Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 Series

S-Class W126 is the abbreviation design of a high-end sedan from Mercedes-Benz between 1979 and 1994, and marketed under the name S-Class
Presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979 as a substitute forW116, the W126 can be considered the first modern flagship of Mercedes-Benz. It was the first, in fact, to make use of electronics (control injection system, management of suspension and automatic transmission, ABS and, later, driver airbag), to have a streamlined (the ax, of 0.36, was the record for the class) and to use the plastic bumpers and fascias.

Designed by Bruno Sacco, the S-Class W126 caused initially some concern among customers as the more traditional aesthetic gap with the rest of the production Mercedes was notable: its lines connected made her look far less impressive of the S-Class W116, for which the claim was even more shaking well 5 centimeters. However the level of finishes, the classic design of the passenger, the high degree of security (body evolved at different deformation, ABS as standard), the still large presence of chromium (radiator grille, frames around windows and bumper profile on the trunk lid) and absolute comfort on board were perfectly in line with the tradition of the Star to 3 points.

The S-Class W126 does not show, compared with its predecessor, the revolutionary technical solutions, but a meticulous (almost obsessive) refinement of all components. The left rear wheel drive, steering, hydraulic power assisted, it was always a ball, the independent wheel suspension (hydraulic and electronic control on the SEL version, which also had a longer wheelbase of 14cm) and ventilated disc brakes on all wheels (supplemented by ABS on more powerful versions). Even the engines, which derived from those of W116, were evolved. At the base of the range remained the DOHC inline 6-cylinder of 2746cc (either with carburetors that power electronic injection), while the V8 (only injection) underwent increases in displacement from 3839cc to 3499 and from 4520 to 4973cc. For the U.S. market was also a 5-cylinder turbo-diesel to 2998cc. While the 2800 gasoline was tied to both the 5-speed manual transmission that the automatic, the V8 had only a 4-speed automatic transmission. The powers were, respectively, for 2800 to carburetors 156cv, 185cv for the 2800 injection, 218cv for the 3800 V8 245cv for the 5000 V8 and for the 300 turbo diesel 125cv. The range for Europe included, at the time of presentation, variants

• 280 S (carburettor)
• 280 IF (injection)
• 280 SEL (injection)
• 380 SE
• 380 SEL
• 500 SE
• 500 SEL

The 500 SE / SEL had ABS as standard.

Evolution

In 1981 he was presented with the 4-seater coupe variant (on floor by step shortened to 285cm, compared with 294 of the sedan S / SE and the SEL 308) of the W126. Although retained mechanics and stylistic approach of the sedan, the SEC (this is the trade name of the model) had a completely new one. Even the dashboard was the same as the sedan. Two variants are available: 380 SEC (3819cc, 218cv) and 500 SEC (4973cc, 245cv).

In 1985 both the sedan and the coupe were subjected to a slight facelift (new bumpers, fascias side rather than straight grained, changes to the dashboard and interior trim.) With the occasion were also updated engines. The displacement of the 6-cylinder in line, now only injection, grew from 2746 to 2962cc (190cv), while the V8 3819cc to 4196cc passed (218cv). At the top of the range V8 appeared also injected 5547cc from 300cv, while in some markets (but not in Italy) was also made available a 6-cylinder 2599cc injection from 166cv. The range '85 included:

• 260 SE
• 300 SE
• 300 SEL
• 420 SE
• 420 SEL
• 500 SE
• 500 SEL
• 560 SEL
• 420 SEC
• 500 SEC
• 560 SEC
  

The 560 SEL / SEC is also showing a full range of standard equipment optional, which makes them flagships of the range. In 1989, again for the U.S. market only, was launched 350 SD, driven by a 6-cylinder turbo from 150hp to 3449cc. Production ceased in 1991 for Europe in 1992 for the U.S. and even in 1994 for South Africa. Was replaced by the W140.

In all 891,950 W126 were produced, of which 313,334 long wheelbase coupe 75,132 SEL and SEC.

Source: http://pediaworld.com/category/cars/