Unfortunately I wish I had the scan copy of this test to post, but had to just get this from the AMS website, but it is very interesting and great modern road test of a 1982 Mercedes 500SEL W126, to celebrate the 40year anniversary launch of the W126 in 1979 IAA.
MERCEDES 500 SEL (W 126) IN THE TEST
Still the best car in the world after 40 years?
How time flies when you move the best circles! Just like the most successful of all Mercedes S-Classes, the W 126, whose launch is now 40 years ago. Back then, we chose the 500 SEL in the test as the best car in the world. Let's see if the S is still in a class of its own.
As the star spreads to the horizon and the first rays of the sun turn the dim gray of the sky to red, we are already on our way for a few of the quiet little hours of the early day. Long enough to find peace, as it only arises with the security, which gives the certainty to arrive safely and unconditionally. And that only makes it possible to dare to ask big questions: Should everything have been better in the past, how terrific does it have to be the best of the past? There is only one way to find that out. And that leads to Lahr. In M Mercedes 500 SEL W 126th
Although it does not require the tradition of the "old in the test", there is, in addition to this reason, even a reason that the S class class W 126 occurs here. It celebrated its premiere in 1979 at the IAA, so in a good early, which is actually already 40 years ago. In 1980, in the first test of the W 126, we judged him in critical sobriety as "the best car in the world". Well, we did not have it smaller then.
But rarely was a car ahead of its time as the Mercedes 500 SEL W 126th For the there was off the start of the W 116 introduced ABS, from 1981 driver airbag and front passenger belt tensioners. Yes, at that time, it was the safest car ever, with a body and crash structure that even outweighs the newly emerging danger of offset crashes - with 40 to 50 percent overlap. The technicians optimized the aerodynamics up to the run of the gutter and sunk windscreen wiper to cW = 0.36, reduced the weight compared to the old S by up to 300 kilograms, the style of body and interior.
At that time, it was the safest car in the world, with a body and crash structure that even outweighs the newly emerging danger of offset crashes - with 40 to 50 percent overlap.
The 126 remained in production for twelve years, only a facelift in September 1985 interrupted the steady running of the assembly line in Sindelfingen. With 818,036 copies, it is still not only the most successful model of the S, but the luxury class at all. Therefore, we wanted to plan the anniversary test early. So call bravely at Mercedes-Benz Classic and just do not let it surprise you:
"Hal ..."
"Seb, you again?"
"Um, so I ..."
"You just had the G-model for the 'old man in the test'."
"Yes, but ..."
"Already clear: now the 126er."
"Could we ..."
"I thought so. We have three choices: an early 500 SEL, a medium 300 SE and a late 560 SEL. Which, when? "
" Um, pfff ... 500 SEL? Autumn? "
" You can get it. See you."
S is all gold that shines
So we get the lapis-metallic Mercedes 500 SEL on a summer's Monday, which got lost in an autumn week. It is a 1982er, which cost at that time in basic version 63.845 Mark. All special equipment is listed in the data card - a long, rather continuous series of numbers, ranging from 410 (electric sunroof, DM 1,316.45) to 877 (reading lights in the rear, DM 113). Strangely enough, it does not include the headrests in the rear (that would have been the 430 to 186.45 DM - just with such rousing detail knowledge you bring back buoyancy in frustrating small talk at Christmas parties). In any case, the Mercedes 500 SEL with extras cost 86,625.80 DM - a high, yet reasonable price for a car, which is on the way for 37 years at the top.
The SEL skims through the pylons during the slalom with good lateral inclination and high security.
The SEL 500 costs $ 86,625.80 - a high, yet reasonable price for a car that has been at the top for 37 years.
After 1981, the Mercedes 600 outnumbered, the Mercedes 500 SEL is the elite model, parked in front of Chancellery and Villa Hammerschmidt - the S-Class of President Richard von Weizsäcker with the most casual number plate of the Republic: 0-1. Since you are quite jealous over there in the chancellor bungalow, where you with the extras "front seat reinforced right" (35.03 DM) and "additional longitudinal adjustment front seat right" (107.35 DM) permissibility so rather not keep up.
Alright, the exit Lahr. We just had half way to go. How fast the future becomes a thing of the past when you think about it in the past. Turn, refuel, wash, then over to the airfield, directly to the box and right on the scales. It shows 1,721 kilos for the 5,135-millimeter-long SEL - that's how much an E 200 weighs today.
We wire the electronics. But before we go out, we take the inside dimensions. Since there is a lot to measure inside, finally, the Mercedes 500 SEL extends by 14 inches in the wheelbase to 3.07 meters. Therefore, not only the rear doors are the same length longer, but also the handles in the rear, which gives them prospects for a second career as a shower towel holder.
On the crumpled back seat, the seat extends to a spacious 83 centimeters.
The driver is also undisturbed, but accommodated in a functional atmosphere. Everything clear and catchy on the big steering wheel. Ignition, selector lever through the zigzagging on D, foot from the brake pedal, the Mercedes 500 SEL rolls on. The V8 humming just above its reduced idle speed of 500 / min. It counts as the increased compression, the power reduction from 240 to 231 hp and the longer rear axle ratio to the measures of the "Mercedes-Benz Energy Concept 1981", which demands the top ten thousand to increase efficiency not just unbearable cuts in performance, speed or comfort.
Because of its lower weight, the five-liter even surpasses the vehemence of the nominally higher 450 SEL 6.9. Even now, as we have gently recorded noise levels, the Mercedes 500 SEL proves the power from the depth of the cubic capacity. At a staggering 405 Newton meters, the four-speed automatic, which is not overstated anyway, normally starts the second gear to start, only to L it starts the first one. So what, what the traction reserves calls for, followed by an acceleration ropes, which could once batter the self-image of sports cars. At the start, the starting torque stabilization supports the rear axle against submersion, then the SEL pounces, reaching 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds, 160 km / h in 20.7. More than the values impressed the casualness in which the Mercedes 500 SEL accelerates.
Sovereign succeeds the Mercedes 500 SEL W 126 also the brakes, he delays the many tempo neatly away.
On the other hand, driving dynamics tests are more demanding - especially for a car that is used to setting a clear course. Thus, the Mercedes 500 SEL curves around the pylons in the slalom with stately side slope and high security. Nevertheless, he still knows to avoid indecent hectic with his rückkeldungskeuschen steering. It's so indirectly translated that you simply can not do it at a faster pace with cranking.
Anyone who expects the handling of the handling to be more dynamic thanks to the optional hydropneumatic suspension can wait for this as well as a real improvement in suspension comfort. Because surprisingly awkward the oil-air suspension responds to short bumps. Long waves swinging away better, but never supersede the impression that one would have better invested the 3,310.90 DM at that time. Outweighed in gold, it would have since been 4,873 euros.
This could already finance part of the expenses for fuel. Because now, after we've packed up and back at the gas station, garnish significant amounts of premium gasoline in the tank. But you can not afford stinginess when it comes to driving a Mercedes 500 SEL.
Above all summits there is peace'
So it starts, a piece only on the highway. Then as always overland. Today with wide open sunroof. Oh, the Oppenauer Steige is currently closed. Well, then we climb the Black Forest just over the highway. The roads do not have much of an incline to counteract the impact of the engine. The tops of the fir trees are strobing over the deep glossy paint of the bonnet, when it rises gently only after bends. Now, the automatic makes the V8 turn higher and more demanding, without ever exploiting its reserves ever significant.
After a short time and virtually incidentally, the Mercedes 500 SEL reaches the summit of the mountain. He never left that power. The good of the past, that's getting better and better.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
body
CONCLUSION
We only have five stars. Two are there for the power to remain undisputed performers, even though others have more horsepower, two for never being fashionable, but over decades modern, one for the V8.
The scales shows 1,721 kilos for the 5,135-millimeter-long SEL - that's how much an E 200 weighs today.
The driver is undemanding but accommodated in a functional atmosphere. Everything clear and catchy on the big steering wheel.
Drivers airbag and optional pre-tensioned seat belts were available from 1981.
Not the most fuel efficient car by modern standards, the 500SEL consumed 16.6ltr/100km premium gasoline overall on the test.
MERCEDES 500 SEL (W 126) IN THE TEST: TECHNICAL DATA
Mercedes 500 SEL
test car
Construction year 04/1985 to 01/1991
test date 09/2019
drive
Number of cylinders / engine type 8-cylinder V-engine
Installation position / direction front / longitudinal
Displacement / compression 4973 cc / 9.2: 1
power 170 kW / 231 hp at 4750 rpm
Max. torque 404 Nm at 3000 rpm
combustion process Otto
camshaft drive Chain
Power unit rear-wheel drive
transmission 4-speed automatic transmission
translations I. 3,98
II. 2,39
III. 1.46
IV. 1.00
R. 5.47
final drive 2.24: 1
Body and dimensions
Type Saloon with notchback
Doors / seats 4/5
external dimensions 5135 x 1820 x 1440 mm
wheelbase 3070 mm
gauge 1545/1517 mm
turning circle 12.8 / 11.8 m
loading height 810 mm
interior width 1520/1495 / - mm
interior height 960/910 / - mm
seat depth 480/480 / - mm
Norm sitting room 830 mm
legroom 900 to 1180 mm
sitting room 730 to 1,030 mm
hip point 530/800 mm
steering wheel turns 3
Steering wheel diameter 420 mm
Boot capacity 505 l
weights
Curb weight test car 1721 kg
weight distribution 54.8 / 45.2%
maximum weight allowed 2175 kg
towable 750/1900 kg
roof load 100 kg
Suspension, brakes and wheels
Arm Independent suspension / rigid axle
Suspension base Coil springs, shock absorbers / rubber spring elements, shock absorbers
Chassis test car Series / Series
stabilizers Yes / Yes
link construction Wishbones / semi-trailing arms
steering ratio 15.1: 1 / - / -
Tire brand / type Vredestein Sprint Classic
tire 205/70 VR 14 / 205/70 VR 14
acceleration
0-50 km / h 3,4 s
0-60 km / h 4.2 s
0-80 km / h 6.1 s
0-100 km / h 8.5 s
0-120 km / h 11.5 s
0-130 km / h 13.3 s
0-140 km / h 15.6 s
0-160 km / h 20.7 s
0-180 km / h 27.5 s
0-200 km / h 38.4 s
60-100 km / h 4.3 s
80-120 km / h 5.4 s
top speed 225 km / h
Braking distance and deceleration
100-0 km / h 46.5 m / 8.3 m / s²
130-0 km / h 77.6 m / 8.4 m / s²
driving dynamics
Slalom 18 m 54.7 km / h
Double lane change 120.0 km / h
Sounds
Indoor noise 80 km / h 67 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 100 km / h 69 dB (A) (automatic)
Interior noise 130 km / h 71 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 160 km / h 73 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 180 km / h 77 dB (A) (automatic)
Stand noise / max. noise 40/77 dB (A)
Stand / driving noise 84 / 76dB (A)
Consumption and emission values
fuel premium gasoline
Tank volume / range 90 l / 542 km
NEDC - / - / 16.6 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions 141 g / km
ams Eco-consumption 11.5 l / 100 km
ams Commuter consumption 16.9 l / 100 km
ams Sportfahrer consumption 20.5 l / 100 km
Weighting test consumption 15/70/15%
test consumption 16.6 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions 386 g / km
MERCEDES 500 SEL (W 126) IN THE TEST
Still the best car in the world after 40 years?
How time flies when you move the best circles! Just like the most successful of all Mercedes S-Classes, the W 126, whose launch is now 40 years ago. Back then, we chose the 500 SEL in the test as the best car in the world. Let's see if the S is still in a class of its own.
As the star spreads to the horizon and the first rays of the sun turn the dim gray of the sky to red, we are already on our way for a few of the quiet little hours of the early day. Long enough to find peace, as it only arises with the security, which gives the certainty to arrive safely and unconditionally. And that only makes it possible to dare to ask big questions: Should everything have been better in the past, how terrific does it have to be the best of the past? There is only one way to find that out. And that leads to Lahr. In M Mercedes 500 SEL W 126th
Although it does not require the tradition of the "old in the test", there is, in addition to this reason, even a reason that the S class class W 126 occurs here. It celebrated its premiere in 1979 at the IAA, so in a good early, which is actually already 40 years ago. In 1980, in the first test of the W 126, we judged him in critical sobriety as "the best car in the world". Well, we did not have it smaller then.
But rarely was a car ahead of its time as the Mercedes 500 SEL W 126th For the there was off the start of the W 116 introduced ABS, from 1981 driver airbag and front passenger belt tensioners. Yes, at that time, it was the safest car ever, with a body and crash structure that even outweighs the newly emerging danger of offset crashes - with 40 to 50 percent overlap. The technicians optimized the aerodynamics up to the run of the gutter and sunk windscreen wiper to cW = 0.36, reduced the weight compared to the old S by up to 300 kilograms, the style of body and interior.
At that time, it was the safest car in the world, with a body and crash structure that even outweighs the newly emerging danger of offset crashes - with 40 to 50 percent overlap.
The 126 remained in production for twelve years, only a facelift in September 1985 interrupted the steady running of the assembly line in Sindelfingen. With 818,036 copies, it is still not only the most successful model of the S, but the luxury class at all. Therefore, we wanted to plan the anniversary test early. So call bravely at Mercedes-Benz Classic and just do not let it surprise you:
"Hal ..."
"Seb, you again?"
"Um, so I ..."
"You just had the G-model for the 'old man in the test'."
"Yes, but ..."
"Already clear: now the 126er."
"Could we ..."
"I thought so. We have three choices: an early 500 SEL, a medium 300 SE and a late 560 SEL. Which, when? "
" Um, pfff ... 500 SEL? Autumn? "
" You can get it. See you."
S is all gold that shines
So we get the lapis-metallic Mercedes 500 SEL on a summer's Monday, which got lost in an autumn week. It is a 1982er, which cost at that time in basic version 63.845 Mark. All special equipment is listed in the data card - a long, rather continuous series of numbers, ranging from 410 (electric sunroof, DM 1,316.45) to 877 (reading lights in the rear, DM 113). Strangely enough, it does not include the headrests in the rear (that would have been the 430 to 186.45 DM - just with such rousing detail knowledge you bring back buoyancy in frustrating small talk at Christmas parties). In any case, the Mercedes 500 SEL with extras cost 86,625.80 DM - a high, yet reasonable price for a car, which is on the way for 37 years at the top.
The SEL skims through the pylons during the slalom with good lateral inclination and high security.
The SEL 500 costs $ 86,625.80 - a high, yet reasonable price for a car that has been at the top for 37 years.
After 1981, the Mercedes 600 outnumbered, the Mercedes 500 SEL is the elite model, parked in front of Chancellery and Villa Hammerschmidt - the S-Class of President Richard von Weizsäcker with the most casual number plate of the Republic: 0-1. Since you are quite jealous over there in the chancellor bungalow, where you with the extras "front seat reinforced right" (35.03 DM) and "additional longitudinal adjustment front seat right" (107.35 DM) permissibility so rather not keep up.
Alright, the exit Lahr. We just had half way to go. How fast the future becomes a thing of the past when you think about it in the past. Turn, refuel, wash, then over to the airfield, directly to the box and right on the scales. It shows 1,721 kilos for the 5,135-millimeter-long SEL - that's how much an E 200 weighs today.
We wire the electronics. But before we go out, we take the inside dimensions. Since there is a lot to measure inside, finally, the Mercedes 500 SEL extends by 14 inches in the wheelbase to 3.07 meters. Therefore, not only the rear doors are the same length longer, but also the handles in the rear, which gives them prospects for a second career as a shower towel holder.
On the crumpled back seat, the seat extends to a spacious 83 centimeters.
The driver is also undisturbed, but accommodated in a functional atmosphere. Everything clear and catchy on the big steering wheel. Ignition, selector lever through the zigzagging on D, foot from the brake pedal, the Mercedes 500 SEL rolls on. The V8 humming just above its reduced idle speed of 500 / min. It counts as the increased compression, the power reduction from 240 to 231 hp and the longer rear axle ratio to the measures of the "Mercedes-Benz Energy Concept 1981", which demands the top ten thousand to increase efficiency not just unbearable cuts in performance, speed or comfort.
Because of its lower weight, the five-liter even surpasses the vehemence of the nominally higher 450 SEL 6.9. Even now, as we have gently recorded noise levels, the Mercedes 500 SEL proves the power from the depth of the cubic capacity. At a staggering 405 Newton meters, the four-speed automatic, which is not overstated anyway, normally starts the second gear to start, only to L it starts the first one. So what, what the traction reserves calls for, followed by an acceleration ropes, which could once batter the self-image of sports cars. At the start, the starting torque stabilization supports the rear axle against submersion, then the SEL pounces, reaching 100 km / h in 8.5 seconds, 160 km / h in 20.7. More than the values impressed the casualness in which the Mercedes 500 SEL accelerates.
Sovereign succeeds the Mercedes 500 SEL W 126 also the brakes, he delays the many tempo neatly away.
On the other hand, driving dynamics tests are more demanding - especially for a car that is used to setting a clear course. Thus, the Mercedes 500 SEL curves around the pylons in the slalom with stately side slope and high security. Nevertheless, he still knows to avoid indecent hectic with his rückkeldungskeuschen steering. It's so indirectly translated that you simply can not do it at a faster pace with cranking.
Anyone who expects the handling of the handling to be more dynamic thanks to the optional hydropneumatic suspension can wait for this as well as a real improvement in suspension comfort. Because surprisingly awkward the oil-air suspension responds to short bumps. Long waves swinging away better, but never supersede the impression that one would have better invested the 3,310.90 DM at that time. Outweighed in gold, it would have since been 4,873 euros.
This could already finance part of the expenses for fuel. Because now, after we've packed up and back at the gas station, garnish significant amounts of premium gasoline in the tank. But you can not afford stinginess when it comes to driving a Mercedes 500 SEL.
Above all summits there is peace'
So it starts, a piece only on the highway. Then as always overland. Today with wide open sunroof. Oh, the Oppenauer Steige is currently closed. Well, then we climb the Black Forest just over the highway. The roads do not have much of an incline to counteract the impact of the engine. The tops of the fir trees are strobing over the deep glossy paint of the bonnet, when it rises gently only after bends. Now, the automatic makes the V8 turn higher and more demanding, without ever exploiting its reserves ever significant.
After a short time and virtually incidentally, the Mercedes 500 SEL reaches the summit of the mountain. He never left that power. The good of the past, that's getting better and better.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
body
- Very representative and statutorächtiger appearance, which requires no oversized dimensions
- Extensive space for rear passengers
- Even drivers travel in a reasonable amount of space
- Excellent all-round view
- Furnishing style dispenses with elegance, which could disappear with changing fashions
- Even at high speed, noisy background noise
- Almost perfect hydropneumatics
- Formula 1 champions Lauda, Rosberg and Piquet drove W 126 for comfort
- Highly cultivated V8, as vehement as once the 6.9
- Automatics determined to absolute sovereignty
- Also through tear-proof steering extremely safe to drive
- Late oversteer tendency - a drift comes already casual in the presidential parade
- Lateral inclination symbolically stands for agility / dynamism
- Tight traction illustrates the power potential of the drive
- ABS, driver airbag and front passenger belt tensioner optional
- Armored version? Like, and the bill as always directly to the Chancellery?
- Were probably despite V8 unloaded, kept all cars like the Mercedes 500 SEL 500,000 kilometers and four decades
- Are enough for everyone
CONCLUSION
We only have five stars. Two are there for the power to remain undisputed performers, even though others have more horsepower, two for never being fashionable, but over decades modern, one for the V8.
The scales shows 1,721 kilos for the 5,135-millimeter-long SEL - that's how much an E 200 weighs today.
The driver is undemanding but accommodated in a functional atmosphere. Everything clear and catchy on the big steering wheel.
Drivers airbag and optional pre-tensioned seat belts were available from 1981.
Not the most fuel efficient car by modern standards, the 500SEL consumed 16.6ltr/100km premium gasoline overall on the test.
MERCEDES 500 SEL (W 126) IN THE TEST: TECHNICAL DATA
Mercedes 500 SEL
test car
Construction year 04/1985 to 01/1991
test date 09/2019
drive
Number of cylinders / engine type 8-cylinder V-engine
Installation position / direction front / longitudinal
Displacement / compression 4973 cc / 9.2: 1
power 170 kW / 231 hp at 4750 rpm
Max. torque 404 Nm at 3000 rpm
combustion process Otto
camshaft drive Chain
Power unit rear-wheel drive
transmission 4-speed automatic transmission
translations I. 3,98
II. 2,39
III. 1.46
IV. 1.00
R. 5.47
final drive 2.24: 1
Body and dimensions
Type Saloon with notchback
Doors / seats 4/5
external dimensions 5135 x 1820 x 1440 mm
wheelbase 3070 mm
gauge 1545/1517 mm
turning circle 12.8 / 11.8 m
loading height 810 mm
interior width 1520/1495 / - mm
interior height 960/910 / - mm
seat depth 480/480 / - mm
Norm sitting room 830 mm
legroom 900 to 1180 mm
sitting room 730 to 1,030 mm
hip point 530/800 mm
steering wheel turns 3
Steering wheel diameter 420 mm
Boot capacity 505 l
weights
Curb weight test car 1721 kg
weight distribution 54.8 / 45.2%
maximum weight allowed 2175 kg
towable 750/1900 kg
roof load 100 kg
Suspension, brakes and wheels
Arm Independent suspension / rigid axle
Suspension base Coil springs, shock absorbers / rubber spring elements, shock absorbers
Chassis test car Series / Series
stabilizers Yes / Yes
link construction Wishbones / semi-trailing arms
steering ratio 15.1: 1 / - / -
Tire brand / type Vredestein Sprint Classic
tire 205/70 VR 14 / 205/70 VR 14
acceleration
0-50 km / h 3,4 s
0-60 km / h 4.2 s
0-80 km / h 6.1 s
0-100 km / h 8.5 s
0-120 km / h 11.5 s
0-130 km / h 13.3 s
0-140 km / h 15.6 s
0-160 km / h 20.7 s
0-180 km / h 27.5 s
0-200 km / h 38.4 s
60-100 km / h 4.3 s
80-120 km / h 5.4 s
top speed 225 km / h
Braking distance and deceleration
100-0 km / h 46.5 m / 8.3 m / s²
130-0 km / h 77.6 m / 8.4 m / s²
driving dynamics
Slalom 18 m 54.7 km / h
Double lane change 120.0 km / h
Sounds
Indoor noise 80 km / h 67 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 100 km / h 69 dB (A) (automatic)
Interior noise 130 km / h 71 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 160 km / h 73 dB (A) (automatic)
Indoor noise 180 km / h 77 dB (A) (automatic)
Stand noise / max. noise 40/77 dB (A)
Stand / driving noise 84 / 76dB (A)
Consumption and emission values
fuel premium gasoline
Tank volume / range 90 l / 542 km
NEDC - / - / 16.6 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions 141 g / km
ams Eco-consumption 11.5 l / 100 km
ams Commuter consumption 16.9 l / 100 km
ams Sportfahrer consumption 20.5 l / 100 km
Weighting test consumption 15/70/15%
test consumption 16.6 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions 386 g / km
