w126?

[gf]

Has anyone out there got a w126 as well as a w116? if so how do the 2 compare on the road? I was a passenger in one a decade ago and it was quiet, enormous inside!( sel im guessing) but as i didnt have a licence at the time never driven one! and are running and costs simular?

[TJ 450]

I'm pretty sure Carl Jones would have the real answer to that one, as he has two exemplary examples with comparable engines.

The 126 appears to have a smoother, more compliant ride and is a lot quieter in general. It does depend on what model 116 you are comparing it to though. I reckon the 6.9 transcends most 126s overall though, particularly in terms of ride compliance.

Tim

[pompy]

I've owned a superb '79 350 SE as well as a 560 SEL. Now I own a '76 450 SE and a '91 500 SE with 118 000kms. The 500 is magnificent in every way. It is simply light years ahead of a 116 - bear in mind 116 is my first love...
I like to put it this way: Give me the refinement, performance and handling of a V8 126 in the body of a late 116 - and you've answered my prayers.

[s class]

Our fellow club member Yogin is selling off a 119.960 drive train (KE-jet 5 litre, 32-valve).  Its the ideal motor for transplants into older bodies.  I know a guy selling a non-runnning, but otherwise straight 350SE W116.  Interesting thoughts....

[Big_Richard]

Our fellow club member Yogin is selling off a 119.960 drive train (KE-jet 5 litre, 32-valve).  Its the ideal motor for transplants into older bodies.  I know a guy selling a non-runnning, but otherwise straight 350SE W116.  Interesting thoughts....

This is something I've always wanted to do - but with the matching automatic trans as well..

I find the w126 all too plastic fantastic, while indeed light years ahead of the 116 it also seems that the quality of some of the interior parts are on par with early Korean cars.

[gf]

Hmm! interesting, thanks guys. Ill definately consider a 126 years down the track its big advancements in saftey too is a definate plus- offset crumple zones, seatbelt pretensioners, stronger saftey cell and air bag. my main issues would be i need a second garage, and currently dont have the money to fanatically maintain two benzes. Id think id go for a 300 SEL for easier maintenance and running costs as not sure if id need a 500s performance ( I drive like a granny)

[WGB]

The 126 added a number of electronic components - all of which gave trouble when the car was new. How they have held up over 20 years I can only guess.

Having said that a 126 is a better and quieter drive but the 116 sits flatter on the road and I think handles better.

Bill

[TJ 450]

Bill's post says it how it is. I guess I'll find out soon how things have held up, particularly the push-button climate control, ABS and electronic instruments.

Tim

[flutes]

Did the 300SEL come with the same equipment as its larger-engined siblings?  For what it's worth, I really like the w126, and would like to get one as a complement to the 450. I think I'd always go for one of the V8s though...

[TJ 450]

I believe it did and so did the pre-update 280, though a lot of things would have been optional of course. The M103 in the 300 is a very smooth running modern engine.

I have heard that the 380 engine in particular, is somewhat gutless. That suits me, as it will hopefully keep me out of trouble, but others may beg to differ and go for the powerful 500/560.

The engine in the 500SEC I had for a short while was an absolute monster.

Tim

[Big_Richard]

I have heard that the 380 engine in particular, is somewhat gutless. That suits me, as it will hopefully keep me out of trouble, but others may beg to differ and go for the powerful 500/560.

I hope you have modified your wardrobe to contain a plentiful collection of beige, cream and earth tone cardigans, trousers, suspenders and pinstriped shirts. 

[carl888]

Has anyone out there got a w126 as well as a w116? if so how do the 2 compare on the road? I was a passenger in one a decade ago and it was quiet, enormous inside!( sel im guessing) but as i didnt have a licence at the time never driven one! and are running and costs simular?

Yep, got both gf, can't part with either , though it makes no sense to have two.  Feel free to ask anything you like.

Basically, the 126 is very refined, softer sprung, softer roll rates, more comfortable.  Better made with galvanised panels and safer with ABS. 

The 116 is stiffer sprung, has stiffer roll rates, is noisier and less refined.  Somehow, it's more fun!

The build quality I find is equal between the two.

[TJ 450]

I have heard that the 380 engine in particular, is somewhat gutless. That suits me, as it will hopefully keep me out of trouble, but others may beg to differ and go for the powerful 500/560.

I hope you have modified your wardrobe to contain a plentiful collection of beige, cream and earth tone cardigans, trousers, suspenders and pinstriped shirts. 

Hahaha, no modification needs to be made, with the exception of the suspenders.

Tim

[gf]

Sounds a bit of a simular story to our bmw318is of the 80s vs the one from the 90s,  more modern extra refinement takes away the raw drivers feel of a car. Those photos are of two very tidy looking cars! has the 116 been repainted and recarpeted? Very impressive to say the least!  I prefer the interior of a 126 personally. So can you get a w126 with fully manually controlled seats? this i feel would be a bonus as its one less thing to break.

[flutes]

GF you should search Carl's posts to see the work he's done on, and the condition of, the w116 - it sets an example for us all.

It looks like that 126 (which looks like a pre-update 280SE) has manually adjusted front seats, I assume those and the safety equipment were options on the 280SE (ie that's not a steering wheel with an airbag).  If you're interested in a 126 for the extra safety gear over the 116 it's something to keep an eye on...