Mmmm...

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw) 06/14/2019 at 22:37 • Filed to: W126, Manual

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Nibby > WilliamsSW 06/14/2019 at 22:42

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those seats

fintail > WilliamsSW 06/14/2019 at 22:46

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Manual W126 were offered only as 6cyl cars, and I believe were made up through the end of the run in 1991. That one looks exceptional, and is nice that it is apparently a leather car, as the manual was usually seen on lesser equipped examples. I can’t imagine it is terribly fun to drive though, the car is a barge and MB manuals have never won awards for sportiness.

I had a normal US spec 300SE for several years, lovely old thing but not sporty in any way.

WilliamsSW > Nibby 06/14/2019 at 22:47

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They’re gorgeous. If you told me that picture was from the Mercedes sales brochure, I would believe you.  

WilliamsSW > fintail 06/14/2019 at 23:01

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Yeah, they’re not intended to be sporting cars, bu t that interior is beautiful and the manual makes it a bit interesting. My dad’s 280SE was a forerunner to your 300SE- lovely car, but not a canyon carver ( though surprisingly quick when going from 50 to 70).

Some interesting Mercedes’ on BaT right now. This one is immaculate, and there’s a LWB W112 with a factory partition listed, too. 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-mercedes-benz-280-4/

shop-teacher > WilliamsSW 06/14/2019 at 23:17

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That's very you.

fintail > WilliamsSW 06/14/2019 at 23:17

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Maybe the highlight of those cars is the engine - it is extremely smooth. Not the most efficient with a 4 speed auto, but not as overtaxed as one might think with a smallish I6 lugging around a small tank like that.

That 114 is in a stunning color combo, not many out there like it. The W112 is incredibly rare - I would prefer it without the divider, but beggars can’t be choosers. The LWBs are the ne plus ultra of fintails, and can bring decent money in Europe. Complex engine and suspension combined with rust propensity led to terrible survival rates. I think I have seen that car in MBCA material or forums before.

Here are a few interior shots of my old 126 - pics are heading for 20 years old now, and it might show. It was a lovely car, I was the second owner :

WilliamsSW > shop-teacher 06/14/2019 at 23:23

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Actually this is the car I'm  considering bidding on:

WilliamsSW > fintail 06/15/2019 at 00:04

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“ 4 speed auto” - functionally a 3 speed because Mercedes. That’s a big part of the reason why they seem slow off the line, and always struck me as an odd quirk - even my 212   starts in 2nd unless you put it in Sport mode. Tho se cars were plenty powerful at speed, though.

Both the 114 and 112 are gorgeous. As is the interior of your old 126!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 00:38

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Bigly

I love it 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 01:04

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I’d rather have this

shop-teacher > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 03:10

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*boioioioioioiinngggggg*

pip bip - choose Corrour > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 06:04

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yes please!

sony1492 > fintail 06/15/2019 at 06:17

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Driving the old 300sd at night on a backroad for all it’s worth, didnt realize the car behind me was a cop. He didnt even mention speed, just told me to stay off the white line

arl > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 06:48

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My Lord the  underside is clean. Gorgeous car.

WilliamsSW > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 06/15/2019 at 07:44

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Also very cool!

WilliamsSW > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 06/15/2019 at 07:45

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“ mid size"

fintail > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 11:32

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Yep, my 126 had 2nd gear start, and even the E55 had it unless you switched it into sport. Funny thing though, I seldom did - in town where traffic dawdles, I appreciate mellow feedback, helps to alleviate road rage :)

That W126 was a beauty. I miled it up and had seller’s remorse when I let it go (replaced by a C43, I was still in my 20s and the 300SE just seemed too slow), but it was time to try something else. I’d definitely buy another 126 if everything was timed right.

fintail > sony1492 06/15/2019 at 11:34

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Those cars aren’t quick off the line, but they will cruise all day at triple digits, and are pretty sure-footed for as heavy and slightly body-rolly that they feel.  

WilliamsSW > fintail 06/15/2019 at 13:42

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Ooh, that’s a pretty color on your old 300, too!

The 2nd gear start is fine on my car - the engine is so torquey, gearing is almost irrelevant. I rarely use Sport mode, either - except for a sharp u turn   exit that I go through regularly.

But imho the I6 w116/ 126   and other lower powered cars could really benefit from starting in 1st.

fintail > WilliamsSW 06/15/2019 at 20:44

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I still remember the code and name, DB355 “Diamond Blue”. I bought the car about a year after graduation, I had saved up a little for something more modern than the fintail, and that just happened to come up locally.

I am usually in “E” or “C” - I think I’ve only used Sport or + once. It doesn’t seem to fit the character of the car, and there’s only so much fun to be had in traffic.

I think the 5 speed cars starting in ~92 gained a 1st gear selection.    I don’t mind it in the fintail so much, as that engine doesn’t mind revving.  I suspect it is over 3500 rpm at 65-70 though, 126 was about that too.