Hey guys, I'm Pierre Hedary. Owner of Pierre Hedary's Mercedes Benz.
My specialization is in Mercedes-Benz vehicles made before 1993. That means that we service only the finest Mercedes ever built- nothing more. Our shop is a family owned and run [brother and sister!] business, where we emphasize correct diagnosis and repairs that lead to tangible results. We provide technical assistance and warranty coverage on any repairs we make, and we always take responsibility for your car and its state of well-being. Whether you drive a W115 diesel, a 124 V8, a W109, or any classic MB product, your car’s needs will be met with care and enthusiasm. Customer referrals are available. We also drive vintage MB’s every day. We understand how these cars should operate, and we are grateful to have the chance to service them. Please contact us with any questions you may have. Happy motoring!
84SD 250k 617, 3.07:1 axle, 26-28mpgs consistent. Car lives at 29-3200rpm at 65-80mph respectively. Best car I have ever owned. Also cool how you were able to recall just about all the early car diesels out there. Take care friend👊👊👊
i have a 1978 300D with non vac system. it only shifts 2x. it will get 40mph at top rpm but not shift up. on GMs with bad tranny when clutches go out engine spins after 2->3 shift so if leave in #2 ok up to top rpm. but this 1978 300D just stops up shift after hit 2nd, any pointers?🎉
The gasoline-powered '73 450SE is another attractive W116 model: Euro bumpers, a bit more nimble than the 450SEL, etc., but they are hard to find and suck gas. I respect Pierre's knowledge and abilities, but his videos would look much more professional if his shop were clean and tidy and if he could wear clean clothing. After all, we're Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
I rescued a 280S from Eastern Europe, it was a tortured car, was working in the field to transport rocks, it came with a CNG attached all away down in that Solex 4A1, spark plug boots were taken off UAZ or a Kamaz. I restored it and sold it to a Russian gentleman.
Any idea on a diagram for the auto trans vacuum lines 79-80 I’ve found a bunch but not for that particular trans modulator and I’ve seen where you state that these years are different.Thanks for all you do ,definitely the real deal
I replaced the fuel pomps and filter. Also the fuel filter inlet on the distributor. The fuel pressure is around 6 bar. But no fuel is comming out of the fuel distributor (injector lines disconnected). I hope you tip about the EHA wil help my problem 🤞
Thank you for calling me out on this. I have 18. I sold one this summer and plan to sell more . I saved them from the crusher 5-8 years ago but it is time they move on to a good home. 123, 126 mostly. Albany NY area
I daily drive a 1979 300SD that I maintain in excellent condition. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. Thanks to the previous owner, my Automatic Climate Control system is fully operable and I've not had problems with it. I know that may not always be the case but over 4 years in, it's flawless. The car drives so well and is very comfortable. It's like a living room on wheels. I'm happy to see more praise for the W116, an often overlooked chassis.
Hi Pierre - Owing my 1977 450SL I can say the drivetrain is bullet proof. I do about 3500 rpms at about 'maybe' 80mph. I wish I had a 4th gear in that car. But at least the engine is robust & bulletproof. It would be nice to have a sedan (more seats). The W116 are sweet!
I have a really nice 79 300sd. I've had several w126 diesels in the past, but they didn't seem as "substantial" in the feel of the materials or the drive as my w116. The w116 is a wonderful car, but you are right on about the rear end ratio of the diesels. It really needs the 2.65 or 2.88 for over 65mph driving as you mention. Hopefully, I'll get it done on mine. When I do I'm sure I'll drive it a lot more on highway runs.
I've got a 1976 450SE. It has the hydropneumatic rear suspension. Front suspension crosses over with the W123. It has the 3.07:1 ratio diff. It has the typical 3 speed transmission. In coming weeks, it will be undergoing restoration, including bare metal respray.
Many thanks for a great video. When I was a kid in Europe on the Autobahn, the w116 used to go whizzing past either lights flashing for lesser desirables to get out the way or they arrived at speed with the indicator - blinker for yanks- flashing. I recall watching them zoom past. The issue today, save for the 6.9, is that to fix them is either too expensive given their residual value or a true labour of love where the work has to be done my oneself. Given shop labour costs, removing the dash etc is cost prohibitive, same applies to the 450slc. IMHO lovely looking cars but unless you get one for free, not worth the effort bar for the love of the car. Sad but that is the way it does, god help you if you encounter rust, at that point only a win at the lottery can help.
I've had several W116s, from a 280S to a 6.9. I'm NOT a fan of the climate control system and prefer the manual system on the lower-level versions, to which I converted my 6.9. I also got rid of the vacuum door locks, going to after-market electric ones. I still think these cars handle at least as well as a W126 and I've always thought them better looking. BUT I know many parts are getting scarce and not everybody doing Mercedes work has the knowledge of 116s...not even getting into the dreaded metal termites. As always, good video.
Thanks Pierre Always enjoy it Being an owner of a 1978 280S I can attest that’s it’s the most comfortable and real “old school Mercedes “ that I have .. a joy to drive and impressive road presence to this day
2023 EQB250 owner. Bought it not lease. 35,000 miles and the battery is dead. I like EVs and have been driving EV since 2015. I still have a couple older BMWs with over 100,000 miles and barely any range degradation. In 35k miles the EQB lost half its range. As usual the dealer kept saying there’s nothing wrong until I got corporate involved and now the battery is getting replaced.
I very happy for having restored my 450SEL. You sold me the D-jet harmess, dont know if you remember. I've made everything to work again, even SLS. Great car, have done several very long trips with her, even international.
Love the 116, and always have. I have driven a 450SEL. YOu are right, the stability was evident in the driving experience. I am considering a 116 as a second car. Thanks for the review Pierre.
Yes, rust is the Achilles' heel of the W116. The W126 had it in a few areas too (like under the rear window), but nowhere near as bad as the W116 sadly. I've seen so many 6.9s that way beyond saving because their bodies and frames are now made of Swiss cheese.
In a word : YES Out of all the classic mercs, the W116 is my absolute favorite, especially the 6.9, followed by the C126. I just love the way they look. I honestly think that the W126 is a tad bit overrated, especially since the W116 was the blueprint for all later S classes.
I own a W126, but would love to get my hands on a Euro-spec W116 450SE someday. I think the SWB combined with the correct bumpers makes for a beautiful looking sedan!
I love the w116! I am restoring a 1979 and 1980 SD300 , one bought for a parts car better than the first one! Thank you so much for all your information and insight!
Thank you for bringing this to people’s attention. Unfortunately I don’t have one. They are so beautiful. What makes them special to me is the hand welding of for instance the roof. Real craftsmanship in building these cars.
Purchased a 79 450SEL this past August. Has 53k miles. I'm excited about bringing it back to life. Has been a Texas / Oklahoma car all it's life. ZERO rust!
Oh a w116 video!! I got a w116 280SE a while ago and it is, by far, the best car I have ever driven as well as the most beautiful luxury car Mercedes ever made. Their prices are just now starting to go up (at least here in Europe), so I think it is an incredible car to invest in.
My 79 W116 450 SEL was my favorite of my three classic Mercedes - as a looker, a big comfortable interior, and it was a fabulous driver. It was a great educator - taught me all about CIS injection, the rights side valve train oiling system, and some interesting rust sources, like under the fuse block. My AC system never failed. The car never died.
The 116 and 114/115, although excellent cars in their day, are from the era just before Mercedes started getting really recognized for their engineering and longevity. Reality is, they were not built to the same standards as the 126 and 123 which really set the current (but quickly fading) idea of what Mercedes is. That’s the main reason why they’re not as popular nowadays.
@@martinsvensson6884hmm, not sure where you’re seeing the decline in the 126 interior - especially compared to the 123. Anyways, truth might be in between our opinions as well. It’s very possible it’s simply a generational shift. The crowd interested in the 114/115/116 may be just getting too old to be active on the scene.
Incorrect. The 116 was at the plateau of Mercedes being recognized for their engineering brilliance which had already been known for decades before that. That plateau was reached in the 60's and didnt' decline until the late 90's/2000's. I've owned 108's 123's and 116's and the 116 was my favorite by far.
W126 is certainly more sophisticated in terms of the engineering and production techniques, which made for a more refined driving experience than the W116. Maybe that's what you're referring to? I have no direct experience but W114/W115 especially should be on par in terms of durability, they're just not as sophisticated or as refined as the cars that came later. And in the same way, the W123 is considerably less refined and sophisticated than the generation that came after. I won't disagree with you on the W123 being excellent though. I think it's the sweet spot in terms of old-world Mercedes build quality but still refined enough to be used daily. W126 is the last generation with grease fittings on the door hinges - I think there's probably a lesson in there somewhere.
I’m a subscriber for only a few months now but greatly appreciate the wisdom and effort in these videos. I’m contemplating the purchase of a 280SE, 300SE, 420SEL or 560SEL here in Australia and have found your channel most helpful. There are a few very low mileage examples presently around and I have friends who have each of those models and swear by them. Thanks again, keep up the good work.
