1979 Mercedes-benz 450 Sel, 41,658 Original Miles on 2040-cars

1979 Mercedes Benz 450 SEL, 41,658 Original Miles, 3 Owners From New, Perfect Running Condition  

VIN # 116033120846XX

Engine: 117986.12.040544

Transmission: 0210-8782

This 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL is fantastic original example of one of the most iconic Mercedes ever produced and represents an era of cars that will never be seen again…

The condition of this car is totally original and very well presented.  The car shows very few signs of age and has 41,658 miles on the odometer.  I am the third owner from new. 

This car still retains every option available on an American specification car at the time, including: 

419- Paint, Icon Gold Metallic

204- Interior Trim, Bamboo Leather

410- Electric sliding roof

440- Tempomat (cruise control)

451- Tachometer

461- Instruments in English

491- U.S. Version

518- Becker radio

531- Automatic antenna

575- Front folding armrest and right front seat with seat height adjustment

581- Automatic climate control

592- Heat-insulating glass

639- Elimination of first-aid box and warning triangle

640- 15-hole light alloy rims

809- Change of model year, the last figure showing the new model year

BODY:

This 450SEL still wears the factory correct and original Icon Gold Metallic paint, which is in very nice original condition, with no cracking, fading, or checking evident.  Even though it is 34 year old paint, as far as I can tell, all of the body panels are ripple, dent, and rust free and don’t appear to have had any sort of body or accident damage.  It does have some slight imperfections in various spots, but for a 30 year old car, the paint and condition of the body is amazing. 

The glass and seals are in excellent condition and there are no leaks evident. 

The sunroof also works perfectly and does not leak.   

The body trim, including the chrome, aluminum, and rubber, is in very good condition.  No trim has been replaced, nor has it needed to be, on the car.  It has all been polished, preserved and cared for properly over the years.

 

INTERIOR:

The interior is trimmed in the original bamboo leather.  The seating areas are in nice condition, with no rips or tears, as are the door panels and dashboard.  The wood trim is in fantastic condition and not in need of repair.  The carpet is also original and in very presentable condition.  

All of the accessories, including the climate control and factory Beker AM/FM stereo cassette system, are in perfect working order. 

All of the windows power up and down and work perfectly.  The trunk is in very nice condition, the trunk covering is in excellent condition with no rips, tears, or missing pieces, and the spare tire, wheel, jack, and tools are all accounted for and in very nice condition.   

 

UNDERCARRIAGE:

The underside of the car is in line with a well- cared for car.  Again, it is very solid and very well preserved, with no evidence of any accident damage.  I couldn’t include all of the photos of the undercarriage in the ad, so if you’d like to see a complete set, please contact me and I will email them to you. 

 

ENGINE and ENGINE COMPARTMENT:

The powerplant in this Mercedes is the original 4.5-liter V-8 engine.  It is completely original and as you can see from the photos, very well preserved.  All aspects of the motor are in perfect working order, and the compression ratio is exactly where it should be. 

The engine bay is completely original, with all components in operational condition.  Every detail of the engine compartment is “Mercedes Correct” and well preserved.  There is some minor wear to certain painted surfaces due to age, but overall, it is very presentable.

All engine and drivetrain maintenance is up to date, including the following services:

-oil and filter change

-air filter replacement  

-throttle linkage replacement

-installation of in-line and mounted fuel filters

-engine coolant  

-installation v-drive belts

-lubrication of entire chassis 

 

TRANSMISSION:

While the engines in these 300s seem to last forever and never have any issues (136,500 miles is considered a low mileage car), the transmission is the common Achilles heel.

The transmission in this car is in perfect working order and functions as a 41,000 mile car should.  And it is the original transmission to the car. 

TIRES, WHEELS, and BRAKES:

The tires are in almost new condition and do not show any notable wear.  They and are the correct and original size for the 450 SEL.

The wheels are the original M-B alloy wheels, and are in excellent condition with almost no wear evident.  All of the center caps have a sharp M-B three pointed star and are original and also in very nice condition. 

The entire braking system has been gone through to ensure every part works as it should.  All rotors, pads, and seals have been replaced and brake fluid flushed. 

 

OVERALL DRIVING IMPRESSIONS:

This 450SEL runs and drives as should – It’s barely broken in!  The 8 cylinder powerplant runs and accelerates smoothly and very quickly and the transmission shifts as it should. 

The car drives around town and on the open road with no squeaks, creaks, or rattles.  It has had all of the necessary service recently performed including oil-change, tune up, installation of new battery, and transmission and differential service.  It needs absolutely nothing to drive, show, and enjoy.  All of the mechanical aspects of the car work as they should. 

 

PLEASE NOTE:

This 450 SEL still retains all of its original or N.O.S. components!  This means the engine, transmission, rear end, etc. are original or correct to the car.  All of the numbers, markings, etc., are correct.  THIS 450 HAS NEVER BEEN MODIFIED IN ANY WAY!  It is an original and very special car that, as evidenced by the low mileage and condition, has been driven very sparingly and properly cared for during the last 34 years…

If you’ve never driven a Mercedes of this period, you are in for a treat with this one! 

If you are serious about purchasing this vehicle, I encourage you to come, take a look, and drive it.  I can also provide you with additional photos of any specific part you have questions about.

You or your mechanic are also welcome to put the car on a lift and perform any drivetrain inspection you wish, including a compression check.    

 

TERMS:  $500 DEPOSIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF AUCTION CLOSE.  BALANCE OF AUCTION AMOUNT MUST BE PAID BY CASH IN PERSON, BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFER, OR CERTIFIED FUNDS (WITH VERIFICATION) ONLY WITHIN 7 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSE.  SORRY, NO C.O.D. AND NO PAYPAL. 

The description of this vehicle is written to the best of my knowledge.  However, I am by no means an expert on vintage Mercedes automobiles.  Please don’t hesitate to ask for more photos and, if possible, come and look in person before the auction ends.  ALL SALES ARE FINAL!  If you have any questions, please contact me before the auction ends.

This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty, expressed, written or implied unless there is a warranty in effect from the factory.  The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith.  No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage.  Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type.  It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely.  The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request PRIOR to the close of sale.  Seller assumes no responsibility for any statements regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. 

Please remember that your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this item.  If you require an inspection, have it done prior to bidding.  I strongly encourage all bidders to inspect the vehicle personally or enlist the services of a professional inspector prior to placing a bid.  After the sale, inspections are not recognized as a contingency to completing your obligation to your winning bid.  If there are any questions regarding the above terms, please e-mail prior to bidding.

If you have any questions, please contact me.  If you live close to Chicago, I encourage you to come and inspect the car in person!

In an effort to protect the eBay user information and to help ensure the authenticity of correspondence between sellers and bidders, eBay’s new listing format does NOT display any bidder information.  Nevertheless, I STRONGLY encourage bidders to contact me directly to answer questions or to verify correspondence.  Seller reserves the right to not accept bids or sell the vehicle to anyone with a zero or negative eBay feedback rating.

Please do not waste my time or yours bidding on an item you do not intend to pay for.  If you bid on this part and win, you are expected to pay for the part and pick it up in a timely manner!

I welcome ALL international bidders and am happy to assist with making shipping arrangements.  I can also arrange crating for shipment on my end for a nominal extra charge.  If you are an international buyer, I understand it can take some time to arrange shipping, so I do not mind keeping the motorcycle for a longer period of time until pick up.  Please contact me before the sale ends, if possible, to discuss the specifics.

Thanks for your interest!

 

For more on the Mercedes 450SEL, please scroll down past the photos...

450 SEL Technical Specifications:

Chassis: 116 033

Production Numbers and Period: 59,578 cars produced between February 1973 - June 1980

Engine:   M 117

Configuration:      Front engine, Rear wheel drive

Suspension: Front, double wishbone with torsion bar stabilizer coil springs, suppl. rubber suspension

Suspension: Rear, diagonal-swing axle, optional hydropneumatic level control coil springs, suppl. rubber suspension, torsion bar stabilizer

Steering: Re-circulating ball and nut power steering; 2.7 turns lock to lock

Braking system: Hydraulic dual-circuit braking system with vacuum-operated brake servo unit, optional antilock device from Dec, ‘78

Brakes: Front, disc brakes internally ventilated, (278 mm)

Brakes: Rear, disc brakes solid, (279 mm)

Wheels : 6.5 J x 14 H 2, steel wheels, optional light-alloy disc wheels

Tires: 205/70 HR 14

Fuel tank capacity, incl. reserve: 96 L, 13 L approx.

Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic Standard/Optional

Shifting: Switch lever on steering column or car center

Clutch: Hydra. torque convertor in automatic gear

Type: Planet Gear

Synchromesh gears: N/A

1st gear                    2.31

2nd Gear                   1.46

3rd gear                    1.0

4th gear                     N/A

5th gear                     N/A

Reverse gear          1.84

Final drive               3.07

 

Optional Colors:  

Black                                               040           1972 - 1980

White                                              050           1972 - 1974

Arabian Gray                             124           1972

Pastel White                              131           1972 - 1973

White Gray                                  158           1972

Anthracite Grey Metallic    172           1972 - 1980

Anthracite Grey Metallic    173           1972

Silver Gray                                 180           1972

Beige Gray                                  181           1972

Blue Green                                 268           1972

Dark Olive Green                    291           1972 - 1974

Horizon Blue                             304           1972

Medium Blue                            350           1972

Blue Metallic                             387           1972 - 1974

Blue Metallic Clearcoat       396           1972

Milan Brown Metallic           404           1975 - 1979

Cayenne Orange                       406           1975 - 1979

Icon Gold Metallic                   419           1972 - 1979

Byzantine Gold Metallic      422           1972 - 1974

Tobacco Brown                        423           1972 - 1974

Topaz Brown                            424           1975 - 1979

Harvest Beige                           430           1972 - 1974

Dark Maroon                            460           1972

Dark Bronze Metallic Clearcoat        461           1972

Tunis Beige Metallic              462           1972 - 1974

Sand Beige Metallic               467           1972 - 1974

Colorado Beige                        470           1975 - 1979

Champagne Metallic              473           1980

Golden Brown                          476           1980

Walnut Brown                          479           1980

Manganese Brown Metallic        480           1980

Apricot Orange                        482           1980

Maroon                                       501           1980

English Red                                 504           1975 - 1980

Carnelian Red                          514           1972 - 1974

Medium Red                              516           1972 - 1979

Brilliant Red Metallic                     525           1975 - 1979

Dark Red                                     542           1972 - 1974

Signal (Fire Engine) Red     568           1972 - 1980

Red Metallic                              571           1972 - 1973

Red                                                  576           1972

Inca Red Metallic                     581           1980

Maple Yellow                            606           1972 - 1979

Mimosa Yellow                        618           1975 - 1980

Light Ivory                                  623           1972 - 1980

Yellow                                           624           1972 - 1979

Light Ivory                                  670           1972

Sahara Yellow                          673           1975 - 1980

Sun Yellow                                  680           1980

Manila Beige                             681           1980

Pastel Beige                              684           1980

Papyrus White                         717           1972 - 1974

Gray Beige                                  726           1972 - 1974

Beige Gray Metallic Clearcoat   728           1972 - 1974

Phantom Gray                          733           1972 - 1974

Astral Silver Metallic           735           1972 - 1980

Classic White                            737           1972 - 1980

Pastel Gray Metallic              740           1975 - 1980

Deep Green Metallic              825           1975 - 1979

Moss Green Metallic              834           1972

Green                                             860           1972 - 1974

Silver Green Metallic           861           1972 - 1979

Stone Pine Green Metallic           862           1972 - 1974

Caledonia Green                     867           1975 - 1979

Nickel Green Metallic           870           1975 - 1979

Citrus Green Metallic           874           1975 - 1979

Mango Green                            875           1980

Cypress Green Metallic       876           1975 - 1980

Petrol Blue Green Metallic 877 1980

Cactus Green                             880           1980

Thistle Green Metallic           881           1980

Blue                                                903           1972 - 1979

Dark Blue Metallic                   904           1972 - 1980

Gray Blue Metallic                    906           1972 - 1979

Aqua Blue                                     917           1972 - 1974

Deep Blue                                     920           1972 - 1974

Pastel Blue                                   922           1975 - 1979

Silver Blue Metallic                930           1980

Magnetite Blue Metallic      931           1975 - 1979

Lapis Blue Metallic Clearcoat    932           1980

China Blue                                  934           1980

Marine Blue                              940           1980

The Mercedes-Benz W116 is a series of flagship vehicles produced from September 1972 until 1979. The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although earlier sedan models had already unofficially been designated with the letter 'S' - for Sonderklasse or "special class."

History:

The 'new' S-class generation development began in 1966, which was only a year after the launch of the W108/09. This was the first Mercedes saloon to feature the brand new corporate styling theme which was to be continued until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. The design, finalized in 1969 was a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines that combined to create an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept was actually inspired from the R107 SL-Class roadster, especially the front and rear lights.

The car was presented in September 1972. The model range initially included two versions of the M110 engine (Straight-six with 2,746 cc displacement) - the 280S (using a Solex carburetor) and the 280SE (using Bosch D-Jetronic injection), plus the 350 SE, powered by the M116 engine (V8 with 3,499 cc displacement). Half a year later two new models powered by the M117 engine (V8 with 4,520 cc displacement) were added to the range - the 450SE and the 450SEL (with a 100 mm longer body).

The most notable W116 was the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9, which was introduced in 1975, and became the first production car to use an electronic four-wheel multi-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) as an option from 1978 on. This model boasted the largest engine installed in a post-war Mercedes-Benz up to that time, and also featured self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension.

The 300 SD sedan (USA and Canada only) had a turbocharged 3.0-litre I5 diesel engine developed from the record breaking C111 experimental vehicle.

The 450SEL was named the European Car of the Year in 1974

Production totaled 473,035 units. The W116 was succeeded by the W126 S-Class in 1979. The W116 was sold throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.

Models:

In 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update. In 1978, a series of engine upgrades restored original performance levels with new fuel injection systems.

References:

Garnier, Peter, ed. (date 21 September 1972). "News". Autocar: 19.

Oswald, Werner (2003). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, Band 4. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. pp. 80, 86. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.

Classic & Sports Car, April 1997 - Best Saloons Ever

Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945-1990, Band 4. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.