W116 Survival Rate

[ngruzevs]

Given it was the W116 50th anniversary this year, I was just trying to guesstimate it's survival rate.
Talking to the various MB Clubs, both Vic and NSW seem to have ~65 ish cars on each DB.

AU sales figures for 450SEL and 450SEL 6.9 were posted here several years ago

Year 450 SEL (Units) 450 SEL 6.9 (Units)
1973 - 98,
1974 - 311,
1975 - * *,
1976 - 305 , 0
1977 - 271 , 0
1978 - 237 , 87
1979 - 277 , 140
1980 - 40, 1
Total - 1539 , 228

I'm guessing survival rate for 6.9s is quite high compared to 450SEL 4.5. Out of the original 1539 would there be 10% left on the road?

Going by a Club DB, it does seem split between 280SE and 450SEL is just about equal now, but assume MB Aus would have sold 4x (or more) 280SE over it's V8 siblings.

[Pete49]

Well all I can add is my 1975 (last of the Djet models) 450SEL drives very nice for its age though now needs a front end overhaul. The shockies are good (replaced) but I'm getting vibration from the wheel end. The car is rust free and an English import in blue with blue leather upholstery.
Pete

[ngruzevs]

Great work Pete. I have a 79 450SE, a UK imported, came to Australia in 86. I spent a lot of time and money on it, but then again I only paid $1200

[Pete49]

I acquired mine a few years ago as a straight swap for a 78 fairlane that had a seized 302 and rusty but he needed the lsd diff and gearbox. I had to replace a rattily rocker arm for $au60 and fuel pump& filter. It had 156k miles on it which was almost an expensive error but luckily no mr. plod as I was cruising at 110 speed limit until the penny dropped and realised it was mph not kph. I was going crook at the Sunday drivers Now I have a heads up display that reads in kph.

[T-Modell]

...It had 156k miles on it which was almost an expensive error but luckily no mr. plod as I was cruising at 110 speed limit until the penny dropped and realised it was mph not kph. I was going crook at the Sunday drivers Now I have a heads up display that reads in kph.

that was a good one. Buying the wrong car and going to prison nearly
Thomas

[Pete49]

yes scary moment. not my fault they drive so smoothly.