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Garage => Test Drive => Topic started by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 04:55 AM

Title: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 04:55 AM
New member, new to MB ownership. I wanted an affordable weekend cruiser with chrome bumpers that didn't need a bunch of work as I have race cars, etc. Time and money are needed elsewhere. What I ended up with is a car from a deceased estate that was bought buy a neighbour that grew up 3 doors from the old lady. He recommissioned the car after it had sat for a coup,e of decades. First thing they did was replace the entire fuel system. Fuel tank, pump, filter, etc. Plugs, filters, etc went in, and the car started first time. The inside is like new, the outside is very good, but I want it perfect to match the inside. So may be painting it when I get around to it. I picked up the car and took it home on a trailer, 18hr round trip. The old guy took the key out of the ignition and put it in his pocket. Didn't realise until several hours later. We just had a weekend of perfect weather, and I couldn't even take her out for my first drive. :/
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2lnaeft.jpg)
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 04:58 AM
(http://i67.tinypic.com/fp5ag4.png)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/eg34m8.png)
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 05:06 AM
I mainly came on here to learn as much as possible about these cars. I am sure the car will need some time and money spent on it being 43 years old. I am not sure if I should leave it as is or do a couple of reversible mods like wheels and lowered springs. I wouldn't mind just cutting the coils a little. The wheels are a tough one. I like the hubcaps look, but prefer some 17's in the correct offset. Would be good to have the hubcap look recreated in a decent size.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Justin280s on 17 March 2019, 05:22 AM
Love it!  Was this the same car that was on eBay from South  Australia?
I love the the colour and  interior  combo.  Very jealous.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Justin280s on 17 March 2019, 05:22 AM
Double post.  Sorry
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: nathan on 17 March 2019, 07:10 AM
nice looking import!  personally against modding them but from others I've heard cutting the springs is a very bad option on the 116s as handling is craphouse after
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Eyeman on 17 March 2019, 10:43 AM
She's a beauty.  Paint, etc looks great from what I can see.  Eventually those wheels will like be valuable so you could even think in your mind that putting something aftermarket on would be a way to preserve those.  I have 16 inch Ronals then Lorinsers I think in my thread a few back (Crazy 6.9).  Your car would look very cool with red Ronals to me.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 02:52 PM
Yep, bought it from crazy Garrie in Adelaide. The key should be here today, so I can finally drive it.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 17 March 2019, 02:59 PM
He said this car was bought as a tourist visa or whatever it's called. Back in the day you could buy a Merc, fly to Europe and have a holiday, then ship it back to Australia as a used car.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Peter on 17 March 2019, 06:50 PM
Congrats that look like a beauty, love the Red. Cheers
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 19 March 2019, 12:50 AM
I couldn't wait for the key, so took the wheels off whilst it was on the trailer. Not easy. But the car looks better already. I also polished all the brightwork.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/veqdc7.png)
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 22 March 2019, 12:45 AM
The keys finally turned up after 7 days. I drive it off the trailer for the first time, put all the windows down, and went for a drive. It drives very well, no vibrations or rattles. Very comfortable, and you could almost use it everyday. I picked up the kids from school, did some shopping, cruised down the motorway. It was good.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/24uvjlt.jpg)
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: rumb on 22 March 2019, 07:41 AM
Is it just me?  I dont see any pictures or even a indication that there are pictures when I view this thread.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: revilla on 22 March 2019, 08:44 AM
pics are there, you have an issue with your browser.

beautiful specimen Lightyear, enjoy it
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: rumb on 22 March 2019, 12:57 PM
Not sure what I did, but now can see!

great looking car, I love the fabric seats!
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 23 March 2019, 06:06 AM
The seats/interior are what made me buy this car. I was looking at a 280CE, same colour, but brown interior with a bit of wear. This interior is like new, and looks good in black with the lighter insert pattern.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: robertd on 27 March 2019, 04:31 AM
Congratulations Lightyear

absolutely love the colour combination,  what an awesome car, enjoy
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Lightyear on 04 April 2019, 06:12 AM
Looks like I will have to sell this already. My wife really doesn't like it, and it was supposed to be a fun weekend car for the family. She won't even walk into the garage, let alone sit in the car.
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: robertd on 04 April 2019, 04:40 PM
A Sad day indeed!
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: floyd111 on 04 April 2019, 05:34 PM
Mmm. It's a good thing we have evolved over the years, or wives would be sold, and cars kept. ;D
Title: Re: W116 Barn find Aussie Custodian
Post by: Scotty on 11 April 2019, 01:09 AM
Very sad to hear you may have to sell, though I have a couple of suggestions:

Get some of her friends/work colleagues to compliment the car. Appear at a function or social gathering in it and ensure it is seen clean and in favourable light and then comment to your wife on the way home how much your friend's cars will have depreciated by after 2 or 3 years, and how this saving can be spent on a family holiday for you all. Also, compliment how her hairstyle suits the classic and sleek lines of the car, particularly in the reflection of fashion shops as you drive by. Always comment favourably on the car when seen in the context of glamour and excitement. Mention famous owners.

Or, it could be because you need to administer  my formula:

WH = HH (VE +P+T) x 2

( Wife Happiness = Husband Happiness ( vehicle expenses+parts costs+time)x2

I have used these tactics in the past and can attest to their effectiveness, but I realise they're wife dependent.


We're all here to support you, but if none of this works, your buggered.


Best of luck

Scotty