300SD 116 compared to 126 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

byrdandcompany · #1 10-14-2006, 05:55 PM

Could someone please tell me whether the 116 or the 126 is better to have on the 300SD. Which one is rated better and the like. Thanks.

#2 10-14-2006, 06:02 PM

The w126 is pretty much better on all counts, except styling, imho.

Brian Carlton · #3 10-14-2006, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byrdandcompany

okay, 126....somehow I knew that and put down a 123......thanks for the info

.........all fixed.

byrdandcompany · #4 10-14-2006, 06:08 PM

except for my pride...

not the brightest bulb today

still, what is better about the 126?

Brian Carlton · #5 10-14-2006, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byrdandcompany

except for my pride...

not the brightest bulb today

still, what is better about the 126?

Well, not having owned a W116, I cannot comment on it. The folks that have them do think very highly of them, however. They are seriously prone to rust and it's very difficult to find one without any rust. They have a lower and leaner look that, personally, I think looks better than the W126 with the shorter wheelbase ('81-'85).

The largest detraction for the W116 is the climate control system that has a servo that is prone to fail. It's a very expensive repair and there is a $600. system that has been introduced aftermarket to replace it.

my126benz · #6 10-14-2006, 08:12 PM

I have both an 80 and an 83. I just got the 80. I like the styling better but there is more rust. Nothing serious but there is some. In additon to the climate control servo the 116 300SD Glow plug relay is about twice as much as the 81 and newer. The 116 does not have an 2nd firewall so it seems to be a little louder, also the battery is out in the engine compartment instead of behind the 2nd firewallso it takes up more space. The seats in the 116 are filled with horsehair and that tends to break down over time leaving the saggy look. I love both cars. My 83 has to go tho. I think the Transmission is bad. I hope someone will give at least the engine a good home. It only has about 170K on it.

byrdandcompany · #7 10-14-2006, 08:34 PM

I got a 116 for $1500 with virtually no rust whatsoever. It is in really good shape. The seats and everything are almost perfect. I love the look of the 116 versus the 126's. The paint is still in really good shape; it is pearl white. The only problem I have with it is the dash lights and the windows....Need new motors for the windows (three of them) and the dash lights I have know idea. I just did something and my radio stopped working so I posted something on that in a different thread.

Rashakor · #8 10-14-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tabor

The w126 is pretty much better on all counts, except styling, imho.

actually the comparison is more complex than that. it's between 3 cars and not 2.
You have the 116d, the 126d (1981-1985) and the 126d (1985+).

Engine and mechanic wise the first two are almost identical. The latter is much more powerful and much mechanically superior.

Yes the 126d has a much improved rust proofing which make finding a 126d rust-free a lot easier than a rust-free 116d (they're out there; believe me)...

Both 116 and early 126d can exchange an incredible number of parts with W123.

Driving wise i prefer the 116 (which is actually shorter and has a significantly smaller turning arc) which is more nimbler.

stylistically... well that is matter of taste. the late 126d are modern cars that could rival in options with even present 2007 offering... no so for the 116 (remark that that can be an advantage, no sun-roof, no electric window of electri mirrors, etc... to repair...

)

116d are all eligible for antique/vintage vehicle plates (which can be a blessing or a curse depending your state) and are therefore exempt of emission control

. Another effect of age is that they may become classics sooner and are right cheap compared to 126 or even 123.

116d also share body with a legend... the 6.9 which is already a classic.
There is not really a halo car in W126 (560SEC... maybe). and diesel 126 have in their ranks the dreaded 350SDL and its self-destructing engine head (actually a design flaw that makes the wall of cylinder 1 be dangerously close to a coolant artery).

bgkast · #9 10-14-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rashakor

Engine and mechanic wise the first two are almost identical. The latter is much more powerful and much mechanically superior.

Depends how you define mechanically superior.

I would prefer the older, simpler version.

#10 10-15-2006, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rashakor

116d also share body with a legend... the 6.9 which is already a classic.

I think you are referring to the 6.3, not the 6.9.

bgkast · #11 10-15-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I think you are referring to the 6.3, not the 6.9.

I think he had it right. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_450SEL_6.9

Rashakor · #12 10-15-2006, 07:14 PM

300SEL 6.3 is a W108, 450SEL 6.9 is a W116. both are equipped with their own version of the legendary M-100 8 cylinders and a Citroen-style Hydropneumatic suspension. both were the fastest, most powerful and most expensive sedans of their time... The confusion is justified.