london - so car is really only for trips.

That said, I appreciate the reminder that it may rot by the side of the road, and that you will fall out of love with a car that goes wrong a lot. I want it to work on demand and maybe that’s not the think for a 40 year old car. I’m thinking hard about it.

I missed this one a while ago. What a car....

https://edward-hall.co.uk/showroom/1975-mercedes-benz-280se/

[floyd111]

I can compare between my 450SE and my W124 280TE - first one is a V8, the other I6.  Each covers no more than 4k miles a year.

Not a big W123 fan, but I forgot about that W123 Wagon.. I would think a W123 hearse could be an pretty good emotional band-aid if one can't have a W116, but that's just me. Tinker sustainably with the HP, stock up on retro-fittable factory options, add white sheep skin covers, insulate the walls with Dynamat (see new thread) and get some more then decent mid-market hifi. I'd love a ride like that, and never no need for rainy camping on your travels anymore.

[rumb]

W116 would make a lovely weekend car.  So would a W126 SEC.