They truly don’t build them like they used to, and when it comes to automotive solidity and engineering prowess, few eras can rival the pre-1998 Mercedes-Benz. Before the ill-fated Chrysler-DaimlerBenz merger, Mercedes cars were built to a standard that is increasingly rare today. If one car were to epitomize the zenith of Mercedes-Benz build quality and serve as the benchmark for their engineering philosophy, it would undoubtedly be the W116 S-Class. This conviction fueled my decision to embark on the restoration of a barn-find 1975 280S.
The W116 holds a significant place in Mercedes-Benz history as the first model to officially bear the prestigious S-Class designation, short for Sonderklasse or “special class.” From a design perspective, the 1975 280S is a masterclass in classic automotive styling, drawing heavy inspiration from the iconic R107 450SL roadster and coupe that preceded it. In an era where luxury cars were often ostentatious, the 280S offered something different: überholprestige paired with understated elegance. Its design is sleek, refined, and tastefully executed, featuring a prominent shoulder line that imparts a sense of masculine confidence. Despite its considerable size – the sedan stretches to 17 feet in length – the clever wedge shape prevents the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S from appearing overwhelmingly bulky, achieving a harmonious balance of presence and grace.
{width=280 height=250} The experience of interacting with a 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S begins with the satisfyingly robust metallic clank as you pull its protruding chrome door handle. Sinking into the therapeutic bucket seats, you can immediately envision the 280S as the quintessential vehicle for grand, intercontinental journeys. Even in a project car showing its age with some interior warping from years exposed to the elements, the cabin’s inherent quality shines through. The materials throughout are remarkably soft to the touch, exuding the brand’s characteristic stolidity. The interior ambiance is undeniably stoic, Teutonic, and decidedly dark – a hallmark of classic Mercedes-Benz design.
The dashboard of the 280S is a monolithic expanse stretching across the entire width of the car. Its design is minimalist, dominated by a simple strip of wood trim that runs along the center. While the switchgear retains a reassuringly tactile and firm feel, the ergonomics of the climate controls and radio are somewhat less intuitive by modern standards. The main controls, while well-built, can be difficult to distinguish from one another at a glance.
In today’s world of high-performance vehicles, the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S might seem somewhat underpowered. Its carbureted 2.8-liter DOHC straight-six engine produces a respectable 160 horsepower and 167 lb·ft of torque, peaking at 5,500 and 4,000 RPM respectively. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through a short-ratio, four-speed automatic transmission. Around town, the acceleration of the 280S is adequate, sufficient for everyday driving. However, tackling steep inclines or merging onto highways requires a more assertive approach, often necessitating wide-open throttle and downshifting to maintain pace with contemporary traffic flow. This is hardly surprising given that the M110 engine is tasked with moving approximately 3800 lbs of solid German steel.
Fuel economy for the 1975 280S was [barely] acceptable for its time, achieving around 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Considering the fuel crisis of the era and the advent of unleaded fuel, these figures were… tolerable. Performance, however, was a different story. The 0-60 mph sprint took around 11 seconds, and the top speed was in the vicinity of 120 mph. Again, for 1975, these numbers were respectable. More importantly, the M110 engine distinguished itself with a smoothness that rivals many modern straight-six powerplants. Power delivery is wonderfully progressive, and the 280S exhibits a delightful willingness to rev, adding to the driving enjoyment.
Handling is where the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S truly shines and sets itself apart. This sedan benefited from technological advancements derived from the famed C111 experimental test vehicle. The 280S features a sophisticated double wishbone suspension with a torsion bar stabilizer at the front, engineered to deliver zero offset and camber. Mercedes-Benz engineers further incorporated progressive anti-dive geometry to ensure the large car remained stable even under hard braking. They also refined the previously camber-change prone diagonal swing axle rear suspension – the same design that contributed to the Chevrolet Corvair’s infamous handling characteristics – by incorporating control arms to effectively manage camber changes, again aiming for zero offset and camber.
The result of this advanced engineering is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz ride quality: firm yet remarkably compliant. The 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280S effortlessly absorbs potholes, dips, and road imperfections without a hint of concern. Virtually nothing can unsettle this car’s chassis. It possesses such a surefooted and planted stance that it feels practically unstoppable on the road.
{width=280 height=250} On long, sweeping roads, the 280S comes into its own. By manually controlling the transmission via the shift gate, the car negotiates corners with swan-like grace and composure. Thanks to its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, meticulously tuned suspension, and a remarkably stiff chassis, the 280S exhibits handling neutrality akin to Switzerland.
Mercedes-Benz designed the handling capabilities of the 280S to exceed the skill level of the average driver. This engineering philosophy made the sedan both easy and inherently safe to drive, while still offering ample potential for spirited, tire-squealing driving for those inclined. The car’s wide track effectively minimizes lateral body roll, contributing to its confident handling. The recirculating ball steering system provides sufficient feel and feedback, communicating when the front tires are approaching their limits of grip. And despite its considerable size and heft, the 1975 Mercedes Benz 280S is surprisingly maneuverable, feeling as easy to pilot as a contemporary Honda Accord. With just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock and a large diameter steering wheel, parallel parking this substantial Benz is surprisingly effortless.
In contrast to BMWs of the same era, the 1975 280S perfectly embodies Mercedes-Benz’s core ideology of harmonizing safety, performance, and comfort. The 280S is such a docile and well-mannered machine that it’s almost difficult to fully appreciate just how far ahead of its time this car truly was, particularly when considering its even more luxurious and powerful siblings, the 450SEL and the legendary 450SEL 6.9. If Mercedes-Benz had maintained their commitment to constructing cars like the W116, instead of pursuing downmarket segments, they would undoubtedly have preserved their esteemed reputation and rightful claim to producing the world’s best-engineered automobiles.
[ Click here for more of Chris Chin’s at finaldrivepublications.blogspot.com]
