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Mercedes-Benz S-class SEL (V126) 380 SEL V8 (218 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz S-class:
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" , is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car. " Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SEL (V126) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (SEL (V126)). With 305 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1615 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.3 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
380 SEL V8 (218 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth and capable V8, providing effortless cruising power, though not overtly sporty. Known for some early cam oiling issues.
Fuel Economy
Typical V8 thirst for the period, expect high fuel consumption, particularly in urban settings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Legendary build quality and durability
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine options
- • Advanced safety features for its era (e.g., ABS, optional airbag)
- • Strong classic car appeal and investment potential
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
- • Maintenance costs can be significant for an aging luxury vehicle
- • Prone to rust in certain areas if not well-maintained
- • Lack of modern safety and convenience features
- • Finding parts can be challenging for some components
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SEL (V116): October, 1973 - February, 1976).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | SEL (V126) |
| Modification (Engine): | 380 SEL V8 (218 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | October, 1979 |
| End of production: | October, 1981 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.1 Hp/l [75mm more] |
| Torque: | 305 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 116 E 38 / 116.961 More details about the engine M 116 E 38 / 116.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 3818 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 9 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 71.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 135 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1615 |
| Max. weight: | 2135 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5135 mm mm [75mm more] |
| Width: | 1820 mm mm [50mm less] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3070 mm mm [110mm more] |
| Front track: | 1545 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1517 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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