[Review] 1979 Mercedes 300SD (W116)

The ins and outs of my herp-derp 300SD. While editing this video, I realized that my lapel mic had been plugged into the headphone jack the whole time... friggin' whoops. Apologies in advance for the sub-par audio quality.
Music by Otis McDonald.
Filmed in Albuquerque, NM using:
Canon T1i DSLR
GoPro Hero Session
Sony IC-Recorder ICD-PX33

[@user-hm8wf8wv1m]

I am the 3rd care giver of a 1978 300SD car number 254. Motor number is 154. Have had the car for over 20 years. It get 25 mpg town 30 open road. It is a low milage car 733,000 miles. It is resting because the tranny messed up. Also have a 83 300D with 676,000 miles. It is my farm beater. Also have a 79 240D for many years. Few years back found a 70 220D I looked at new a low miles. The gal that had it did not check the oil. She ran it low killed the rid bearings. Plus also have a 1980 L1116 Benz truck. Used for hauling hay around my farm.

[@Forge17]

Man I love the way you talk about this car, it’s obvious how much you love it and appreciate its quality. I really hope I can find a decent one some day.

[@lovenofight]

Finally got a chance to watch this video. One of the best ones yet! You have a real talent of being able to convey the feeling of a car which is hard to do, so thank you.

[@larkatmic]

Nice ride. Hope you still have it. You nailed the ergonomics. Was very thought out. I love the turning radius in my 79’ cream 240. It blew my mind when I first test drove it.

[@danonly55]

I have a 1980 300sd with the same color scheme, You did a fine job hitting the hi points. Love my Shotzie

[@bradmccuen7842]

I was parked in mine and a 20ish girl walked by and said I love your car. She gets it, these are the best.

[@johnmccann3964]

Thanks for posting this. I've been looking into one of these cars and there's so much I didn't know before watching your video. Thanks!

[@firewisdom-]

Love this car! I have it in black. Appreciate the review!

[@adventurousairman]

I’ve got a 79, they are lovely

[@bokosdieselgarage]

Great review and beautiful car!

[@sashimimann]

Nice review! In future, I would like to see the review of 450 SEL 6.9. Cheers! Happy Motoring!

[@maddywendall2980]

All-time Fave MB model and all-time Favorite sedan design ever. It was light years ahead of Any American car when it came out.

[@DMX-PAT]

Thanks for your video bro, I 'm sold!!

[@imthescrubjay]

This is my grandfather’s car. I begged my family to let me keep it. I begged for months, and then they sold it. It was a relatively rare one as well, the 450 SEL 6.9 .I was brought home from the hospital where I was born in this car. I’ll never give my mother for selling it. I’ll track it down and buy it back someday. Until then, I think I’m going to buy one. I love them so much, they are gorgeous, nothing in the world would make me happier. Sorry for gushing in your comments. I just needed to say that somewhere.

[@gwest111]

I love it! Manila Beige is the best color from this time period.

[@cluricaun78]

Great video, thanks for making it bro :)

[@ItsTimePictures]

I enjoyed watching the video, despite the lackluster audio. ;-) I myself am on my second Benz, a 1985 500SEC (grey market imported). It's a keeper. Eventually I hope to find a really nice w123 diesel that doesn't bust my bank account and make it my daily driver. You deserve way more subscribers so I subbed and will post links t your channel around.

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Thanks, Matt, that means so much. SEC's are beautiful, you made an excellent choice. A W123 is definitely my next purchase (spoilers?).

[@ClassyCocheW123]

very nice car I just drove my first w116 300sd yesterday!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Lovely looking car. :)

[@billrbca]

While I had (and loved) a 82 300SD I had, the 116 body is a little trimmer (except of the US bumpers) that I am still think I might try to find one still. Love the huge sunroofs on these and the 126.

[@emwandosya]

This car is on my list

[@turtle-balloon]

$850? You robbed him 🤣

[@jordansegall4484]

I got my 1980 w116 300sd for 600 haha I’m madly in love w it

[@adventurousairman]

I have a few Mercedes-Benz Diesels, my 79 is by far my favorite.....

[@gravytrain416]

I've always favored the W126, but I had a 1980 300SD years ago. I have to say that I think the ride quality of the W116 was better than the W126. Both were great cars. I love them both.

[@Tigerfire75]

The brakes I believe are 4 wheel disk brakes with 2 pistons per wheel.

[@alexandermathar7780]

My dream W116 would be one with an OM 606 big turbo swap and all the bells and whistles out of the 450 6.9.

[@phillip6500]

also there's a filter underneath the air cleaner for the crankcase breather make sure you clean that you can blow an engine letting that get clogged the crankcase pressure will get so high it will blow all the engine oil out the dipstick tube

[@Johans60]

I love these W116 so much, but prefer a petrol version say a 280SE

[@vincemolin8645]

you have a beautiful car!! I drive a w123. hope to meet you. and go Benz drive man!

[@walzaher]

i know you dont have many views but keep making videos man!!

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Thanks, man! Will be working on one this weekend I hope :)

[@phillip6500]

don't worry about the airbags the car is the airbag you notice how they got smaller over the years

[@MS-fx5yf]

G. Grandpa picked up a gold (as in a gold ring, gold) 300SD in ‘79 in Germany off of the showroom floor, new, and paid in cash. After tons of miles put on it, he decided to replace the engine, that was still running well and in great condition despite the miles… and then it blew out the vacuum. Lol He said it cost about $10,000, and this was around ‘93. He replaced that, and it drove as nearly new. I’m wondering how costly these cars are to repair/maintain? He had a limitless amount of spending power, so, $10,000 was a joke to him. I always loved that car. He gave it to his daughter before passing, and now she has just recently passed. I’m wondering if it would be worth trying to buy that car from a family member, or if they’re just too costly to maintain well?

[@KamionKing]

I have a 1985 500SEL with V8...I know and understand everything you say.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@jonathanmorgan1649]

Lol Austin, why you ignoring the pedestrians! @ 5:40. Those camera shots of the interior though, so nice!

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Ok. Yeah. So this dude was just on his phone texting at the intersection, then as I started turning he decided to turn 90° and start jogging across the street. He would have been fine though, thanks to those massive BUMPAHS.

[@GC-yn9ri]

What’s that little black switch for on the wood trim 1 inch down from cluster between the battery and headlight indicator lamps?

[@takeiteasy_tv]

I believe you're talking about the idle speed knob. If it's still connected, turning it clockwise will reduce your idle speed.

[@youtoobe169]

Great car and video, but that's not leather, it's MB Tex

[@phillip6500]

if the oil cooler line start leaking cut it at the leak and put in a double male nipple brass connector in there you save you 250 bucks in parts

[@NorceCodine]

I have two of these, one had a vacuum leak, the other had a loose front end, no one can work on these cars anymore. MB-dealer said their last mechanic who knew these cars retired 20 years ago, and actually died since. Imagine.

[@takeiteasy_tv]

I know, it's rather sad. There's only one shop in Albuquerque that's willing to work on old Benzes. They're fairly easy to work on, just need to know what to do haha

[@akishot6735]

I was been on the look out for a first car for a long time and I am getting to close to being able to buy something and since middle school I have been bickering between Me, myself, and I about which to get. A W123 300cd(TD or non), 300D, 240D, W116 300sd, w115 300d, 240d, BMW E28, E30, E34, E21, Subaru WRX(2002-2003 only and stock I am big rally fan), W124 400e, and a Volvo Amazon. I think I currently have about 160 tabs open on Craigslist on my phone. Still can't decide

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Oof, that's quite the list! All excellent cars. Though, I hesitate with BMW's after hearing numerous horror stories about their reliability and ease of maintenance. The Amazon would be truly unique, though I imagine parts might be hard to come by. You can't go wrong with an old Benz! Congrats on whatever you end up with - the day I got my license was one of the best days of my life. Sweet sweet independence.

[@akishot6735]

Grahammerson Thanks! I hope I buy something I won't be disappointed by after spending so much time researching. I hope you will continue to enjoy your W116. Since I was a little kid my neighbor down the street has owned a pristine Manila Beige 82' 300d and loves it so much the picture on google earth is him waxing it. I have learned a lot from him. Regards

[@Keeferlgb]

My very first Mercedes, way back in 1987, was a 1978 280SE W116. It was a great car, just as you say. I owned it for a long time, then sold it and owned many other Mercedes models since. Now I want a diesel W116 to add to the garage which includes a W140, a W210, and a W123, so I'm keeping an eye out for a good one. Enjoyed your video and your enthusiasm for the car. So are you planning to restore this W116? It sound like it runs perfectly!

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Very cool :) They are fantastic vehicles. I would love to own a W140! That's next on my list. I actually ended up selling this one, mostly because I am a bit of a perfectionist and the body damage was driving me crazy haha. Funnily enough, this one was low on power because it was using non-turbo injectors. After replacing the injectors, it turned out that compression was very low :( another reason for selling. Should have just left it alone!

[@Keeferlgb]

@@takeiteasy_tv I have a 1999 W140, it's a beast! I keep it garaged and drive it a few times a month. Been a great and reliable car for about four years now. My neighbor down the road has a black one just just like mine. Don't see many others around.

[@Keeferlgb]

So, have you purchased another Mercedes, perhaps a W140? I just picked up a W116, a 1979 300SD. Going next week to pick it up in Atlanta, can't wait!

[@thenomenclature7243]

Is that an aftermarket passenger side view mirror? My 79 didn't come with one.

[@LiXang]

Hello, I am restoring a 300SD, I always wanted to know what it is for or the part number or how I can find the knob that is under the battery light, since in my 300SD I have a hole there.

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Hmmm yikes, I have no idea. Probably best to pull one at a junkyard or 3D print a new one. That's a hard one, best of luck!

[@Tigerfire75]

I hear those things are tanks. Just drive through or over the car in front of you.

[@Altanox]

Watching this after your w123 videos. How do they compare? Cost of ownership ?

[@yoyobusa1]

What would one of these be worth in great condition. 200,000 mile interior in excellent condition. I’m about to purchase it today.

[@nasarazam]

Does it have Passenger side Air bag and does AC work? In the end how much did you spend on this car besides the initial $850?

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Nope and nope. In the end I think I had about $4k in it total, including the $850. I ended up selling it for about $2600. So, I lost money, but was glad to help keep it on the road :)

[@nasarazam]

@@takeiteasy_tv How long ago since you sold it? do you miss it. After spending so much, why would you sell it?

[@MrRjnr]

I'm having a hard time deciding between buying one of these, or a 1985 300D Turbo; any thoughts?

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Hi there, sorry for the late reply. I would choose the W116 personally, I like the interior much more and the ride quality is noticeably better. However, the American bumpers look a little more... normal of the W123 haha.

[@MrRjnr]

@@takeiteasy_tv thx, yes I've settled on the W116. Not as common as the W123. Cooler car. Yeah, I would try to get the Euro bumpers installed.

[@landsky5925]

why back seats dont have head rests?

[@jimcrick1404]

Had 1 which I imported from San Francisco to the UK great solid heavy car now looking for another so if there is anybody out there who has a good running solid car that they want to sell let me know..

[@klwthe3rd]

Who the hell would sell this car for $850 dollars? Wtf?

[@Nightbird.]

A guy desperate to pay his mortgage.

[@maddywendall2980]

My all time favorite MB design, SLC would be 2nd.🙄

[@w124mercedes7]

Its too bad mercedes went to building disposable cars. I have the 1987 300d w124 with 165k miles very nice body and paint interior in nice condition and runs like a Swiss watch. With a ton of new parts. I really like the w123 more than the 124 so probably sell it soon to fund restoring A w123 project. The 124 is a fantastic car but I like the classic cars

[@tolentinoosayan3493]

woowww......very nice old mercedes car...specially its a diesel engine.

[@sammalikmerc]

do you wanna sell it if you still have it?

[@jordansegall4484]

I think I have the same exact champagne paint code as your car

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Yeah! It was Maple Yellow, I believe. Sooooo 70's. Congrats on the car :D

[@jordansegall4484]

@@takeiteasy_tv yeah hahaha I love it it leaks oil pretty regularly and the door striker is worn out so i have to use the precision might of Thor to close the door but the interior is perfect and leathers r all intact and engine is 158k young so I’m happy

[@pingpongstar11]

13:58 My car looks natural in a junkyard.

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Lol same

[@herrbela84]

Mine is from 1980.

[@joseandradejr6302]

You bought it cheap street price

[@cjp28]

Nice 300SD! Price was a steal. Lol Join the forum if you haven’t already, it’s a big community and members are helpful. W116.org

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Thanks, Carlos! I'll definitely do that. Cheers.

[@seddam]

this price is free for this car.

[@googpix540]

No offense but the seats are mbttech and not leather.

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Hmmm yeah, I knew that but guess I misspoke, thanks! :)

[@bigboss-oz2vi]

they dont build them like they used to

[@dograishan8504]

Those US bumpers ruin the design

[@takeiteasy_tv]

Yeah :( They did what they could, and they don't look awful, but the Euro style is so much cleaner.

[@dograishan8504]

@@takeiteasy_tv is there a good reason why a lot of USDM cars with these bumpers never change for Euro style bumpers? Is it still regulated?

[@dmcnamara9859]

You are funny. That Benz rides like a pickup....take a ride in a vintage Peugeot 504,505 or 604 of the same era...their rides blow that and the W123 away. Even a 1970s Jaguar XJ rides better than that car.

[@bharathu1]

Did the diesel cars always have the round headlights??

[@MrRjnr]

In North America, yes