The Mercedes-Benz W116 series, produced from 1972 to 1980, represented a significant leap forward in luxury and safety for the German automaker. The 350 SE V8, manufactured between April 1978 and September 1980, occupied a crucial position within the lineup as a mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the entry-level 280 SE and the flagship 450 SE. This model combined the prestige of the S-Class with a potent V8 engine, appealing to buyers seeking both comfort and performance. It was a key part of the W116’s success, solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for engineering excellence and refined luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class SE (W116) |
| Type (Engine) | 350 SE V8 (205 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 1978 |
| End of production | September, 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp, 122.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 205 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 284 Nm @ 4000 rpm (209.47 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 116 E 35 / 116.983 |
| Engine displacement | 3499 cm3 (213.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 65.8 mm (2.59 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1675 kg (3692.74 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2195 kg (4839.15 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 | 4 gears, manual 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: 205/70 R14Rear wheel tires: 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 14Rear wheel rims: 6.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 350 SE V8 was the M116 E 35 engine, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V8. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design, with two valves per cylinder. The M116 was known for its smooth operation and durability. Fuel delivery was handled by a Bosch K-Jetronic multi-port fuel injection system, a sophisticated system for its time that contributed to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to carbureted engines. The engine produced 205 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 284 Nm (209.47 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The 350 SE V8 was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, offering drivers a more engaging driving experience than the automatic options available on other W116 models.
Driving Characteristics
The 350 SE V8 with the manual transmission offered a balanced driving experience. While not as overtly sporty as some contemporary coupes, it provided ample power for comfortable highway cruising and confident overtaking. The manual gearbox allowed for precise control over the engine’s power band, making the most of the V8’s torque. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9 seconds, respectable for a large luxury sedan of the era. The suspension, featuring double wishbones at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear, provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Compared to the automatic versions, the manual 350 SE V8 felt more responsive and engaging, appealing to drivers who enjoyed a more involved driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 350 SE V8 came standard with a generous array of features befitting its luxury status. These included power-assisted steering, power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels, central locking, electric windows, and a high-quality sound system. The interior was typically trimmed with leather upholstery, and wood veneer accents adorned the dashboard and door panels. Optional extras included a sunroof, air conditioning, and a more advanced audio system. The 350 SE V8 occupied a middle ground in terms of trim levels, offering a good balance of luxury and features without the added cost of the top-of-the-line 450 SE.
Chassis & Braking
The W116 chassis was a robust and well-engineered platform. The 350 SE V8 featured ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing ample stopping power. The hydraulic power steering made maneuvering the large sedan relatively easy, even at low speeds. The suspension system was designed to prioritize ride comfort, with stabilizer bars helping to reduce body roll during cornering. The tires were typically 205/70 R14, providing a good balance of grip and ride quality.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 350 SE V8 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its smooth engine, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. The manual transmission version was particularly appreciated by enthusiasts who valued its engaging driving experience. Compared to the automatic versions, the manual 350 SE V8 offered slightly better fuel economy and a more direct connection to the engine. Against competitors like the BMW 7-Series and the Jaguar XJ, the 350 SE V8 was seen as a strong contender, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and reliability.
Legacy
The M116 engine family, including the 3.5-liter unit in the 350 SE V8, is renowned for its durability and longevity. Well-maintained examples can still be found on the road today, a testament to the quality of Mercedes-Benz engineering. The 350 SE V8 with the manual transmission has become a sought-after classic among enthusiasts, appreciated for its rarity and engaging driving experience. In the used car market, these models command a premium compared to the more common automatic versions. The W116 series as a whole is considered a landmark achievement in automotive history, setting new standards for luxury, safety, and engineering excellence.
