1987 Mercedes-Benz

560 SEL Other

5.6L 8 Cylinder Gasoline Fuel

Automatic

WDBCA39D8HA355357

Clear

Gasoline

OFFERS WELCOME!!! ..... Thanks for taking a look at my amazing 1987 Mercedes Benz 560sel. Selling only because I need a Suburban/truck...otherwise, I would never part with this gem. W126 chassis is built to last. Learn lots about this amazing hand made vehicle at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W126 See more high res photos at this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/dpeszek/MB560sel?authkey=Gv1sRgCNiq-_C7puexKg&feat=directlink Current mileage [as of this posting] roughly 171,500. Mileage will vary as I use this car. More photos will be posted at that time on the Picasa web link shown above. No accidents or body work, no rust, no issues. I have extensive service & maintenance records since my ownership, however, I have no records prior to my ownership. It appears that the car has been well cared for and garaged most of it's life. Come with a car cover, my records, and two keys. Add $1000 for the Yakima roof rack & ski box [brand new] and add $250 for the nearly new studded snow tires. These prices are not negotiable. The window tint has saved the interior from fading, cracking, and sun wear. However, the window tint may not be legal were you live. You may need to check into this and either remove some or all of the tint, or have lighter tint installed. Tint is easily removed with a heat gun in a few minutes. I've never had an issue, but I've been living in sunny western states - other states are more hard core about this. The basics [thanks to the MB Classic Center for providing this info]: Engine # 11796812035906 Trans # 72232302979342 Produced: Sindelfingen Shipped: July 27, 1987 Paint: 040 Black Interior: 271 Black Leather Options: 226 Rear Foot Rests [no longer with car] 442 Driver's Airbag 461 US Instrumention 491 US Version 519 Becker Radio Grand Prix Electronic Cassette - USA [since removed, but comes with car] 524 Paintcoat Preservation 551 Anti Theft 581 Auto Climate Control 597 Green Heat Insulating Glass 634 Elimination of First Aid Box [but there is a factory one in the car...?] 636 Elimination of warning triangle 639 634 + 636 807 Model year 1987 872 Seat Heater for Rear Seats 873 Seat Heater for front seats I purchased the car in September of 2009 with approx 159,000 miles. At that time, the vehicle was in excellent condition, and I could tell [though I don't have written proof] that the following items had been recently replaced by the previous owners: Radiator - Water Pump - Thermostat - Brakes - Summer Tires - Alpine CD/WMA/MP3 Player w/ I-Pod Connect & Controllability, Sirius/XM compatible. The A/C has been converted to the newer R134a from the original R-12. Learn more about the Alpine radio that is in the car here: http://reviews.cnet.com/in-dash-car-stereos/alpine-cda-9884-radio/1707-6729_7-32810196.html Upon purchasing the car, I performed the same maintenance that I do with ANY used car: Oil & Filter change [since changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, always synthetic], trans fluid & filter change, power steering fluid & filter changed, hydraulic suspension fluid changed, new Bosch Iridium/Platinum +4 spark plugs, new distributor cap & rotor, coolant flushed & refilled, 4 wheel alignment [performed by Mercedes Benz shop foreman], bleed & replace brake fluid, new engine air filter, replace fuel filter, all new belts, new rear axle fluid, new wiper blades, new headlight wipers, and re-charge a/c [which was formerly converted to the new R134a]. At that time, I also took care of some needed repairs: new fan clutch, new right & left tie rods & drag link, driver's door window regulator, and a new windshield. I also had the entire car gone over by a Paintless Dent Repair professional to remove any little dings, etc. Dash cover installed [dash is perfect - no cracks or fading]. In January of 2010, I took care of some common long term preventative maintenance..these are items that most people never touch, but knowing how these cars are built to last forever, if you take care of these items, they will last forever: Replacement of drive shaft support bearings - Antenna - rear springs changed to HD non SLS springs - complete replacement of timing chain, guides, seals, gaskets, tensioner, camshaft oiler tubes, and camshaft sprocket gears - Right headlight replaced at this time due to water leak - another new windshield was installed at this time under warranty, due to faulty installation the 1st time around. Rear springs were changed to the non -SLS springs due to a common known weakness in the Self Leveling System - the rear shocks, which are hydraulically pressured from the engine, often times leak with age, causing the car to sag. This is a common problem on all w126's. There are NO LEAKS IN THE SLS system in this car - I simply wanted to preempt any future issues by having the non-SLS HD springs installed, which means that they hold the car up, not the shocks. This does not effect ride quality at all. In May of 2010, I replaced the left axle assembly due to a torn CV boot. Most folks would have simply replaced the boot [a $15 item], but I elected to replace the entire axle, as I was unsure of any contamination having gotten into the CV joint. At this time I had the rear axle fluid changed again to a higher quality fluid that I had sourced, complete with the MB recommended Moly additive. In late October 2010, I ordered brand new studded winter tires mounted on brand new wheels. Since the original factory wheels were toast, they were disposed of and now the car has two sets of nearly new tires [winters have about 3000 miles on them, summers about 7,000 miles on them]. In December 2010 the starter motor was replaced with a Bosch OEM unit. The original most likely [in hindsight] was not bad....it turns out my Neutral Safety switch was going bad. In February of 2011 I replaced a broken vacuum control valve and a weak idle air/speed control valve. Also installed a new Optima Red Top battery. New Sisal fiber floor mats [front] May 2011. Of course throughout my ownership the vehicle has been continually detailed, maintained, with oil & filter changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, using synthetic only, and fresh air & power steering filters every 5000 miles. The auto climate control works as it should, with strong heat and ice cold A/C. All power windows, doors, seats, vacuum items, sunroof, trunk, ABS, Cruise, etc. work as new with no flaws. Rear seat reclines electrically. All seats [front & Rear] are heated - two stage factory heaters [hi/lo]. The only flaws on the car are as follows: 1. Normal stone chips, minor scratches.....car looks new from 20 feet, and damn good up close. Some paint rubs on the front & rear bumper corners from previous owner's poor parking. 2. Needs to have the Neutral Switch installed [I have it]. Currently the car's starter is engaged by using a specially wired in switch on the dash. This is a simple install - about 30 minutes once the car is on a lift. 3. Passenger side mirror motor is bad. I've replaced the toggle switch already...it's the motor. 4. Minor wear on the driver's outside seat bolster...less than you'd expect, but it's there. You can replace the leather with new leather from GAHH.com, or you can put a sheepskin seat cover on it, or you can do nothing. http://www.gahh.com/store.php?cPath=51_3438_259_2322&search_for=Seat%20Covers&products_family_id=2 5. Front seat backs - the cargo nets have been torn off on the passenger side and stretched out on the driver's side. Make me an offer, but please, no low ball offers. This was a $70,000 car when new, and you still cannot buy a car today made this well and built to last. Inspection is welcome and performed at your cost prior to sale. Your bid is a legally binding contract and you are expected to follow through with your intent to purchase if you bid & win. Delivery is your responsibility, however I may be open to negotiating delivery at your pre-paid expense depending on where you live. BELOW FROM WIKIPEDIA. WORTH READING WHETHER YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THESE CARS OR NOT. Mercedes-Benz W126 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For complete overview of all S-Class models, see Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Mercedes-Benz W126 Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz (Daimler-Benz) Production 1979–1991 (sedan) 1981–1992 (coupé) Assembly Germany: Sindelfingen South Africa: East London Predecessor Mercedes-Benz W116 (sedan) Mercedes-Benz C107 (coupé) Successor Mercedes-Benz W140 Class Full-size luxury car Grand tourer Body style 2-door coupé 4-door sedan Layout FR layout Engine Straight-5 3.0 L OM617 diesel Straight-6 2.6 L M103 2.8 L M110 3.0 L M103 3.5 L OM603 diesel V8 3.8 L M116 4.2 L M116 5.0 L M117 5.6 L M117 Transmission 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual Designer Bruno Sacco The Mercedes-Benz W126 is a series of flagship vehicles manufactured by German automotive marque Mercedes-Benz. Premiering in September 1979 as the successor to the earlier W116 line, the W126 was the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz flagship to officially bear the S-Class name referring to Sonderklasse or "special class." The W126 was initially offered in straight-6, V8, and turbodiesel sedan models. In September 1981, 2-door coupé versions of the W126 were introduced. Compared to its predecessor, the W126 was more aerodynamic, fuel efficient, capacious, and powerfully engined. The W126 S-Class debuted a new Mercedes-Benz design style which was subsequently used on other vehicles in the company's lineup. The W126 line also introduced many Mercedes-Benz safety innovations, including the first airbag supplemental restraint systems, seatbelt pretensioners, and traction control.[1] 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.[1][2] Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Styling 3 Models 3.1 Dimensions and weight 3.2 Timeline 4 Features 4.1 Safety 4.2 Comfort and convenience 4.3 Drivetrain technologies 5 Engines 6 Special variants 6.1 Popular tuners 6.2 Armored models 7 U.S. gray market 8 Racing 9 Awards 10 Legacy 11 References 12 External links [edit]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,"[1] the project had specific goals: an improved ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency.[2] These improvements were aimed at helping retain the S-Class' market leadership as the world's best-selling prestige luxury sedan.[1] Following the 1970s oil crisis, Mercedes-Benz had made fuel efficiency an especially pertinent goal (named "Energy Program"),[3] 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.[2] The maximum speed was also increased (250 km/h in the most powerful model).[1] 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, SD) 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.[1] In 1981, the coupé version (SEC) 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.[4] 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 litre V8's were added, and other engines were further upgraded. The W126 generation was replaced by the W140 in 1992, 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 892,123 units (818,063 sedans and 74,060 coupés), making the W126 the most popular S-Class ever produced. [edit]Styling Mercedes-Benz 500 SE sedan The W126 S-Class premiered the next generation of Mercedes-Benz car styling, which came to dominate the lineup in the 1980s. Because the appearance differed from the rest of the Mercedes-Benz fleet at that time, some people did not appreciate the design at its debut.[3] Compared to its predecessor, the W116, the new model had a sleeker, lower profile look, with more aerodynamic qualities than before (drag coefficient of Cd 0.36 for the sedans, 0.34 for the coupés).[1] 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.[2] The interior featured pleated leather on the doors, woodgrain trim on the center console and across the dash, and a simplified layout with symmetrically placed buttons. [edit]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 (coupé), and diesel models (SD / SDL). Mercedes-Benz W126 SE (standard wheelbase version) Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL (long wheelbase version) Mercedes-Benz W126 SEC (coupe) Years Model Chassis Engine Market Built 1979–1985 280 S W126.021 M110.924 2.8L I6 carburetor N/A in US 42,996 1979–1985 280 SE W126.022 M110.987 2.8L I6 N/A in US 133,955 1979–1985 380 SE W126.032 M116.963 3.8L V8 58,239 1979–1985 500 SE W126.036 M117.963 5.0L V8 N/A in US & AU 33,418 (79-91) 1980–1985 280 SEL W126.023 M110.987 2.8L I6 N/A in US 20,655 1980–1985 300 SD W126.120 OM617.951 3.0L I5 USA & CA only 78,725 1980–1985 380 SEL W126.033 M116.963 3.8L V8 27,014 1980–1985 500 SEL W126.037 M117.963 5.0L V8 72,733 (80-91) 1980–1985 500 SEC W126.044 M117.963 5.0L V8 30,184 (80-91) 1981–1985 380 SEC W126.043 M116.963 3.8L V8 11,267 1985–1991 260 SE W126.020 M103.941 2.6L I6 N/A in US & AU 20,836 1985–1991 300 SE W126.024 M103.981 3.0L I6 105,422 1985–1991 420 SE W126.034 M116.965 4.2L V8 N/A in US 13,996 1985–1991 420 SEL W126.035 M116.965 4.2L V8 74,017 1985–1991 420 SEC W126.046 M116.965 4.2L V8 N/A in US 3,680 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 5.6L V8 75,071 1985–1991 560 SEC W126.045 M117.968 5.6L V8 28,929 1985–1993 300 SEL W126.025 M103.981 3.0L I6 40,956 1986–1987 300 SDL W126.125 OM603.961 3.0L I6 13,830 1988–1991 560 SE W126.038 M117.968 5.6L V8 N/A in US & AU 1,251 1990–1991 350 SD W126.134 OM603.97 3.5L I6 2,066 1990–1991 350 SDL W126.135 OM603.97 3.5L I6 2,925 Saloon Total[5] 818,105 Coupe Total[5] 74,060 [edit]Dimensions and weight Body style Wheelbase Length Width Height Curb weight Sedan (short wheelbase) 2,935 mm (115.6 in) 5,020 mm (197.6 in) 1,820 mm (71.7 in) 1,437 mm (56.6 in) 1,640 kg (3,616 lb) Sedan (long wheelbase) 3,070 mm (120.9 in) 5,160 mm (203.1 in) 1,820 mm (71.7 in) 1,441 mm (56.7 in) 1,670 kg (3,682 lb) Coupe 2,850 mm (112.2 in) 4,910 mm (193.3 in) 1,828 mm (72.0 in) 1,406 mm (55.4 in) 1,610 kg (3,549 lb) [6][7][8] [edit]Timeline [hide]v · d · eMercedes-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 [edit]Features 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. [edit]Safety W126 S-Class driver's seat with SRS airbag in steering wheel 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 1986 (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 560SEL and standard in 1991 for all models.[2] Traction control system (TCS), also known as Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) to prevent wheelspin (a Mercedes-Benz first). Available only on European models until the year 1990, when it was available to 560 SEL customers in the United States. 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 500SEL and 500 SEC models. Crumple zones which absorbed impact energies, reducing passenger injury. [edit]Comfort and convenience W126 power seats and window controls W126 rear interior 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. 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. A fully automatic climate control system that used an interior temperature sensor to more accurately climatize the cabin. This sensor was mounted near the sunroof so that when the roof was ajar, the sensor would detect cool windchills and call upon the system to adjust heat flow accordingly. Exterior temperature sensor with display set in main instrument console below the speedometer to inform the driver of exterior conditions. [edit]Drivetrain technologies Four-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 6.9 W116 model. There were two versions of the self-levelling suspension for the sedan: a rear only hydraulic suspension using two nitrogen ballasts to automatically level the car, and a four-wheel hydraulic levelling system that could be set in three positions. The coupés were only available with the rear-levelling from the factory. In the US, rear-levelling was standard on both the 560 SEC and the 560 SEL, and optional on the 500 SEC and SEL. 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 current cruise control systems. [edit]Engines In September 1985, two newly-constructed six-cylinder SOHC engines, M103 (already used in the new middle-class Mercedes-Benz W124 series), replaced the 2.8-litre DOHC M110 engines. The carburetted version was replaced by a 2.6-litre fuel injectionengine, while the 3.0-litre version replaced the fuel injected M110. Also new was a 4.2-litre V8 engine, designed to replace the 3.8 litre version used in the W126 sedans, coupés, and the SL-Class. The 5.0-litre 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 (183 kW). An ECE version of the 5.0-litre M117 V8 engine was also available from September 1987 with a power output of 265 hp (198 kW) The largest new engine was the 5.6-litre V8 that was a further development from the 5 litre version. An increased stroke meant it could turn out a hefty 272 hp (203 kW). There was a higher compression version available, if required, that produced 300 hp (220 kW). 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-litre inline-five cylinder turbo diesel was offered from 1981–1985 in North America. In 1986, the 300SD was replaced with the 300SDL. It was part of the second generation of W126 model lineup. The five-cylinder engine was replaced with the new inline six-cylinder engine and the engine was only offered in long wheelbase. The new engine had 148 hp (110 kW) compared to 125 hp (93 kW) of the previous version. Engine Cyl. Power Torque 0–100 km/h Maximum speed Notes[9] Gasoline 2.6 12V I6 166 PS (122 kW; 164 hp) 228 N·m (168 lb·ft) 205 km/h (127 mph) From MY 1986 2.6 12V* I6 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) 220 N·m (162 lb·ft) 205 km/h (127 mph) From MY 1986 2.8 12V carb. I6 156 PS (115 kW; 154 hp) 223 N·m (164 lb·ft) 11.0s 200 km/h (124 mph) MY 1980–1985 2.8 12V inj. I6 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) 240 N·m (177 lb·ft) 10.0s 210 km/h (130 mph) MY 1980–1985 3.0 12V* I6 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 255 N·m (188 lb·ft) 210 km/h (130 mph) From MY 1986 3.0 12V I6 188 PS (138 kW; 185 hp) 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) 210 km/h (130 mph) From MY 1986 3.8 16V V8 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) 299 N·m (221 lb·ft) 215 km/h (134 mph) MY 1980–1981 3.8 16V V8 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) 315 N·m (232 lb·ft) 9.3s 205 km/h (127 mph) MY 1982–1985 4.2 16V* V8 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) 210 km/h (130 mph) MY 1986 4.2 16V V8 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) 330 N·m (243 lb·ft) 9.0s 218 km/h (135 mph) MY 1986 4.2 16V* V8 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 325 N·m (240 lb·ft) 8.3s 218 km/h (135 mph) From MY 1987 4.2 16V V8 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) 335 N·m (247 lb·ft) 8.1s 222 km/h (138 mph) From MY 1987 5.0 16V V8 223 PS (164 kW; 220 hp) 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) 8.0s 220 km/h (137 mph) From MY 1986 5.0 16V V8 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) 402 N·m (296 lb·ft) 225 km/h (140 mph) MY 1980–1981 5.0 16V V8 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) 405 N·m (299 lb·ft) 8.1s 220 km/h (137 mph) MY 1982–1985 5.0 16V V8 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) 7.6s 230 km/h (143 mph) MY 1986 5.0 16V* V8 223 PS (164 kW; 220 hp) 358 N·m (264 lb·ft) 220 km/h (137 mph) MY 1986 5.0 16V* V8 252 PS (185 kW; 249 hp) 390 N·m (288 lb·ft) 7.5s 230 km/h (143 mph) From MY 1987 5.0 16V V8 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp) 405 N·m (299 lb·ft) 7.3s 235 km/h (146 mph) From MY 1987 5.6 16V* V8 242 PS (178 kW; 239 hp) 390 N·m (288 lb·ft) 7.6s 228 km/h (142 mph) MY 1986 5.6 16V* V8 279 PS (205 kW; 275 hp) 430 N·m (317 lb·ft) 7.2s 240 km/h (149 mph) From MY 1987 5.6 16V V8 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) 421 N·m (311 lb·ft) 250 km/h (155 mph) MY 1986 5.6 16V RÜF V8 299 PS (220 kW; 295 hp) 456 N·m (336 lb·ft) 250 km/h (155 mph) From MY 1987 5.6 16V ECE V8 299 PS (220 kW; 295 hp) 455 N·m (336 lb·ft) 6.9s 250 km/h (155 mph) MY 1986/87 5.6 32V V8 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) 522 N·m (385 lb·ft) 5.8s 280 km/h (174 mph) MY 1988/90 Diesel 3.0 TD I5 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) 15.0s 170 km/h (106 mph) MY 1980–1985 3.0 TD I6 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 273 N·m (201 lb·ft) 13.0s 195 km/h (121 mph) MY 1986/87 3.5 TD I6 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) 310 N·m (229 lb·ft) 11.8s 175 km/h (109 mph) MY 1990/91 * = Catalyst version [edit]Special variants [edit]Popular tuners Mercedes-Benz W126 stretch limousine AMG offered body kits for all W126 models, as well as a widebody kit for the coupé. AMG also offered many levels of engine tuning, but was most famous for the DOHC 6.0 litre engine, based on the original 117.968 engine. Also offered was a Gleason Torsen differential in varying ratios, manual transmission (extremely rare), and various TV/radio consoles. Brabus Offered body kits similar to the AMG package and engine tuning. Lorinser Offered body kits similar to the AMG package and minor engine tuning. Koenig Specials offered a famous widebody kit, a supercharger, and twin-turbo kits. MKB offered various engine kits RennTech offered most of the AMG engine tuning packages except for the DOHC engine. Carat-body kits, wooden seatback trays, wood trim, AMG installer/dealer. Transco Bremen offered a stretch limousine version called the "1000SEL".[10] [edit]Armored models Like the current model S-Guard, specially modified W126 S-Class models were produced for the transport of diginitaries and world leaders. Among the modifications made included a wheelbase stretch, bulletproof glass, and armored body panels. [edit]U.S. gray market Grey-market Mercedes-Benz 500 SE The 500 SEL has an interesting place in U.S. automotive history, since American demand for this particular car drove the establishment of a large grey market. The detuned, yet very expensive US specification 380 SE/SEL/SEC was underpowered, according to contemporary reports, and fuelled demand for the more powerful version available in the rest of the world. Approximately 22,000 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.[11] [edit]Racing Two AMG-modified 500SEC 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.[12] [edit]Awards The W126 S-Class was a champion in the luxury car market, dominating worldwide sales during its production run. At the same time, it also achieved several awards during its production period. The W126 model 380 SE was the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year in 1981,[4] the W126 was awarded the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute "Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989,[1] and the W126 was the third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's 1990 Initial Quality Survey (IQS).[13] 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.[14] [edit]Legacy The W126 S-Class sedan and coupé The W126 S-Class, the most successful production S-Class in history, has secured a place as one of the most well-remembered luxury vehicles–described by some as a "classic."[2] Its twelve-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 two years of production in South Africa was a testament to the W126's popularity in the exportmarket. Although an expensive car to maintain, mostly due to the increased expense of Mercedes-Benz replacement parts, a late model W126, if properly driven, can still be a viable proposition today. Many W126s have been prominently featured in films long after production ended.[15] This legacy stands in contrast with the W140 chassis which had very complex accessory systems, particularly the W140 HVAC system, electrical wiring (due to the push to manufacture environmentally friendlyplastics), and auto-door closing features. Among actual owners, W126s are known for their simple maintenance, straightforward problems diagnosis, and long term reliability. [edit]References ^ a b c d e f g h "Ian Dunross Mercedes-Benz W126 S-class Homepage". Archived from the original on 2007-08-06. Retrieved 2007-05-15. ^ a b c d e f "S-Klasse Club information". Retrieved 2007-05-13. ^ a b The unofficial W126 homepage – model history ^ a b Gable, Chris. "Wheels' COTY the real McCoy". Retrieved 2007-05-15. ^ a b All figures for saloon and coupé according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.4. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. pp. 112–113. ISBN 3-613-02131-5. and Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos seit 1990, vol.6. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. p. 190. ISBN 3-613-02052-1. ^ W126 SE @ carfolio ^ W126 SEL @ carfolio ^ W126 SEC @ carfolio ^ All data except acceleration and top speed figures according to: Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, vol.4. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. pp. 112–124. ISBN 3-613-02131-5. ^ "Transco Bremen Stretch Limousine 1000SEL". 1000SEL.com. Retrieved 5 March 2011. ^ Dean, Paul. Wheeling-Dealing Gray Market Hits the Skids Bad Publicity, Corporate Action, Legislation Put Brakes on Car Conversions. The Los Angeles Times, July 11, 1986 ^ Mercedes-Benz 500SEC - Complete Archive - Racing Sports Cars ^ Lexus No. 1 in New-Car Quality Survey, The Los Angeles Times, Jul 4, 1990 (Versus an average of 140 problems per 100 cars, the S-Class averaged 74.5, behind only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS) ^ Sanchez, Jesus. Mercedes Still Ranks No. 1 in Poll of New Car Buyers. The Los Angeles Times, August 8, 1990 ^ "S-Klasse Club buying advice". Retrieved 2007-05-13. Schlegelmilch, Rainer W.; Hartmut Lehbrink, Jochen Von Osterroth (November 2004). Mercedes. Könemann. ISBN 3-8331-1056-2. [edit]External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mercedes-Benz W126 Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mercedes-Benz C126 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Club e.V. – S class club The unofficial W126 page – history and details of the W126 Mercedes-Benz SEC club – archive of repair tips and history on the SEC Fuenfkommasechs.de – German website with vast information on development, model history, engines and innovations