Mercedes-Benz W126

After the debut of W116 S-Class in 1972, Mercedes-Benz began preparing for the next generation S-Class in October 1973. The project, code-named "Project W126", aimed to provide an improved ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency. The oil crisis of 1973 and increasingly stringent emission and safety regulations in the United States had an important influence in developing the W126 for reduced emission and increased fuel efficiency.

The W126 design team, led by Mercedes-Benz's chief designer Bruno Sacco, aimed to design a more aerodynamic shape and retain the unmistakable S-Class design elements. The aerodynamic drag was reduced through lengthy wind tunnel testing and reshaping of front end and bumper along with hiding the wipers underneath the hood/bonnet for smoother flow. Reducing the weight was accomplished by extensive use of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) sheet and polyurethane deformable material for bumpers and side claddings. The lighter alloy material was used for the heavily revised M116/M117 V8 engines for the reduced weight. Both had contributed to the reduction of fuel consumption by 10% as compared to its predecessor.[3]

After six years of development, the W126 was introduced at the IAA Frankfurt in September 1979.[4] At the introduction, S-Class was available in two wheelbase lengths (standard and long) and three petrol engine options with one six-cylinder inline engine and two V8 engines. The diesel engine option was introduced in September 1981 exclusively for the North American market.

At the 1981 IAA Frankfurt, a coupé version of S-Class, C126, was introduced with 380 SEC and 500 SEC. It was the first time that a coupé version was derived from S-Class chassis. At the same time, the "Energieskonzept" (Energy Concept) was introduced to improve the fuel efficiency of S-Class through engine revisions.

The W126 was revised in 1985 for 1986 model year. The revised "Second Series" model range was introduced at 1985 IAA Frankfurt with new six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and the V8 petrol engines enlarged to 4.2 and 5.5 litres. The 5-litre V8 was carried over. The visual changes included the smoother bumpers and side claddings, revised "Gullydeckelfelge" (German for manhole-cover wheel rim) alloy wheels, and deeper front bumper with integrated air dam.

The W126 generation was replaced by the W140 in 1991.

Facelift Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL (V126)

From 1973 to 1975, Mercedes-Benz designers worked on the successor to the W116. After several design concept were presented, the final design for W126 was approved and frozen in 1976. The design work for coupé began immediately after the approval and was finalised in 1977.[5] Design patents were first filed on 3 March 1977 and later on 6 September 1977 at the United States Patent Office.[6]

Compared to its predecessor, the W116, the W126 featured improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of Cd 0.36 for the sedan/saloon and 0.34 for the coupés.[2]

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz W126 380 SE (standard wheelbase version)

Facelift Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL V126 (long-wheelbase version)

Facelift 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C126 SEC (coupe)

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C126 SEC (coupe)

Facelift Mercedes-Benz C126 SEC (coupe)

Facelift Mercedes-Benz C126 SEC (coupe)

The "First Series" model range (1979–1985 for sedan/saloon and 1982–1985 for coupé) included the 280 S/SE/SEL, 300 SD (North American market only), 380 SE/SEL/SEC, and 500 SE/SEL/SEC. The revised "Second Series" (1986–1991) with petrol engines included 260 SE, 300 SE/SEL, 420 SE/SEL/SEC, 500 SE/SEL/SEC, and 560 SE/SEL/SEC. The "Second Series" with diesel engines for North American market only included 300 SDL (a first diesel S-Class with long wheelbase) then 350 SD/SDL (a first diesel S-Class to be available in both wheelbase lengths).

Safety

Late model W126 with Airbag, leather seats, and Burlwood interior wood trim. Left hand Drive.

• Use of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) sheet in its construction to reduce the weight without compromising the structural strength and integrity.
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (first appeared in its predecessor, the W116) was standard on 500 SEL and 500 SEC and optional for the rest of model range until 1985. The ABS eventually became standard for the entire model range during the second series (1986-1991).
• Seat Belt Pretensioners enabled all seat belts (with exception of rear centre shoulder belt on sedan/saloon) to tighten when the car sensed conditions that could lead to an accident such as sudden, forceful braking or sudden deceleration during the collision.[2]
• Crumple zones front and rear which absorbed impact energies, reducing passenger injury.
• Fluted taillamps, the design pioneered on the R107/C107, was carried over. The fluted design maintains the visibility of taillamps when the dirt accumulates on the outer edges.
• Driver's airbags were introduced in 1981 as an extra-cost option for all models and engines. From September 1987 on, the passenger's airbags were added as extra-cost option for the 1988 model year. The consumers could choose either driver's airbag only or driver's and passenger's airbags. For the US market, the driver's airbags were standard from 1987 onward due to the federal regulations; the passenger's airbags were extra cost option until 1989 when they became standard for models with V8 engines only and 1991 for the rest of model range.
• Traction control system (TCS), also known as Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR), to prevent wheelspin (a Mercedes-Benz first). This feature was available on European models only from 1989 and 1991 and on North American models (560 SEL and 560 SEC) for 1991 only.
• A third brake lamp in the centre of rear windscreen was federally mandated in the United States from 1986 model year on. In some markets, it was offered as standard or extra-cost option.

Comfort and convenience

Early model W126 without airbag, MB-Tex seats, and Zebrano interior wood trim. Right Hand Drive.

• Courtesy lights on the underside of the doors, to enable the occupant to see the ground when exiting the vehicle at night.
• Rear reading lamps were fitted to the C-pillar enabling rear passengers to read or work at night without distracting the driver. Extra cost options for the rear seat passengers were: individually adjusted seat heaters (never offered in coupé models during its entire production run); bench seat that can move forward and back electrically by 10 cm (long wheelbase models only); foot rests; from 1987 on, rear windscreen window shades that are electrically raised and lowered by switch on centre console; and the back of front seats are contoured as to give more legroom.
• From 1979 to 1984, the driver and front passenger seat heaters were separate extra-cost options. From 1985 to 1991, both driver and front passenger seat heaters were offered as a single extra-cost option.
• Beginning with 1985 model year, the rear individual seats and centre console as appeared in coupé model could be fitted to the long wheelbase models if the owner desires, giving the car a 2+2 seating format. The individual seat is electrically adjustable by moving forward and back only.
• An optional fully automatic climate control system that used an interior temperature sensor to more accurately climatise the cabin. This sensor was mounted overhead (near the sunroof switch) so that when the roof was open, the sensor would detect cool air-flow and call upon the system to adjust heat flow accordingly.
• Exterior temperature sensor with LCD display set in main instrument console below the speedometer to inform the driver of exterior conditions. This was delineated in Fahrenheit for US-market cars and in Celsius for the rest of the world.
• Due to the B-pillar moving further back in the coupé models with longer doors, Mercedes-Benz developed the world's first seat belt presenters. When the doors are closed and the motor started, the presenters extend the shoulder anchor points forward to the driver and front passenger by about 30 cm. This facilitates easier reach and grab of seat belts. Once the seat belts are anchored or after 30 seconds, the presenters descended back into the B-pillar.
• W126 premiered the power seat control, a first for Mercedes-Benz. Instead of placing the toggle or button switches with same shapes in the hard to reach or see areas, Mercedes-Benz developed the haptic switches in shape of a seat: one switch resembling the seat back for adjusting the seat back; another switch resembling the seat for moving the seat forward and back as well as raising and lowering. The two memory function buttons allow the front occupants to set and select their preferred positions accordingly. After the 17-year patent expired, this design was widely copied by other manufacturers in the late 1990s. Another first for Mercedes-Benz is an electrically adjustable steering column that extends and contracts by toggle switch underneath the steering column. The steering column position can be stored in the driver's side memory function along with the preferred seat position.
• W126 was first from Mercedes-Benz to have the theft deterrent system as option installed at the factory. EDW (Einbruch-Diebstahl-Warnanlage, break-in theft alarm system) can emit the alarm sound and immobilise several components (radio, brakes, ignition lock, and a few others) if the car was being towed away or if any of hood/bonnet, trunk/boot, doors were forcibly opened. From 1984 on for the models with central locking system, the owner can turn the front door lock further to bolt the doors as to make them very difficult to be forcibly opened. The owner can order the separate bolt system for the trunk/bolt, making it equally difficult to pry the trunk/boot open. They require a special key with red dot.

First Series (1979-1985)

At the introduction in September 1979, the 2.8-litre DOHC six-cylinder inline M110 engine for 280 S/SE/SEL was carried over from W116. The revised M116/M117 V8 engines had a significant innovation: aluminium block without iron sleeves as found in the competitors’ engines. Mercedes-Benz developed a special silicon coating as to harden the cylinder liners against excessive wear and tear. The V8 engines were offered in two sizes: 3.8 litres (M116) and 5 litres (M117). The M116 V8 engine had a single timing chain while the M117 V8 engine had double timing chains. The frequent mechanical failure of single timing chain in M116 V8 engine was addressed in 1982 by switching to double timing chains from M117 V8 engine.

The smaller of two V8 engines was initially offered in the US market only due to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). The 380 SEL had earned a very poor customer perception in the United States as being severely underpowered and due to the mechanical issues with single timing chain. The 380 SEL for the US market took 11 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) from standstill and had top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).[9][10] The severe performance shortcoming of W126 with V8 engine was addressed by introducing more powerful 500 SEL/SEC in 1984.

The S-Class coupé was fitted with V8 engines only for the first time.

The 3.0-litre five-cylinder inline OM617 diesel engine was carried over from W116 with same performance. The diesel engines were again never offered in the markets outside United States and Canada. The lethargic acceleration, roughness, and lower top speed might not appeal to the European consumers who had higher expectations for the large saloons. This discrepancy wasn't addressed until 1994 when W140 S 350 TURBODIESEL was introduced in Europe for the first time.

In 1981, Mercedes-Benz introduced the “Energiekonzepts” (Energy Concept) programme in reducing the fuel consumption. This programme revised the combustion chambers and piston heads with lower compression ratio in the V8 engines. This revision caused further drop in engine performance.

Second Series (1986-1991)

For the second series introduced in September 1985, the engine range was extensively revised with new six-cylinder inline engines and enlarged V8 engines. Only 5.0-litre M117 V8 was carried over from the first series, expanding the V8 engine range to three.

The revised engine range focused more on reducing pollution and fuel consumption even further. For the first time, the customers outside US and Canadian markets could choose the models with or without catalysators. The models without catalysators can be retrofitted with catalysators at later date if the customers choose to: this retrofit method is called RÜF (Rückrüstfahrzeug — loosely translated as retrofit vehicle). The RÜF models had a mechanical switch in the engine bay to be operated by owners for running on lead or lead-free fuels, a necessary feature for driving outside Germany or in areas within Germany where the lead-free fuel wasn't widespread yet. In 1990, all engines were fitted with catalysators only and the mechanical switch eliminated.

The new six-cylinder inline M103 engine had a single overhead camshaft and electronic-mechanical fuel injection and was available in two sizes: 2.6 and 3.0 litres. The carburetted engine fitted to 280 S was eliminated, marking the end of carburetted engines for S-Class, and replaced with fuel-injected engines for 260 and 300.

The V8 engines were again bored out to 4.2 litres from 3.8 litres for the 420-model (M116) and 5.5 litres from 5.0 litres for the 560 (M117), while the 5.0-litre V8 for the 500 (M117) was carried over from Series I. The V8 engines were fitted with a new electronic ignition system and Bosch KE-Jetronic electronic-mechanical fuel injection system, which first appeared in the W201 190E. The revised V8 engines except the 5.0-litre version had slight performance increase.

The most powerful engine ever fitted to the W126 was 5.5-litre V8, putting out 221 kW (300 PS, 296 bhp). This engine, classified as ECE-Variante (German name), has a higher compression ratio of 10:5 and cannot be retrofitted with a catalytic converter. In September 1986, the ECE-Variante was superseded by the RÜF-Variante, which retains the same horsepower figure without catalytic converter, but a lower figure if retrofitted. The 560 SEL with the 221 kW engine was the fastest large saloon reaching 250 km/h (155 mph), until the BMW 750i/750iL was introduced in 1987 with an ungoverned top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Its performance was comparable to the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 or the Ferrari Mondial. In 1990, the 560 SEL had a power reduction to 200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp)

For the US and Canadian markets, a new 3.0-litre straight six OM603 diesel engine was introduced, replacing the older five-cylinder with the same displacement. It was the first six-cylinder diesel-engined passenger car by Mercedes-Benz. This new engine was available only in the long wheelbase version, the 300 SDL, for the first time. For California, the diesel engines were fitted with a diesel particulate filter, a world's first for the passenger car. The new engine had an ill-gotten reputation for higher percentage of failure from the aluminium cylinder heads due to poor placement of the diesel particulate filter and erosion of head gasket, allowing coolant to seep inside the cylinders. However, they failed to perform as designed and were removed from the engines. For 1988, the engine was revised to correct the issues and move the particulate filter further away from the engine. In 1990, the 3.0 engine was bored out to 3.5 litres in order to compensate for reduced performance due to stricter emission regulations. The bored out 3.5-litre version did not have any of the aforementioned issues other than some units experiencing the unexplained erosion of head gasket. The 3.5-litre version was available in both standard and long wheelbases (350 SD and 350 SDL).

First Series (1979–1985)

The automatic transmission had four speeds with direct drive in the fourth gear for the entire run from 1979 to 1991. The 280 S/SE/SEL had 4-speed manual transmission as standard with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions as extra-cost options.

The manual transmission was not fitted to the V8 engines during the first series.

U.S. models, including the 300 SD Turbodiesel, had automatic transmission as sole transmission choice.

Second Series (1985-1991)

From 1986 onward, the automatic transmission was revised to include the option of selecting S (Standard) and E (Economy) shifting points. The models, 260 SE, 300 SE, and 300 SEL were fitted with standard 5-speed manual and optional extra-cost 4-speed automatic transmissions. For one year from September 1986 to June 1987, extra cost automatic transmission option wasn't offered for 260 SE and 300 SE. The customers ordering 420 SE could choose either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

U.S. models had automatic transmission as sole transmission choice.

Grey-market Mercedes-Benz 500 SE

When the W126 was introduced in the United States in September 1980, Mercedes-Benz offered the smaller 3.8-litre V8 engine only as to avoid the gas guzzler penalty under Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. However, the American consumers found 380 SEL severely underpowered with slow acceleration (0–60 mph in 11 seconds) and lower top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).

As the fear of oil crisis waned in 1982, the American consumers demanded the more powerful S-Class models, and the grey importers brought the S-Class with 5-litre V8 engines to the United States and modified them to meet US FMVSS and EPA regulations. The result was about 22,000 W126 imported as grey market imports.

Consequently, Mercedes-Benz added 500 SEL/SEC to the American model range for 1984 model year as to countereffect the grey imports while 3.8-litre V8 engine remained in 380 SE (standard wheelbase only) and 380 SL.[11]

In 1988, an intense lobbying effort by Mercedes-Benz and other foreign manufacturers led U.S. Congress to eliminate this loophole and revise the rules for registered importers. [12]

Mercedes-Benz W126 six-door stretch limousine

• AMG offered body kits for all W126 models, as well as a widebody kit for the coupé. AMG also offered many levels of engine tuning but was most famous for the DOHC 6.0-litre engine, based on the original 117.968 engine. Also offered was a Gleason Torsen differential in various ratios, manual transmission (extremely rare), and various TV/radio consoles.
• Trasco Bremen offered a stretch limousine version called the "1000 SEL".[13]
• A variety of coachbuilders offered convertibles based on the SEC (coupé) model. Caruna of Switzerland also offered a full four-door convertible based on the SEL (but using the SE's shorter rear doors). One of these still belongs to Dutch Royal Family, who use it at their resort in Porto Ercole, Italy.[14]
• S-Guard, specially modified W126 S-Class models were produced for the transport of dignitaries and world leaders. Among the modifications made included a wheelbase stretch, bulletproof glass, and armored body panels.

Two AMG-modified 500 SEC cars raced at the 1989 24 Hours of Spa. Both cars failed to finish, with one suffering gearbox issues, while the other had issues with the rear axle.[15]

• The 300 SD received the 1981 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year.
• The 380 SE was the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year in 1981.[16]
• The W126 was awarded the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute "Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989,[2]
• The W126 was the third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's 1990 Initial Quality Survey (IQS).[17]
• From 1987 to 1990, Mercedes received the highest customer ratings in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index.[18]

The W126 series was the highest volume S-Class on record in terms of production. Three armoured 560 SEL ordered by Saddam Hussein had a series of pipes shooting the flames out of sides.[19]

A limited number of W126 continued to be produced in South Africa until 1993(?), two years after the introduction of W140 S-Class. No figures were given for South African production. Nelson Mandela was given a commemorative model, a red 1990 500 SE.[20][21]

First Series, 1979-1985

Model	Chassis	Years	Configuration	Displacement	Fuel Delivery	Power	Torque	Leer Weight (kg)	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Top Speed (km/h)	Fuel Consumption	Units
Petrol Engines
280 S	W126.021	09/1979 – 08/1985	(M 110.924) Inline 6	2746 cc	Carburettor	115 kW (156 PS; 154 bhp)	223 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft)	1560	11 seconds	200 km/h (124 mph)	15.1 L/100 km (15.6 mpg‑US)	42,996
280 SE	W126.022		(M 110.989) Inline 6		Fuel Injection	136 kW (185 PS; 182 bhp)	240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft)	1560	10 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)	15.6 L/100 km (15.1 mpg‑US)	133,955
280 SEL	W126.023							1590				20,655
380 SE	W126.032	09/1979 – 08/1981	(M116.963) V8	3818 cc	Fuel Injection	160 kW (220 PS; 210 bhp)	223 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft)	1595	9.8 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)	17.5 L/100 km (13.4 mpg‑US)	58,239
		09/1981 – 08/1985				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp)	223 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft)		9.6 seconds
380 SEL	W126.033	09/1979 – 08/1981				160 kW (220 PS; 210 bhp)	229 N⋅m (169 lb⋅ft)	1625	9.8 seconds	215 km/h (134 mph)		27,014
		09/1981 – 08/1985				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp)	315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft)		9.6 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)
380 SEC	W126.043	09/1981 – 08/1985				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp)	315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft)	1585	9.6 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)		11,267
500 SE	W126.036	09/1979 – 08/1981	(M117.963) V8	4973 cc	Fuel Injection	177 kW (241 PS; 237 bhp)	402 N⋅m (296 lb⋅ft)	1620	8.1 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)	18.5 L/100 km (12.7 mpg‑US)	33,418 (1979 – 1991)
		09/1981 – 08/1985				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp)	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft)		8.0 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)
500 SEL	W126.037	09/1979 – 08/1981				177 kW (241 PS; 237 bhp)	402 N⋅m (296 lb⋅ft)	1650	8.1 seconds	215 km/h (134 mph)		72,733 (1979 – 1991)
		09/1981 – 08/1985				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp)	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft)		8.0 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)
500 SEC	W126.044	09/1981 – 08/1985				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp)	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft)	1610	8.0 seconds	210 km/h (130 mph)		30,184 (1981 - 1991)
Diesel Engines (US, Canada, and Japan Only)
300 SD	W126.120	09/1979 – 10/1982	(OM 617.951) Inline 5	2998 cc	Turbocharged Fuel Injection	89 kW (121 PS; 119 bhp)	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)	1620	15.2 seconds	175 km/h (109 mph)	12.4 L/100 km (19.0 mpg‑US)	78,725
		10/1982 – 08/1985				92 kW (125 PS; 123 bhp)	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)

Second Series, 1986-1991

Model	Chassis	Years	Configuration	Displacement	Fuel Delivery	Power	Torque	Leer Weight (kg)	0–100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Top Speed (km/h)	Fuel Consumption	Units
Petrol Engines (Second Series, 1986 – 1991)
260 SE	W126.020	09/1985 – 02/1989	(M 103.940) Inline 6	2599 cc	Fuel Injection	124 kW (169 PS; 166 bhp) RÜF	228 N⋅m (168 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1570	10.5 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)	10.3–10.7 L/100 km (23–22 mpg‑US)	20,836
		09/1985 – 10/1991				118 kW (160 PS; 158 bhp) CAT	220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) CAT		11 seconds	200 km/h (124 mph)
300 SE	W126.024	09/1985 – 02/1989	(M 103.980) Inline 6	2960 cc	Fuel Injection	140 kW (190 PS; 190 bhp) RÜF	260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1570	9.1 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)		105,422
		09/1985 – 10/1991				132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp) CAT	255 N⋅m (188 lb⋅ft) CAT		9.3 seconds	200 km/h (124 mph)
300 SEL	W126.025	09/1985 – 02/1989				140 kW (190 PS; 190 bhp) RÜF	260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1590	9.1 seconds	205 km/h (127 mph)		40,956
		09/1985 – 10/1991				132 kW (179 PS; 177 bhp) CAT	255 N⋅m (188 lb⋅ft) CAT		9.3 seconds	200 km/h (124 mph)
420 SE	W126.034	09/1985 – 05/1987	(M 116.965) V8	4196 cc	Fuel Injection	160 kW (220 PS; 210 bhp) RÜF	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1620	8.3 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)	11.5–11.9 L/100 km (20.5–19.8 mpg‑US)	13,996
		06/1987 – 12/1989				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp) RÜF	335 N⋅m (247 lb⋅ft) RÜF		8.2 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp) CAT	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.7 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) CAT	325 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.5 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
420 SEL	W126.035	09/1985 – 05/1987				160 kW (220 PS; 210 bhp) RÜF	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1650	8.3 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)		74,017
		06/1987 – 12/1989				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp) RÜF	335 N⋅m (247 lb⋅ft) RÜF		8.2 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp) CAT	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.7 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) CAT	325 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.5 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
420 SEC	W126.046	09/1985 – 05/1987				160 kW (220 PS; 210 bhp) RÜF	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1640	8.3 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)		3,680
		06/1987 – 12/1989				170 kW (230 PS; 230 bhp) RÜF	335 N⋅m (247 lb⋅ft) RÜF		8.2 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				150 kW (200 PS; 200 bhp) CAT	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.7 seconds	218 km/h (135 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				165 kW (224 PS; 221 bhp) CAT	325 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.5 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
500 SE	W126.036	09/1985 – 05/1987	(M 117.965) V8	4973 cc	Fuel Injection	180 kW (240 PS; 240 bhp) RÜF	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1620	7.6 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)	12.0–12.5 L/100 km (19.6–18.8 mpg‑US)	33,418 (1979 – 1991)
		06/1987 – 12/1989				195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) RÜF	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft) RÜF		7.3 seconds	235 km/h (146 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				164 kW (223 PS; 220 bhp) CAT	365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.0 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) CAT	390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.5 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)
500 SEL	W126.037	09/1985 – 05/1987				180 kW (240 PS; 240 bhp) RÜF	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1650	7.6 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)		72,733 (1980 – 1991)
		06/1987 – 12/1989				195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) RÜF	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft) RÜF		7.3 seconds	235 km/h (146 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				164 kW (223 PS; 220 bhp) CAT	365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.0 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) CAT	390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.5 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)
500 SEC	W126.044	09/1985 – 05/1987				180 kW (240 PS; 240 bhp) RÜF	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1640	7.6 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)		30,184 (1980 – 1991)
		06/1987 – 12/1989				195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) RÜF	405 N⋅m (299 lb⋅ft) RÜF		7.3 seconds	235 km/h (146 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				164 kW (223 PS; 220 bhp) CAT	365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) CAT		8.0 seconds	220 km/h (137 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				185 kW (252 PS; 248 bhp) CAT	390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.5 seconds	230 km/h (143 mph)
560 SE	W126.038	09/1988 – 12/1989	(M 117.968) V8	5547 cc	Fuel Injection	220 kW (300 PS; 300 bhp) RÜF	455 N⋅m (336 lb⋅ft) RÜF	1800	6.9 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)	13.6 L/100 km (17.3 mpg‑US)	1,251
		09/1985 – 10/1991				205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) CAT	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.2 seconds	242 km/h (150 mph)
560 SEL	W126.039	09/1985 – 08/1986				220 kW (300 PS; 300 bhp) ECE	455 N⋅m (336 lb⋅ft) ECE	1830	6.9 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)		75,071
		09/1985 – 08/1987				200 kW (270 PS; 270 bhp) RÜF	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) RÜF		7.3 seconds	235 km/h (146 mph)
		06/1987 – 12/1989				220 kW (300 PS; 300 bhp) RÜF	455 N⋅m (336 lb⋅ft) RÜF		6.9 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				178 kW (242 PS; 239 bhp) CAT	390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.0 seconds	228 km/h (142 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) CAT	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.2 seconds	242 km/h (150 mph)
560 SEC	W126.045	09/1985 – 08/1986				220 kW (300 PS; 300 bhp) ECE	455 N⋅m (336 lb⋅ft) ECE	1820	6.9 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)		28,929
		09/1985 – 08/1987				200 kW (270 PS; 270 bhp) RÜF	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) RÜF		7.3 seconds	238 km/h (148 mph)
		06/1987 – 12/1989				220 kW (300 PS; 300 bhp) RÜF	455 N⋅m (336 lb⋅ft) RÜF		6.9 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
		09/1985 – 08/1987				178 kW (242 PS; 239 bhp) CAT	390 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.6 seconds	228 km/h (142 mph)
		09/1987 – 10/1991				205 kW (279 PS; 275 bhp) CAT	430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft) CAT		7.2 seconds	242 km/h (150 mph)
Diesel Engines (US and Canada Only)
300 SDL	W126.125	02/1985 – 09/1987	(OM 603.961) Inline 6	2996 cc	Turbocharged Fuel Injection	110 kW (150 PS; 150 bhp)	273 N⋅m (201 lb⋅ft)	1750	12.5 seconds	175 km/h (109 mph)	12.4 L/100 km (19.0 mpg‑US)	13,830
350 SD	W126.134	06/1990 – 08/1991	(OM 603.97x) Inline 6	3449 cc	Turbocharged Fuel Injection	100 kW (140 PS; 130 bhp)	310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft)	1750	13.0 seconds	175 km/h (109 mph)	12.4 L/100 km (19.0 mpg‑US)	2,066
350 SDL	W126.135							1750				2,925

Dimensions and weight

Body style	Wheelbase	Length	Width	Height	Curb weight
Sedan (short-wheelbase)	2,935 mm (115.6 in)	4,995–5,020 mm (196.7–197.6 in)	1,820 mm (71.7 in)	1,430–1,437 mm (56.3–56.6 in)	1,600 kg (3,527 lb)
Sedan (long-wheelbase)	3,075 mm (121.1 in)	5,135–5,160 mm (202.2–203.1 in)	1,820 mm (71.7 in)	1,441 mm (56.7 in)	1,600 kg (3,527 lb)
Coupe	2,850 mm (112.2 in)	4,910–4,935 mm (193.3–194.3 in)	1,828 mm (72.0 in)	1,406 mm (55.4 in)	1,610 kg (3,549 lb)

Timeline

References

Notes

1. Leeps (4 June 1989). "Rust Busters". New Straits Times. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
2. Dunross, Ian. "Celebrating the 25th anniversary of W126/V126/C126 S-Class (1979–1991)". Archived from the original on 6 August 2007. Retrieved 15 May 2007.
3. "S-Klasse Club information". Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2007.
4. Rombauts, Walter, ed. (15 September 1979). "Salon van Frankfurt is aanklacht tegen politieke machthebbers" [Frankfurt Show is an indictment of political leaders]. Keesings Auto Magazine (in Dutch). Antwerp, Belgium. 2 (17): 16–18.
5. "The Facts". Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
6. "USD258425S United States". Google Patents. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
7. "Hydropneumatische Federung (HPF)". MBpassion (in German). Retrieved 30 December 2019.
8. "Reiserechner". MBpassion (in German). Retrieved 30 December 2019.
9. Chin, Chris (24 October 2019). "Your definitive 1979-92 Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class Buyer's Guide". Hagerty Group LLC. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
10. "1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL (aut. 4) (model since mid-year 1981 for North America U.S.) car specifications & performance data review". Automobile Catalog. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
11. "Mercedes-Benz for 1984". Mercedes-Benz USA. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
12. Dean, Paul. (11 July 1986). "Wheeling-Dealing Gray Market Hits the Skids Bad Publicity, Corporate Action, Legislation Put Brakes on Car Conversions". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
13. "Transco Bremen Stretch Limousine 1000SEL". 1000SEL.com. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
14. Karssen, Wouter (16 June 2009). "Juultje had smaak: Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL Caruna" [Juultje had taste] (in Dutch). Autoblog (Netherlands). Retrieved 8 August 2014.
15. "Mercedes-Benz 500SEC – Complete Archive". Racing Sports Cars. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
16. Gable, Chris (12 April 2006). "Wheels' COTY the real McCoy". Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 15 May 2007.
17. Lexus No. 1 in New-Car Quality Survey, The Los Angeles Times, 4 July 1990 (Versus an average of 140 problems per 100 cars, the S-Class averaged 74.5, behind only the Mercedes E-Class and Lexus LS)
18. Sanchez, Jesus. Mercedes Still Ranks No. 1 in Poll of New Car Buyers. The Los Angeles Times, 8 August 1990
19. Apuzzo, Matt (2006-05-21). "US agents seize 'Saddam Hussein's car'". Mail & Guardian. Johannesburg, South Africa: M & G Media. Retrieved 2014-10-30.
20. Lutjeharms, Wilhelm (24 April 2020). "We check out Nelson Mandela's special W126 Mercedes-Benz 500SE..." Carmags (South Africa).
21. Torchinsky, Jason (6 December 2013). "The Story Of The Special Mercedes S-Class Made For Nelson Mandela". Jalopnik.

Bibliography

General

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• Greene, Nik (2019). Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class 1979-1991. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781785005411.
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Workshop manuals

• Mellon, Thomas A, ed. (2001). Chilton Mercedes: Coupes/Sedans/Wagons, 1974-84 Repair Manual. Chilton Total Car Care Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton; Sparkford, UK: Haynes. ISBN 0801990769.
• Mercedes S-Klasse 280 S / 280 SE / 380 S / 500 SE. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 662. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2002. ISBN 9783716815854.
• Mercedes S-Klasse Serie W126 ab September 79. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 929/930. (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2012. ISBN 9783716817582.
• Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2005. ISBN 9780837610337.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz W126.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz C126.

• The unofficial W126 page – history and details of the W126
• Fuenfkommasechs.de – German website with vast information on development, model history, engines and innovations
• Production information, technical data, and media of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Digital Archive