https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5315909388472194/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A18eb5587-9898-4fe5-94c6-bef92e5a5c09
I can always count on fellow GRMers to save me from adding one more project than I have room for. First, is it a real 6.9, or just a 450 SEL with the rear badging added? You'd have to pop the hood for sure, but the collapsed suspension on all four corners is a dead giveaway of the failed original hydraulic suspension. In original form, these cars had superb engines, transmissions, and brakes, but the suspension was doomed over the long run, like its predecessor, the 300 SEL 6.3. Mercedes buffs will turn their nose up at this one, because they know a full restoration will leave them underwater. Moreover, a short perusal of the MB forums will quickly find them scoffing at conversions to suspensions, citing "Well, it you can't afford to own one, you shouldn't buy one." But the suspension conversions are out there, and not that complex or pricey for the GRM crowd, who are used to some simple welding and machining: https://forum.w116.org/mechanicals/6-9-suspension-conversion/
If you are Challenge oriented, you can regain part of your challenge budget by selling the hydraulic suspension on eBay. Yes these can be money pits, but if you find you are in over your head or your budget, you could easily just pull the plug, and more than recoup your purchase price by parting it out. to wit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/403449627528?hash=item5def78c388:g:eIYAAOSwY89h~J5G&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsFIrn%2BY33zvKckH2CA463yeM4JIj4ZEZZ%2B2a8s0IXefrMB8uO9G%2FH%2BHSjIIQGGbxGuGLp7WSqW4aIeFy49DKKq1QBP%2Bwr2SQfV9jWj2Je%2Bx2btEeCxyA0FPwrQFImNFZw86pNdJANjB74MX6JrvMDwos%2FU9oTxI%2FkOSXWw4iGCTArAObtA52j9Lmf%2BJohg5%2BVZ%2BRfWO%2B6Sl9O5tJQ8gKlGEXJFIr2O%2BwPxnqc9edeE8D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9aWgfLbYA
I've resurrected a number of barn find MBs of this era, and found that usually just a purge of the fuel system and mechanical FI was enough to get them running after even decades of sitting.
For those who need additional enabling, I will be in Iowa in about three weeks near the seller, and could verify if it is the real deal, as well as its condition, ie Midwest rust, etc.
Marc in Indy
In reply to 128racecar :
Best to buy these running well already. I could only imagine the rust that's lurking under there 
The interior is clean though though those seats aren't original. You easily could double your money parting it out but it'll take a while simply because thats a tiny market.
In reply to yupididit :
Yes, running would be nice, but then it would be 3-5x the price. Rust is the million dollar question, and not answerable even with photos. It generally takes an in-person inspection to reveal the full extent. Having worked years ago in a MB dealerships service department when these cars were around, the #1 reason these cars got parked was suspension failure. Towing companies had difficulty even bringing them in. We had to go out and prop up the suspension with wooded blocks just to make them movable. Typically, these "ran when parked"- they just couldn't move because they were sitting on their wheels!
Dont we have a merc 6.9 collector on here?
In reply to yupididit :
What makes you think the seats are not original? They look original to me.
In reply to 128racecar :
That is a real 6.9.
You can see the suspension adjustment knob under the cluster.
In reply to 128racecar :
Looks like it's 5.5 hour drove away from me.
Go ahead and take a look at it. Rust is the biggest concern. Indy-kid #2 is looking for a cheap-ish first car.
Indy - Guy said:
In reply to 128racecar :
Looks like it's 5.5 hour drove away from me.
Go ahead and take a look at it. Rust is the biggest concern. Indy-kid #2 is looking for a cheap-ish first car.
I'll check it out if it's still available when I'm in Iowa in a couple weeks. Your #2 kid better be mechanically pretty competent and flush with cash if this is to be a first car. I've worked on these- just because they are well designed and built doesn't mean they are easy to work on. Things are pretty tight in that engine bay.
Slippery said:
In reply to 128racecar :
That is a real 6.9.
You can see the suspension adjustment knob under the cluster.
Ooh, I can't believe I missed something that obvious.
In reply to 128racecar :
Thanks forn the info.
I've rescued a w116 almost 10 years ago. It also ran when it was parked.
In reply to TJL (Forum Supporter) :
Jeff (Cotton) but I think he's moved on to 6.3's lol
I've been meaning to buy one of his 6.9's but I don't have space to go with my w201 and w108's.
