Mercedes-Benz S-Class SE (W126) (1979–1991)
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class SE (W126) was offered with 10 gasoline engine versions, from 156 to 265 hp, built 1979–1991.
EnlargeProduction years1979–1991
Body styleSedan
Doors5
Length196.7 in (4,995 mm) – 197.6 in (5,020 mm)
Width71.7 in (1,820 mm)
Height56.3 in (1,430 mm) – 56.6 in (1,437 mm)
Fuel tank23.8 gal (90 l)
All Mercedes-Benz S-Class SE (W126) engines
| Engine | Years | Fuel | Power | Torque | 0–62 mph | Top speed | Combined | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 S (156 hp) | 1979–1985 | Gasoline | 156 hp (115 kW) | 164 lb-ft (223 Nm) | 10.1 s | 124 mph (200 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 280 SE (185 hp) | 1979–1985 | Gasoline | 185 hp (136 kW) | 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) | 10 s | 130 mph (210 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 380 SE V8 (218 hp) Automatic | 1979–1981 | Gasoline | 218 hp (160 kW) | 225 lb-ft (305 Nm) | 9.3 s | 134 mph (215 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 (240 hp) Automatic | 1979–1981 | Gasoline | 240 hp (177 kW) | 298 lb-ft (404 Nm) | 8.1 s | 140 mph (225 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 380 SE V8 (204 hp) Automatic | 1981–1985 | Gasoline | 204 hp (150 kW) | 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) | 9.8 s | 130 mph (210 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 (231 hp) Automatic | 1981–1985 | Gasoline | 231 hp (170 kW) | 299 lb-ft (405 Nm) | 8.1 s | 140 mph (225 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 (245 hp) Automatic | 1985–1987 | Gasoline | 245 hp (180 kW) | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) | 7.3 s | 137 mph (220 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 CAT (223 hp) Automatic | 1985–1987 | Gasoline | 223 hp (164 kW) | 269 lb-ft (365 Nm) | 8 s | 137 mph (220 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 (265 hp) Automatic | 1987–1991 | Gasoline | 265 hp (195 kW) | 299 lb-ft (405 Nm) | 7.2 s | 146 mph (235 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive | |
| 500 SE V8 CAT (252 hp) Automatic | 1987–1991 | Gasoline | 252 hp (185 kW) | 288 lb-ft (390 Nm) | 7.5 s | 143 mph (230 km/h) | Rear-wheel drive |
Figures are the manufacturer's, mostly for the European versions, and can vary with equipment. Fuel economy is converted from the European test (l/100 km) to US mpg, so it reads higher than an EPA rating. Engines with a link have their own spec sheet.