Newbie and 1st time owner of w116 300sd...Suggestions
Hello All,
So yesterday I found a 1980 300sd with 229,000 miles on it. The car is a own owner car and for the age of the vehicle it is in amazing condition. Everythng works in it which is even more amazing. Manilla with Beige/Brown Interior. The AC compressor has been replaced as of last week, along with a few other things. His repair guy that has worked on the car for the last twenty years overhauled the car a month ago.
This is the 1st time I have bought a used vehicle and have a few questions. Those who know this car are asked for input. What do I need to be aware of? Is this a car that I can take a few hundred mile road trip in? I don't want to be stranded! ha! There is no RH side mirror. Is this common for that car? Also, the owner put in an addition 20gal fuel tank in the trunk. Very clean install. you don't see it at all when the trunk is opened. This is a project for me to enjoy, and would like to make it perfect over time. Is there a good link for parts? I will post pics as soon as I can.
Congratulations on your purchase. W116's are very nice cars but the fuel economy is probably 100% better than your G55!
If the existing repair guy will continue to be your mechanic then he should inform you of what needs to be done. Make sure the valve adjustments and all oil changes are current as well as the fluid conditions throughout the car.
The biggest problems will be the AC servo which controls the climate control which have a tendency to crack and leak. They cost $200-700 used or new. Newer ones exist with aluminum bodies or there are entire retrofit kits. The other problem is the cruise control the amplifiers burn out and they are severan hundred dollars to replace.
Either way they're old cars but they're fun to own!
The W116 is a wonderful car. I have 2 1980 300SD's and both have the right side mirror. Probably scrapyard finds from previous owners since I don't think the SD's came with this mirror. May have been an option though. You can certainly find them in the U-Pullit yards if you look hard enough.
As has been stated the ACC Servo can be problematic. I just replaced one of mine for around $225 net. At 229k you should have many years of useful life still to go if it has been well maintained. One of mine has 416k on the clock and still going strong. The other is still a relative baby at 135k.
I have used both as my daily driver (65 mile round trip commute) and have taken the one with 135k on several 1000 mile trips with no issues at all. I love driving it on the highway. Although not really designed for cruising at 80 mph it does so mile after mile with no complaints.
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