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New User looking for advice!

Started by Al0x, 30 November 2015, 07:55 PM

Al0x

Hey Gang,

Just figured I'd come and ask for a bit of advice regarding my eventual purchase of a W116. Namely, which model I should really be looking for. I know this is an open question, but wondering about potential weak areas on say, a 280SE vs a 300SD.... I'm located in Canada, and rust is always a big concern. From an ownership and driving perspective, does it really matter what I end up getting? Should I hold out for a Euro spec car?

I currently own a W123, German-market 200d, and to say it feels slow and far from luxurious is an understatement. Hoping to get into the W116, but looking for advice on specifics.

Thanks,

Alex

ptashek

Quote from: Al0x on 30 November 2015, 07:55 PM
Hey Gang,

Just figured I'd come and ask for a bit of advice regarding my eventual purchase of a W116. Namely, which model I should really be looking for. I know this is an open question, but wondering about potential weak areas on say, a 280SE vs a 300SD.... I'm located in Canada, and rust is always a big concern. From an ownership and driving perspective, does it really matter what I end up getting? Should I hold out for a Euro spec car?

I currently own a W123, German-market 200d, and to say it feels slow and far from luxurious is an understatement. Hoping to get into the W116, but looking for advice on specifics.

Thanks,

Alex

The 300SD would be a major power upgrade over the 200D.
The turbocharger makes it a well-rounded, drivable diesel and given the distances one can cover in Canada, that would be my first choice.
It's also the most economic of all W116s.

From a fun-value-for-money perspective, the euro-spec 350SE is probably the best choice.
Its M116 engine is rev-happy, and has plenty of torque and power for the chassis.

The 280 will feel underpowered, but not even close to the 200D. It's still plenty fast, but prefers flat roads ;)
It depends how/where you drive most. It might do in a city, but I wouldn't make a long road-trip in one.
In terms of fuel economy its not much better than the 350 either. The 450 is the most fun of them all, bar the 450SEL 6.9.

Look for a genuine late euro-spec car if possible/available.

Parts wise, all models will cost around the same, except for the 450SEL 6.9 with its hydro struts and other specialised gear.
D-Jet cars (i.e. <=1975) will cost quite a lot more to maintain to a good standard than K-Jet cars (>1975), due to their much more complicate fuel injection system.

That's my 2c.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

s class

Nothing wrong with euro spec 280 and 350.  I used a K-jet 280 as a daily for 10 years and 350 000km.  Since then I've been using a D-jet 350. 

D jet is more fiddly and costly, and there are some very real concerns about injection parts availability. 


[color=blue]'76 6.9 Euro[/color], [color=red]'78 6.9 AMG[/color], '80 280SE, [color=brown]'74 350SE[/color], [color=black]'82 500SEL euro full hydro, '83 500SEL euro full hydro [/color], '81 500SL

shaggy

#3
Agreed. My daily driver is a 280 k-jet, 14000 km since April.
It feels slightly 'busy' at lower speeds but smooths out nicely as it goes faster.

(Touching wood) it hasn't missed a beat and returns 23 mpg imperial....

As in ptashek's post, however,  longer legs would be desirable for distance work.

Al0x

I appreciate the feedback folks. Euro spec cars are harder to come by (or so it seems) in North America. The real dilemma I guess is if I want all the bonuses of the 300 SD ( fully optioned, typically, great MPG, and similarity to what I know, aka the OM617 motor isn't worlds apart from the om615.940 in my car, a lot of the special tools are the same) I'm stuck with ugly DOT-spec bumpers and light. Conversely, I'd be happy with a gas model, but most euro spec cars I see, which is rare, tend to lack air conditioning or power windows, etc.

I guess it's a waiting game. Good to know that the 280se isn't a letdown though. Those seem fairly common around here, albeit in North American guise.

I plan to continue driving my w123 solely because that's what it was built to do, but aircon and power windows and being able to overtake would be nice once in a while :-).

rumb

You can always swap headlights and bumpers later.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

Al0x

Was under the impression that euro spec bumpers will cost a fortune and aren't exactly a straight forward swap--I've seen a thread on here and it looks like some serious work is required. My W123 didn't need the treatment, but my other old car was a bolt-on replacement.

Peter

Hi Alex and welcome, great choice to buy a W116 and you have the advantage of a huge Canadian and USA market available to you. My advice is to not be in a hurry and simply buy the best condition best maintained vehicle you can find. Personally I think the late W116 280SE is superb as its right on style and power and parts are easy buy. They do say that the most handsome Mercedes drivers own a 280SE. ;D

Greg

Quote from: Peter on 01 December 2015, 07:02 PM
Hi Alex and welcome, great choice to buy a W116 and you have the advantage of a huge Canadian and USA market available to you. My advice is to not be in a hurry and simply buy the best condition best maintained vehicle you can find. Personally I think the late W116 280SE is superb as its right on style and power and parts are easy buy. They do say that the most handsome Mercedes drivers own a 280SE. ;D

I WILL definitely second that statement!  ;D ;D ;D   280SE are well balanced, sufficient power with good fuel consumption for this size vehicle and engine.
W108 280SE  (1970)
W108 280SE  (1971)
W116 280SE  (1977)