The Mercedes-Benz W116 series, produced from 1972 to 1980, represented a significant leap forward in luxury and safety for the German automaker. The 280 S, introduced in January 1976 and continuing through July 1980, occupied a middle ground within the W116 lineup. Positioned above the 280 SE but below the more powerful 350 SE/SEL and 450 SE/SEL models, the 280 S offered a blend of refinement and reasonable performance, appealing to buyers seeking a prestigious sedan without the highest price tag. It was a key model in establishing the S-Class as the benchmark for luxury automobiles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class SE (W116) |
| Type (Engine) | 280 S (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | January, 1976 |
| End of production | July, 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg, 9.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 96.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 138.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 223 Nm @ 4000 rpm (164.48 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 110 V 28 / 110.922 |
| Engine displacement | 2746 cm3 (167.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 96 l (25.36 US gal | 21.12 UK gal) |
| Length | 4960 mm (195.28 in.) |
| Width | 1870 mm (73.62 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2860 mm (112.6 in.) |
| Front track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/75 R14Rear wheel tires: 195/75 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 14Rear wheel rims: 6J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 280 S was powered by the M110.922, a 2.8-liter (2746 cc) inline-six cylinder engine. This engine, a descendant of the long-running M110 family, featured a cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder head. Unlike later Mercedes-Benz engines, the 280 S utilized a Solex 4A3 carburetor for fuel delivery, a design choice reflecting the era. The engine employed a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The 8.7:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the fuel quality available at the time. The engine produced 156 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 223 Nm (164.48 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The automatic transmission was a three-speed unit, providing smooth but not particularly rapid shifts. This transmission was chosen to enhance the comfort expected of a luxury vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The 280 S Automatic offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, prioritizing smoothness over outright performance. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 11.7 seconds, and top speed was approximately 115 mph. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 280 S, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent efficiency losses. The three-speed automatic’s gear ratios were geared towards relaxed cruising rather than spirited acceleration. The engine delivered adequate power for everyday driving, but overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. The steering, while hydraulic, felt somewhat heavy by modern standards, providing a sense of solidity and connection to the road.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 280 S came standard with a generous array of features for its time, including power steering, power-assisted disc brakes, central locking, and a high-quality radio. The interior was typically upholstered in cloth, with leather available as an optional extra. Wood trim adorned the dashboard and door panels, adding to the luxurious ambiance. Optional extras included air conditioning, a sunroof, and upgraded sound systems. The 280 S was positioned as a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle, but it lacked some of the more extravagant features found on the higher-end S-Class models.
Chassis & Braking
The W116 chassis featured independent suspension all around, with double wishbones at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear. This suspension design provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 280 S utilized ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, offering adequate stopping power for its weight and performance. The steering system employed a cone worm and recirculation ball mechanism, providing precise but somewhat indirect steering feel. The tires were typically 195/75 R14, offering a good balance of comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 280 S was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its comfort, refinement, and build quality. However, some critics noted that its performance was somewhat underwhelming, particularly compared to the more powerful S-Class models. Fuel economy was also a concern, with combined fuel consumption averaging around 21.4 US mpg. Compared to the 280 SE, the 280 S offered a similar level of luxury at a slightly lower price point. Compared to the 350 SE/SEL and 450 SE/SEL, the 280 S was less powerful but more fuel-efficient and affordable.
Legacy
The W116 280 S remains a sought-after classic Mercedes-Benz, appreciated for its timeless design, robust construction, and comfortable ride. The M110 engine, while not the most powerful of its era, is known for its durability and reliability when properly maintained. Finding well-preserved examples can be challenging, as many have succumbed to rust or neglect. However, the 280 S continues to offer a taste of classic Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering, and well-maintained examples command respectable prices in the used car market. The automatic transmission, while not known for its sportiness, has proven to be relatively reliable over the long term, provided it has received regular fluid changes.
