1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 Series

The Mercedes-Benz W126 was a series of saloon vehicles manufactured from September of 1979, serving 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 referencing 'Sonderklasse' or 'special class.' Models were initially offered in straight-6, V8, and turbo diesel saloon configurations. Compared to its predecessor, the W126 was more fuel-efficient, aerodynamic, mower powerful, and capacious. It also introduced many safety innovations including the first airbag (supplemental restraint systems), traction control, and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Production of the W126 line lasted twelve years, from 1979 through 1991, the longest of any S-Class generation since the flagship models were first built in the mid-1950s.

In regards to diesel power in the American market, Mercedes-Benz was a consistent leader and developed a strong reputation and following among consumers. Beginning with the 170D in 1949, a thirty-eight horsepower four-cylinder engine, made a virtue of economy, and diesel would remain in the Mercedes lineup from then on.

The fuel crisis of the early 1970s greatly heightened the widespread respect and appeal of diesel power. Their economy, reliability, and longevity were matched by increasing performance. Among the most significant model in Mercedes-Benz's arsenal may have been the 300D, with its inline five-cylinder engine with just over 3-liters displacement, 77 horsepower, and 115-lb-ft of torque. Its four-door sedan configuration was soon joined with the 300CD coupe, the 300SD supercharged sedan with 110 horsepower, and the 300TD station wagon.

In 1990, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new model dubbed the 350SDL. This was the first large chassis Mercedes diesel in three years, with power being sourced from a 3,407cc single overhead camshaft turbocharged inline-6 with 121 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. This was the first turbocharged diesel-engined Mercedes since 1987. Initially, it was offered on the long-wheelbase chassis (indicated by the 'L' in the model designation) with abundant room and luxurious amenities.

The 1990 Mercedes-Benz model lineup included the 190E sedan powered by a 159 cubic-inch inline-6 and priced at $31,600. Offered solely as a gasoline model, transmission options included either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 Series included the 300E sedan with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive and powered by either a 158.6 cubic-inch inline-6 or a 180.8 CID inline-6. The 300TE, again offered with either front- or four-wheel drive, was offered as a four-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. The 300CE was a two-door coupe, and the 300SE was either a sedan or long-wheelbase sedan.

The 300CE used a 180.8 cubic-inch, dual-overhead-camshaft inline-6 with 217 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 300D used an overhead-camshaft, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine with a 152 cubic-inch displacement and developed 121 horsepower at 4,600 RPM.

The 560 Series S-Class sedan was equipped with a V8 engine with a new fuel-injection system. The 300SL and 500SL were both coupe/roadsters with the 300SL equipped with a 181 cubic-inch inline-6 while the 500SL was powered by a 304 cubic-inch V8.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021