Mercedes-Benz S-Class V (W116) photos

1972 — 1980 · sedan

photos

specifications

110–282

7.4 s

best 0–100

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About this generation

Fifth generation flagship Mercedes-Benz (W116), produced from 1972 to 1980 as the first officially designated S-Class model line.

The Mercedes-Benz W116 premiered in September 1972, making history as the inaugural model range officially christened with the 'S-Class' (Sonderklasse) moniker. Styled under Friedrich Geiger, the W116 featured horizontal lighting, dirt-deflecting ribbed taillamps, and massive impact bumpers. Underneath, a zero-offset steering sweep double-wishbone front suspension derived from the C111 concept provided unprecedented high-speed directional control. Available in standard (W116) and 100 mm extended (V116 SEL) body lengths, the chassis integrated a fuel tank mounted safely above the rear axle pan.

Engines spanned the M110 inline-six (280 S, 280 SE), M116/M117 V8s (350 SE, 450 SE), and the iconic 450 SEL 6.9 powered by a 286 hp 6.9-liter M100 V8 with hydropneumatic suspension. In 1978, the North American 300 SD introduced the world's first luxury turbodiesel sedan engine. That same year, the W116 became the world's first production car equipped with Bosch electronic four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Over 473,000 units were built before production ended in 1980.

Specifications

45 in 2 body styles

Sedan W116 26 specifications

4960 mm195.3 in

Length

1870 mm73.6 in

Width

1410 mm55.5 in

Height

2865 mm112.8 in

Wheelbase

530 l18.7 cu ft

Trunk

145 mm5.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

280 S

154hp(115 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1976–1980

Torque: 223 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 S

154hp(115 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1976–1980

Torque: 223 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 S

154hp(115 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.5 s

1976–1980

Torque: 223 Nm (164 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 S

158hp(118 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 S

158hp(118 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 11.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 S

158hp(118 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 12.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 226 Nm (167 lb-ft)
Top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.922
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.5 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.5 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1972–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SE

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.5 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.0 s

1976–1978

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1685 kg (3715 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.8 s

1976–1978

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1705 kg (3759 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1972–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1675 kg (3693 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.3 s

1972–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1695 kg (3737 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

202hp(151 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1978–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1685 kg (3715 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SE

202hp(151 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.3 s

1978–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1705 kg (3759 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SE

215hp(160 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1975–1978

Torque: 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1740 kg (3836 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SE

215hp(160 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1978–1980

Torque: 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1740 kg (3836 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SE

221hp(165 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1973–1975

Torque: 378 Nm (279 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1740 kg (3836 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

Diesel

300 SD

110hp(82 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD

1978–1979

Torque: 228 Nm (168 lb-ft)
Top speed: 165 km/h (103 mph)
Displacement: 3005 cc
Cylinders: 5
Engine: OM 617.950
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1815 kg (4001 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

300 SD

119hp(89 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD

1979–1980

Torque: 230 Nm (170 lb-ft)
Top speed: 170 km/h (106 mph)
Displacement: 2998 cc
Cylinders: 5
Engine: OM 617.950
Aspiration: turbo
Curb weight: 1815 kg (4001 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

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Long Sedan V116 19 specifications

5060 mm199.2 in

Length

1870 mm73.6 in

Width

1410 mm55.5 in

Height

2965 mm116.7 in

Wheelbase

530 l18.7 cu ft

Trunk

145 mm5.7 in

Ground clearance

Petrol

280 SEL

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1640 kg (3616 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1976–1978

Torque: 233 Nm (172 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1685 kg (3715 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1974–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1640 kg (3616 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1974–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1640 kg (3616 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1974–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1660 kg (3660 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

280 SEL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1978–1980

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1685 kg (3715 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.8 s

1976–1978

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1720 kg (3792 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.6 s

1976–1978

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1735 kg (3825 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1973–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1720 kg (3792 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.3 s

1973–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1735 kg (3825 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

202hp(151 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1978–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1720 kg (3792 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

350 SEL

202hp(151 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.3 s

1978–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1735 kg (3825 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SEL

215hp(160 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.0 s

1975–1978

Torque: 370 Nm (273 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1795 kg (3957 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SEL

215hp(160 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.0 s

1978–1980

Torque: 370 Nm (273 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1795 kg (3957 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SEL

221hp(165 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1973–1975

Torque: 378 Nm (279 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.983
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1770 kg (3902 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

450 SEL 6.9

282hp(210 kW)

6.8 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.4 s

1975–1980

Torque: 550 Nm (406 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 6834 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 100.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1935 kg (4266 lb)
Fuel tank: 96 l (25.4 gal US)

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