1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL - The German V8 Limo You Need to Drive (POV Binaural Audio)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Thanks to Bond Group for tossing the key to this 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL. Find their incredible inventory at www.bondgroupu...
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This 50-year-old car has a better set of gauges than the most, if not all modern Benz's. These older analog gauges are functional, classic, and downright beautiful. I can't stand the cheap, digital gauges that are contained in an iPad like screen that is glued to the dashboard of the new Mercedes products (as well as many other manufacturers).
The amount of class this car had and still has today can't be overstated. Such timeless, stately presence.
Man I wish you'd test the 90s Mercs, the most iconic of them all. W140, R129, and the 500E W124. Lovely video as usual Ted!
I second this, especially an R129!
R129 for me too!! One of the best looking convertibles ever made :)
Don't worry! They're coming
@@TedwardDrives If your ever Ontario Canada bound i have a mint 560sel w126 ready for you.
@@TedwardDrives w124 😏🙏🏼
Doug says “THISSSSSSSS.” Tedward says “Bonnnnnndddddd.” That’s your signature from now on. Great video!!
and chris with a high pitched voice says: HEY GUY CHRISFIX HERE
Doug saying "this" is the very reason i stopped watching him. I don't know why and i hate to say it but he just annoys the hell out of me. Great reviewer nonetheless.
@@sircrab1675 agreed I like the calm relaxing voices of tedward and the topher more than dougs quirkyness 🤣
@@tiles3458 That's because Doug is trying too hard to be someone he's not, whereas Tedward is just being himself.
@@sircrab1675 in the nicest way possible, I agree. Doug can be a bit obnoxious. And surprisingly incorrect in some of his reviews on the quirks and features. Not most of the time though.
S on the gear selector is derived from the German word "steigen", which means climbing. It locks out 4th gear. L below it is derived from the German word "Last" which roughly translates to "load" and it locks out 3rd gear. If you put the car in L when standing still it will lock out 2nd gear as well. (If it has the 3-speed automatic, then it is the same principle, but then S locks out 3rd and L 2nd) The word sport was not in the Mercedes-Benz dictionary in 1973.
When the car shifts to the next gear can be influenced with the gas pedal, the further you push it in, the later is will shift to the next gear. But there is also a setting you can change under the hood, if it is still too early.
Adition: even in the 90's the S on the switch position of the automatic gearbox didn't usually mean Sport. The manual of my W202 said E was for "economy" and S for "Standard" :-) (Later with the W203 and W211 there was W and S for "Winter" and "Standard"...)
@@nirfz Exactly! Another addition. D, for a long time meant „direkt“, translating to direct and not drive.
@@nirfz C209 had W and S as well, i have a 2002 CLK 240 and it has a button that says W and S.
They changed it in 2004 or so, to Comfort and Sport.
This car has a 3 speed.
Perhaps you know what "B" stands for on my W126 4-speed. Shift gate goes PRND32, then B to the right of 2. I assume it is 1st gear. Thanks
Old German cars are unlike anything else. Indestructible and simply a brilliant piece of engineering.
This is the Mercedes big luxocar I grew up with. Well before Mercedes got into ambient lights and shiny bits and screens, they were understated. This is an extremely high quality, solid feeling, no-nonsense, elegant, luxocar. It has none of the minimalism cheap BS of Tesla. It's quality but understated quality. I wish Mercedes could get back to that vs. what they have now.
And cars and some trains in the 1970s were smooth. They're smooth now and such but even back in the 1970s they were very smooth and quiet. Yes, the car feels old in its dynamic qualities and some aspects of the ride may not be quite as quiet and fluid as the newer cars. But they're still smooth and quiet and stable.
wow its so quiet, those doors lock like safes too. Im young but we had a BMW E30 and it had a similar quality to the doors, just like these beefy industrial locking feeling
"fun thing" about the fast reverse with Mercedes cars: some time ago with a W203 a german driver got a ticket by a staionary radar box in austria, because he was going too fast. Usually at that time the germans would be out of the problem, as their laws only made them pay when their face was visible on the picture. While in austria, the owner of the vehicle would either have to pay the ticket themselves or name the person driving and then that person would have to pay. In this case however he was going in reverse, so the picture showed his face.
After that several car clubs and auto amgazines in germany tried ro replicate that and were amazed how fast the Mercedes cars would go in reverse. (The only production car faster they knew was a DAF. A dutch car that could go as fast forward as it could backwards thanks to it's "gearbox")
Love this story!
Built like a tank. I love 70's American cars, but can you imagine a 1973 Sedan De Ville handling anywhere near this?!
excellent point!
@@bwofficial1776 the Cadillac is probably faster, despite being a living room. but the Mercedes 3.5 and 4.5 v8’s typically had valve train and fuel injection system issues before they hit 100k. An expensive fix but typically reliable apart from that.
@@Forge17 Having owned a 71 DeVille and a 79 280S, the six cylinder version of the 116, I can say that great though the Cadillac was it was neither as fast nor as well handling, nor frankly even as comfortable as the 116.
@@petercollingwood522 how was your 116 reliability wise?
@@Forge17 It was excellent. With the exception of the carbureattor. Unfortunately this was pre-internet and I was a lot younger with a lot less money. The carb would not open the second stages when the engine warmed up which compromised off the line performance from a stop. It was fine when cold. I now know that some "relatively" simple carb work would have sorted that out but back then I diddn't have the knowledge unfortunately. Other than that the car was a dream. I wish I could get another. But of course they are 30 years older now as well so that much harder to find ones in good condition.
i´d daily this car all day everyday looking like an absolute boss. love it.
PLEASE TEST TOP SPEED MERCEDES BENZ 300 Turbo Diesel W123 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Minor tidbit: The W116 doesn't have dual wishbone rear suspension, it has dual diagonal trailing arms. This suspension was introduced with the W115 in 1968, and used through 1991 in the W126!
Regarding speedbumps.. if it's not so tall that you'll bottom the car out, I generally don't slow down for them in my W126. In some cases I speed up!
This really was a trip down memory lane. Back in the late 90’s early 00s these were practically free here in Dallas as no one seemed to know how to work on them or were too scared I guess. We got a fleet of these w116 w126 and w123 from the Salvation Army auto auction for less than $2k per, usually about $1500. 1977 280SE, (2) 1978 450SEL, 1980 240D 4speed, 1980 300SD, 1977 280E, 1979 300D, 1984 300SD, 1985 300SD, 1984 500SE grey market. The 500SE was $3k but was in immaculate condition with 98k miles. Those were the cars of my youth and what I first learned to work on with my old man. Thanks for the video. The cars are all gone now unfortunately but I miss them and nice examples are rare and expensive now.
4.5 Liter with a 3 Speed, very american. It´s the same transmition as the ones fitted to the smaller engines but the first gear was removed because the large engines don´t rev that high and have too mutch torque.
@@bwofficial1776 Fact 👌even in the weakest of their engines the 150bhp 4-banger starts in second, and really it is the proper gear for moving from dig you actually feel the engine has a lot more to offer whilst very relaxed you really experience the whole torque range, 1st is for drama 0-100 or other kid stuff
1st gear is not removed. It just starts in 2:nd if you dont push it enough. Rev limit on the 450 was 6000 rpm. Making 225 hp at 5000 rpm. Euro.
Mercedes are not boats .They handle well .It's really a 4 door sedan.
Good stuff. I used to daily a regular wheelbase '73 450SE. Power, grace , luxury..and 12mpg. Downhill, with a tailwind. Solid lifter J-Jetronic motor was thirsty. My later '79 450SEL with K-jet actually did like 17mpg. The small aftermarket blind spot mirror on the drivers' side was a must. You could hide a Subaru full of labradoodles in the blind spot.
Thank you for the video. My father was the first in the area to have a brand new 1973 450SE. Beautiful dark red or maroon with tan leather seats. He had it until he passed away in 1980
The 6.9 is the one you NEED to drive. Although quite rare. Even a euro model with the 4 speed auto would be a little peppier.
The 116 450 or 450 6,9 never had a 4 speed auto.
@@espenrudsengen6080 Your absolutely correct. I somehow got that mixed up the the us and eu spec w108/109. 👍
@@y4nnickschmitt thats true, wonder why they used a 3-speed in the 450. And in the 350 also.
@@espenrudsengen6080 Well the 6.9 had pretty decent torque, wich could have been a factor. Also the old 4 speed while a brilliant transmission, didn't shift like the Americans expected a luxury sedan to shift. I personally love the firm shifts on it but I guess some minded a noticable gearchange.
@@y4nnickschmitt i've owned several classic Mercedes and the automatic transmissions never felt very smooth, except for the 450 SE I owned so that may be.
DUDE. I was literally wishing there was a car guy video on this specific car yesterday!! Such an obscure car what are the chances.. love this historic chassis, the turbodiesel is legendary and the V8 6.9 is an classic supersedan, but this is the affordable v8 classic Merc 👌👌no computers anywhere on this car
It's nostalgic alright. My first experience in a Benz was riding in the back seat of a borrowed W116 280S in Silvergreen metallic, and I just loved that thing. I really want to own one of these one day.
The baroque styling of Mercedes from this era is peak industrial design.
3:28 That thunk! You just don't get doors like that anymore lol
This one should be able to cruise at 120 all day, accoriding to the books its top speed is 130 but I guess it can do more. Bear in mind those tires were a bit thicker than original so it was showing lower than actual speed. Several times you mentioned fast car, I guess you meant quick car? 150-160 cars are still I believe quite fast
I drove a 450 SE several hours over 120 but felt that 130 wasn't obtainable.
I play a lot of modded BeamNG Multiplayer, and we've found that racing boat like old luxury cars is insanely fun, beamNG simulates their older transmissions, suspension and tires really well which makes for stupidly fun and close racing at slower speeds. Plus considering the variety of old luxury barges that are in beamNG you have so many options it's amazing.
Just want to point out a relatively bizarre fact the W116 is now officially 50 years old, let that sink in a bit... you're welcome
Just imagine driving this in the winter.... cruel but for sure very fun
just load sand bags in trunk and wheel up with snow tires and all good!
As good as any rwd in the period.Benchmark
Love this video! We had 2 108s growing up, a 68 250SE and a 72 280SE. Always wanted a 116. The bumpers on this car are not the 5mph bumpers but the regular European ones. The big ugly bash bars weren’t a thing til 74. Thanks for the memories.
“Jumps right to life”
I’ll think this in my head every time I start a car
😂. I’m always so charmed by a car that starts immediately
@@TedwardDrives Fair enough😂 I was actually surprised as well by how quick it started
If you put the pedal to the medal it won't shift early but keep the gears to maximum!
I am loving these classic Merc drives!
Another great Mercedes from the golden era! About those bumpers, those are actually European bumpers but with bumperettes, the American bumpers are big enough for you to sit on ahahah. And those transmissions are very commonly tunned incorrectly, because they are vaccum controlled, which affects the performance a whole lot! Loved the Lucille Bluth reference, by the way ahahah (although she drove a W126)
Yes, the bumpers are Euro I guess, my 73 has the 'extended' bumpers which I feel fit the car's intended profile better. Substantial!
Those bumpers are actually unique to the 1973 US cars, They are very similar to the Euro bumpers, but have those little vertical rubber overriders not seen on the Euro cars. The big 5 MPH bumpers arrived with the 1974 models.
please do a w124 and w201 review
This car didn’t even have the top end interior trim, the later 70s American models typically had a rich wood dashboard that extended down to the armrest, and small simple buttons with auto climate control replacing the giant turn knobs. A variety of warm interior colors too.
Please remove those tyres. They’re an eyesore.
Otherwise it’s a beauty.
I have actually driven that car. The short wheelbase, European 450SE though.
The EU nose looks better, other than that this thing looks mint AF. Also that V8 is QUIET, especially with only a 3 speed. Looks like the engine characteristic that my T5 mondeo has, just ride a wave of torque and you only ever need to go over 3000 rpm when you are in an emergency. No touch screens is a plus, eyes on the road for longer. The current Ferraris are a nightmare in that aspect 😂
Really comfortable! 🙂
Man. If I didn’t already know this car was 70’s era, I never would’ve guessed it. So ahead of its time.
I love when Tedward drives old cars. I do live for these videos a little bit.
Speaking of boats, grand marquis should be next!
Something about old Mercs that just amaze me, such a well made and genius piece of machinery and great video as always Ted
That car has the euro bumpers unlike the US mandated bench bumpers.
Comparing this to a late 80s S class interior, there's not a huge difference in style. Really cool. You can even see how this mapped over to the late 90s E class. Just fantastic!
My 350SE would not steer or brake with 195 tires, but with 295/50 R15s waww, you could flog, steer, brake agrresivley
There is a 450 SEL 6.9 review that one whenever you can please that one is the final boss
if you want it to rev out (assuming the trans shift points are adjusted correctly etc) a older merc then you have to make sure to floor it until you mash the kickdown button on the floor otherwise it'll shift soon even at otherwise WOT
5:28 Honda too, well, their automatics anyway.
This brings back some memories! Dad had a 74 450 SE in period thru 1980 that he let me drive 'on occasion'. His prior was a 68 280 SE which was hardly comprable with the new model. You are correct in surmising how this generation truly brideged the gap from mechanical tactility to a modern rework with massive refinements to the overall package that all other cars would come to offer over the following 10 years - massive respect to MB engineers of that era. On a side note, the car was impeccable on the Michelin XWX tires, 205/70 if I recall - cornered on rails even when putting the power down, but when Michelin XVS were installed she became sloppy, ruined the whole show for me. I can only imagine what baked in engineering magic you're leaving to waste when modern carcass construction tires are used, which would pale compared to the XVS ! Thats my .02 cents worth and I'm sticking to it.
haha the Lucille Bluth from AD with the martini comment had me laughing. But spot on man.
I’d like to see you drive a 60s Lincoln Continental.
I would also like to see this!
An automatic transmission with a "sport mode" wasn't a thing in 1973. This car has a three speed, and the S position locks out the top gear. and can be used when descending long hills to help you minimize brake use.
5:34 lol, love it!
I know this is old, but the M117 was introduced in the late W108 and W109 sedans in late 1971 as the 280/300 SE/SEL 4.5 . I had one of the 1973 450 SEs. It was used and came from the original owner with stiffer Bilstein shocks and low profile Michelin racing tires. The previous owner used to scare the daylights out of passengers jetting around the Ozark mountains in Arkansas. The zero offset front steering geometry and the rear end from the W114/W115s made for handling that other sedans didn't match for at least another 10 years. But the three speed tranny and extensive use of plastic were its only downfalls. I thought at the time it was a pinnical design and indeed in many ways the W124 and succeeding models represented a compromise of some things to optimize other things. The 1973 450 SE/SEL was beautifully balanced. Stable at high speed and easy at low speed.
I will let you try my 1993 W124 400E...since I am in New England from time to time..
God it's so quiet! I thought my headphones had died until you started talking!
He's just texting and driving like a wiener.
Great video, love seeing these cars get their due.
I was very lucky to pick up a rust-free low-mileage “barn find” ‘79 W116 300SD Turbodiesel just over two years ago. I went through the whole car, refreshing and restoring everything to keep it for the rest of my life - I’m 38 and expect it to outlast me. Putting on about 7500 miles a year so far and that should trend upwards. The OM617.950 makes this classic luxury car laughably economical (I drive fast and average 24MPG) to enjoy and use every day, and in proper running order bears little resemblance to the smokey clapped out dog slow 240D we imagine when we think of old Diesel Benzes.
Having grown up on classic Saab 900 Turbos and big fast BMWs (E34 M5, E38 750iL), the 300SD is a change of pace for sure - but with the suspension all fresh and riding on new Michelins, I find it a blast to hustle. On a recent classic car rally, the car garnered comments from sports car drivers like “is that injection pump upgraded?” and “wow, that suspension really works!” - you can see why folks spent what it cost to buy these cars when they were new.
Love that incredible turning radius, and for me it’s probably a good thing that the top speed is rev limited by the tractor motor - the chassis feels all too happy cruising at triple digits, though fuel economy sure nose dives up there :D
What’s really magical about these cars is the Mercedes chill. It’s hard to be frustrated with what’s going on out there on the road when you’re driving a 116. I think the interior is so much nicer than a 123 or 126 - great place to be. Put on some Steely Dan and just laaaayyyy back.
A few folks have commented on bumpers - mine has the US-spec park benches. Are they ugly? Absolutely. Do they add almost a foot to the car? You bet. But - they really are useful to sit on, and they provide cheap insurance when parking in the city. Whoever hits me while parallel parking will be worse off than the Benz, and no one wants these bumpers so replacements are practically free. I don’t have to see them from the driver’s seat… and the US-spec headlight arrangement opens up fabulous stealth upgrade options for safer night time driving.
A good 450 is lovely, and I look forward to trying a 6.9 some day.
Find a sorted W109 300SEL 6.3 to drive if you can… now that’s a monster car! The old swing axle in the back makes things quite exciting :D
Just love seeing all these classic cars on the channel. I *really* appreciate the quality binaural audio. Keep up the great work!!!
At 75 mph, this SEL is hardly even flexing it's legs. The car is designed to cruise an autobahn at ~110 to ~125 mph for hours, stay safely on the road, and be able to safely stop from those speeds -- all while carrying the occupants in comfort. I have an uncle in Germany who had a 280 SEL (2.8 liter straight 6 with about 185 HP), and that car would cruise all day at 115 mph. I got to drive it once and I was surprised at how competent it was on the road, in spite of not being a "Sports sedan".
A Legend
Love seeing the vintage luxury rides!
Mercedes Benz are timeless cars. Being a Mercedes owner myself, know how much money these things cost to maintain. So when I see a well maintained classic Mercedes driving around I know immediately that the owner has some $$$.
Love the Benz content as always
Too bad you very rarely see those on the road any more.
Oh man, I love this! Beeeg German car!
Thanks for the ride. Damn Smooth for it's age. Built like a Tank.
There is one of these parked on the side of a restaurant right next to my University campus. I’ve seen it literally not moved an inch since I joined (back in 2016). It’s been completely abandoned and the tires are flat and the road under each wheel has sunken massively. :(
Was just on this road in my Benz! W140 tho not 116
Those seats do not look like stock for this car in 1973.
I just reviewed a 1986 SL 560 and there are many similarities between that car and this one. Mercedes held onto that style for a very long time. The SEL looks like an even more comfortable and relaxed ride! Thanks for the drive 😎
Ive got a 450se that is the spitting image of that car
This car has strong ‘70s dictator vibe
Das Beste oder Nichts.
German Legend
Those seats, aren't they actually from pre-facelift w126 rather than w116? Or at least the cut of the leather reminds more of the w126 than w116.
Beautiful cruiser
My daily driver. 300SD in my case
My father had a BMW E3 2500...my friends had a 280se Mercedez which we disagreed and agreed on many points .
My father then got a E12 528 then they got a 450SEL.....not long after the Mercedez owner then described the car driving like a pig.
looking back I can understand why,
Nice car...but not a drivers car !
The BMW was just so ahead of it's time. Chassis/Engine technology.
Mercedez in them days was like Rolls Royce...the brand was so strong.
En iyi Mercedes’ler 1970 1980’lerdeki arabalardı. Bir de o burunda yıldız sürerken görülecek. Ne zaman ki yıldızı gömdüler Mercedes de bitti.
These older S classes are just awesome.
I think that the seats are not originals...Iam not sure but looks like 126 seats. Anyway...amazing car!!
Thanks for another great video, Ted - I am also the owner of a W116, which was one of the dream cars of my youth. I would have liked to have owned the 450 but circumstances ended me up with a '77 280SE instead which I bought in California a few years ago and drove 3500 miles to my Canadian home with no issues. Mine is a bit of a dog around town and you basically have to shift the auto trans manually to keep up with traffic but get it out on the highway above 4000RPM and it howls - I've had it over 100 mph before and it is steady as a rock, and would travel at this speed effortlessly all day if you could. These cars were generally regarded as the best sedans of the '70s and are built like bricks - and other than the fuel systems, they are relatively easy to work on and maintain; and I find my car's design to be attractive and timeless, even with the horrid American market bumpers - your test car looks so much better without them. Oh, and I don't drive it in the winter!
Well, we had it also the doppel pumper!
Hello from an Italian (owner of a w201 1990): greetings to Waltham, Framingham and West Newton ! I lived there 1979 and 1980. Beautiful !
my dad had a green 6.9. it had this crazy suspension system that lower or raise, at the time I was told it was made for people in Kuwait so they could drive over potholes, but what really got me is how heavy it was but mashing down the pedal out of the driveway, it would easily peel rubber.
Такой Мерседес Был у Высоцкого..!
Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 Production years 1975 - 1979 😉
New z new z new z new z
Just holding on to that over-sized steering wheel while you’re driving on the highway at speed is magical. The car feels smooth and bullet proof. You can’t manufacture that experience. This “feel” comes out of
lineage and earned pedigree. Lexus managed to produce a smooth and quiet car but they have no soul.
those ugly front bumpers.. noooo
Great video, still
Still a beautiful drive after almost half a century! Shame about the North American version with the ugly headlamps, thank you us gov't for the inane vehicular lighting laws, and the god-awful ugly bumpers...
My first ride wasn't a 450 SEL but its little brother the 280SE. With an DOHC inline 6 it was good for 136kW and despite having less oomph was still loads of fun to throw around and cruise on the autobahn at speeds of 180+ without the engine feeling stressed.
You want Insane wheel base drive a 1973 Imperial LeBaron 4dr. at 127inches/ 3226mm. Yes, Imperial was once a separate make from 1955 to 1983.
I had a '79 300 Turbodiesel. Slowish, but strong as iron and very comfy. Then diesel fuel prices went nuts.
Yes ,more people smoked in the 70s and more than tobacco.I quit in 1976.Last carton I purchased was 4.50/for a carton!Very glad I quit.
In the 80's i had a 280 S. Super car.
I know this may sound weird, but I've always wanted to buy a 70's model Mercedes, drive it for a year or so, then buy an '80's model, then buy a 90's etc, until I eventually get a new one. I just always wanted to see how each generation improved from the previous generation.
Have the '74 model of the 450sel in Pastel blue/ cream interior with 80 k miles. Very nice older car. Don't see them on the road anymore.
Speed mercedes s class 1973
I just got a 74 sel today. Don’t know much about it, but it’s rough and was free! Hope it get it running soon.
comment from germany