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Mercedes-Benz S-class SEL (V126, facelift 1985) 420 SEL V8 CAT (204 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, facelift 1985) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (SEL (V126, facelift 1985)). With 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1630 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 210 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.
420 SEL V8 CAT (204 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers solid V8 performance, smooth and refined, with adequate power for its size, though slightly detuned due to the catalytic converter.
Fuel Economy
Typical V8 thirst, with fuel consumption on the higher side, especially in urban settings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant design, a true classic
- • Exceptional build quality and robust engineering
- • Luxurious and spacious interior with superior comfort
- • Smooth and refined ride quality
- • Powerful V8 engine options offering strong performance
- • Advanced safety features for its era (e.g., ABS)
- • Strong classic car appeal and investment potential
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy, especially with the larger V8 engines
- • High maintenance and repair costs due to age and complexity
- • Parts availability can be challenging for specific components
- • Large size can be cumbersome in modern urban environments
- • Lacks modern safety and infotainment technologies
- • Potential for rust in neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W223: July, 2021 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | SEL (V126, facelift 1985) |
| Modification (Engine): | 420 SEL V8 CAT (204 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | June, 1985 |
| End of production: | September, 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 204 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.6 Hp/l [19mm less] |
| Torque: | 310 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 116 E 42 / 116.965 More details about the engine M 116 E 42 / 116.965 |
| Engine displacement: | 4196 |
| 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: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 190.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1630 |
| Max. weight: | 2150 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5160 mm mm [19mm less] |
| Width: | 1820 mm mm [134mm less] |
| Height: | 1441 mm mm [62mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3070 mm mm [36mm less] |
| Front track: | 1555 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1527 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 |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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