Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan · S-Class

W116

The first car officially named S-Class.

Production: 1972–1980
Built: 394,779
Body: Sedan
Chassis: W116

The W116 was the first Mercedes-Benz range officially named S-Class — a new flagship that traded fintail nostalgia for a sober, authoritative design and a clear statement of where the firm's top saloon was heading.

The model line ran from six-cylinder 280 S and 280 SE through V8 350 SE and 450 SE/SEL, with the 450 SEL 6.9 as the range-topping performance flagship and the 300 SD introducing turbocharged diesel luxury to the American market. Safety structure, anti-lock brakes on later cars, and refined ride quality set a template the S-Class has followed ever since.

Some 394,779 W116s were built between 1972 and 1980.

W116 interior — Cabin details of the W116, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

6 model designations across 1972–1980 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W116.

Modello	Model year	Telaio	Motore	Cambio	Totale
300 SD	1979–1980	116.120	617.950	722.120	28,634
280 SE	1973–1975	116.024	110.983	722.101	150,593
280 SE	1976–1980	116.024	110.985	722.101	incluso sopra
350 SE	1976–1980	116.028	116.985	722.002	incluso sopra
450 SE	1973–1975	116.032	117.983	722.001	41,604
450 SE	1976–1980	116.032	117.986	722.001	incluso sopra

* Il dato di produzione pubblicato copre tutte le serie di quel modello; la fonte non lo scompone ulteriormente.

Studio profile of the W116 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

W116 rear three-quarter view — Rear three-quarter view of the W116.

Engines.

The M110, M116, M117 and OM617 as fitted to the W116.

M110

Inline-6

110.922 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
160 PS
118 kW · 158 hp a 5,500 giri/min
225 N·m
166 lb·ft a 4,000 giri/min
110.983 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp a 6,000 giri/min
238 N·m
176 lb·ft a 4,500 giri/min
110.985 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp a 5,800 giri/min
238 N·m
176 lb·ft a 4,500 giri/min

M116

116.983 3.5 L · 3,499 cc
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp a 5,800 giri/min
286 N·m
211 lb·ft a 4,000 giri/min
116.985 3.5 L · 3,499 cc
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp a 5,800 giri/min
286 N·m
211 lb·ft a 4,000 giri/min

OM617

Inline-5 diesel

617.950 3.0 L · 3,005 cc
111 PS
82 kW · 109 hp a 4,200 giri/min
228 N·m
168 lb·ft a 2,400 giri/min

M117

117.983 4.5 L · 4,520 cc
225 PS
165 kW · 222 hp a 5,000 giri/min
378 N·m
279 lb·ft a 3,000 giri/min
117.986 4.5 L · 4,520 cc
217 PS
160 kW · 214 hp a 5,000 giri/min
360 N·m
266 lb·ft a 3,250 giri/min