Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan · S-Class
The first car officially named S-Class.
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.
6 model designations across 1972–1980 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W116.
| Model | Model years | Chassis | Engine | Transmission | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | included above |
| 350 SE | 1976–1980 | 116.028 | 116.985 | 722.002 | included above |
| 450 SE | 1973–1975 | 116.032 | 117.983 | 722.001 | 41,604 |
| 450 SE | 1976–1980 | 116.032 | 117.986 | 722.001 | included above |
* The published production figure covers every series of that model; the source does not break it down further.
The M110 and M116 as fitted to the W116.
160 PS
118 kW · 158 hp at 5,500 rpm
225 N·m
166 lb·ft at 4,000 rpm
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp at 6,000 rpm
238 N·m
176 lb·ft at 4,500 rpm
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp at 5,800 rpm
238 N·m
176 lb·ft at 4,500 rpm
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp at 5,800 rpm
286 N·m
211 lb·ft at 4,000 rpm
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp at 5,800 rpm
286 N·m
211 lb·ft at 4,000 rpm