The Mercedes-Benz S-Class SEL (V116) 450 SEL, produced between April 1978 and June 1980, represented the pinnacle of German luxury sedans of its era. Part of the long-wheelbase “SEL” variant of the V116 generation (1972-1980), the 450 SEL was positioned as the top-of-the-line model, offering a larger interior and more refined experience than its standard-wheelbase sibling, the 450S. It was a key model in establishing Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for engineering excellence and opulent comfort in the American market, where large, powerful luxury cars were highly sought after. The 450 SEL was a direct competitor to American luxury offerings like the Cadillac Fleetwood and Lincoln Continental, offering a distinctly European driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S-class |
| Generation | S-class SEL (V116) |
| Type (Engine) | 450 SEL V8 (225 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 1978 |
| End of production | June, 1980 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.5 l/100 km (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg, 6.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 208.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 225 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 49.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 368 Nm @ 3250 rpm (271.42 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 117 E 45 / 117.986 |
| Engine displacement | 4520 cm3 (275.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14 l (14.79 US qt | 12.32 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1765 kg (3891.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2285 kg (5037.56 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 | 5060 mm (199.21 in.) |
| Width | 1870 mm (73.62 in.) |
| Height | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm (116.54 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 | Threaded twist beam |
| 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 R14 Rear wheel tires: 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 14 Rear wheel rims: 6.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 450 SEL was powered by the M117 E 45 engine, a 4.5-liter (4520 cc) naturally aspirated V8. This engine, a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess, featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder. The M117 utilized Bosch K-Jetronic multi-port fuel injection, a sophisticated system for its time that contributed to smooth power delivery and relatively good fuel efficiency for an engine of its size. The engine produced 225 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 271 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. The engine was longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The transmission was a three-speed automatic, designed to provide comfortable and effortless cruising, befitting the car’s luxury status. This automatic wasn’t known for its sportiness, prioritizing smooth shifts over rapid acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 450 SEL Automatic offered a distinctly relaxed driving experience. While the 225 hp engine provided adequate power for highway cruising and passing maneuvers, it wasn’t a particularly sporty car. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 9.4 seconds, which was respectable for the late 1970s but lagged behind some of its American competitors with larger displacement V8s. The three-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, had relatively wide gear ratios, meaning the engine often felt a bit strained during hard acceleration. Compared to the 450S with a manual transmission, the automatic version felt noticeably less responsive. The focus was clearly on providing a comfortable and refined ride, and the 450 SEL excelled in this regard.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 450 SEL came standard with a high level of equipment, reflecting its position as a flagship luxury sedan. Standard features included power windows, power locks, power steering, air conditioning, and a high-quality sound system. The interior was typically upholstered in leather, with wood trim adorning the dashboard and door panels. Optional extras included a sunroof, heated seats, and a more advanced audio system. The SEL models, due to their extended wheelbase, offered significantly more rear legroom than the standard S-Class, making them particularly appealing to those who were often chauffeured.
Chassis & Braking
The V116 S-Class featured a robust chassis with independent suspension at the front (double wishbone) and a threaded twist beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Hydraulic power steering was standard, making the car relatively easy to maneuver, despite its size. The suspension was tuned for comfort rather than outright handling prowess, prioritizing a smooth and stable ride over sporty cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 450 SEL was generally well-received by critics, who praised its build quality, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some reviewers noted its relatively high price and somewhat lackluster performance compared to some of its American rivals. Fuel economy, at 16.2 US mpg, was also a concern, particularly during the late 1970s energy crisis. Compared to the 450S, the automatic 450 SEL was seen as a more practical choice for everyday driving, while the manual 450S appealed to enthusiasts who prioritized driving engagement. The 450 SEL also stood in contrast to the later, more fuel-efficient 300SD diesel models, which offered significantly better fuel economy but less power.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz V116 S-Class, including the 450 SEL, remains a highly sought-after classic car today. The M117 engine, while not the most technologically advanced, is known for its durability and relative simplicity. Well-maintained examples are still capable of providing years of reliable service. However, like all classic Mercedes-Benzes, the 450 SEL requires regular maintenance and can be expensive to repair. Parts availability is generally good, but specialized knowledge is often required for complex repairs. The 450 SEL represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s history, embodying the brand’s commitment to luxury, engineering, and enduring quality.
