Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan · 2nd generation S

W126

The S-Class that set the template for decades.

Production: 1979–1992
Built: 490,905
Body: Sedan
Chassis: W126

The W126 S-Class refined the formula the W116 established — a lighter, more aerodynamic flagship that dominated the luxury saloon market through the 1980s with engineering restraint and unmistakable presence.

Six-cylinder 260 SE and 300 SE models served the entry luxury buyer, while 380 SE, 420 SE, 500 SE, and 560 SE V8s covered the upper range. The 300 SD turbo diesel brought oil-burning S-Class motoring to America, and the SEC coupé on C126 shared the same platform with pillarless glamour. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, and improved corrosion protection made the W126 the S-Class many owners still consider the high-water mark.

Production over 1979–1992 came to 490,905 cars.

W126 interior — Cabin details of the W126, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

18 model designations across 1979–1992 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W126, including the long-wheelbase SEL and SDL versions.

Malli	Mallivuodet	Valmistettu	Alusta	Moottori	Yhteensä
300 SD Turbodiesel	1981–1985	10.1980–08.1985	126.120	617.951	78,725
300 SDL Turbodiesel	1986–1987	02.1985–09.1987	126.125	603.961	13,830
350 SD Turbodiesel	1991	06.1990–08.1991	126.134	603.970	2,066
350 SDL Turbodiesel	1991	04.1990–08.1991	126.135	603.970	2,925
260 SE	1986–1991	10.1985–02.1991	126.020	103.941	20,836
280 S	1980–1981	12.1979–10.1981	126.021	110.924	42,996
280 S	1982–1985	10.1981–11.1985	126.021	110.926	sisältyy yllä olevaan
280 SE	1980–1981	12.1979–10.1981	126.022	110.987	133,955
280 SE	1982–1985	10.1981–09.1985	126.022	110.989	sisältyy yllä olevaan
280 SEL	1981	06.1980–10.1981	126.023	110.987	20,655
280 SEL	1982–1985	10.1981–09.1985	126.023	110.989	sisältyy yllä olevaan
300 SE	1986–1991	09.1985–10.1991	126.024	103.981	105,422
300 SEL	1986–1991	09.1985–08.1991	126.025	103.981	40,956
380 SE	1980–1981	01.1980–10.1981	126.032	116.961	58,239
380 SE	1982–1985	10.1981–11.1985	126.032	116.963	sisältyy yllä olevaan
380 SEL	1980–1981	06.1980–10.1981	126.033	116.961	27,014
380 SEL	1982–1985	10.1981–09.1985	126.033	116.963	sisältyy yllä olevaan
420 SE	1986–1991	09.1985–12.1991	126.034	116.965	13,996
420 SEL	1986–1991	10.1985–10.1991	126.035	116.965	74,017
500 SE	1980–1981	01.1980–10.1981	126.036	117.961	33,418
500 SE	1982–1985	10.1981–09.1985	126.036	117.963	sisältyy yllä olevaan
500 SE	1986–1991	09.1985–08.1991	126.036	117.965	sisältyy yllä olevaan
500 SEL	1980–1981	06.1980–10.1981	126.037	117.961	72,693
500 SEL	1982–1985	10.1981–09.1985	126.037	117.963	sisältyy yllä olevaan
500 SEL	1986–1992	09.1985–02.1992	126.037	117.965	sisältyy yllä olevaan
560 SE	1988–1991	04.1988–01.1991	126.038	117.968	1,252
560 SEL	1986–1992	10.1985–04.1992	126.039	117.968	75,071

* Julkaistu tuotantoluku kattaa kyseisen mallin kaikki sarjat; lähde ei erittele sitä tarkemmin.

Studio profile of the W126 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

Year by year.

The material factory changes, safety upgrades and visual cues that separate early and late W126 saloons.

1979
- The W126 saloon debuted at the Frankfurt motor show with standard- and 140 mm-longer SEL wheelbases.
- The launch range comprised the 280 S, 280 SE, 280 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 500 SE and 500 SEL.
- The 380 and 500 models introduced light-alloy-block M116 and M117 V8 engines to the S-Class.
1981
- The Energy Concept revision altered the V8 engines for lower fuel consumption and stronger low-speed torque.
- A driver airbag became available with a seat-belt tensioner for the front passenger.
1985
- The September facelift brought deeper bumpers, reshaped side skirts and 15-inch wheels.
- The M103-powered 260 SE and 300 SE replaced the M110-powered 280 models.
- The 420 SE replaced the 380 SE with the enlarged M116 V8.
- The 560 SEL joined as the new long-wheelbase flagship.
- The US-market 300 SDL replaced the 300 SD with an OM603 six-cylinder turbodiesel and long-wheelbase body.
1987
- Higher-compression V8 engines raised output across the 420, 500 and 560 range.
- A front-passenger airbag became available in place of the glovebox.
1991
- Most W126 saloon production ended between August and October as the W140 entered production.
1992
- The final export and armoured W126 saloons left production in April.

W126 rear three-quarter view — Rear three-quarter view of the W126.

Engines.

Six engine families — the OM617 and OM603 diesels and the M103 through M117 petrols — as fitted to the W126.

M110

Inline-6

110.924 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
156 PS
115 kW · 154 hv / 5,500 r/min
223 N·m
164 lb·ft / 4,000 r/min
110.926 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
156 PS
115 kW · 154 hv / 5,500 r/min
223 N·m
164 lb·ft / 4,000 r/min
110.987 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hv / 5,800 r/min
240 N·m
177 lb·ft / 4,500 r/min
110.989 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hv / 5,800 r/min
240 N·m
177 lb·ft / 4,500 r/min

M116

116.961 3.8 L · 3,818 cc
218 PS
160 kW · 215 hv / 5,500 r/min
299 N·m
221 lb·ft / 4,000 r/min
116.963 3.8 L · 3,818 cc
218 PS
160 kW · 215 hv / 5,500 r/min
299 N·m
221 lb·ft / 4,000 r/min
116.965 4.2 L · 4,196 cc
218 PS
160 kW · 215 hv / 5,200 r/min
330 N·m
243 lb·ft / 4,000 r/min

OM617

Inline-5 diesel

617.951 3.0 L · 2,998 cc
121 PS
89 kW · 119 hv / 4,350 r/min
230 N·m
170 lb·ft / 2,400 r/min

OM603

Inline-6 diesel

603.961 3.0 L · 2,996 cc
150 PS
110 kW · 148 hv / 4,600 r/min
273 N·m
201 lb·ft / 2,400 r/min
603.970 3.4 L · 3,449 cc
136 PS
100 kW · 134 hv / 4,000 r/min
310 N·m
229 lb·ft / 2,000 r/min

M103

Inline-6

103.941 2.6 L · 2,599 cc
166 PS
122 kW · 164 hv / 5,800 r/min
228 N·m
168 lb·ft / 4,600 r/min
103.981 3.0 L · 2,962 cc
188 PS
138 kW · 185 hv / 5,700 r/min
260 N·m
192 lb·ft / 4,400 r/min

M117

117.961 5.0 L · 4,973 cc
240 PS
177 kW · 237 hv / 4,750 r/min
404 N·m
298 lb·ft / 3,200 r/min
117.963 5.0 L · 4,973 cc
231 PS
170 kW · 228 hv / 4,750 r/min
405 N·m
299 lb·ft / 3,000 r/min
117.965 5.0 L · 4,973 cc
245 PS
180 kW · 242 hv / 4,750 r/min
400 N·m
295 lb·ft / 3,750 r/min
117.968 5.5 L · 5,547 cc
300 PS
220 kW · 296 hv / 5,000 r/min
455 N·m
336 lb·ft / 3,750 r/min