The W126 had a twelve-year production run between 1979 and 1991, the longest of any S-Class generation since the flagship models were first built in the mid 1950s.
History:
Following the debut of the 1970s generation W116 (which also included the flagship Mercedes Benz 450SEL 6.9), Mercedes Benz began plans for the next generation S-Class model in October 1973. Codenamed "project W126," the project had specific goals: an improved ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency. These improvements were aimed at helping retain the S-Class' market leadership as the world's best selling prestige luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz had made fuel efficiency an especially pertinent goal (named "Energy Program"), even in the large V8 engined versions of the S-Class.
In terms of the body design, the objective of the W126 design team, led by Mercedes-Benz's Bruno Sacco, was to produce a car that was sleeker and more aerodynamic than the previous model. The application of lighter materials and alloys combined with thorough wind tunnel testing to reduce overall drag meant the car consumed about 10% less fuel than its predecessor. The maximum speed was also increased (250 km/h in the most powerful model).
After six years of development, the W126 was formally introduced at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (International Motor Show, or IAA) in Frankfurt on September 1979. The initial lineup featured seven models in standard (SE S-Klasse-Einspritzmotor, SD S-Klasse-Diesel) and long (SEL, SDL) wheelbase sedan body styles: the 280 SE/SEL, 380 SE/SEL, 500 SE/SEL and 300 SD. Technically, the long wheelbase (SEL) variants were codenamed V126, but this was not popularly known. In 1981, the coupe version C126 (SEC, acronym for (German language) S-Klasse-Einspritzmotor-Coupe) of the W126 S-Class premiered at the IAA with the 500 SEC model. In 1981, Wheels Magazine selected the W126 model 380 SE as its Car of the Year.
Although the top of range Mercedes Benz 450 SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500 SEL and later on 420 SEL and 560 SEL models.
Four years after the introduction of the fuel efficiency "Energy Program," the model range had been reworked completely. In September 1985, again at the IAA in Frankfurt, the reworked model range was reintroduced. Apart from visual changes to the bumpers, side covers and alloys, the changes made to the available collection of engine variants was most visible. Two newly constructed 6 cylinder engines and new 4.2 and 5.6 L V8's were added, and other engines were further upgraded.
The W126 generation was replaced by the W140 in 1991, although a satellite factory in South Africa is known to have continued production until 1994. The different body styles of the W126 S-Class achieved a combined sales total of 892123 units (818063 sedans and 74060 coupes), making the W126 the most popular S-Class ever produced.
Styling:
From 1973 to 1975, Mercedes Benz designers worked on the successor to the W116. In December 1975, after several design concepts being presented, the design for the W126 S-Class was approved and frozen in 1976. Design work on the coupe began immediately afterward, being finalized in 1977. It premiered the next generation of Mercedes Benz car styling, which came to dominate the lineup in the 1980s. Compared to its predecessor, the W116, the new model had more aerodynamic qualities than before (with a drag coefficient of Cd 0.36 for the sedans, 0.34 for the coupes). For the first time, a Mercedes Benz sedan was not equipped with traditional chrome bumpers; polyurethane deformable bumpers were used, and visually aligned with body panels. Design patents were first filed on March 31977 and later on September 61977 at the United States Patent Office.
The interior featured pleated leather on the doors on later cars and woodgrain trim on the center console and across the dash, and a simplified layout with symmetrically placed buttons. Both zebrano and burled walnut were used on low/mid and high-end cars, respectively.
Models:
The W126 series (named in accordance to their engine size) initially included the 280, 300, 380, and 500 series models. Following the first S-Class mid cycle refresh, the W126 series included 260, 300, 350, 420, 500, and 560 models. Variants included SE (standard wheelbase), SEL (long wheelbase), SEC (coupe), and diesel models (SD / SDL).
| Years | Model | Chassis | Engine | Market | Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979–1985 | 280 S | W126.021 | M110.924 2.8L inline 6 carburetor | N/A in US | 42996 |
| 1979–1985 | 280 SE | W126.022 | M110.987 2.8L inline 6 | N/A in US | 133955 |
| 1979–1985 | 380 SE | W126.032 | M116.963 3.8L V8 | 58239 | |
| 1979–1985 | 500 SE | W126.036 | M117.963 5.0L V8 | N/A in US & AU | 33418 (79–91) |
| 1980–1985 | 280 SEL | W126.023 | M110.987 2.8L inline 6 | N/A in US | 20655 |
| 1980–1985 | 300 SD | W126.120 | OM617.951 3.0L inline 5 | US & CA only | 78725 |
| 1980–1985 | 380 SEL | W126.033 | M116.963 3.8L V8 | 27014 | |
| 1980–1985 | 500 SEL | W126.037 | M117.963 5.0L V8 | 72733 (80–91) | |
| 1980–1985 | 500 SEC | W126.044 | M117.963 5.0L V8 | 30184 (80–91) | |
| 1981–1985 | 380 SEC | W126.043 | M116.963 3.8L V8 | 11267 | |
| 1985–1991 | 260 SE | W126.020 | M103.941 2.6L inline 6 | N/A in US & AU | 20836 |
| 1985–1991 | 300 SE | W126.024 | M103.981 3.0L inline 6 | 105422 | |
| 1985–1991 | 420 SE | W126.034 | M116.965 4.2L V8 | N/A in US | 13996 |
| 1985–1991 | 420 SEL | W126.035 | M116.965 4.2L V8 | 74017 | |
| 1985–1991 | 420 SEC | W126.046 | M116.965 4.2L V8 | N/A in US | 3680 |
| 1985–1991 | 500 SE | W126.036 | M117.965 5.0L V8 | N/A in US | |
| 1985–1991 | 500 SEL | W126.037 | M117.965 5.0L V8 | N/A in US | |
| 1985–1991 | 500 SEC | W126.044 | M117.965 5.0L V8 | N/A in US | |
| 1985–1991 | 560 SEL | W126.039 | M117.968 5.5L V8 | 75071 | |
| 1985–1991 | 560 SEC | W126.045 | M117.968 5.5L V8 | 28929 | |
| 1985–1993 | 300 SEL | W126.025 | M103.981 3.0L inline 6 | 40956 | |
| 1986–1987 | 300 SDL | W126.125 | OM603.961 3.0L inline 6 | US & CA Only | 13830 |
| 1988–1991 | 560 SE | W126.038 | M117.968 5.5L V8 | N/A in US & AU | 1251 |
| 1991 | 350 SD | W126.134 | OM603.97 3.5L inline 6 | US & CA Only | 2066 |
| 1990–1991 | 350 SDL | W126.135 | OM603.97 3.5L inline 6 | US & CA Only | 2925 |
| Saloon Total | 818,105 | ||||
| Coupe Total | 74,060 | ||||
Dimensions and weight
| Body style | Wheelbase | Length | Width | Height | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (short-wheelbase) | 2935 mm (115.6 in) | 4995–5020 mm (196.7–197.6 in) | 1820 mm (71.7 in) | 1430–1,437 mm (56.3–56.6 in) | 1600 kg (3527 lb) |
| Sedan (long-wheelbase) | 3075 mm (121.1 in) | 5135–5160 mm (202.2–203.1 in) | 1820 mm (71.7 in) | 1441 mm (56.7 in) | 1600 kg (3527 lb) |
| Coupe | 2850 mm (112.2 in) | 4910–4935 mm (193.3–194.3 in) | 1828 mm (72.0 in) | 1406 mm (55.4 in) | 1610 kg (3549 lb) |
Timeline
| ] Mercedes-Benz W126 timeline | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
| 280 S | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 280 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 380 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 500 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 280 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300 SD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 380 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 500 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 500 SEC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 380 SEC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 260 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 420 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 420 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 420 SEC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 560 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 560 SEC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300 SEL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300 SDL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 560 SE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 350 SD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 350 SDL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Novel luxury features/options included the following safety, comfort, and technological features. Whilst almost all of these features are available on modern luxury cars today, each in its own right was considered very significant in the 1980s. The harmonious and "matter-of-fact" way which these were combined, as well as their renowned durability, has added to the appeal of W126.
Safety:
Airbags, as an additional measure of occupant protection. The driver side airbag premiered on 1981 models, as an optional extra (standard from 1985 on 500 SEL and 500 SEC), and the passenger side airbag premiered in 1987 and became available in February 1988 (as an optional extra; due to its expense, few early production W126 cars were thus equipped). The passenger side airbag became standard in 1989 for the U.S. V8 models and was made standard in 1990 for all 1991 models.
Traction control system (TCS), also known as Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) to prevent wheelspin (a Mercedes-Benz first). Available only on European models from 1989 until the model year 1991, when it was introduced on 560 SEL and SEC models in the United States for that last production year only.
Seat belt pretensioners ETR enabled all seat belts (with exception of rear centre lap belt on sedans) to tighten when the car sensed conditions that could lead to an accident (such as sudden, forceful braking).
-Anti-lock braking system (ABS) (as introduced by its predecessor, the W116) was optional until 1986 except on premier 500 SEL and 500 SEC models.
-Crumple zones which absorbed impact energies, reducing passenger injury.
-Fluted taillights continuing the design pioneered on the W116, a design that helped maximise visibility of taillights from behind the car even when extremely dirty
-A third brakelight from 1986 on US-model cars, which provided a third brake lamp in the center of the rear windscreen as a safety feature.
Comfort and convenience:
Courtesy lights on the underside of the doors, to enable the occupant to see the ground when exiting the vehicle in the dark. And on sedan models, individual, rear cabin reading lamps aimed at the rear-seat occupants' laps so as to avoid distracting the driver at night.
Eight way powered, dual stage heated front seats, with two setting memory functions for both front occupants to retain positions of power adjustable steering column and seat position for driver; and seat position for front passenger. The seat heaters were standard on the 560 SEL/SEC, and an option on other models. Later-production (post-facelift) models so equipped had higher wattage heated seats, as compared to earlier models.
Two way powered, dual stage heated rear "Chesterfield" bench seat (pre-1990 SELs) with four way manually adjustable rear headrests that was standard on flagship 500 SEL and 560 SEL models.
As an option on the 500 SEL and 560 SEL, individual, power adjustable rear seats were provided with a burl walnut grained centre console that replaced the centre seat to allow for a 2 + 2 seating format.
An optional fully automatic climate control system that used an interior temperature sensor to more accurately climatize 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.
Drivetrain technologies:
4 speed automatic transmission with a topographical sensor that monitored the vehicle's position (whether on an incline or decline) and gas pedal position. The result was an extraordinary capacity to "hold back" acceleration when coasting downhill and to maintain the S-Class' position without using the brake pedal after coming to a complete stop on a steep incline. The transmission also featured a "limp home mode" in case of electronic failure and was programmed to start in second gear so as to permit smooth, wheel spin free launches. Second gear start could be switched on and off in European models with a S/W switch to allow more performance orientated driving versus winter driving.
The W126 carried forward the self leveling hydropneumatic suspension of the W116 450 SEL 6.9 model. There were two versions of the self-leveling suspension for the sedan: a rear only hydraulic suspension using two nitrogen ballasts to automatically level the car, and a four wheel hydraulic leveling system that could be set in three positions. The coupes were only available with the rear leveling from the factory. In the US, rear leveling was standard on both the 560 SEC and the 560 SEL, and optional on the 500 SEC and SEL. The four wheel hydraulic leveling system was never made available for North American-market cars.
Cruise control that used the transmission's topographical sensor to appropriately add and cut back the throttle fluidly as needed in order to maintain the desired set speed. The result was a cruise control that was free of the sudden throttle inputs and undesired downhill excess speed that plagued many contemporary cruise control systems.
Engines:
In September 1985, two newly constructed 6 cylinder SOHC engines, M103 (already used in the new mid sized Mercedes Benz W124 series), replaced the 2.8 L DOHC M110 engines. The carburetted version was replaced by a 2.6 L fuel injection engine, while the 3.0 L version replaced the fuel injected M110. Also new was a 4.2 L V8 engine, designed to replace the 3.8 L version used in the W126 sedans, coupes, and the SL-Class. The 5.0 L engine was modified to receive electronic ignition and electronic-mechanical fuel injection in form of the Bosch KE-jetronic system. Performance was increased to 245 HP. An ECE version of the 5.0 L M117 V8 engine was also available from September 1987 with a power output of 265 HP.
The largest new engine was the 5.5 L V8 that was a further development from the 5 litre version. An increased stroke resulted in an increased peak horsepower output of 272 HP. There was a higher compression version available, if required, that produced 300 HP. This version was only available without catalytic converter. But even without the catalytic converter this ECE version, as it was known, would meet the emission requirements of the European community.
A 3.0 L inline 5 cylinder turbo diesel (http://allaboutdieselz.blogspot.ro/2015/07/30-d-td-om617-mercedes-engine.html) was offered from 1981–1985 in North America. In 1986, the 300 SD was replaced with the 300 SDL. It was part of the second generation of W126 model lineup. The 5 cylinder engine was replaced with the new inline 6 cylinder engine and the engine was only offered in long wheelbase. The new engine had 148 HP compared to 125 HP of the previous version. California specification 1986 and all 1987 cars were the first diesel cars to have a diesel particulate filter. This early implementation did not hold up under normal use, and was replaced by a standard diesel oxidization catalyst in the course of a recall.
| Engine | Cyl. | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Maximum speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | ||||||
| 2.6 12V | I6 | 166 HP | 228 NM (168 lb·ft) | 205 km/h (127 mph) | From MY 1986 | |
| 2.6 12V* | I6 | 160 HP | 220 NM (162 lb·ft) | 205 km/h (127 mph) | From MY 1986 | |
| 2.8 12V carb. | I6 | 156 HP | 223 NM (164 lb·ft) | 11.0s | 200 km/h (124 mph) | MY 1980–1985 |
| 2.8 12V inj. | I6 | 185 HP | 240 NM (177 lb·ft) | 10.0s | 210 km/h (130 mph) | MY 1980–1985 |
| 3.0 12V* | I6 | 180 HP | 255 NM (188 lb·ft) | 210 km/h (130 mph) | From MY 1986 | |
| 3.0 12V | I6 | 188 HP | 260 NM (192 lb·ft) | 210 km/h (130 mph) | From MY 1986 | |
| 3.8 16V | V8 | 218 HP | 299 NM (221 lb·ft) | 215 km/h (134 mph) | MY 1980–1981 | |
| 3.8 16V | V8 | 204 HP | 315 NM (232 lb·ft) | 9.3s | 205 km/h (127 mph) | MY 1982–1985 |
| 4.2 16V* | V8 | 204 HP | 310 NM (229 lb·ft) | 210 km/h (130 mph) | MY 1986 | |
| 4.2 16V | V8 | 218 HP | 330 NM (243 lb·ft) | 9.0s | 218 km/h (135 mph) | MY 1986 |
| 4.2 16V* | V8 | 224 HP | 325 NM (240 lb·ft) | 8.3s | 218 km/h (135 mph) | From MY 1987 |
| 4.2 16V | V8 | 231 HP | 335 NM (247 lb·ft) | 8.1s | 222 km/h (138 mph) | From MY 1987 |
| 5.0 16V | V8 | 223 HP | 365 NM (269 lb·ft) | 8.0s | 220 km/h (137 mph) | From MY 1986 |
| 5.0 16V | V8 | 240 HP | 402 NM (296 lb·ft) | 225 km/h (140 mph) | MY 1980–1981 | |
| 5.0 16V | V8 | 231 HP | 405 NM (299 lb·ft) | 8.1s | 220 km/h (137 mph) | MY 1982–1985 |
| 5.0 16V | V8 | 245 HP | 400 NM (295 lb·ft) | 7.6s | 230 km/h (143 mph) | MY 1986 |
| 5.0 16V* | V8 | 223 HP | 358 NM (264 lb·ft) | 220 km/h (137 mph) | MY 1986 | |
| 5.0 16V* | V8 | 252 HP | 390 NM (288 lb·ft) | 7.5s | 230 km/h (143 mph) | From MY 1987 |
| 5.0 16V | V8 | 265 HP | 405 NM (299 lb·ft) | 7.3s | 235 km/h (146 mph) | From MY 1987 |
| 5.5 16V* | V8 | 242 HP | 390 NM (288 lb·ft) | 7.6s | 228 km/h (142 mph) | MY 1986 |
| 5.5 16V* | V8 | 279 HP | 430 NM (317 lb·ft) | 7.2s | 240 km/h (149 mph) | From MY 1987 |
| 5.5 16V | V8 | 272 HP | 421 NM (311 lb·ft) | 250 km/h (155 mph) | MY 1986 | |
| 5.5 16V RÜF | V8 | 299 HP | 456 NM (336 lb·ft) | 250 km/h (155 mph) | From MY 1987 | |
| 5.5 16V ECE | V8 | 299 HP | 455 NM (336 lb·ft) | 6.9s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | MY 1986/87 |
| Diesel | ||||||
| 3.0 TD | I5 | 125 HP | 250 NM (184 lb·ft) | 15.2s | 175 km/h (109 mph) | MY 1980–1985 |
| 3.0 TD | I6 | 150 HP | 273 NM (201 lb·ft) | 12.5s | 195 km/h (121 mph) | MY 1986/87 |
| 3.5 TD | I6 | 136 HP | 310 NM (229 lb·ft) | 13.0s | 175 km/h (109 mph) | MY 1990/91 |
| * = Catalyst version | ||||||
-Popular tuners:
AMG offered body kits for all W126 models, as well as a widebody kit for the coupe. AMG also offered many levels of engine tuning, but was most famous for the DOHC 6.0 L engine, based on the original 117968 engine. Also offered was a Gleason Torsen differential in varying ratios, manual transmission (extremely rare), and various TV/radio consoles.
Trasco Bremen offered a stretch limousine version called the "1000 SEL".
A variety of coachbuilders offered convertibles based on the SEC (coupe) 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.
-Armored models:
Like the current model 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.
U.S. grey market:
The 500 SEL has an interesting place in U.S. automotive history, since American demand for this particular car was high, it drove the establishment of a large grey market. The 380 SE/SEL/SEC was conceived as underpowered by American standards, according to contemporary reports, thus driving up demand for the more powerful version that was the 500. Approximately 22000 units per year of grey market Mercedes Benz (including the 500 SE/SEL) were sold in the early 1980s, according to contemporary reports in the Los Angeles Times.
Racing:
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 other had issues with the rear axle.
Awards:
The W126 S-Class achieved several awards during its production period. The W126 model 380 SE was the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year in 1981, the W126 was awarded the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute "Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989, and the W126 was the third ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's 1990 Initial Quality Survey (IQS). In 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990, with the W126 S-Class leading its sales, Mercedes Benz received the highest customer ratings in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index.
Legacy:
The W126 series of S-Class has been the most popular S-Class on record in terms of units produced. The W126's 12 year production run was longer than any S-Class before or since, and following the debut of the W140 S-Class in 1991, the additional production in South Africa until 1994 was a testament to the W126's popularity in the export market. Many W126s have been prominently featured in films long after production ended. Many world leaders of the time could be seen being driven around in a W126. Nelson Mandela owned a red 500 SEL. Saddam Hussein used to himself drive at least one flame throwing, armoured 560 SEL, which was made to order. Even today, many countries use this particular model for the transportation of heads of state.
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| W126 EU-Spec Standard Wheelbase |
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| W126 Long Wheelbase |
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| W126 Coupe |
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| W126 Long Wheelbase rear seats |
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