Mercedes-Benz S-Class W116 Series

S-Class W116 is the abbreviation design of a luxury sedan produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1972 and 1980.

The history and evolution

Launched into the 1972 as a S-Class W108/W109, the W116 has important new technical and aesthetic. Bodywork. always three volumes, was slimmer, thanks to the waistline lower, tapering to the front (thanks to horizontal headlights and radiator grille and wide lower) and taut lines. The dimensions were relevant "courses" with more lightness. From the mechanical point of view, confirmed the rear-wheel drive, the most amount relates to rear suspension, which left the infamous bridge in central shafts oscillating shock, to adopt a 2-wheel independent with strong arms and triangular telescopic uprights. In keeping with tradition the rest, steering ball (with servo hydraulic) disc brakes on all wheels with hydraulic suspension (standard on long wheelbase SEL, at the request over the other). At the time of onset 2 engines were available: an inline 6-cylinder of 2746cc and a V8 for 3499, both with manual transmission 4-speed (on request, 5 speed on 6 cylinder, automatic 4-speed always on the 6 cylinder, automatic 3-speed on 8V), the following year, 1973, was added an additional 4520 cc V8, EXCLUSIVELY with automatic transmission. The power was injected initially Bosch D Jetronic electronic type, starting from 1976 K Jetronic mechanical version, also of Bosch. Only the 2800 version was also available in carbs.

It was the first model to be called officially Series S (S-Class, however, not yet). In addition to the indication of the displacement, the symbol identification was in fact composed by S (model name), the type of feed (E versions injection) and stride length (L for the wheelbase lengthened by 10cm for the with hydraulic suspension and rear passengers as standard).

The range included the 280 S (carburettor from 160cv), the 280 SE and 280 SEL (185cv), the 350 SE and the SEL 350 (205CV), the 450 SE and 450 SEL (225cv). Since 1976, these powers were reduced slightly (156 hp, the 280S, 177 hp, the 280SE/SEL, 350SE/SEL the 195 hp, 217 hp, the 450SE/SEL), then to recover the original powers by introducing electronic ignition in 1978. Although the size, compared to the W108/W109, were grown (especially in width) did not increase much interior space, by applying strict criteria for passive safety.

In 1974, the 450 SE was awarded the Car of the Year, and the SEL then accounted for the highest elegance (leather interior and wood trim) and features (air conditioning, central locking, electric sunroof), all features that well in those years few cars could boast. So from February of 1975 the range was completed by 450 SEL 6.9, propelled by a V8-injected 6834cc from 286cv well. Considered one of the saloons at the time of production of most high performance in the world with a top speed of 225 km / h and accelerates from 0-100km / h in about 8 seconds. Guaranteed by the maximum safety and quiet running is available on sedan.

Like most of the Mercedes W116 underwent very few changes (mainly concentrated to the interiors, finishes and equipment). Important, however, the debut (1979), albeit as an option on request, ABS. It was the first European car to propose such a system.

In 1980, the W116 was replaced by the W126, after being produced in 473,035 units (7,380 of which 450 SEL 6.9).

American W116

For the North American market and Canada the W116, as well as the adjustments required by law in terms of safety (absorption bumpers), front headlights with low beam headlights and the round shape, reduce emissions (weakening of the engines and the adoption of pollution control devices), adopted (as an alternative to gasoline engines) a 5-liter 3-cylinder turbo diesel 120hp, mounted in Europe on W123.

Source: http://pediaworld.com/category/cars/