[melanch68]

Hi guys, I just bought a one owner 1978 450 SEL, the car has 112K miles and runs very well, the car is rust free needing only a paint job and minor interior restoration. However, becoming familiar with the car, I have noticed a couple of things and I will appreciate your comments.
First, the car seems "slow" compared with my previous MB (I have owned a 1973 450 SLC, 1985 380se, 1995 e320, and currently I'm the owner of a 2004 S500, too bad that I don't have time to learn more about these babies. However, being part of this forum is a good start) I understand that this car is not only 32 years old but also very heavy. However, is this normal? the engine is very strong and smooth, no shaking while idle.
My other question, I had a leak from a small square part, sort of a little box with a black cap, located in the passenger side, a couple of hoses are connected to it and several wires as well. The fluid is color a combination of green/blue/yellow and the leaking was present just for one day. I checked this morning and I didn't see a drop. Do you know what this could be?

Thank you for your help. Best regards

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

Are you referring to the washer motor located below the battery?

 

[melanch68]

No, this part is located in the upper left hand-side (looking at the engine from the front of the car) the battery is located in the lower left hand-side. Thank you for your time.

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

The servo?

 

[melanch68]

Yes, that is the part. Any advice?

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

Pull the coolant hoses off and clean the area (possible crust and such), then buy new clamps. May solve the drippy drip thing :dunno:

The W116 is quite heavy and by no means a 1/4 mile car. It usually stretches its legs after 50mph and up. If it's really sluggish, do a compression test/ tune up if needed.

 

[melanch68]

Thank you very much for your help and time answering my questions. You are right, once in the highway, after 50 mph, runs fine. I love the car, now I'm debating between European vs. American bumpers and headlights.

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

No worries. You'll love it more with the Euro setup.

 

[scratcher]

When my 78 450SEL is cold, 0-30 seems kinda slow, but when it's warmed up, 0-30 is OK. It won't smoke the tires off the line, but I suspect the distributor advance needs rebuilt. If I recall, 30+ years ago I used to be able to spin the tires on my dads 450SEL.

On the highway the old 450 motors pretty good for a big ol'pig.

 

[melanch68]

Hey Scratcher, thank you for your answer. Yes, once it's warmed up, runs fine. The car is in the shop now, I'm asking my mechanic to work on several things, among them, the distributor.