This 1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 was purchased by the current owner in 2007. It’s finished in Black (040) over a Light Beige Leather (205) interior and shows 37k miles on the odometer. The car remains in stock form aside from the addition of Maxilite Penta wheels. Features include North American bumpers and headlamps, front mounted fog lamps, a power sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and more. Power comes from a 6.9-liter M100 V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Records since 2007 have been retained showing all major services and maintenance with the most recent service including a complete fluid flush and new battery in preparation for the sale. This W116 now shows 37k miles and is offered by the selling dealer on behalf of the current owner with original literature, original suspension chocks, two keys, factory literature, and a clean Colorado title.

The body is finished in Black (040) and accented by original brightwork and black body trim. Front and rear bumpers are North American market parts along with the sealed beam headlamps. W116 6.9s have specific bumper guards which this car is fitted with. All glass shows the original green tint from the factory and has no damage. Close ups of the windows, window trim, brightwork, and lighting can be seen in the gallery below. This example carries original glass. Exterior features include a power sliding sunroof, aftermarket static antenna, and independently adjustable rear view mirrors. The car was originally painted in Brilliant Red Metallic (525) but was fully repainted 10 years ago. The seller notes no rust or corrosion.

Maxilite Penta Style 16″ wheels with black crested center caps measure 245/50 on all four corners and feature Hankook Ventus V2 Concept tires with 2020 date codes. A matching original full-size spare wheel and tire are in the trunk along with the original Bilstein jack. This W116 is fitted with a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system designed in-house by Mercedes-Benz.

The cabin is trimmed in original Light Beige Leather (205) across the seats, door cards, dashboard, and armrest. The seats appear original and unrestored. Burl Wood trim accents the dashboard, center console, and shifter surround. Some cracking in the veneer is noted around the climate control bezel and around the shifter. Original carpeting shows in good shape with no UV damage and the car comes fitted with period correct coco mats for the front seats. The Becker Mexico head unit has been replaced with an older, quality Alpine unit. Air conditioning controls function through the use of the ACC II vacuum and servo controlled climate control fascia as well and mitigate fan speed accordingly along with temperature and direction. Climate control works and blows cold air. Other features include controls for the operational power antenna, rear defrost, cabin lights, and power sunroof. 

The factory four-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation including a 170-mph speedometer and 7k-rpm tachometer, as well as gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The odometer displays 37k original miles.The color of the instrumentation needles remains an OEM dark orange.

The 6.9-liter, dry sump M100 V8 was rated at 249 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque when new for North American examples.  Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 722.003 three-speed automatic transmission. This was the strongest three speed transmission Mercedes-Benz built which could handle the power of the M100 power plant and was much smoother than the four speed seen in the W109 6.3 which had a harsh first to second gear shift reviewers complained about in period. A new Duracell battery has been installed prior to the sale along with all fluids. Records under the current owner have been kept documenting maintenance since 2007. 

 This W116 now shows 37k miles and is offered by the selling dealer on behalf of the current owner with original literature, original suspension chocks, two keys, factory literature, and a clean Colorado title.