1974 Mercedes-Benz W116 450SE review from North America
"U-turns like a hatchback, and turns heads as a classic car should do"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing has gone wrong with the car while I owned it, but there are problems with it when I bought it:
- Had tie rods done ($500).
- Needs new upper control arm bushings & ball joints.
- Needs a complete new exhaust system minus manifolds/headers.
- Marginal rust on one side of the car due to the previous owner parking it on the side of the main road during salty winters.
- Some electrics such as the aux engine fan, dash illumination and air conditioning not working.
- Indicator stalk won't stay engaged unless I hold it.
- Springs are worn out for front and rear passenger seats, but the driver's is still perfect.
- Front and rear windscreens are starting to de-laminate.
- Engine idle RPM is a bit too high.
- Power steering sometimes leaks.
General comments?
First car and spent only a grand on it. Even though it needs work, it is a reliable daily driver, never breaking down on me. I hope to slowly restore it, bit by bit every month or so. If things work out, I'd like to hold on to it until the day I have children and pass it on to them when I pass. I'd like to see the day it reaches 500 000 km too.
The car is worth a lot more than the grand I spent on it. The interior is flawless with no rips or scratches in the leather.
Surprisingly easy to park and to control in the snow. U-Turns like a hatchback, and turns heads as a classic car should do. Acceleration is smooth, if not a bit leisurely.
Gas ain't bad, $60 to fill up 94 octane every 2 weeks. But it'd be nice to have a second car for driving to class.
Recommended reviews
| 1976 - W116 450sel 4.5 liter V8 A beautiful,well engineered car that can give much pleasure and reliable service |
|
| German Engineering, need I say more |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1974 |
| Year of manufacture | 1974 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.5L gasoline Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 327000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 330000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 31st January, 2009 |