1978 Mercedes-Benz W116 280SE from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

General wear and tear; spark plugs, points needed replacing. Central locking system takes getting used to -- it shouldn't.

With the exception of a bit of normal wear and tear, this car is certainly a beautiful ride. It floats along like a boat, so may not be suited to sportier drivers, however it is about as comfortable as a car could be. Also, it is uber-reliable. With 375000 on the clock, it starts every turn, blows no smoke, and rides like a dream. The largest problem I am facing is that this is my first car. After owning a Mercedes, what can one upgrade to?

Hello.

In a few months I shall be purchasing my first car (hopefully). I have been doing much research and after observing/riding in the vehicles that my friends drive, as well as much research I have decided on getting a Mitsubishi Magna (between the years of 1996 and 1998). However, after looking at recent Mercedes Benz vehicles from the mid seventies through the eighties I have seen some beautiful pieces of machinery! From this I have become intrigued by the possible idea of purchasing one of these beauties instead.

I am however reluctant to purchase a car from this era due to possible running costs and repairs should the need arise.

Can anyone please assist in this decision? What are the build qualities like in this era of Mercedes and what do you suggest?

Any help would be great!

I have a Jan. 1980 300sd and am very happy with Chaya (that's her name)... Bought her with 145K miles, and have put on a few thousand in the last 2 1/2 years... If you get a good one, it may need no work. Just find a good, reliable, and decently priced mechanic! I had to have the transmission replaced soon after bought her, then the brakes and parts of suspension went soon. Then, all the power windows. Still, all added up, not that expensive ($2000 for the car, $2000 for the transmission I think, $750 for 3 windows, ? for brakes, $300 I think for the suspension, and $300 to stop some engine compartment rattling... and, will soon convert her at lovecraftbiofuels.com to run on used vegetable oil I will get at restaurants, so she will run for free forever!! I think I will keep Chaya my whole life. She is gorgeous (a little flashy!) in a 70s disco way, great handling, and great power, especially at speed!! Enjoy!! - Fred.

I own a gray-blue interior 1977 280S, purchased in PS Motors in London in 1979 -for export because the steering wheel´s on the left side- and brought to San José, Costa Rica at that time. No doubt this model was Car of the Year several times! Problems?: Small ones. It now has has some central lock problems and the front left power window is not working; locating spare parts here is not easy, even though there are some importers of old Mercedes´ cheaper parts. I also have a 1974 W115 230.4 white -red. And a white W203, just to try a new one. All are for every day use and I expect never to sell them.

I recently bought my first car which happened to be the Legendary Benz W116. The car had been parked for almost 5years and I have done nothing much apart from replacing the points, battery, warmer & the silver star. It happens to be the only of it's type in Kigali, Rwanda (Central Africa) and coupled with it's comfort and ability to cruise like a Roadster. I Sure luv this car... can only upgrade to a 600Series.

Sygon.