W116 parkbrake

[Oversize]

So I'm wondering why Aussie delivered cars didn't get the foot operated parkbrake.... I asked a while ago what the knob was to the left of the headlight switch on LHD cars, but never got an answer. Answering my own questions again, it's the parkbrake release!

http://www.auto-power-girl.com/wall...z_450_sel_6_9_w116_with_2009_s_500_w221/49343

 

[Michel]

So I'm wondering why Aussie delivered cars didn't get the foot operated parkbrake.... I asked a while ago what the knob was to the left of the headlight switch on LHD cars, but never got an answer. Answering my own questions again, it's the parkbrake release!

http://www.auto-power-girl.com/wall...z_450_sel_6_9_w116_with_2009_s_500_w221/49343

Probably from a safety point of view...

Some boffin would have been worried that we might stomp on the parking brake instead of the clutch/brake or accelerator (depending on where the brake would've been mounted on a RHD).

I love the parking brake on my (LHD) R107 as a simple knob on the dash, rather than the hideous massive lever in between the two front seats that unfortunately adorns the RHD models.

At least on the W116s it's neatly fitted into the dash.

 

[6.9forever]

I always assumed it was a cheaper manufacturing solution for RHD cars so not as many parts needed mirroring and access constraints in engine bay. Similarly they left bonnet catch lever on LHS.

 

[Oversize]

I think Michel's correct about the accelerator. It wouldn't be wise to have a pedal hovering over the accelerator. That leaves the LHS of the driver's footwell, but I'd suggest they ran into problems with the HVAC and maybe even the steering box under the floor.

Plus they may've found it necessary to reinforce the area with additional structural members which would've pushed the cost up further. Not a wise move for a small market such as Australia. But then again I wonder how the W116 was distributed; LHD vs RHD versions.....

 

[Afro107]

The Accelerator pedal theory seem plausible to me.
I guess they could have place it on g-box tunnel on automatics but then that complicates things a bit.
As simple as possible, but no simpler than that.

Pull handle is still better option than dreaded cheap-car-type lever between the seats like on 107's