Mercedes-Benz 116 series

Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz W 116
W 116
Sales designation:	S-class
Production period:	09 / 1972-09 / 1980
Class :	Upper class
Body versions :	limousine
Engines:	Otto engines : 2.8–6.9 liters (115–210 kW) Diesel engine : 3.0 liters (85 kW)
Length:	4960-5060 mm
Width:	1870 mm
Height:	1410-1430 mm
Wheelbase :	2860-2965 mm
Empty weight :	1660-1985 kg
Previous model	Mercedes-Benz W 108 , Mercedes-Benz W 109
successor	Mercedes-Benz model series 126

The Mercedes-Benz 116 series describes the luxury class sedans that what was then Daimler-Benz AG brought onto the market from September 1972.

With this series the term “S-Class” was brought to life; Daimler-Benz itself sees the predecessor W 108 / W 109 as the actual birth of the S-Class. The designation W 116 stands for the sedans, the long version "SEL" is designated as V 116.

The successor model was the 126 series in September 1979 . Some models of the 116 series continued to be built until September 1980.

General

Development and introduction

Rear view

The development of the W 116 series began in 1966. The aim was to achieve the greatest possible comfort with a previously unattained passive safety. The technical director Hans Scherenberg was in charge . In 1971 the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), as the organizer of the International Motor Show, canceled the IAA Cars. The new model was only presented on September 25, 1972 on the Spanish Costa Brava.

The new form and design language was anticipated by the R 107 , which had already been presented in April 1971. The W 116 was significantly longer, wider, lower and less filigree than its predecessor: safety aspects were incorporated into the interior and exterior design. The car was examined in the wind tunnel, the c _w value is 0.41. For the first time, headlights and radiator grille were also designed horizontally; this stylistic feature can still be found in all Mercedes models to this day. The windshield wipers running in parallel and the comprehensively padded interior were also striking. All surfaces have been upholstered and control elements have been integrated sunk. This is where the experience from the Mercedes-Benz ESF (experimental safety vehicles) was reflected.

Friedrich Geiger was the responsible designer for the last time . Numerous design features were later used in other models; especially in the mid- range 123 series that appeared in 1975 .

meaning

The automobile historian Werner Oswald described the 116 series as a "milestone in the history of the company [Mercedes-Benz]". It was "both technically and stylistically absolute world class". The Mercedes-Benz 450 SE / SEL was voted “Car of the Year” in 1974. In 1975 the magazine auto motor und sport described the 450 SEL 6.9 as “The best car in the world”.

Model variants

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 350SE right-hand drive

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 350SE right-hand drive, rear view

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 450SE, USA version

• 

  Mercedes-Benz 350SE interior

• 

  Mercedes-Benz M116

Models

280 S, 280 SE and 280 SEL, 350 SE and SEL, 450 SE and 450 SEL

Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

The 280 S , 280 SE and 350 SE versions were offered for the market launch in September 1972 . In March 1973 the large eight-cylinder 450 SE and 450 SEL were introduced. The rear axle of the 450 SE and 450 SEL models (as well as the later introduced 450 SEL 6.9 ) was equipped with starting torque compensation and braking torque support, the front axle with braking support. In the "SEL" long versions, the wheelbase, rear seating area and rear doors have been extended by 10 centimeters. The 350 SEL followed in November 1973, the 280 SEL in April 1974.

450 SEL 6.9

Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 (US version with double headlights)

The 450 SEL 6.9 was presented in May 1975 and production began in September 1975. Its engine ( M 100 ) was derived from the previous 300 SEL 6.3 . The displacement was increased to 6.9 liters. The injection system of the 300 SEL 6.3 with eight-piston injection pump was replaced by the Bosch K-Jetronic . In addition, the engine was provided with dry sump lubrication .

The rated output of the 450 SEL 6.9 is 210 kW (286 PS), the maximum torque is 56 mkp (550 Nm) at 3000 rpm. Over the speed range from 1000 to 4200 per minute, the torque does not fall below 50 mkp (490 Nm). According to Werner Oswald, the 450 SEL 6.9 reaches a top speed of 225 km / h. Measurements by auto motor und sport from 1975 showed a top speed of 234 km / h and a test consumption of 23.2 liters per 100 kilometers. In the Automobile Revue test in 1976, with a test consumption of 19.9 liters per 100 kilometers, 0–100 km / h in 7.8 seconds, 0–200 km / h in 33.7 seconds and a top speed of 237 km / h were achieved .

Instead of the air suspension of the 300 SEL 6.3 , the 450 SEL 6.9 was equipped with a hydropneumatic system similar to that of the large Citroën models as standard . Externally, the 450 SEL 6.9 can only be distinguished from the weaker models of the 116 series by means of the rear label and the slightly wider tires. Headlight wipers and velor upholstery were part of the basic equipment. In the four and a half years of production, 7,380 vehicles rolled off the assembly line. In 1975 the base price of this top model of the V 116 series was 69,930 DM, which, taking inflation into account, corresponds to today's purchasing power of around 93,632 euros.

300 SD

Mercedes-Benz 300 SD in the Mercedes-Benz world

In May 1978 the 300 SD with a five-cylinder turbodiesel ( OM 617 ) was introduced. The 300 SD was information provided by the Mercedes-Benz museum , according to the world's first luxury-class diesel passenger cars and the world's first production car with turbo diesel. It was only offered in the USA and Canada. The 300 SD was created as a reaction to the American Corporate Average Fuel Economy of 1975, which determined the maximum fleet consumption of automakers depending on their market share. According to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Daimler-Benz AG was severely affected because it sold many S-Classes with relatively high gasoline consumption in the USA. The 300 SD finally reduced fleet consumption and exceeded all sales forecasts.

Special protection vehicles

Based on the experience gained in the development of the specially protected 280 SEL 3.5, the protection technology could be further improved. A total of 292 of the eight-cylinder models 350 SE, 350 SEL, 450 SE and 450 SEL were produced as special protection vehicles.

End of production

In September 1979 the successor, the W126, was presented at the IAA in Frankfurt. The model was available since December 1979. In parallel, both model series were produced side by side until September 1980. This was mainly because the W126 was not yet available in the US. Depending on the type, production only ended between April and September 1980. The last example of this model series was a 300 SD for the USA in September 1980 from the Sindelfingen plant . A total of 473,035 cars were produced from this series.

Technology and innovation

Cockpit with the then rare automatic climate control

Some innovations were introduced with the 116 series. The 96-liter tank was arranged above the rear axle to protect against collision, and the four-spoke safety steering wheel was also a new feature. In 1978, the W / V 116 was the first car in the world that was available with an electronic, analog- controlled anti-lock braking system .

Another technical innovation was the front double wishbone suspension with single wishbones and stabilizer at the top, triangular wishbones at the bottom, shock absorbers and coil springs , which had been tested on the Mercedes C 111 experimental vehicle. This independent wheel suspension had a scrub radius of 0 and, through the twisting of the pivot axes, a braking support. The rear multi-link axle of the C 111, on the other hand, was not used in the W 116, but the trailing arm wheel suspension called “ diagonal pendulum axle ” by Mercedes . It essentially corresponds to the design that was introduced in 1968 with the “Stroke Eight” middle class (W 114/115 series). The differential gear and both semi-trailing arms are attached to an axle beam ( subframe ), which is connected to the body with rubber buffers.

Prices

The new price is listed in DM . The models from 450 SE were delivered with an automatic transmission as standard.

model	09/1972	03/1973	03/1974	08/1974	02/1975	07/1975	03/1977	04/1978	12/1978	06/1979
280 p	23,800	25,000	26,200	27,300	28,900		30,200	31,900	33,000	34,200
280 SE	25,500	26,800	28,000	29,200	30,900		32,300	34,100	35,300	36,500
280 SEL			30,700	32,000	33,300		34,900	36,900	37,600	38,900
350 SE	28,900	30,300	31,600	33,000	34,900		36,400	38,600	39,400	40,700
450 SE		34,000	35,500	37,000	39,200		40,900	43,300	44,200	45,600
450 SEL		38,600	40,300	42,000	44,500		45,800	48,500	49,500	51,100
450 SEL 6.9						70,000	73,100	77,400	79,000	81,300
source

Production numbers

model	1972	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	total
280 p	3,787	15,340	20,808	21,996	18,031	17,080	15.307	9,208	1,291	122,848
280 SE	3,735	18,266	18,634	17,376	17,968	26,903	23,571	22,568	1,572	150,593
280 SEL		1	535	716	1,042	1,295	1,622	1,551	270	7,032
350 SE	4,353	14,340	7,226	5,447	4,734	5,723	4,964	4,099	214	51,100
350 SEL		58	529	552	718	807	911	653	38	4,266
450 SE	52	13,400	7,579	4,672	5,188	4.223	3,570	2,746	174	41,604
450 SEL	24	6,930	8,350	6.167	9,650	10,042	8,508	8,217	1,690	59,578
450 SEL 6.9				474	1,475	1,798	1,665	1,839	129	7,380
300 SD						51	5,970	13,194	9.419	28,634
source										473.035

Technical specifications

Six-cylinder gasoline engines

Gasoline engine Mercedes-Benz M 110 in the carburettor version with double register carburetor Solex 4A1 in the model 280 S.

Parameters	280 p		280 SE / SEL
Construction period	1972-1976	1976-1980	1972-1976	1976-1988	1978-1980
Engine characteristics
Engine designation	M 110
Engine type	R6 petrol engine
Number of valves per cylinder	2
Valve control	DOHC , chain
Mixture preparation	1 double register downdraft carburetor Solex 4A1		Electronically controlled multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  D-Jetronic	Mechanical multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  K-Jetronic
Engine charging	-
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	86.0 x 78.8 mm
Displacement	2746 cc
Compression ratio	9.0: 1	8.7: 1	9.0: 1	8.7: 1	9.0: 1
Max. power	118 kW (160 PS) at 5500 rpm	115 kW (156 hp) at 5500 rpm	136 kW (185 PS) at 6000 rpm	130 kW (177 PS) at 6000 rpm	136 kW (185 hp) at 5800 rpm
Max. Torque	225.6 Nm at 4000 rpm	222.6 Nm at 4000 rpm	238.3 Nm at 4500 rpm	233.4 Nm at 4500 rpm	240.3 Nm at 4500 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Rear wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	4-speed manual transmission
Gearbox, optional	5-speed manual transmission / 4-speed automatic transmission
Readings
Top speed	190 km / h		200 km / h
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h	11.5 s (12.5 s)		10.5 s (11.5 s)
Fuel consumption over 100 km	16 l p
source

Eight-cylinder gasoline engines

Parameters	350 SE / SEL			450 SE / SEL			450 SEL 6.9
Construction period	1972-1976	1976-1988	1978-1980	1972-1975	1975-1988	1978-1980	1975-1980
Engine characteristics
Engine designation	M 116			M 117			M 100
Engine type	V8 petrol engine
Number of valves per cylinder	2
Valve control	OHC , chain
Mixture preparation	Electronically controlled multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  D-Jetronic	Mechanical multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  K-Jetronic		Electronically controlled multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  D-Jetronic	Mechanical multi-point intake manifold injection Bosch  K-Jetronic
Engine charging	-
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	92.0 x 65.8 mm			92.0 x 85.0 mm			107.0 x 95.0 mm
Displacement	3499 cc			4520 cc			6834 cc
Compression ratio	9.5: 1		9.0: 1	8.8: 1
Max. power	147 kW (200 PS) at 5800 rpm	143 kW (195 hp) at 5500 rpm	151 kW (205 PS) at 5750 rpm	165 kW (225 hp) at 5000 rpm	160 kW (218 hp) at 5000 rpm	165 kW (225 hp) at 5000 rpm	210 kW (286 hp) at 4250 rpm
Max. Torque	286.4 Nm at 4000 rpm	274.6 Nm at 4000 rpm	284.4 Nm at 4000 rpm	377.6 Nm at 3000 rpm	359.9 Nm at 3250 rpm	367.7 Nm at 3250 rpm	549.2 Nm at 3000 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Rear wheel drive
Gearbox, as standard	4-speed manual transmission			3-speed automatic transmission
Gearbox, optional	3-speed automatic transmission			-
Readings
Top speed	205 km / h			210 km / h			225 km / h
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h	10 s (11 s)			10.5 s			8 s
Fuel consumption over 100 km	19 l p						22 l p
source

Five cylinder diesel engine

Parameters	300 SD
Construction period	1977-1980
Engine characteristics
Engine designation	OM 617
Engine type	R5 diesel engine
Number of valves per cylinder	2
Valve control	OHC , chain
Mixture preparation	Pre-chamber injection
Engine charging	turbocharger
cooling	Water cooling
Bore × stroke	90.9 x 92.4 mm
Displacement	2998 cc
Compression ratio	21.5: 1
Max. power	85 kW (115 PS) at 4200 rpm
Max. Torque	230.5 Nm at 2400 rpm
Power transmission
drive	Rear wheel drive
transmission	4-speed automatic transmission
Readings
Top speed	165 km / h
Acceleration, 0-100 km / h	17 s
Fuel consumption over 100 km	14 l D
source

Conversions

Some conversions of the S-Class sedan to station wagons are known. These conversions were made in England (e.g. by the coachbuilder Crayford ) using the tailgate and frame of the Ford Granada . There were also vehicles that were tuned by AMG at the time.

literature

• Heribert Hofner: The S-Class from Mercedes-Benz. From the culture of driving . 1st edition. Bleicher, Gerlingen 1993, ISBN 3-88350-164-6 .
• Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 80-86 .

Web links

Commons : Mercedes-Benz W 116  - Collection of Pictures, Videos and Audio Files

Commons : Mercedes-Benz V 116  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Category: W116. Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH , accessed on December 14, 2015 . 

Individual evidence

1. ^ Illustrated chronicle of Daimler-Benz AG , published by the corporate archive
2. ↑ ^{a b c d e f} Werner Oswald : German cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 80 .
3. ↑ Previous Winners. 1974. (No longer available online.) Car of the Year , archived from the original on February 8, 2017 ; accessed on December 14, 2015 . Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.  
4. ↑ ^{a b c d e f} Helmut Eicker: World best. The 450 SEL 6.9 sets new standards in the automotive top class. (PDF) In: auto motor und sport 21/1975. October 11, 1975, pp. 28-40 , accessed January 3, 2016 . 
5. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 81, 86 .
6. ↑ ^{a b} Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 86 .
7. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 81 .
8. ↑ ^{a b} Mercedes-Benz 300 SD. Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH , accessed on December 14, 2015 . 
9. ↑ Frederik E. Scherer: Turbodiesel in the S-Class. autobild.de , March 17, 2014, accessed December 14, 2015 . 
10. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 80, 81 .
11. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 83 .
12. ^ Werner Oswald : German Cars 1945–1990. Volume 4. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and others . 2nd Edition. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-613-02131-5 , p. 84-86 .
13. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz W116." in: Oldtimer Praxis 11/2017, pp. 28–31