Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan · S-Class

W126

The S-Class that set the template for decades.

Production: 1979–1991
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 1979–1991 came to 490,905 cars.

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

Every model.

13 model designations across 1979–1991 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W126.

Modèle	Millésimes	Châssis	Moteur	Total
300 SD Turbodiesel	1981–1985	126.120	617.951	78,725
260 SE	1986–1991	126.020	103.941	20,836
280 S	1980–1981	126.021	110.924	42,996
280 S	1982–1985	126.021	110.926	inclus ci-dessus
280 SE	1980–1981	126.022	110.987	133,955
280 SE	1982–1985	126.022	110.989	inclus ci-dessus
300 SE	1986–1991	126.024	103.981	105,422
380 SE	1982–1985	126.032	116.963	inclus ci-dessus
420 SE	1986–1991	126.034	116.965	13,996
500 SE	1980–1981	126.036	117.961	33,418
500 SE	1982–1985	126.036	117.963	inclus ci-dessus
500 SE	1986–1991	126.036	117.965	inclus ci-dessus
560 SE	1988–1991	126.038	117.968	1,252

* Le chiffre de production publié couvre toutes les séries de ce modèle ; la source ne le détaille pas davantage.

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

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

Engines.

Five engine families — the OM617 diesel 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 hp à 5,500 tr/min
223 N·m
164 lb·ft à 4,000 tr/min
110.926 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
156 PS
115 kW · 154 hp à 5,500 tr/min
223 N·m
164 lb·ft à 4,000 tr/min
110.987 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp à 5,800 tr/min
240 N·m
177 lb·ft à 4,500 tr/min
110.989 2.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp à 5,800 tr/min
240 N·m
177 lb·ft à 4,500 tr/min

M116

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

OM617

Inline-5 diesel

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

M103

Inline-6

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

M117

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