I'm considering buying a relatively inexpensive W116.

[Andx0r]

It's a 1973 450SEL. The car won't be my primary transportation and I do my own wrenching. It's a US-spec car, with between 140k and 150k miles (I forgot. dee-durr). It's a Seattle car with almost no rust (supposedly) silver with a black interior. The power antenna is non-op, but everything else works, I guess, even the sunroof seals and operates properly. New tires as well. "always starts and runs superbly." according to him. As for problems, he says that the rear muffler is starting to get a bit rumbly, and that there's "a very small leak towards the back of the car...it's not oil, but something amber-colored. It's a very small leak, but wanted you to know." My guess is a brake line, probably one of the rubber ones at the calipers, but who knows, I'd have to look at it. The only other possibles back there are the diff and possibly the SLS, but would a non-6.9 even have an SLS system? The owner says the car is a daily driver and it runs great at all temps with no misses or overheating or anything. He seems to be something of an MB aficionado...he's got some nice W123s. He's also being very up front about questions I ask, which is nice. The asking price is $1800. He says he's moving out of state pretty soon and as such is selling some of his cars for less than he'd normally try to get for them. He's also got a mint 85 300td for $4500 with 99k miles that I'm sure he could get more for on ebay. The brightwork and paint and interior all look pretty nice in the pictures. You guys think it's a good idea? I've never actually owned a Benz before...only old BMWs. I do love the big W116s though...they've got a ton of presence.

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[Hercules86]

i got a 1980 300sd turbo diesel with 165k on the clock... it the last year of the w116 body. It is by far the best car ive owned and i have several newer mercedes vechiles also. besides the fact that the w116's are literally tanks they are made back in the day when MB was at its greatesest. Just close the doors and youll here the loud clunk of those those heavy steel doors not the cheap aluminum ones of today.

the 450 motor i think is rated at 230hp and if farely quick despite the fact the car weigh almost 4000 pounds... i would throughly check the car out especailly since you have your own shop.. all in all buy it for that price the motor will go forever and make sure the tranny has a fresh change and your good to go.