The W116 Mercedes sedan is a vehicle you can almost always seemingly find for sale, somewhere, in varying levels of condition. Mostly, they are cheap projects with some history attached but inevitably in need of more work. It’s one of the few cars where I’ll say paying a few bucks more nets you an infinitely better example, and this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300SD here on craigslist appears to be one such vehicle. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ricky M. for the find.
The five-cylinder turbo diesel is a long-lived motor, capable of outlasting the body that surrounds it. Many of the owners of these cars know this much, so cosmetic details tend to be overlooked. This scenario is exacerbated by the fact that Mercedes’ interiors of this era are incredibly durable, making it so that the cars still present well even if they’ve been neglected. This 300SD, however, has been treated to a full-body respray.
As mentioned, the interior looks like most Mercedes cockpits do, with few signs of wear despite 112,000 miles on the clock. Still, that is hugely low mileage for a car like this, and if treated right, it should last much longer. The seller notes several mechanical and cosmetic repairs, including a new radiator, brakes, glow plugs, and tires, as well as new door seals, windshield seals, and sunroof seal. Even the A/C has been serviced with a new servo and blows cold.
The seller is asking a fair price of $11,500. To save a few bucks and buy one for under $10K may get you a runner, but without new paint, weather seals, and any significant recent maintenance. The only trouble I see here is you’re spending top of the market money for a U.S.-spec diesel, so you won’t see much in the way of value appreciation. Still, if you just want one to enjoy, this could be worth a look.
The problem with any old Mercedes is that age has taken its toll on interior rubber parts, seals, and internal mechanicals that haven’t been used regularly. That means huge expenses in any repairs for a car of old technology. A newer car with this mileage could cost 3’000 and be a better car. I hate to say, these old sledges are not a pleasure to own and costly to fix.
You could not be more wrong. Any reasonably maintained w116 of this era is a pleasure to own, and to drive. I was marveling in just that today, as no Mercedes built since can compare in quality and feel. I own or have owned w109, w107, c107, w116, w123, w124, w126 and C126, and have owned many newer, far less interesting cars. Nothing, but nothing compares to the old pre-126 cars in feel, elegance, solidity, quality, etc. even a relatively poorly taken care of 116 is still an enjoyable ride. The only real failure of these cars was in the A/C systems, which they weren’t really designed for in the first place. Now, if you neeeed your one touch windows, infotainment systems, auto closing doors, etc, and car payments, then these cars aren’t for you. If you want to be wrapped in pure quality which was truly second to none at the time, then something like an S class Mercedes or the like of the era is an incomparable experience. Complete that package with the OM617 engine which gets more than double the mileage of it’s contemporary gas 450SE (14 vs 30MPG), you have a real winner.
Lovely looking W116 Mercedes-Benz 300SD. I’ve always loved this generation Mercedes-Benz Diesel.
I’m more of a w123 fan but I must say, 126’s are much more comfortable. After owning 70+ (Yes, 70+) 123 & 126 Benz’s in my life, I’m happy to say I have finally broken away from them. Not looking back either.
Hello Porsche & BMW!!!
Also interesting cars in different ways. BMWs are amazing to drive and generally far better at performance, but don’t age as gracefully. Porsche’s are amazingly fun cars, but man, you have to love ‘em. The 928 is a phemenal car, but with really high upkeep, and the 911/930 (air cooled) is a truly fun beast, but not the best built thing on the planet. That being said, you’ll have to pry my 911s out of my cold dead fingers :)
I owned a 300CD. Love of my life (sorry kids) until a “mechanic” talked me into swapping out my engine for a Turbo. And down the rabbit’s hole I went when said mechanic was in way over his head. Thousands of dollars later and two different shops I realized that without a good Mercedes diesel mechanic my car would never be on the road again. Ended up selling the car to a guy in Michigan that has probably flipped her by now. Not everyone is a mechanic so we pay out the nose to keep these classics on the road. I already have my eye on my next classic Benz. Don’t tell my kids.
It’s all of the money for the thing and it’s worth it. Just be close to an MBZ dealer.
When selling cars in the 80s I had quite a few of these proven 300SDs. Quite a comfortable car, but be prepared to avoid hills and passing on highways. Window regulators were a common issue as well as oil leaks. Still an elegant car but much better to drive it locally and avoid highways due to it’s lack of power. That goes to any of the Diesels of this era.
Diesels are BEST on the highway . Hit the highway and go !
I dunno, a properly running turbo can motor down the highways and over the Colorado Rockies without a problem. Now, if the turbo is not up to snuff, then that’s another issue altogether.