450SEL 6.9 for sale

[Michel]

Michel, just what is in the Water at your place ? At 2.40 Am my brain is sound asleep , even though I was awake then, for some unknown reason !

I'm not following you Sean, what happened at 2:40am that I obviously missed?

 

[sean sherry]

It was 3.40 am a post from Michael another Seniors moment.

 

[Michel]

It was 3.40 am a post from Michael another Seniors moment.

Ah I see...
you meant that post for Michael..
Yeah well he sleeps early and gets up very bloody early

 

[abl567]

I tend to think that the 6.3's Hot Rod reputation was obtained a very long time ago, when the car was new, and the buying public had been shocked by the huge power difference between the 6.3 and the smaller engined models. Also, well before the 6.9 broke cover.

Move the time factor onto today - some almost forty years later. The Hot Rod notion attributed to the 6.3 originally is now only just that - a notion. Of all 6.3's I have driven during the last two years, none met the expectations one could have expected. There is no doubt that the 6.3 drives differently to a 6.9 - it is a bit like a Diesel locomotive - a driving characteristic that I would attribute to the four speed gearbox. Well, it is a four speeder, but you would not want to engage the low 1st gear for standing starts - in my opinion, nowadays the drive train is too fragile to cope with that low gearing. If things break in the rear end (which they are inclined to do), try buying the spares required, and the time factor involved in replacing broken parts. Incidentally, 1st gearing is low enough to enable you to virtually come to a full stop when approaching traffic lights, and you only have to use the brake to stop the car from rolling forward. It is now old technology.

So, let's turn to the 6.9. In my opinion, nowadays 6.9s are every bit as quick as the 'Hot Rod' - even from a standing start. Respect for machinery and fragility have always prevented me from perhaps using the low gearing of the 6.3, and certainly once you get moving with the 6.9 from about 30 km/hour, it's really all over red Rover - pardon the pun. That comparison would certainly be applicable if I use my "Gleaming Beauty" as the yard stick. We should also touch upon ease of ownership as far as maintenance and every day useage is concerned. On that score, the 6.9 wins hands down. Sure enough, the hydraulic suspension factor can constitute a draw back factor but then, on the other hand, the Air Suspension featured on the 6.3 can also leave you breathless. Labour wise, try and replace the front valves, as well as the main control valve.In comparison, similar replacement procedures on the 6.9 are almost child play.

The fuel system on the 6.9 is much more user friendly, with its well proven K- Jet system that's identical to the 450 system. Plenty of second hand items available, unlike the old mechanical injection system and hugely expensive injectors as found on the 6.3. Then try and remove/replace those components on the older model - it will raise your blood pressure to unacceptable levels. In closing,and referring to every day user friendly operation, which is the better car ? In my opinion, the 6.9 wins hands down from just about every perspective. Regards. Styria

N.B. Anthony, I am happy to hear your perspective on this subject matter.

Well I have given this some considerable thought in the add break of MKR and by the time the first Coles add had gone down I came to the solid and resolute position that you're wrong.

 

[sean sherry]

Irish wisdom...... Once I thought I was wrong ...but I was mistaken !

 

[SEL_69L]

An E55 tends to be a bit quicker and much more sure footed..... especially under power.....!
But not really in the same playing field.

Actually, the 6.9 has quite a bit more of what the E55 has...... CLASS. That has to be one of the reasons why good 6.9's are rising in value.

 

[Styria]

Hi Anthony, thanks for your reply, albeit as short as it may have been. Getting back to my post, and assertions contained therein, I have been trying to be subjective relating to the comparative merits of the two models, regarding obviously the "Hot Rod" notion that's been propagated for over forty years for the 300SEL 6.3 when compared to, in my case, a "dirty" European 6.9 with the high compression engine such as found in my "Gleaming Beauty".

My findings, and thoughts, are based on having driven both models over a long period of time, notwithstanding at least three specimens of the 6.3, especially in the last two years, as well as a couple of 6.9s. I wonder, and I am not taking you to task, but have you driven any 6.9, particularly the high compression version, at any time in the not too distant past ?

Again, from an ownership and maintenance point of view, surely it needs to be conceded that 6.9s are more user friendly on a number of fronts - I am particularly referring to the cost of spare parts, availability of same especially when considering the fuel system, and the ease or otherwise of working on the two models. Anyway, I am not trying to pick a fight, but I would be very much interested if you could elaborate more fully as to why you disagree with my beliefs. Regards Styria

 

[c107]

Another 6.9 for sale on Graysonline. Import model:

http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0005...-benz-450-sel-6-9-6-9-rwd-auto-sedan?spr=true

Suspension has collapsed, and the paint is poor. Looks quite savable although very overpriced.

 

[260ebenz]

That 6.9 has cloth trim and it looks as if the car needs a respray?

The 6.9 sure is sitting low!

 

[Styria]

Another very well advertised 6.9 overseas, with any number of pictures. The car has been sold, but nevertheless there are some good reasons for posting the car on TK. I think it is particularly well kept and also well specced, being a model with the high compression engine AND anti lock brakes - quite a rare feature.

Only item that could attract some sort of negative comment is the boot area itself with stained linings - a bit of a give-away perhaps as to how the car has been looked after PRIOR to being advertised.

http://www.overcoiled.com/cars/MB 6.9/450sel69.htm

Regards Styria

 

[Styria]

Getting back to my light hearted banter with abl567 regarding merits or otherwise of the 6.3 models - I suspect it must be "otherwise" as he has not taken me up on my comments, and has not replied any further despite the fact that he said he would. .......a bit of a worry ? Regards Styria

 

[motec 6.9]

Careful they can even take your soul. If not you don't have a ghost of a chance. In the Dawn light.

 

[Styria]

Igeoff, are you referring to the 6.3 or the 6.9 ? Surely not the 6.9 ! Regards. Styria