W116 hood: unique to W116 or will W126 interchange?

[DAW]

I've just bought a 1980 280SE which has some minor front body damage. I need to replace the hood and it would help to know if any other models will interchange. I've found a white '78 450SEL hood and the price is right ($50) but if I could find a gold one that matches my paint...I'd be surprised. The more potential sources, the easier it gets. I'll
run the M110 dohc engine and hopefully get away with it as the car has no A/C, has crank windows and is basic. It is a 9:1 c.r. engine and I have some Euro-spec cams so I think it can get around well enough to get kids to soccer practices.

BTW, the right bank top-end of my 380SEC had been well trashed by timing guide failure/chain jump which is how I bought it. I'm wondering about the 4.5 V8 from the W116's as a replacement. Any comments or recommendations re performance, dependability, etc of the V8's from that era? DAW

[flyboyike]

All W116 hoods are the same. NONE of the W126 hoods would fit.

The M117 4.5 V8 is preferable to the 3.8 as it has a dual row timing chain as opposed to single.

[nutz4benz]

DAW - 8/15/2005 5:13 PM

I've just bought a 1980 280SE which has some minor front body damage. I need to replace the hood and it would help to know if any other models will interchange. I've found a white '78 450SEL hood and the price is right ($50) but if I could find a gold one that matches my paint...I'd be surprised. The more potential sources, the easier it gets. I'll
run the M110 dohc engine and hopefully get away with it as the car has no A/C, has crank windows and is basic. It is a 9:1 c.r. engine and I have some Euro-spec cams so I think it can get around well enough to get kids to soccer practices.

BTW, the right bank top-end of my 380SEC had been well trashed by timing guide failure/chain jump which is how I bought it. I'm wondering about the 4.5 V8 from the W116's as a replacement. Any comments or recommendations re performance, dependability, etc of the V8's from that era? DAW

Hello,

They will not interchange.If you want to save some weight on your W116,try finding an 80 300SD hood because unlike the other hoods,they are made out of aluminum and the trunk lid also.

That M110 engine is fine and not near as greedy on gas as a M117.The V8s are great,but avoid the ones fitted with D Jetronic IMO.

[DAW]

Thanks for the responses. I'm sure I saw a 300SD with a good hood but I think it was a '78-'79. Knowing that a W126 hood won't work helps me gauge the value of the hood(s) I find. I'll definitely pick up the $50 hood. How about the W126 grille (will it interchange with W116)? Please say yes as my Ebay purchase will be here any day now. If no, then I'll be scouting for W116.

I'm looking forward to driving the M110 engine as I like inline engines. I have a spare engine with low compression U.S. emissions market specs and I'm wondering if anyone has tried two small turbos (T-25's or the like) each onto one of the Euro cast-iron manifolds? (It looks like one could be flipped around for clearance).

When I looked at the forum topics I didn't see a W116 forum and I thought...looks like a W126...must be essentially the same...Thanks for establishing this forum and saving me from buying the wrong parts!
DAW

[nutz4benz]

Currently I am adding a set of twin turbo manifolds that I bought recently and have 2 rebuilt Garrett
T-61 turbochargers that were included with all hardware.

http://www.big-toys.net/detail.cgi143.htm

I wouldn't suggest that you add 2 turbos to that engine unless you at least build it to Stage 1.

My 450SE engine was rebuilt a while back by Paeco,and work done includes;
Crankshaft knife edged
Connecting rods,crankshaft,mains,pistons and valves
were glasspeened.
Precision 3 angle valve job,ported,polished and
chambers contoured.
Chromemoly wristpins and chromemoly connecting rods
Aluminum pistons with Deves piston rings and knurled
piston skirts with oil bosses added
Overbore .040"
More aggressive grind on camshaft
Copper headgaskets
and a little this and thats

Total cost $7800

I am documenting this project and will give all that are interested a link when my insane W116 is finished.

[nutz4benz]

DAW - 8/15/2005 6:20 PM



I'm looking forward to driving the M110 engine as I like inline engines. I have a spare engine with low compression U.S. emissions market specs and I'm wondering if anyone has tried two small turbos (T-25's or the like) each onto one of the Euro cast-iron manifolds? (It looks like one could be flipped around for clearance).

DAW

You could do like I have just done,and that is relocate the battery to the trunk and run 2 gauge wire to the front .This was necessary for clearance for the one of my turbos.

[nutz4benz]

DAW - 8/15/2005 5:13 PM



BTW, the right bank top-end of my 380SEC had been well trashed by timing guide failure/chain jump which is how I bought it. I'm wondering about the 4.5 V8 from the W116's as a replacement. Any comments or recommendations re performance, dependability, etc of the V8's from that era? DAW

The 380SEC uses a W4A 040 transmission and the 450SE/SEL uses a W3A 040 transmission.

[nutz4benz]

Dieselburns - 8/15/2005 8:29 PM

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT TWIN TURBO [;)]

Thanks,turned out to be not as easy as I thought[xx(]

[nutz4benz]

Single turbo set up on M117

[nomada]

nutz4benz I love the look of the W116 in your profile pic, please show some more pictures, cheers, Damon