The Mercedes-Benz W116 is a series of flagship luxury sedans produced from September 1972[2] to 1980.[3] The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called the S-Class, although previous sedan models had already been designated unofficially by the letter "S" ? for Sonderklasse or "special class". The W116 was voted European Car of the Year in 1974.

History
Development of the ?new? generation S-Class began in 1966, just one year after the launch of the W108/ 09. It was the first Mercedes sedan to feature the all-new corporate styling theme which was to continue until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. The design, finalized in December 1969[4], represented a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines combining to create an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept carries over themes originally introduced on the R107 SL-Class roadster, particularly the front and rear lights.[1] As for the SL, the W116 received the ridged lamp covers which prevented dirt buildup; this was to remain a Mercedes-Benz design theme well into the 21st century. The W116 was Friedrich Geiger's final design for Mercedes-Benz; his career began with the Mercedes-Benz 500K in 1933.

The car was presented in September 1972. The model range initially included two versions of the M110 engine (straight-six with a displacement of 2, 746 cc): the 280S (using a Solex carburetor) and the 280SE (using the Bosch D-Jetronic injection), plus the 350SE, powered by the M116 engine (V8 with a displacement of 3499 cm3). After the 1973 oil crisis, a long wheelbase 280SEL was added to the model range.

The larger 4. 5 liter M117 V8 engines were developed in response to US emissions regulations and were initially fitted to the 350SL and 350SLC for the US market in 1972, which were renamed the 450SL and 450SLC in 1973. Mercedes -Benz introduced the 450SE and 450SEL for both. US and international markets in 1973. 4. 5-liter models were available with three-speed automatic transmissions only, while models with a smaller 3. 5-liter V8 engine could be ordered with a four-speed (and later five-speed) manual gearboxes. The 450SE and 450SEL received a more luxurious interior with velor or leather seats rather than the checkered fabric of the lower models. Door cards had velor or leather inserts.

The 4. 5-liter M117 V8 engines produced 225 hp (165 kW) in most European and international markets, 190 hp (142 kW) for the American market, and 200 hp (147 kW) for the Swedish and Australian markets. The 450s also received a more luxurious interior, with velor or leather seats rather than the checkered cloth of lower models. The door cards were also a different design with pads fitted around the windows.

The W116 had independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels.

The most notable W116 was the limited-production high-performance 450SEL 6. 9, introduced in 1975. This model had the largest engine installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz (and in any non-American production automobile) until that time. ,[7] and also featured a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension.

Exclusive to the North American and Japanese markets, the 300SD, the world's first passenger car equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine, was introduced in 1978. This particular model was never offered in Europe where diesel engines were well established. welcomed and benefited from tax advantages until 1991, when the W140 300SD was finally introduced to Europe and the international market.

The 450SE was named European Car of the Year in 1974, although the W116 range was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in the autumn of 1972.[8] The W116 range became the first production car to use an optional four-wheel multi-channel electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS) from Bosch from 1978.

Production amounted to 473, 035 units. The W116 was replaced by the W126 S-Class in 1979. The W116 was sold throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.

Fuel injection

1978 M110 engine, Twin Cam Straight 6. (2. 8 liters) with K-Jetronic fuel injection. The left cam drives the self-leveling hydraulic rear suspension pump.

1978 Mercedes Benz 280SE (delivered to Australia) in 906 Graublau metallic (blue gray metallic)
In 1975, the W116 was improved with a new