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
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan (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.

车型车型年份产量底盘发动机变速箱合计
300 SD Turbodiesel1981–198510.1980–08.1985126.120617.95178,725
300 SDL Turbodiesel1986–198702.1985–09.1987126.125603.96113,830
350 SD Turbodiesel199106.1990–08.1991126.134603.9702,066
350 SDL Turbodiesel199104.1990–08.1991126.135603.9702,925
260 SE1986–199110.1985–02.1991126.020103.94120,836
280 S1980–198112.1979–10.1981126.021110.92442,996
280 S1982–198510.1981–11.1985126.021110.926已计入上方
280 SE1980–198112.1979–10.1981126.022110.987133,955
280 SE1982–198510.1981–09.1985126.022110.989已计入上方
280 SEL198106.1980–10.1981126.023110.98720,655
280 SEL1982–198510.1981–09.1985126.023110.989已计入上方
300 SE1986–199109.1985–10.1991126.024103.981105,422
300 SEL1986–199109.1985–08.1991126.025103.98140,956
380 SE1980–198101.1980–10.1981126.032116.96158,239
380 SE1982–198510.1981–11.1985126.032116.963已计入上方
380 SEL1980–198106.1980–10.1981126.033116.96127,014
380 SEL1982–198510.1981–09.1985126.033116.963已计入上方
420 SE1986–199109.1985–12.1991126.034116.96513,996
420 SEL1986–199110.1985–10.1991126.035116.96574,017
500 SE1980–198101.1980–10.1981126.036117.96133,418
500 SE1982–198510.1981–09.1985126.036117.963已计入上方
500 SE1986–199109.1985–08.1991126.036117.965已计入上方
500 SEL1980–198106.1980–10.1981126.037117.96172,693
500 SEL1982–198510.1981–09.1985126.037117.963已计入上方
500 SEL1986–199209.1985–02.1992126.037117.965已计入上方
560 SE1988–199104.1988–01.1991126.038117.9681,252
560 SEL1986–199210.1985–04.1992126.039117.96875,071

* 公布的产量涵盖该车型的所有系列；资料来源未作进一步细分。

W126 side profile
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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 1991
    • Most W126 saloon production ended between August and October as the W140 entered production.
  6. 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 hp / 5,500 转/分

    223 N·m

    164 lb·ft / 4,000 转/分

  • 110.926 2.7 L · 2,746 cc

    156 PS

    115 kW · 154 hp / 5,500 转/分

    223 N·m

    164 lb·ft / 4,000 转/分

  • 110.987 2.7 L · 2,746 cc

    185 PS

    136 kW · 182 hp / 5,800 转/分

    240 N·m

    177 lb·ft / 4,500 转/分

  • 110.989 2.7 L · 2,746 cc

    185 PS

    136 kW · 182 hp / 5,800 转/分

    240 N·m

    177 lb·ft / 4,500 转/分

M116

V8
  • 116.961 3.8 L · 3,818 cc

    218 PS

    160 kW · 215 hp / 5,500 转/分

    299 N·m

    221 lb·ft / 4,000 转/分

  • 116.963 3.8 L · 3,818 cc

    218 PS

    160 kW · 215 hp / 5,500 转/分

    299 N·m

    221 lb·ft / 4,000 转/分

  • 116.965 4.2 L · 4,196 cc

    218 PS

    160 kW · 215 hp / 5,200 转/分

    330 N·m

    243 lb·ft / 4,000 转/分

OM617

Inline-5 diesel
  • 617.951 3.0 L · 2,998 cc

    121 PS

    89 kW · 119 hp / 4,350 转/分

    230 N·m

    170 lb·ft / 2,400 转/分

OM603

Inline-6 diesel
  • 603.961 3.0 L · 2,996 cc

    150 PS

    110 kW · 148 hp / 4,600 转/分

    273 N·m

    201 lb·ft / 2,400 转/分

  • 603.970 3.4 L · 3,449 cc

    136 PS

    100 kW · 134 hp / 4,000 转/分

    310 N·m

    229 lb·ft / 2,000 转/分

M103

Inline-6
  • 103.941 2.6 L · 2,599 cc

    166 PS

    122 kW · 164 hp / 5,800 转/分

    228 N·m

    168 lb·ft / 4,600 转/分

  • 103.981 3.0 L · 2,962 cc

    188 PS

    138 kW · 185 hp / 5,700 转/分

    260 N·m

    192 lb·ft / 4,400 转/分

M117

V8
  • 117.961 5.0 L · 4,973 cc

    240 PS

    177 kW · 237 hp / 4,750 转/分

    404 N·m

    298 lb·ft / 3,200 转/分

  • 117.963 5.0 L · 4,973 cc

    231 PS

    170 kW · 228 hp / 4,750 转/分

    405 N·m

    299 lb·ft / 3,000 转/分

  • 117.965 5.0 L · 4,973 cc

    245 PS

    180 kW · 242 hp / 4,750 转/分

    400 N·m

    295 lb·ft / 3,750 转/分

  • 117.968 5.5 L · 5,547 cc

    300 PS

    220 kW · 296 hp / 5,000 转/分

    455 N·m

    336 lb·ft / 3,750 转/分