Engineering:Mercedes-Benz W116

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For complete overview of all S-Class models, see Engineering:Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz W 116/V 116
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler-Benz
Production1972–1980
Assembly
  • West Germany: Sindelfingen
  • South Africa: East London
  • Venezuela: Barcelona (CKD)
DesignerFriedrich Geiger (1969)[1]
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFR layout
RelatedMercedes-Benz R107
Mercedes-Benz W123
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2.8 L M 110 I6
  • 3.5 L M 116 V8
  • 4.5 L M 117 V8
  • 6.8 L M 100 V8
  • 3.0 L OM 617 turbodiesel I5
Transmission3-speed 722.0 automatic
4-speed 722.1 automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,865 mm (112.8 in)
2,965 mm (116.7 in) (SEL)
Length4,960 mm (195.3 in)
5,060 mm (199.2 in) (SEL)
5,220 mm (205.5 in) (SE US bumpers)
5,334 mm (210.0 in) (SEL US bumpers)
Width1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height1,410 mm (55.5 in) & 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight1,650–1,955 kg (3,637.6–4,310.0 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz W108
SuccessorMercedes-Benz W126

The Mercedes-Benz W 116 is a series of flagship luxury sedans produced from September 1972[2] until 1980.[3] The W 116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although some earlier sedan models had already been designated unofficially with the letter S for "special class" (German: "Sonderklasse"). The W 116 was selected as European Car of the Year in 1974.

History

1975 Mercedes-Benz 350 SE interior

The W 116's development began in 1966, which was only a year after the launch of the W 108/W 109. This was the first Mercedes-Benz sedan to feature the brand-new corporate styling theme, which endured until 1993, when the 190 was discontinued. The design, finalized in December 1969,[4] was a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines that combined to create an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept continued the themes originally introduced on the R107 SL-Class roadster, especially the front and rear lights.[1] As with the SL, the W 116 received the ridged lamp covers which kept dirt accumulation at bay; this was to remain a Mercedes-Benz design theme into the 21st century.[5] The W 116 was Friedrich Geiger's last design for Mercedes-Benz; his career had started with the Mercedes-Benz 500K in 1933.

The W 116 was presented in September 1972. The model range initially included two versions of the M 110 engine (straight-six with 2746 cc displacement) — the 280 S (using a Solex carburetor) and the 280 SE (using Bosch D-Jetronic injection), plus the 350 SE, powered by the M 116 engine (V8 with 3499 cc displacement). After the 1973 oil crisis, a long-wheelbase 280 SEL was added to the model range.

The larger 4.5-litre M 117 V8 engines were developed in response to US emission regulations and initially fitted to the 350 SL and 350 SLC for the US market in 1972, which were renamed as the 450 SL and 450 SLC in 1973. Mercedes-Benz introduced the 450 SE and 450 SEL for both US and international markets in 1973. The 4.5-litre models were available with three-speed automatic gearboxes only, while the models with smaller 3.5-litre V8 engine could be ordered with a four-speed manual gearbox. The 450 SE and 450 SEL received a plusher interior, with velour or leather seats rather than the checkered cloth of the lesser models. The door cards had the velour or leather inserts.[6]

The 4.5-litre M 117 V8 engines had 225 PS (165 kW) in most European and international markets, 190 hp (142 kW) for the US market, and 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) for Swedish and Australian markets.[5] The 450 models received a plusher interior as well, with velour or leather seats rather than the checkered cloth of the lesser models. The door cards were also of a different design, with pads being pulled up around the windows.[6]

The W 116 had independent suspension and disk brakes on all four wheels.

The most notable W 116 model was the high-performance 450 SEL 6.9, which was introduced in 1975. This model boasted the largest engine installed in a post-war Mercedes-Benz (and any non-American production automobile) up to that time,[7] and it also featured self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension.

Exclusive to the North American and Japanese markets was the 300 SD TURBO DIESEL, the world's first passenger car with a turbocharged diesel engine, which was introduced in 1978. No 300 SD TURBO DIESEL model was offered in Europe (where diesel engines were well-received and had tax advantages) until 1991, when the W 140 300 SD was finally introduced in Europe and international markets.

The 450 SE was named the European Car of the Year in 1974, even though the W 116 range was first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in the fall of 1972.[8] The W 116 became the first production car to use an electronic four-wheel multi-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) from Bosch as an option from 1978 on.

Production totaled 473,035 units. The W 116 was succeeded by the W 126 S-Class in 1979. The W 116 was sold throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.

Fuel injection

1978 M 110 Engine, twin cam inline 6 (2.8 litre) with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The left cam drives the pump for the hydraulic self-leveling rear suspension.
1978 Mercedes Benz 280 SE (Australian delivered) in 906 Graublau metallic (Grey Blue metallic)

In 1975, the W 116 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. The D-Jetronic fuel injection system fitted to the early 280 SE (1973-1974) had computers and MAP sensor that are prone to failure after more than 20 years of use. From 1975 onward they used the K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system, a less complicated system that proved to be much more reliable in the long run with injectors costing significantly less than those used on the D-Jetronic system. The W 116 equipped with the K-Jetronic system used a cast-iron fuel distributor which can be prone to rust over time if moisture or water is present in the fuel. This was changed to an alloy fuel distributor in the following model W&thinspace;126 and is not subject to corrosion.

Hydropneumatic suspension

W 116 was the first model from Mercedes-Benz to feature the hydropneumatic suspension system. While the principle is similar to Citroën’s, Mercedes-Benz made some changes. The hydraulic pump was driven by the timing chain instead of a rubber belt for more reliability (Citroën’s system would lead to loss of hydraulic power if the belt failed). Mercedes-Benz utilised the hard rubber dampers as temporary dampers in event of hydraulic failure. The height adjustment had a smaller range of height as compared to Citroën (5 cm versus 50 cm). Unlike Citroën, the car did not “sink” to the ground after shutting off the engine, and the driver did not have to wait for the hydraulic power to spool up and lift the car to the operating height.

The full hydropneumatic suspension system was fitted to the 450 SEL 6.9 as standard. In 1977, the self-levelling rear suspension system was offered for 450 SEL as an extra cost option outside the North American market.

North American sales

Mercedes-Benz 450 SE (United States)

North America was a key market for the W 116. The model range for the U.S. market for 1973 was 450 SE and 450 SEL. Initially both models were unique to the US market, carrying on the tradition of the 4.5 litre W 108/W 109 versions they replaced (and would become available in Europe only in early 1973). For 1975, the 280 S was launched as a response to the 1973 oil crisis. For 1977, the 280 S and 450 SE were dropped due to slow sales and replaced with the 280 SE. The 6.9 was added for 1978 with the MSRP of $38,230 and continued to be sold until 1980.

Due to the series of new federal safety and emission regulations in the 1970s, the W 116 were described by journalists as if a "beautiful car was beaten with the malaise ugly stick."[9] Furthermore, the performance was being continuously hampered by the increasingly stringent emission control and fuel economy legislation. Upon launch, the M 117 engine for the US market developed a SAE net rating of 192 hp at 4750 RPM and 325 Nm at 3000 RPM for a car with curb weight of 1743 kg (450 SEL - 1755kg). In the final 1980 model year, the 450 SEL was producing 162 hp at 4200 RPM and 312 Nm at 2500, weighing 1810 kg. For comparison, the European 450 SEL weighed 1765 kg, and its M 117 made 225 hp at 5000 RPM at the beginning and the end of production and 368 Nm at 3250 RPM at the end of production.

The 300 SD "TURBO DIESEL", the world’s first passenger car with a turbocharged diesel engine, was launched in the United States and Canada in 1978. It had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-five diesel engine developed from the C111 experimental vehicle. The 300 SD became a best seller and helped considerably raise Mercedes-Benz's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE).[10] Mercedes-Benz would make S-Class models with the turbocharged diesel engines exclusively for the North American and Japanese markets until 1992.[10]

450 SEL 6.9

Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 for rest of world
450 SEL 6.9 for North America

The high-performance 450 SEL 6.9 version of the S-Class was built on its own assembly line by Daimler-Benz in Sindelfingen, Germany and based on the long-wheelbase version of the W 116 chassis. The model was generally referred to in the company's literature as the "450 SEL 6.9" but simply "6.9" for the US market. Despite the model designation, the actual engine displacement is 6.8 litres.

The 450 SEL 6.9 was first shown to the motoring press at the Geneva Auto Show in 1974 and produced between 1975 and 1980. It was billed as the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz car line and the successor to Mercedes-Benz's original high-performance sedan, the 300 SEL 6.3.

Technical data

Technical data Mercedes-Benz W 116 [11] (Manufacturer's figures except where stated)
Model 280 S 280 SE
280 SEL 		350 SE
350 SEL 		450 SE
450 SEL 		450 SEL 6.9 300 SD
Type W 116 V28 W 116 E 28 W 116 E 35 W 116 E 45 W 116 E 69 W 116 D 30 A
Chassis Code 116.020 116.024
116.025 		116.028
116.029 		116.032
116.033 		116.036 116.120
Production Period 09/1972–07/1980 09/1972–07/1980
04/1974−05/1980 		08/1972–09/1980
11/1973−06/1980 		12/1972–04/1980
02/1973–06/1980 		09/1975–05/1980 05/1978–09/1980
Units Built 122,848 150,593
7,032 		51,100
4,266 		41,604
59,578 		7,380 28,634
Engine M 110 V 28 M 110 E 28 M 116 E 35 M 117 E 45 M 100 E 69 OM 617 D 30 A
Configuration 6-cylinder-inline engine (four-stroke), front-mounted 90° 8-cylinder-V engine (four-stroke), front-mounted 5-cylinder-inline engine (four-stroke), front-mounted
Bore x Stroke 86 mm (3.386 in) x
78.8 mm (3.102 in) 		92 mm (3.622 in) x
65.8 mm (2.591 in) 		92 mm (3.622 in) x
85 mm (3.346 in) 		107 mm (4.213 in) x
95 mm (3.740 in) 		90.9 mm (3.579 in)[lower-alpha 1]
Displacement 2,746 cc (167.6 cu in) 3,499 cc (213.5 cu in) 4,520 cc (275.8 cu in) 6,834 cc (417.0 cu in) 2,998 cc (182.9 cu in)[lower-alpha 2]
Valvetrain DOHC, duplex chain SOHC, duplex chain
Cooling System Water
Electrical System 12 volt
1972/1973: 1st engine series
Engine Code 110.922 110.983 116.983 117.983
Fuel Feed One 2-bbl Solex 4A1 Bosch D-Jetronic
Compression Ratio 9.0 : 1 9.0 : 1 9.5 : 1 8.8 : 1
Max. Power
at 1/min 		160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 5,500
USA: 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS) at 4,800 		185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 6,000
USA: 142 hp (106 kW; 144 PS) at 5,750 		200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5,800 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) at 5,000
USA: 190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) at 4,750
Max. Torque
at 1/min 		23 kp⋅m (226 N⋅m; 166 lb⋅ft) at 4,000
USA: 143 lb⋅ft (194 N⋅m) 		24.3 kp⋅m (238 N⋅m; 176 lb⋅ft) at 4,500
USA: 149 lb⋅ft (202 N⋅m) 		29.2 kp⋅m (286 N⋅m; 211 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 38.5 kp⋅m (378 N⋅m; 278 lb⋅ft) at 3,000
USA: 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m)
1975/1976: 2nd engine series
Engine Code 110.922 110.985 116.985 117.986 100.985
Fuel Feed One 2-bbl Solex 4A1 Bosch K-Jetronic
Compression Ratio 8.7 : 1 8.7 : 1 9.0 : 1 8.8 : 1 8.8 : 1
Max. Power
at 1/min 		156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) at 5,500 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) at 6,000 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) at 5,500 217 PS (160 kW; 214 hp) at 5,000 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) at 4,250
USA: 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) at 4,000
Max. Torque
at 1/min 		22.7 kp⋅m (223 N⋅m; 164 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 23.8 kp⋅m (233 N⋅m; 172 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 28 kp⋅m (275 N⋅m; 203 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 36.7 kp⋅m (360 N⋅m; 265 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 56 kp⋅m (549 N⋅m; 405 lb⋅ft) at 3,000
USA: 360 lb⋅ft (488 N⋅m) at 3,000
1978/1979: 3rd engine series
Engine Code 110.922 110.985 116.985 117.986 100.985 617.950
Fuel Feed One 2-bbl Solex 4A1 Bosch K-Jetronic Bosch injection pump
Garrett turbine
Compression Ratio 8.7 : 1 8.7 : 1 9.0 : 1 8.8 : 1 8.8 : 1 21.5 : 1
Max. Power
at 1/min 		156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) at 5,500 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 5,800 205 PS (151 kW; 202 hp) at 5,750 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) at 5,000
USA: 162 hp (121 kW; 164 PS) at 4,250 		286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) at 4,250
USA: 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) at 4,000 		110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 4,200
MY 1980: 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS) at 4,350
Max. Torque
at 1/min 		22.7 kp⋅m (223 N⋅m; 164 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 24.5 kp⋅m (240 N⋅m; 177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 29 kp⋅m (284 N⋅m; 210 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 37.5 kp⋅m (368 N⋅m; 271 lb⋅ft) at 3,000
USA: 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) at 2,500 		56 kp⋅m (549 N⋅m; 405 lb⋅ft) at 3,000
USA: 360 lb⋅ft (488 N⋅m) at 3,000 		23.2 kp⋅m (228 N⋅m; 168 lb⋅ft) at 2,400
MY 1980: 23.5 kp⋅m (230 N⋅m; 170 lb⋅ft) at 2,400
Gearbox 4-speed manual w/ column or floor shifter 3-speed automatic w/ column or floor shifter 4-speed automatic w/ column or floor shifter
optional 5-speed manual or
4-speed automatic both w/ column or floor shifter 		optional 3-speed automatic w/ column or floor shifter
Automatic Gearbox: Model (Type) W4B 025 (722.1)[12] W3A 040 (722.0)[12] W3B 050 (722.0)
(worldwide[13])
W3A 040 (722.0) (USA & Japan[13]) 		W3B 050 reinf. (722.0)[14] W4B 025 (722.1)
Final Ratio 3.69 (48 : 13) 3.46 (45 : 13) 3.07 (43 : 14) 2.65 (45 : 17) 3.07 (43 : 14)
Body Structure Sheet steel, monocoque (unibody) construction
Length SE: 4,960 mm (195.3 in) · with US bumpers: 5,220 mm (205.5 in)
SEL: 5,060 mm (199.2 in) · with US bumpers: 5,334 mm (210.0 in)
Width 1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height 1,410 mm (55.5 in)
1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb Weight 1,660 kg (3,660 lb)
USA: 3,770 lb (1,710 kg) 		SE: 1,665 kg (3,671 lb)
SEL: 1,700 kg (3,748 lb)
USA: 3,750 lb (1,701 kg) 		SE: 1,725 kg (3,803 lb)
SEL: 1,760 kg (3,880 lb) 		SE: 1,740 kg (3,836 lb)
SEL: 1,825 kg (4,023 lb)
USA: 3,843 lb (1,743 kg) 		1,985 kg (4,376 lb)
USA: 4,285 lb (1,944 kg) 		1,815 kg (4,001 lb)
Loaded Weight 2,130 kg (4,696 lb) SE: 2,130 kg (4,696 lb)
SEL: 2,165 kg (4,773 lb) 		SE: 2,195 kg (4,839 lb)
SEL: 2,220 kg (4,894 lb) 		SE: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
SEL: 2,285 kg (5,038 lb) 		2,420 kg (5,335 lb) 2,215 kg (4,883 lb)
Wheelbase SE: 2,865 mm (112.8 in)
SEL: 2,965 mm (116.7 in) 		SE: 2,860 mm (112.6 in)
SEL: 2,960 mm (116.5 in) 		2,865 mm (112.8 in)
Track Front · Rear 1,521 mm (59.9 in) · 1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Front Suspension Double wishbones, coil and additional rubber springs, stabilising bar
6.9: Double wishbones, hydropneumatic damping, stabilizing torsion bar
Rear Suspension Diagonal swing axle, trailing arms, coil springs, stabilizing torsion bar
4.5 and 6.9: anti-squat-device · 6.9: Diagonal swing axle, hydropneumatic damping, stabilizing torsion bar
Brakes Disc brakes (Ø 278 mm front, 279 mm rear), power assisted, from 1979 on request ABS
Steering Recirculating ball steering, manual or servo-assisted
Tyre/Tire Sizes 185 HR 14 205/70 VR 14 215/70 VR 14 185 HR 14
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) 11.5 s SE: 10.5 s
SEL: 11.0 s 		SE: 9.5 s
SEL: 10.0 s 		SE: 8.5 s
SEL: 8.9 s 		7.4 s 17.0 s
MY 1980: 16.2 s
Top Speed 190 km/h (118 mph) 200 km/h (124 mph) 205 km/h (127 mph) 210 km/h (130 mph) 225 km/h (140 mph) 165 km/h (103 mph)
Fuel Tank Capacity 96 L (25.4 US gal; 21.1 imp gal) 82 L (21.7 US gal; 18.0 imp gal)
Fuel Consumption[lower-alpha 3] 12.5 L/100 km (18.8 mpg‑US; 22.6 mpg‑imp) 13.0 L/100 km (18.1 mpg‑US; 21.7 mpg‑imp) 14.5 L/100 km (16.2 mpg‑US; 19.5 mpg‑imp) 16.0 L/100 km (14.7 mpg‑US; 17.7 mpg‑imp) 10.6 L/100 km (22 mpg‑US; 27 mpg‑imp)
  1. ↑ 300 SD before 10/1978: 91 mm (3.583 in) x 92.4 mm (3.638 in)
  2. ↑ 300 SD before 10/1978: 3,005 cc (183.4 cu in)
  3. ↑ Fuel consumption: guideline DIN 70030: determined at 3/4 of top-speed (not more than 110 km/h), plus 10%

Features

Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (France)
Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL (Australia)

The W 116 S-Class incorporated a broad variety of Mercedes-Benz safety innovations.

  • Four wheel anti-lock brakes were first featured as an option on the 1978 W 116. This system prevents the wheels from locking while braking. The system improves steering control during hard braking situations, and to shorten brake distances.
  • Strengthened body structure. The W 116 featured a more stable security passenger cell with a stiffened roof frame structure. High strength roof and door pillars, along with other reinforced zones, provided enhanced vehicle occupant protection.
  • Deformation zones (crumple zones) in the front and rear.
  • A padded dashboard, deformable switches and controls, and a four-spoke steering wheel with impact absorber and broad impact cushion aimed to reduce occupant injury during collisions.
  • The fuel tank was no longer fitted at the rear end, but was now placed above the rear axle for added protection.
  • Wraparound turn signals made it easier to communicate with nearby drivers.

Shanghai SH771

In China a copy of the Mercedes-Benz W 116 was built in 1974 as the Shanghai SH771 by Shanghai Automobile to replace it's old 1950s Shanghai SH760.[15] It had some styling differences from the Mercedes-Benz W 116 and used the 5.6 liter V8 from the Hongqi CA770 luxury car. Never produced, only 30 SH771s were built, and were used for testing until 1978. Beijing did not approve of full-scale production for the SH771.[15][16][17][18]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "W116 : Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 280S, 280SE, 280SEL, 300SD, 350SE, 350SEL, 450SE, 450SEL & 450SEL 6.9". w116.org. http://www.w116.org/library/design. 
  2. ↑ Garnier, Peter, ed (21 September 1972). "News". Autocar: 19. 
  3. ↑ Oswald 2001c, pp. 80–81, "Der letzte Wagen der Baureihe 116 lief im September 1980 vom Band, obwohl bereits im Dezember 1979 die Fertigung des Nachfolgers (Baureihe 126) begonnen hatte.".
  4. ↑ James Taylor (15 December 2013). Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1972-2013. Crowood. p. 40. ISBN 978-1-84797-596-6. https://books.google.com/books?id=hpMmBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT40. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Stjerna, Mikael (June 2016). "Årets vinnare" (in sv). Klassiska Bilar (Stockholm, Sweden: Bonnier Tidskrifter AB) 5 (5): 40. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Stjerna, p. 42
  7. ↑ "In the lap of luxury: The Mercedes S-Class W116 | Classic Driver Magazine". Classicdriver.com. 2013-07-11. https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/lap-luxury-mercedes-s-class-w116. 
  8. ↑ Stjerna, p. 39
  9. ↑ Ramey, Jay (1 February 2016). "Mercedes W123 hits the big 4-0 The grandfather of the E-Class is still a daily driver all around the world". Autoweek. https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1839511/mercedes-benz-w123-celebrates-40th-birthday/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Exponat-Details: Mercedes-Benz 300SD" (in de). Mercedes-Benz Classic. Daimler AG. 2012-03-12. http://wiki.mercedes-benz-classic.com/index.php/Exponat-Details?id=63&lang=de. 
  11. ↑ Oswald 2001c.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "MB Passenger Car Series 116, PDF p. 10". http://img.w116.org/tech/Passenger_Car_Series_116.pdf. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "MB Passenger Car Types with Engine M117, PDF p. 13". http://img.w116.org/tech/Passenger_Car_Types_with_Engine_M117.pdf. 
  14. ↑ "MB AUS 1979, PDF p. 57". http://img.w116.org/tech/AUS_1979.pdf. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "China Car History: the Shanghai SH771". 21 September 2012. https://carnewschina.com/2012/09/21/china-car-history-the-shanghai-sh771/. 
  16. ↑ "Shanghai SH771 - Autocade". http://autocade.net/index.php/Shanghai_SH771. 
  17. ↑ "Japanese car styling at the end of the Cultural Revolution". 3 February 2018. https://chinacarhistory.com/2018/02/03/japanese-car-styling-at-the-end-of-the-cultural-revolution/. 
  18. ↑ "70 years of Chinese automobiles". 23 October 2019. https://www.thedailystar.net/shift/news/70-years-chinese-automobiles-1817578. 

Bibliography

General

Workshop manuals

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