1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 Series

The Mercedes-Benz W126 was introduced in 1979 as the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, succeeding the company's W116 range. Compared to its predecessor, the W126 had better handling, improved ride, and improved fuel efficiency. The latter was in response to the oil crisis of 1973, where emission and safety regulations in the United States continued to grow.

The exterior shape was created by a team led by Mercedes-Benz's chief designer, Bruno Sacco, incorporating traditional S-Class design elements with forward-thinking aerodynamic design cues. The front end and bumper were designed to reduce aerodynamic drag, and the windshield wipers were carefully concealed underneath the hood (bonnet) when not in use.

The overall weight was reduced through the use of lighter alloy materials, high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) sheet, and polyurethane deformable material.

The use of lighter components and a more aerodynamic shape resulted in a reduction of fuel consumption by approximately ten percent as compared to its predecessor.

1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 Series
In the United States, the 500 Series arrived in 1984 and came equipped with a new all-aluminum 5.0-liter overhead-cam V8 engine. The 500SEC was a two-door, five-passenger coupe, and the 500SEL was a long-wheelbase sedan and formerly housed the smaller 3.8-liter engine.

The 5.0-liter V8 engine had multi-point fuel injection, five main bearings, 8.0:1 compression, and produced 184 horsepower at 4,500 RPM and 247 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. A four-speed automatic was standard, along with four-wheel disc brakes and power-recirculating ball steering. Anti-lock brakes became standard in 1985, along with the driver's airbag, heated outside mirrors, and electrically adjustable headrests.

Standard amenities included an anti-theft alarm, an outside temperature sensor, and electrically heated seats (front only in the 500SEC).

For customers who desired a more exclusive and higher specification version of the 500 Series, there was AMG. Each car specified by an AMG customer was bespoke and given options picked by the client from the company's wide-ranging catalog. Along with handling, power, and aerodynamics, the AMG upgrades could be tailored for ultimate interior luxury or attention-grabbing cosmetics.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024