Filed under: by: Michael Roberts




In 1885 the townspeople of Cannstatt, Germany, were startled to see Paul Daimler, son of Gottlieb Daimler, roll away from No.14 Taubenheimstrasse on a wooden-spoked two-wheeler powered by a fraction of a horsepower four-cycle internal combustion engine. That belt driven motorcycle (actually a four-wheeler as it had two eight-inch diameter outrigger wheels to keep it stable when at a standstill) was the forerunner of all automobiles.Gottlieb Daimler was the first man to harness with any true degree of success a combustion engine into a road vehicle. Granted there were horseless vehicle predecessors to Daimler's motorcycle but Daimler's was the first recognized internal combustion vehicle and the first to incorporate a practical transmission system.
Shortly after Daimler applied for his combustion motor patent, Carl Benz of Mannheim, Germany was granted a German patent covering a three-wheel motor car he constructed in 1844. This single cylinder, 3/4 hp, benzene fueled motor car had a combination of belts, chains and gears to transmit power to the rubber tired rear wheels but no gear change was possible.
Daimler's first four-wheeler, a Victoria-type motor driven carriage, was built in 1866. By 1890 demands for Daimler's engine made expansion necessary and a corporation was formed, the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. or Daimler Motor Company as it was known in English. Benz, with several associates formed another corporation, Benz & Company, at Mannheim.
Daimler continued his automotive research and prior to his death in 1900 was credited with such inventions as the honeycomb type radiator; the float type carburetor; V-twin cylinder engine (such as used in present-day Harley-Davidson motorcycles); interrupted low-tension electric ignition; four-cylinder engine; foot accelerator; and motor and transmission in one integral section.
The first recorded auto race, sponsored by the Petit-Journal of Paris in 1894 and conducted over a Paris to Rouen course, attracted forty-six entries and was looked forward to as a test of the steamer and electric versus the gas burners. The first three winning cars were powered by Daimler-built engines. From that time on the Daimler Mercedes and later (after 1926) the Mercedes-Benz were to gain continuing prestige through their high-speed performance.
A wealthy banker-sportsman Emil Jellinek of Vienna was much impressed by the success of the Daimler motor in racing competition. He purchased controlling stock interest in Daimler in the early 1890's and put nearly unlimited funds at the disposal of Gottlieb and Daimler's two sons, Paul and Adolph. It was Jellinek who encouraged Daimler in his idea to create what was to be the most powerful car of its day, a 35 h.p. Monster.
In 1900 the 4-cylinder Daimler was completed and the car was christened in honor of Emil Jellinek's beautiful daughter, Mercedes. The new car was an immediate sensation. From its flaring front fenders, rakish rearward sloping steering column to the T-head type cylinder construction and twin carburetors, the Mercedes was a beauty and did justice to its namesake.
Jellinek, controller of the Daimler plant, and father of the young lady for whom the 1900 luxury four-wheeler was named, was so obsessed with his interest in high-speed automobiles that for nearly' five years he held exclusive rights to the bulk of the Mercedes production and carefully limited the sale of the cars to individuals of known influence. Jellinek's own international reputation as a sportsman and his careful selection of purchasers of the limited number of Mercedes available placed the cars with an upper-bracket clientele which, nearly as much as the car's own intrinsic superior engineering and design, gave the Mercedes it's reputation as a quality and high performance product.
If one were to have made a post-war visit to the famous Mercedes-Benz factory at Unterturkheim, Germany in October, 1945, one would have good reason to conclude that no new cars would emerge from this site for at least another five years. The word "site" is used reservedly, for between 70 and 80 percent of the factory buildings had been destroyed by aerial bombardment and this same fate had overtaken most of the other plants at Sindelfingen and elsewhere. Additionally, a large quantity of the light machine tools had been dispersed during the war in what became the French occupied zone of Germany. Raw materials were practically non-existent and the technical staff disrupted by the de-Nazifying enactments which were then being enforced with the utmost severity. But in fact, it only took Dr. lng, W. Haspel and O. Hoppe, and their co-directors a matter of only three years to rebuild and re-equip the factories and to introduce the first post-war models. In 1948, the new four-door saloon, which was made in its entirety at Sindelfingen, followed closely on the lines of the 2.3 liter car of 1939.



History Of The Three-Pointed Star
History Of The Star

Filed under: by: Michael Roberts

Old Model Pictures

1888 Benz



1893 Benz



1901 Benz



1908 Benz


1921 Benz



















1948-49 Benz
 

Filed under: by: Michael Roberts

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz
Type Division of Daimler AG
Founded 1881 (1881)
Founder(s) Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz
Headquarters Stuttgart, Germany
Area served Worldwide (except Mercedes-Benz vehicles and services with other distributors worldwide)
Key people Dieter Zetsche, CEO
Industry Automotive industry
Products Automobiles
Trucks
Buses
Internal combustion engines
Services Automotive financial services
Parent Daimler AG
Website Mercedes-Benz.com
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of luxury automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. It is currently a division of the parent company, Daimler AG (formerly DaimlerChrysler AG), after previously being owned by Daimler-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has its origins in Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered motorcycle in January 1886, and by Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a 1873 Bollée steam-engine automobile by the addition of a petrol engine the same year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the Daimler-Benz company. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that have become common in other vehicles several years later.

Subsidiaries

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is an independent subsidiary based in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, founded in 2000. Its business include car accessories, personal accessories, Collection and promotional items, and product design.
Mercedes-Benz AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1998. The company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999, and became Mercedes-Benz AMG beginning on 1999-01-01.

Quality

Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz had maintained a reputation for its quality and durability. Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles - such as J.D. Power surveys, demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this criteria in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power. In J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, surpassing quality leader Toyota, and earning several awards for its models. For 2008, Mercedes-Benz's initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, now in fourth place. On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant. As of 2009, Consumer Reports of the United States has changed their reliability ratings for several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to "average", and recommending the E-Class and the S-Class.

Motorsport

A DMG Mercedes Simplex 1906 in the Deutsches Museum
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet
1959 Mercedes-Benz W120 Model 180
The two companies which were merged to form the Mercedes-Benz brand in 1926 had both already enjoyed success in the new sport of motor racing throughout their separate histories - both had entries in the very first automobile race Paris to Rouen 1894. This has continued, and throughout its long history, the company has been involved in a range of motorsport activities, including sports car racing and rallying. On several occasions Mercedes-Benz has withdrawn completely from motorsport for a significant period, notably in the late 1930s, and after the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where a Mercedes-Benz 300SLR collided with another car and killed more than 80 spectators. Although there was some activity in the intervening years, it was not until 1987 that Mercedes-Benz returned to front line competition, returning to Le Mans, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), and Formula One with Sauber.
The 1990s saw Mercedes-Benz purchase British engine builder Ilmor (now Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines), and campaign IndyCars under the USAC/CART rules, eventually winning the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and 1994 CART IndyCar World Series Championship with Al Unser, Jr. at the wheel. The 1990s also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to GT racing, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, both of which took the company to new heights by dominating the FIA's GT1 class.
Mercedes-Benz is currently active in three forms of motorsport, Formula Three, DTM and Formula One.

Formula 1

In Formula One, the company part-owns Team McLaren, and has supplied the team with engines engineered by Ilmor since 1995. This partnership has brought success, including Drivers Championships for Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999, and for Lewis Hamilton in 2008, as well as a Constructors Championship in 1998. The collaboration with McLaren has been extended into the production of roadgoing cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
In 2009, Ross Brawn's newly conceived Formula One team, Brawn GP used Mercedes engines to help win the Constructor's Championship, and Jenson Button to become champion in the F1 Drivers' Championship. It also sold back its 40% stake in McLaren to the McLaren Group and now owns 70% of the Brawn GP team jointly with an Abu Dubai based investment consortium. Brawn GP will be renamed Mercedes Grand Prix in 2010.

Business alliances (Studebaker-Packard Corporation)

In 1958, Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles. Under the deal, Studebaker would allow Mercedes-Benz access to their U.S. dealer network, handle shipments of vehicles to those dealers, and in return receive compensation for each car sold. Studebaker also was permitted to use the German automaker's name in its advertisements, which stressed Studebaker's quality over quantity.
When Studebaker entered into informal discussions with Franco-American automaker Facel Vega about offering their Facel Vega Excellence model in the United States, Mercedes-Benz objected to the proposal. Studebaker, which needed Mercedes-Benz distribution payments to help stem heavy losses, dropped further action on the plan.
Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from 1958 to 1963, when Studebaker's U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time. When Studebaker closed its Canadian operation and left the automobile business in 1966, remaining Studebaker dealers had the option to convert their dealerships to Mercedes-Benz dealership agreements.

Production

Besides its native Germany, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are also manufactured or assembled in:
  • Argentina (buses, trucks and the Sprinter van. The first Mercedes-Benz factory outside of Germany)
  • Austria (G-Class)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Brazil (buses, trucks, C-class passenger cars (export only), established in 1956)
  • Canada
  • Egypt
  • Ghana (buses, trucks, taxis)
  • Hungary (construction of a new plant in the country announced on June 18, 2008, for the next generation A- and B-Class)
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Malaysia
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria (buses, trucks, utility motors and the van Sprinter)
  • South Africa
  • South Korea (Mercedes-Benz Musso and MB100 models manufactured by SsangYong Motor Company)
  • Thailand (assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group)
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom (The SLR sports car is built at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking).Brackley, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom Mercedes Grand Prix Factory
  • USA

Models

Mercedes-Benz range today

Mercedes-Benz has a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial equipment. Production is on a global basis. The Smart marque of city cars has also been part of the Mercedes-Benz Group since 1994.

Passenger cars

Pope Benedict XVI in a Mercedes-Benz Popemobile in São Paulo, Brazil
The following passenger vehicles were in production in 2009:
  • A-Class - mid-sized MPV
  • B-Class - sports tourer/hatchback
  • C-Class - saloon, sports coupé and estate
  • CL-Class - coupé
  • CLC-Class - coupé
  • CLK-Class - coupé and cabriolet
  • CLS-Class - sedan
  • CLC-Class - luxury compact car
  • E-Class - saloon, coupé and estate
  • G-Class - 4WD cross-country vehicle
  • GL-Class - SUV
  • GLK-Class - SUV
  • M-Class - SUV
  • R-Class - minivan
  • S-Class - saloon
  • SL-Class - roadster
  • SLK-Class - roadster
  • SLR-Class - roadster
  • SLS-Class - roadster

Significant car models produced

  • 1928: SSK racing car
  • 1930: 770 "Grosser Mercedes" state and ceremonial car
  • 1934: 500 K
  • 1936: 260 D World's first diesel production car
  • 1936: 170
  • 1938: W195 Speed Record-breaker
  • 1951: Mercedes-Benz 300, knownly as "Adenauer Mercedes"
  • 1953: "Ponton" models
  • 1954: 300SL "Gullwing"
  • 1959: "Fintail" models
  • 1960: 220SE Cabriolet
  • 1963: 600 "Grand Mercedes"
  • 1963: 230SL "Pagoda"
  • 1965: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • 1966: 300SEL 6.3
  • 1968: W114 "new generation" compact cars
  • 1969: C111 experimental vehicle
  • 1972: Mercedes-Benz W107 350SL
  • 1974: 450SEL 6.9
  • 1974: 240D
  • 1976: 300D
  • 1979: 500SEL and G-Class
  • 1983: 190E 2.3-16
  • 1986: First 'E-Class'
  • 1991: 600SEL
  • 1993: First 'C-Class'
  • 1995: First 'Joint Mercedes-Benz & AMG' (C43 AMG)
  • 1995: Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG, 7.3 V12 (biggest engine ever put in a Mercedes-Benz)
  • 1996: Mercedes-Benz Renntech E7.4RS
  • 1997: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  • 1996: Mercedes-Benz CLK
  • 1997: Mercedes-Benz SLK
  • 2004: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
  • 2004: Mercedes-Benz CLS
  • 2007: E320, GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec, R320 Bluetec

McLaren cars

A silver SLR McLaren on display at the 2006 European Motor Show in Brussels
Mercedes-Benz has also produced a limited-production sports car with McLaren Cars, an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which is part owned by Mercedes. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a carbon fibre body with a 5.4 litre V8 supercharged engine. This is the same cylinder block as featured in SL55 AMG and the CLS55 AMG, though modified to give 460 kilowatts (625 PS; 617 bhp) and 780 newton metres (575 ft·lbf) of torque. The SLR has a maximum speed of 337 kilometres per hour (209.4 mph) and costs approximately US$500,000. Due to European pedestrian-protection regulations, McLaren decided to cease production of the SLR in 2009.

Car nomenclature

In 1994 (starting with the 1994 models), the traditional nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz vehicles changed. Since the early days of the company, the name would be in the form of (for example) 500E where the engine displacement made up the first three numbers and the last letter(s) represented the type of engine and/or chassis; for example: E for fuel injection (German: Einspritzung), D for Diesel, L for long-wheelbase, etcetera.
In 1994, this was altered so that the prefix reflected the model or Class, German: Klasse, in Mercedes-Benz terminology, and a number for the engine displacement. The suffix was retained in some cases, for example L for long wheelbase, and CDI for Diesel (CDI = Common-rail Direct Injection). Thus, the 500E in the example above became the E500 ("E-Klasse", 5 litres displacement). It should also be noted that while in the past the model number generally accurately reflected the actual engine displacement, this is currently not always the case — for example the E200 CDI and E220 CDI actually both have a 2.2 litre displacement, and the C240 actually has a 2.6 litre engine.

Electric vehicles

Mercedes has showed in 2009 the Vision S500 PHEV petrol concept vehicle with a 19 miles (31 km) all-electric range and CO2 emissions of 74 grams/km in the New European Driving Cycle.
At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz also showed seven hybrid models, including the F700 concept car - which combined hybrid drive with the innovative DiesOtto engine.
In 2009, the S400 hybrid saloon is scheduled to go on sale.
On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz says it will have a demonstration fleet of practical, if small, electric vehicles on the road in two to three years, from 2008.
Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID will be launched in 2009, and will be the first production automotive hybrid in the world to use a lithium-ion battery.
Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO cars were introduced in the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

Concept models

Interior of the Ocean Drive Concept
  • Mercedes-Benz C111 - sports car and test vehicle for different high performance engines (wankel engine and later diesel engines)
  • Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 - four-door saloon
  • Mercedes-Benz NAFA - microcar
  • Mercedes-Benz C112 - sports car and development mule
  • Mercedes-Benz F 100 - car introduced in 1991
  • Mercedes-Benz F 200 Imagination - two-door coupé introduced in 1996 Paris Motor Show
  • Mercedes-Benz F 300 Life Jet - three-wheel car/motorcycle unveiled in 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show
  • Vario Research Car - one car, four vehicles
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR - prototype of Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, unveiled in 1999 North American International Auto Show
  • Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA - convertible with details of the SLR, but based on the A-Class platform, unveiled in 2000 North American International Auto Show
  • Mercedes-Benz F 400 Carving - a two-seat roadster unveiled in 2002 Tokyo Motor Show
  • Mercedes Benz F 500 Mind - four-door fastback saloon unveiled in 2003 Tokyo Motor Show
  • Mercedes-Benz F 600 HYGENIUS - compact fuel cell car, unveiled in 2005 Tokyo Motor Show
  • Mercedes-Benz Bionic - car unveiled in 2005 DaimlerChrysler Innovation Symposium in Washington, modeled after boxfish
  • Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive - a four-door convertible based on the S600
  • Mercedes-Benz F700 - large luxury saloon featuring the small capacity / high output DiesOtto engine, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
  • Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION - shooting-brake giving a preview of the W212, unveiled at 2008 Paris Motor Show
  • Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID
  • Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Roadster

Buses

 http://sitylink.net/files/18_Mercedes_Benz_Citaro_LE_U_Named_Bus_Of_The_Year_2007_4.jpg

Mercedes-Benz also produces buses, mainly for Europe and Asia.The first factory to be built outside Germany after WWII was in Argentina. It originally built trucks, many of which were modified independently to buses, popularly named Colectivo. Today, it builds buses, trucks and the Sprinter van.

Vans

Mercedes-Benz Vario
Mercedes-Benz produces a range of vans.
The current (January 2009) range consists of
  • Mercedes-Benz Vito — light van based on the Viano MPV with a payload of approx 1 tonne
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter — mid-sized van, based on a joint venture with the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Crafter, with payloads of 2 to 6 tonne. Also produced as a Dodge in USA and Canada with the name Freightliner Sprinter.
    • Sprinter 414 416CDI ambulance
    • Sprinter 316CDI light ambulance
  • Mercedes-Benz Vario — heavy van with similar load to a light truck (7.5 tonne)
Previous models include
  • Mercedes-Benz TN or T1 - mid-sized van, predecessor to the sprinter
  • Mercedes-Benz T2 - heavy Van
  • All other previous models on the German Wikipedia

Trucks

Mercedes-Benz is one of the world's largest manufacturer of trucks.
The current (January 2009) range consists of
  • Mercedes-Benz Atego — light truck from 7 to 16 tonnes
  • Mercedes-Benz Axor — mid-sized truck from 18 to 26 tonnes in rigid and articulated
  • Mercedes-Benz Actros — heavy duty rigid and premium articulated — 18 to 250 tonnes
  • Mercedes-Benz Econic — low floor version of the Axor for refuse and specialist applications
  • Mercedes-Benz Unimog — for special purpose applications and transport across extreme terrain
  • Mercedes-Benz Zetros — off-road truck for extreme operations
  • 1828L (F581) Mobile Casualty Treatment Centre
  • 1517L Mobile Casualty Treatment Centre
Old - Mercedes-Benz L-series truck

Bicycles

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced 3 new bicycles in 2005, named Automatic Bike from upwards of USD$699, Fitness Bike from upwards of USD$999, Mountain Bike from upwards of USD$1399 (Prices recorded from immediate release date). The bikes are sold in Australia, Germany, and Russia.
List of bicycles
  • Mercedes-Benz Automatic Bike
  • Mercedes-Benz Carbon Bike
  • Mercedes-Benz Fitness Bike
  • Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Bike
  • Mercedes-Benz Mountain Bike
  • Mercedes-Benz Street Bike

Tuners

Several companies have become car tuners (or modifiers) of Mercedes Benz, in order to increase performance and/or luxury to a given model.

In house

AMG is Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance-tuning division, specialising in high-performance versions of most Mercedes-Benz cars. AMG engines are all hand-built, and each completed engine receives a tag with the signature of the engineer who built it. AMG has been wholly owned by Mercedes-Benz since 1999. On the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt, Germany, Mercedes officially introduced the SLS AMG, a revival of the 300SL Gullwing, and the first car to be developed by AMG.

Aftermarket tuners

There are numerous independent tuners:
  • Brabus
  • Carlsson
  • Kicherer
  • Kleemann
  • Lorinser
  • Renntech
  • MKB
  • Fluid MotorUnion

Noted employees (selection)

  • Béla Barényi - car safety pioneer and original designer of the Volkswagen Beetle concept
  • Nicholas Dreystadt - Cadillac manager
  • Juan Manuel Fangio - considered by many the best F1 driver in history
  • Wilhelm Maybach - automotive pioneer
  • Stirling Moss - F1 driver
  • Ferdinand Piëch - Volkswagen and Porsche manager
  • Ferdinand Porsche - founder of Porsche
  • Rudolf Uhlenhaut - designer of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL
  • Bruno Sacco - automotive designer
  • Lewis Hamilton - F1 driver
  • Jenson Button - F1 driver
  • Michael Schumacher - F1 driver
  • Adolf Eichmann - Former Nazi criminal, worked in Argentina's factory after WWII 

Innovations

Numerous technological innovations have been introduced on Mercedes-Benz automobiles throughout the many years of their production, including:
  • The internal combustion engined automobile was developed independently by Benz and Daimler & Maybach in 1886
  • Daimler invented the honeycomb radiator of the type still used on all water-cooled vehicles today
  • Daimler invented the float carburetor which was used until replaced by fuel injection
  • The "drop chassis" - the car originally designated the "Mercedes" by Daimler was also the first car with a modern configuration, having the carriage lowered and set between the front and rear wheels, with a front engine and powered rear wheels. All earlier cars were "horseless carriages", which had high centres of gravity and various engine/drive-train configurations
  • The first passenger road car to have brakes on all four wheels (1924)
  • The "safety cage" or "safety cell" construction with front and rear crumple zones was first developed by Mercedes-Benz in 1951. This is considered by many as the most important innovation in automobile construction from a safety standpoint
  • In 1959, Mercedes-Benz patented a device that prevents drive wheels from spinning by intervening at the engine, transmission, or brakes. In 1987, Mercedes-Benz applied its patent by introducing a traction control system that worked under both braking and acceleration
  • Traction control and airbags in the European market, were Mercedes-Benz innovations. These technologies were introduced in 1986, and 1980 respectively
  • Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce pre-tensioners to seat belts on the 1981 S-Class. In the event of a crash, a pre-tensioner will tighten the belt instantaneously, removing any 'slack' in the belt, which prevents the occupant from jerking forward in a crash
  • In September 2003, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission called '7G-Tronic'
  • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake assist, and many other types of safety equipment were all developed, tested, and implemented into passenger cars—first—by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has not made a large fuss about its innovations, and has even licensed them for use by competitors — in the name of improving automobile and passenger safety. As a result, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard on all modern vehicles.
Mercedes M156 engine
  • The most powerful naturally-aspirated eight cylinder engine in the world is the Mercedes-AMG, 6208 cc M156 V8 engine. The V8 engine is badged '63 AMG', and replaced the '55 AMG' M113 engine in most models. The M156 engine produces up to 391 kW (532 PS; 524 bhp), and although some models using this engine do have this output (such as the S63 and CL63 AMGs), specific output varies slightly across other models in the range
  • The (W211) E320 CDI which has a variable geometry turbocharger (VTG) 3.0 litre V6 common rail diesel engine (producing 224-horsepower), set three world endurance records. It covered 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in a record time, with an average speed of 224.823 kilometres per hour (139.70 mph). Three identical cars did the endurance run (one set above record) and the other two cars set world records for time taken to cover 100,000 kilometres (62,137 mi) and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) respectively. After all three cars had completed the run, their combined distance was 300,000 miles (480,000 km) (all records were FIA approved).
  • Mercedes-Benz pioneered a system called Pre-Safe to detect an imminent crash - and prepares the car's safety systems to respond optimally. It also calculates the optimal braking force required to avoid an accident in emergency situations, and makes it immediately available for when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Occupants are also prepared by tightening the seat belt, closing the sunroof and windows, and moving the seats into the optimal position.
  • Mercedes Benz developed a fatigue-detection system, known as Attention Assist, that warns the driver when they are displaying signs of micro-sleep (when the eyes stay closed for slightly longer than a natural blinking action). The system will use a variety of data including the individual driving style, the duration of the journey, the time of day and the current traffic situation. Fatigue mostly sets in gradually.
  • Mercedes Benz invented the adaptive highbeam assist system, which automatically and continuously adapts the headlamp range to the distance of vehicles ahead or which are oncoming. The new system continually adjusts the beam so that the headlamp cone falls just in front of other vehicles, at the same time always ensuring maximum possible range without dazzling other road users. The adaptive highbeam assist is introduced first in the new generation E-Class.
Half a century of vehicle safety innovation helped win Mercedes- Benz the Safety Award at the 2007 What Car? Awards 

Robot cars

In the 1980s, Mercedes built the world's first robot car, together with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr Universität München. Partially encouraged by Dickmanns' success, in 1987 the European Union's EUREKA programme initiated the Prometheus Project on autonomous vehicles, funded to the tune of nearly 800 million Euros. A culmination point was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-engineered autonomous S-Class Mercedes took a long trip from Munich in Bavaria to Copenhagen in Denmark, and back. On highways, the robot achieved speeds exceeding 175 kilometres per hour (109 mph) (roughly 110 miles per hour; permissible in some areas of the German Autobahn). The car's abilities has heavily influenced robot car research and funding decisions worldwide.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy

In the United States, due to an inability to meet federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations, Mercedes-Benz was fined a record US$30.66 million. Certain Mercedes-Benz cars sold in the United States also face an additional gas guzzler tax.

Filed under: by: Michael Roberts

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK (US)
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Parent company Daimler AG
Production 2009-
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Mexico City, Mexico
São Paulo, Brazil
Class Compact luxury crossover SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s) 2.2L CDI I4
3.0L V6
2.8L V6
3.3L V6
3.2L CDI V6
Transmission(s) 7-speed automatic
Wheelbase 108.5 in (2756 mm)
Length 178.2 in (4526 mm)
Width 79.4 in (2017 mm)
Height 66.9 in (1699 mm)
Related Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLK (code name X204) is a compact luxury crossover released as a 2009 model elsewhere and as a 2010 model in North America after its public debut at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show alongside the competing Audi Q5.
The GLK-Class was launched in 2008 and is built in Bremen (Germany), the first Mercedes SUV to be built there. Its design is heavily influenced by the C-Class.
On 12 January 2008, actress Kim Cattrall at a special unveiling ceremony at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, confirming that her Sex and the City character (Samantha Jones) would drive the SUV in the movie version of the popular TV show.
The GLK was presented for the first time in 2008 in Detroit under the form of the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside concept.
MBUSA partnered with four tuners to develop custom designs for the newly released GLK for the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Boulevard Customs, Brabus, RENNtech, Leegendary Motorcar Company were the four tuners that had this unique opportunity to design their vision.
The GLK-Class shares the C-Class (W204) platform, and production plans continued after the demise of the similar Smart Formore.

Safety

Comprehensive restraint system for the best possible occupant protection.
In combination with the front and rear deformation zones, the high-strength passenger cell of the GLK-Class provides a highly efficient foundation for the occupant protection systems. The intricate restraint system is capable of offering the greatest possible protection potential. As many as nine airbags are fitted, which are deployed selectively depending on the type of collision and its severity to reduce the forces exerted on the occupants eMercedesBenz said - The all-encompassing approach taken to achieving a high standard of safety evinces itself particularly clearly in the Integral Safety concept, that Mercedes-Benz has once again implemented in the new GLK.

Engines

  • 2.2 L diesel I4 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
  • 2996 cc V6 228 hp (171 kW)
  • 3498 cc V6 268 hp (201 kW)
  • 3.0 L diesel V6 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp)

Range

At launch in Germany, the car was offered in all-wheel drive only, though recently a rear-wheel drive only version debuted.
The range at launch comprised:
  • GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC - 2.2-Litre-I4 - 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp)
  • GLK 280/300 (since 2009) 4MATIC - 3.0-Litre-V6 - 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)
  • GLK 350 4MATIC - 3.5-Litre-V6 - 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)
  • GLK 320 CDI/350 CDI (since 2009) 4MATIC - 3.0-Litre-Diesel - 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp)
Two new BlueEFFICIENCY models were added in September 2009
  • GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY - 2.2-Litre-I4 - 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) (rear-wheel drive)
  • GLK 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY - 2.2-Litre-I4 - 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)

Gallery

Filed under: by: Michael Roberts

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Mercedes-Benz GL (North America)
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Parent company DaimlerChrysler (2007)
Daimler AG (2008-present)
Production 2006–present
Assembly Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Class Full-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style(s) 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive
Engine(s) 3.0 L V6 (diesel)
4.0 L V8 (diesel)
4.7 L V8
5.5 L V8
Transmission(s) 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic
Wheelbase 3,075 mm (121.1 in)
Length 5,085 mm (200.2 in)
Width 1,920 mm (75.6 in)
Height 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (code name X164) is a full-size crossover SUV built by the German carmaker Mercedes-Benz since 2006. The GL-Class debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The car was designed for the American market, which is shown by its large size, making it the only similarly-sized rival up against Audi's Q7, along with the redesigned BMW X5, as well as a facelifted Volvo XC90 by that time. It is the seven-passenger counterpart of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Although the car was designed for the US market, it is also sold in Europe, albeit in far fewer numbers. It competes with the Cadillac Escalade, Range Rover Sport,Range Rover,Infiniti QX56, Hummer H2, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX 570, and Lincoln Navigator.
It lacks the typical SUV boxy styling and body-on-frame construction of the G-Class in favor of a modified version of the M-Class's unibody architecture. Many motorists consider it the "Elongated and Wider" version of the recently redesigned M-Class. It is a three-row, seven-passenger SUV with much more luxurious equipment than previous civilian G-Class vehicles. All GL-Class vehicles are assembled at Mercedes-Benz US International, Inc., Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The GL class was originally intended to replace the 25-year old G-Class model, however due to public and fan outcries, Mercedes Benz had decided to keep the G-Class in production for the foreseeable future and decided to update it for 2006.
Mercedes-Benz introduced its BlueTec diesel system to the GL-Class at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as the GL 320 Bluetec. This system uses urea to clean diesel emissions, making the GL 320 50-state legal in the United States. It went on sale in July 2006, but models with urea injection will only be introduced in 2008.

Engines

  • GL 320 CDI BlueTec: 3.0 L V6 (diesel), 160 kW (215 hp)
  • GL 420 CDI: 4.0 L V8 (diesel), 225 kW (302 hp)
  • GL 450: 4.7 L V8, 250 kW (335 hp)
  • GL 550 (GL 500 in Europe): 5.5 L V8, 285 kW (382 hp)

Features

Standard features

Standard on the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI and GL450 include air conditioning w/ dual-zone climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ radio controls, cruise control, heated 8-way power front seats, 6-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, and universal garage door opener.

Optional features

Standard on the Mercedes GL550 but optional for the lower trims include a power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (replacing tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls), leather upholstery, memory system, power liftgate, premium sound system, navigation system w/voice recognition, rear radio controls, rearview camera, and heated rear seats.
Optional for all trims include a DVD entertainment system, heated steering wheel, iPod adapter, tri-zone climate controls, and keyless start. Over the last year, people have complained about the GL-Class's limited standard features compared to more upscale competitors such as the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover Sport.

Awards

  • 2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year - GL 450

Filed under: by: Michael Roberts

Mercedes-Benz W126

Mercedes-Benz W126
Mercedes-Benz 430 SEL (US)
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Parent company Daimler-Benz
Production 1979–1991 (sedan)
1981–1992 (coupé)
Assembly Sindelfingen, Germany
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz W116
Successor Mercedes-Benz W140
Class Full-size luxury car
Grand tourer
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
4-door sedan
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 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(s) 4-speed automatic
4-speed manual
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,935 mm (115.6 in) (280 SE)
3,075 mm (121.1 in) (300 SEL)
2,850 mm (112.2 in) (420 SEC)
Length 4,995 mm (196.7 in) (280 SE)
5,160 mm (203.1 in) (300 SEL)
4,935 mm (194.3 in) (420 SEC)
1988-1991 Sedan: 208.1 in (5286 mm)
1988-1991 Coupé: 199.2 in (5060 mm)
Width 1,820 mm (71.7 in) (all SE/SEL)
1,828 mm (72.0 in) (all SEC)
Height 1,430 mm (56.3 in) (280 SE)
1,440 mm (56.7 in) (300 SEL)
1,407 mm (55.4 in) (420 SEC)
1988-1991 Coupé: 55.0 in (1397 mm)
Curb weight 1,560 kg (3,439 lb) (280 SE)
1,655 kg (3,649 lb) (500 SEL)
1,650 kg (3,638 lb) (500 SEC)
For a complete overview of all S-Class models see Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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 turbo diesel 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.
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. 

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. Codenamed "project W126," the project had specific goals: an improved ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency. These improvements were aimed at helping retain the S-Class' market leadership as the world's best-selling prestige luxury sedan. Following the 1970s oil crisis, Mercedes-Benz had made fuel efficiency an especially pertinent goal (named "Energy Program"), 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. The maximum speed was also increased (250 km/h in the most powerful model).
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. 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.
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.

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. 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).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.
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.
The W126 S-Class carried the following general dimensions:
Body style Length Width Height Wheelbase
W126 sedan 208.1 in (5,290 mm) 71.7 in (1,820 mm) 56.3 in (1,430 mm) 121.1 in (3,080 mm)
W126 coupé 199.2 in (5,060 mm) 72.0 in (1,830 mm) 55.0 in (1,400 mm) 112.2 in (2,850 mm)

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).

W126 (1986-1991)

Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL sedan

Production figures

Saloon models

1981 Mercedes-Benz W126 SEL (long wheelbase version) in profile
Mercedes-Benz W126 SE (standard wheelbase version)
Model Cal. Years Built
260 SE 1985-1991 20,836
280 S 1979-1985 42,996
280 SE 1979-1985 133,955
280 SEL 1980-1985 20,655
300 SE 1985−1991 105,422
300 SEL 1985-1993 40,956
380 SE 1979-1985 58,239
380 SEL 1980-1985 27,014
420 SE 1985-1991 13,996
420 SEL 1985-1991 74,017
500 SE 1979-1991 33,418
500 SEL 1980-1991 72,733
560 SE 1988-1990 1,251
560 SEL 1985-1991 75,071
300 SD 1980-1985 78,725
300 SDL 1986-1987 13,830
350 SD 1990-1991 2,066
350 SDL 1990-1991 2,925
Total 818,105

Coupé models

Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC coupé
Model Cal. Years Built
380 SEC 1981-1985 11,267
420 SEC 1985-1991 3,680
500 SEC 1981-1991 30,184
560 SEC 1985-1991 28,929
Total 74,060

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.

Safety

W126 S-Class driver's seat with SRS airbag
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.

Drivetrain technologies

Rear-end of a 500 SEL W126
  • 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.

U.S. grey market models

500 SEL

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.

Problem models

350 SD/SDL

Some engines had a design defect which causes ovaling of cylinder walls, bent rods, excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 200 miles or one litre per 300 kilometres is not uncommon), and eventually engine failure. Mercedes-Benz did not accept responsibility for this defect, even when problems arose before warranty terms were met. Most of these engine failures have occurred on vehicles driven under high load or city driving, while highway driven engines do not show signs of problems until many miles later, if at all. Fixing the problem can cost the owner more than $10,000 or 8000€ which exceeds the value of the car. All 350 SD/SDL's will develop this issue, but will not reoccur after being repaired, therefore a thorough pre-purchase check by a qualified mechanic can give the potential buyer a better idea of what they are getting into. Some 350s have gone well over 400,000 miles (640,000 km), problem free.

1987 300 SDL Turbodiesel

The OM603 diesel engine for this year was recalled on both the S- and E-Class cars due to the original trap oxidizer's tendency to disintegrate into the turbocharger and the engine itself, causing extensive and costly damage. Mercedes-Benz issued a recall on this component and a redesigned oxidizer was installed on most cars produced.

380 SE/SEL

Following the fuel crisis, part of the program was to reduce weight and increase power with decreased engine weight. On early versions of the 380, the engines came with a single row timing chain. These models were plagued with chain failure problems and some of the problems were corrected by Mercedes-Benz, free of charge. Some models, however, escaped retrofit and may at some point fail as a result. All models beginning in 1983 were equipped with the dual-row chain from the factory, and earlier models can be retrofitted.
The susceptibility of a single row chain on this engine is due to the intricate rails and tensioner design, along with the two tall cam towers the chain must circulate around. Simple single cam engines generally do not have these problems when using a single chain.

Special variants

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.

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.

Engines

In September 1985, two newly-constructed 6 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 injection engine, 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 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 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 5 cylinder turbo diesel was offered from 1981-1985 in North America. They are known for covering many hundreds of thousands of miles with few problems. In 1986, the 300SD was replaced with the 300SDL. It was part of the second generation of w126 model lineup. The 5 cylinder engine was replaced with the new inline 6 cylinder engine and the engine was only offered in long wheelbase. The new engine had 148hp compared to 125hp of the previous.

Engine Cyl. Power Torque 0-100km/h Maximum speed Notes
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
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

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:
  • Car of the Year. The W126 model 380 SE was the Wheels Magazine Car of the Year in 1981.
  • Safety. The W126 was awarded by the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute as the "The Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989.
  • Customer satisfaction. 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.

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." 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 export market. 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.
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 friendly plastics), and auto-door closing features. Among actual owners, W126s are known for their simple maintenance, straightforward problems diagnosis, and long term reliability.