1991 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL

After Mercedes-Benz introduced its W116 S-Class in 1972, they quickly began work on the next generation S-Class, code-named 'Project W126.' This second generation S-Class (with the 'S' representing 'Sonderklasse' or 'special class') arrived in 1979 in sedan/salon configuration, joined in 1981 by a coupe. During its lengthy 12-year production lifespan (1979 to 1991), a total of 818,063 sedans were constructed. Additionally, a total of 74,060 coupes were built from 1981 to 1990, bringing the total to 892,123, making the W126 the most successful and longest in production for S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the W126 model in September of 1979 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, debuting a new Mercedes-Benz design style that was subsequently used on other vehicles in the company's lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the new model had a sleeker, lower profile look, with more aerodynamic qualities than previous models. The sedan had a drag coefficient of Cd 0.36, and the coupe's drag coefficient was 0.34. This marked the first time that a Mercedes-Benz saloon was not equipped with traditional chrome bumpers; instead, there were polyurethane deformable bumpers.

The Mercedes-Benz W126 introduced numerous safety innovations, including the first airbag (supplemental restraint systems), seatbelt pre-tensioners, and traction control.

Design
The W126 would led Mercedes-Benz into a new era of design with many concessions made for stringent emission and safety regulations in the United States. The design team was led by Mercedes-Benz's chief designer, Bruno Sacco, who retained the classic S-Class design elements but gave it a more aerodynamic shape. Aerodynamic drag was reduced by hiding the wipers underneath the hood (bonnet), and reshaping the front end and bumper.

To reduce weight, the W126 received an extensive amount of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) sheet and polyurethane deformable material for bumpers and side claddings.

Mechanical Specification
The S-Class was offered in two wheelbase lengths with the standard size measuring 115.6 inches and the longer at 121.1 inches. The width was 71.7 inches, and the height was approximately 56.6 inches (the long wheelbase version was slightly higher at around 56.7 inches).

Initially, the W126 was offered with new six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and the V8 petrol engines enlarged to 4.2 and 5.5 litres. The 5.0-liter V8 was carried over.

The automatic transmission had four speeds with direct drive in the fourth gear. The 280 S/SE/SEL had a 4-speed manual transmission as standard, with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions being optional. The 1979 to 1985 models with the V8 engines did not receive a manual transmission, and U.S.-destined examples could only be purchased with automatic transmission.

U.S. Market
The United States market was introduced to the W126 in September 1980, with the 3.8-liter V8 engine being the only option. After a few years, as the oil crisis began to subside, the 380 SEL was joined by its larger siblings equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 that had been modified to comply with US FMVSS and EPA regulations. The 280 S/SE/SEL came with smaller six-cylinder engines and sold at a lower price than the V8 models. The 500 SEL and 500 SEC joined the lineup in 1984.

The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL
The 560 SEL had been a part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup in the United States since 1986. Its overhead-cam eight-cylinder engine had a light alloy block and heads, a 9.0:1 compression ratio, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, and a multi-point fuel injection system. It was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and disc brakes were at the front and rear. The suspension had upper and lower A-arms at the front, along with coil springs and anti-roll bars. The rear setup included semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars.

Changes were minimal over the years that followed, with exceptions being airbags becoming optional on the 560SEL sedan and 560SEC coupe in 1989, and a new fuel injection system a year later.

The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 560 Series included a four-door sedan (560 SEL) and a two-door, four-passenger coupe (560 SEC). The 338.5 cubic-inch (5549cc / 5.6 liter) V8 engine produced 238 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 287 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024