| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1978 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | V8 gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
4.4 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 12245 miles |
| Most recent distance | 12834 miles |
Summary:
Nice car
Faults:
Brake have gone bad.
Bad on gas - 13 to the mile.
Will not start when it is below 0.
Muffler fell off.
Not the best in the snow.
General Comments:
This car is big - it sits up high and I feel like a king when I drive it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd October, 2004
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1990 |
| Engine and transmission | 6.9 litre Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 20000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 120000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
Summary:
Shames newer Mercedes cars
Faults:
Mainly electrical problems. Expensive to service.
Very thirsty on fuel.
General Comments:
I have not owned this vehicle for well over 10 years now. But nostalgia and the fact that no one has provided a review for this magnificent vehicle prompted me contribute.
I have owned a number of luxury cars since then, but none have been as imposing or impressive.
The car had awesome performance and probably still outperforms all current Mercedes on the market (AMG excluded).
But this really was a self indulgence purchase back then. Mercedes has now gone even more overboard with their $1 million Maybach. Mercedes (and the people buying such vehicles) really really should re-evaluate their priorities. An S or even an E class is more than enough, even if you're a snob.
If you can buy a (now) classic 6.9 in good shape (check for rust, mechanical and electrical problems) and intend to use it only occasionally (and can afford to maintain it), then please do. You probably won't regret it. You'll shame all those smug C and E owners of newer Mercedes vehicles (with less space, inferior build and performance) while smiling at the thought that people such as me missed out on lucrative investment opportunities buying them new (or near new).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th August, 2003
My 1979 450 SEL has been fully restored by the second owner. I am the third owner and enjoying the second owners labor of love, including a new dashboard, A/C system and interior. The impressive and solidness of this car is unmatched by any car manufacturer today.
I know this car will maintain its reliability for many years to come. I have yet to have electrical problems, however the A/C is a bit weak. I am used to Delco A/C in American cars.
I am a proud owner of a prime example of German engineering and workmanship. I hope Mercedes will correct its recent mistakes with today's models, and remember its heritage and just keep things simple.
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 12700 miles |
| Most recent distance | 199000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
Summary:
Beyond all expectations
Faults:
Well, in over 71,000 miles of owning an old car, I can list the following:
Clutch, as soon as I bought it. Surprisingly cheap!
New Bilsteins all around the following Spring - great happiness!
Alternator, starter, major brake work, and that's about that.
General Comments:
On first reading the repairs listed above, one might think: hmmm... expensive car to maintain. Not true - just UNDER 18 cents per mile so far, and running stronger than ever. This is a remarkable car; it was my first Mercedes, and it has totally sold me on how great they really are.
Now think about it for a moment: Even if it is over 20 years old, imagine driving an S-Class Mercedes for under 20 cents per mile!
I'm all smiles...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th April, 2002