Mercedes-Benz S-klasse 280 SE / 500 SEL / 560 SEC (W126, 1979 - 1991)

De Mercedes-Benz 280 SE / 500 SEL / 560 SEC (W126) is a top-class model series from Mercedes-Benz. The model was built between September 1979 and October 1991. The W126 was the second series with the official name S-Class (Sonderklasse). The W126 was the successor to the W116.

Mercedes-Benz 560 sel w126 1990

History and background

Unveiled in September 1979 but introduced to the market in early 1980, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 was a completely new design compared to its predecessor, the highly successful W116. Apart from the name and the general appearance, it had nothing in common with the car it replaced.

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.

This is likely why the W126 is not only the best-selling S-Class in history, with no fewer than 818.063 units sold, but also the longest in production, as it was built continuously for 12 years.

The W126 line also introduced many Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including the first airbag systems, seatbelt tensioners, and traction control. Three safety firsts in one generation — at a time when most competitors had none.

interior Mercedes-Benz 560 sel w126 1990

Design and interior

In terms of body design, the goal 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 use of lighter materials and alloys combined with thorough wind tunnel research to reduce overall drag meant that the car consumed approximately 10% less fuel than its predecessor.

It was the first Mercedes-Benz to switch from traditional chrome bumpers to polyurethane-deformable and more aerodynamic bumpers. A drag coefficient of Cd 0,36 doesn't seem that good in modern times, but in the late seventies, it was the best a large sedan could do.

In 1985, a mid-cycle facelift followed, in which the bumpers, sill panels, and wheels were updated and the engine range was thoroughly revised — two new six-cylinder engines and new 4,2- and 5,6-liter V8s were added.

Model variants

First series of sedans (1979–1985):

• 280 SE / 280 SEL — M110 DOHC inline six, 2.746 cc, 185 hp
• 380 SE / 380 SEL — M116 V8, 3.818 cc, 204 hp
• 500 SE / 500 SEL — M117 V8, 4.973 cc, 231 hp
• 300 SD (1980–1985) — OM617 turbodiesel inline five, 3.005 cc, 125 hp, North America only

Second series of sedans (1985–1991):

• 260 SE / 260 SEL — M103 inline six, 2.597 cc, 166 hp
• 300 SE / 300 SEL — M103 inline six, 2.962 cc, 188 hp
• 420 SE / 420 SEL — M116 V8, 4.196 cc, 218 hp
• 500 SE / 500 SEL — M117 V8, 4.973 cc, 245 hp
• 560 SE / 560 SEL — M117 V8, 5.547 cc, 279–300 hp — top model
• 300 SDL — OM603 diesel inline six, 2.996 cc, 148 hp, North America only

Coupés (C126, 1981–1991):

• 380 SEC (1981–1985) — 204 hp
• 500 SEC (1981–1985) — 231 hp
• 420 SEC (1985–1987) — 218 hp
• 500 SEC (1985–1987) — 245 hp
• 560 SEC (1986–1991) — 279–300 hp — rarest and most sought-after variant

Special editions:

• Guard — armored version for heads of state, extended wheelbase
• Nelson Mandela received a commemorative model, a red 1990 500 SE.

engine block Mercedes-Benz 560 sel w126 1990

Competitors

The W126 was the undisputed benchmark for luxury sedans in its time. Direct competitors were:

• Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
• Jaguar XJ6 Series III / XJ40
• BMW 7 Series E23 / E32
• Lexus LS400 (from 1989)

Successor model

In 1991, the W140 replaced the W126 S-Class. The very first W140 rolled off the assembly line on August 6, 1991. The W140 was larger, heavier, and even more technologically advanced — but was considered excessive by many. The W126 continued to surpass its successor in reputation for a long time and is today one of the most prized post-war Mercedes-Benz classics.