Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W116) 350 SE V8 (200 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz S-class:

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" , is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car. " Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)

SE (W116) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (SE (W116)). With 286 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1675 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

350 SE V8 (200 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A highly desirable manual V8, blending strong power with driver involvement for a rewarding and engaging experience.

Fuel Economy

Consistent with other V8s, offering robust performance at the cost of higher fuel consumption.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving / Spirited touring

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Pioneering safety features for its era (e.g., crumple zones, optional ABS)
  • • Exceptional build quality and robust engineering
  • • Luxurious and comfortable ride, even by modern standards
  • • Powerful and smooth V8 engine options for effortless cruising
  • • Timeless, elegant design with strong classic appeal

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for specific components
  • • Susceptibility to rust, particularly in older, unrestored examples
  • • Not as agile or dynamically sharp as modern luxury sedans
  • • Carburettor models can be temperamental and require specific tuning

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W223: June, 2023 - ).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:SE (W116)
Modification (Engine):350 SE V8 (200 Hp)
Start of production:March, 1972
End of production:January, 1976
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:200 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:57.2 Hp/l [219mm less]
Torque:286 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 116 E 35 / 116.983 More details about the engine M 116 E 35 / 116.983
Engine displacement:3499
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
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
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:65.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:13 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.5 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 119.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.9 kg/Nm, 170.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1675
Max. weight:2195
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Fuel tank capacity:96 l
Size:
Length:4960 mm mm [219mm less]
Width:1870 mm mm [84mm less]
Height:1425 mm mm [78mm less]
Wheelbase:2860 mm mm [246mm less]
Front track:1521 mm
Rear (Back) track:1505 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 205/70 R14
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6.5J x 14
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

Describe your experience with the Mercedes-Benz S-class using only emojis!