Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W126, facelift 1985) 300 SE CAT (179 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

SE (W126, facelift 1985) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (SE (W126, facelift 1985)). With 255 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1520 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 200 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.

300 SE CAT (179 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

A capable six-cylinder engine, offering a good balance of power and refinement. With a potential manual gearbox (not specified as automatic), it could be more engaging.

Fuel Economy

Moderate fuel consumption for its size, better than the V8s. The catalytic converter is present for emissions control.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Balanced Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior.
  • • Legendary build quality and robust engineering.
  • • Timeless, elegant design and strong road presence.
  • • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines.

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models.
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic.
  • • Lack of modern safety features (predates Euro NCAP).
  • • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SE (W116): August, 1972 - July, 1980).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:SE (W126, facelift 1985)
Modification (Engine):300 SE CAT (179 Hp)
Start of production:August, 1985
End of production:October, 1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:179 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:60.4 Hp/l [60mm more]
Torque:255 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 103 E 30 / 103.981 More details about the engine M 103 E 30 / 103.981
Engine displacement:2962
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:6 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80.25 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.3 sec
Maximum speed:200 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.5 kg/Hp, 117.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 167.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1520
Max. weight:2040
Max load:520
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:5020 mm mm [60mm more]
Width:1820 mm mm [50mm less]
Height:1437 mm mm [12mm more]
Wheelbase:2930 mm mm [70mm more]
Front track:1555 mm
Rear (Back) track:1527 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 205/65 R15
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 7J x 15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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