"Babe" The Blue Ox
THINK BIG!
The S-Class is the flagship of Mercedes-Benz and the height of Mercedes luxury, a stunning example of power refined into a luxury car. The 1986 560SEL is the first year Mercedes imported the 560 into America. Classic Mercedes power is delivered through the 5.6 liter overhead cam fuel injected engine, other features include 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, alloy wheels, and much more. Classic Mercedes luxury is delivered through a spacious interior trimed in palamino leather, burl wood paneling, heated seats (including rear), roomy rear passenger area including reclining rear seats and much more. The Mercedes Benz 560SEL was a classic the second it hit the showroom floor. The aluminum hood, great looking grill, beautiful long lines and awesome performance were show stoppers.
The thing most people don't get about Mercedes is that they are quietly very fast, they don't do tire spinning, squealing, roaring or leaping displays, they just quietly go. If you stomp on the gas you'll be well over 100 mph before you realize it.
This model 560SEL was produced from 1986 through 1991 with this chassis, engine and specifications, for more detail, see below. This Mercedes is part of a production group defined as: 1986-91, 560SEL, W126.039, M117.968 5.6-V8
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN: WDBCA39D2GA223838
Manufacture Date: February 1986
Manufacturer: Daimler-Benz (Mercedes-Benz)
Production Plant: Sindelfingen
Mfg. Suggested Retail Price: >$70,000.00
Acquisition Miles: 244,200 miles
Acquisition Date: 2006
Acquisition Price: <$5,000.00
Engine Code: 117.968
Engine: 5.6-liter
Engine Cylinders: V-8
Engine Type: 4 Stroke gasoline
Power (1): 178 kW / 4800 rpm (239 hp US, 242 hp Metric)
Power (2): 205 kW / 5200 rpm (275 hp US, 279 hp Metric)
Power (3): 220 kW / 5000 rpm (295 hp US, 299 hp Metric)
Torque (1): 390 Nm / 3500 (287 ft lbs)
Torque (2): 430 Nm / 3750 rpm (317 ft lbs)
Torque (3): 455 Nm / 3750 rpm (336 ft lbs)
Displacement: 5547 cc (338.5 cubic inches)
Bore: 96.5 mm (3.8 in.)
Stroke: 94.8 mm (3.7 in.)
Compression Ratio (1): 9.0:1
Compression Ratio (2): 10.0:1
Battery: 12 V / 92 Ah
Alternator: 14 V / 80 A
Cooling System: 13.0 liters (13.7 qt.)
Engine Oil: 7.5 / 5.5 liters (7.9 / 5.8 qt.)
Plugs: Bosch W9DC
Gap: 1.0 mm (0.040")
Transmission: Automatic four speed torque converter
Chassis Code: 126.039
Gross Weight: 2290 kg (5,049 lbs, 2.5 US tons)
Curb Weight: 1830 kg (4,034 lbs, 2 US tons)
Wheelbase: 3070 mm (120.9 in., 10 ft.)
Overall Length: 5160 mm (203 in., 17 ft. long)
Overall Width: 1820 mm (71.7 in., 6 ft.)
Curb Height: 1446 mm (56.9 in., 4.7 ft.))
Turning Circle: 12.30 m (484 in, 40 ft.)
Track Front:
Track Rear:
Standard Rims:
Standard Tires: 215/65VR15
Max Rims:
Max Tires:
Fuel Tank: 90 liters (23.8 gallons)
Reserve Fuel Tank: (Included. above)
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration (0-100 kph)(1): 7.2 sec.
Acceleration (0-100 kph)(2): 6.9 sec.
Top Speed (1): 240 km/h (150 mph)
Top Speed (3): 250 km/h (155 mph)
Fuel Consumption City (~40 mph): 12 mpg
Fuel Consumption Highway (55 mph): 22 mpg
Fuel Consumption Highway(80 mph): 18 mpg
Coefficient of Aerodynamic Drag: 0.36 Cd
CONVERSIONS
1 cc = 0.0610237441 cubic inches
1 kilowatt = 1.34102209 horsepower
1 kilogram = 2.20462262 pounds
1 millimeter = 0.0393700787 in
1 kph = 0.621371192 mph
1 US hp = 550 lbf.ft/s
NOMENCLATURE (names and their meanings)
Mercedes are designated by their manufacture year (E.g. 1986), model designation (E.g. 560SEL), chassis (body style) designation (E.g. 126.039), and engine designation (E.g. M117.968).
MERCEDES "S"
The "S" refers to the S-klasse (Class), the top, the flagship of the Mercedes line.
MERCEDES "S500"
The "S" indicates the vehicle is an S-Class Mercedes and the "500" indicates it is a member of the 5 liter engine family.
MERCEDES "560SEL"
"560" refers to the 5.6 liter engine. "SEL" refers to the sedan (4-door) version of the 126 chassis. The "S" refers to the S-klasse (Class); the "E"(from the German word "Einespritzer" meaning fuel-injected) indicates that this is a gasoline powered car; while "L" refers to the German word "Lang" meaning long.
MERCEDES, MERCEDES-BENZ, DAIMLER-BENZ, BENZ, MB, M-B
All mean the same thing and refer to the same manufacturer and names that have changed through the years as the company and products have changed, and also includes favorite, pet and nick names. The most often used name is "Mercedes", it was the name of one of the founders daughters.
ENGINE
The Mercedes 5547 cc SOHC V8 (motor code M 117) based on that of the 500 M 117, the main difference is the crankshaft: 560 M 117 engine provides a stroke of about 1 cm more. This water cooled engine is equipped with Bosch KE III Jetronic ignition system. Though using two valves per cylinder and SOHC technology, the V8 engine delivers excellent output even at high engine speeds. Its SOHC nature also provides high power in low-medium engine speed range which, as a result, helps the big S-class to achieve brilliant accelerations. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is just 6.9 seconds, well ahead of most rivals at that time.
CHASSIS
The Mercedes 126 chassis automobiles were designed by the famous Italian Bruno Sacco. Mercedes 126 chassis owners praise the ride and handling even compared with cars manufactured today.
Standard wheelbase SE models were known as W126, and designated with the 126 chassis (body) number while the long wheelbase models, which stretch extra four inches, were codenamed as V126; nevertheless this S-class generation was best known by general public as W126. The 126 saloons made their first debut in September at the 1979 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Saloon models went on production and for sales later in December 1979. Models included the 280 SE/SEL, 380 SE/SEL, 500 SE/SEL and 300 SD. [Mercedes Benz 126 chassis model numbers were the Mercedes 300SD, Mercedes 300SDL, Mercedes 300SE, Mercedes 350SD, Mercedes 350SDL, Mercedes 380SE, Mercedes 380SEL, MERCEDES 380SEC, Mercedes 420SEL, Mercedes 500SEL, Mercedes 500SEC, Mercedes 560SEL, and Mercedes 560SEC.]
The W126 received its first and the only facelift and modified models were introduced to the world at the IAA held in Frankfurt in September 1985 to replace the existing models. The W126 body style with various engines were imported from 1979 to 1991 although a South African plant reportedly continued building the W126 until 1994. In all, the W126 was one of the longest running production Mercedes chassis. The W126 line was officially replaced by the W140 S-Class in 1992.
It was the first volume produced car range to offer a wide variety of advanced technology "firsts" including the world's very first ABS braking systems and the first SRS Airbag systems, etc.. The W126 chassis is notable for being the first to use high-strength steel throughout its construction resulting in an extremely rigid vehicle. The W126 utilizes double wishbone front suspension, and semi-trailing arm rear suspension, as well as four wheel disc brakes. A near-coil suspension (as opposed to coil over) provides both good ride and easy maintenance. The rear wheel drive and independent rear suspension make this car handle very well, though it is still very comfortable over bumps. Turning radius is excellent, as is road feel and handling during hard cornering.
The W126 body has considerably forward-looking styling, and with the installation of good looking wheels (for example the AMG Mercedes wheels) the car looks like it could have been made today.
HEADLIGHTS
Many people update the headlights. The European cars got a metal/glass composite headlight/driving light made by Bosch while US cars got a two-piece headlight/driving light combo with a rectangular headlight. The rectangular light is itself an update from the round headlights set in a louvered plastic panel in the immediately preceding generation of Mercedes. Original and aftermarket Euro-style headlights are very popular and available for prices between $200 and $600 per headlight. They take H4 headlight lamps, and H3 lamps for the driving lights, which are each the least expensive example of a lamp of their type. It is also possible to purchase aftermarket clear tail and corner lamp housings for about $25 and $200 per pair, respectively. When coupled with new wheels (14 inch and smaller alloy disc wheels went out of style in the late eighties) the look is definitely modern. I choose to leave mine alone, leave them bone stock factory original.
PAINT
The vehicle was offered with a wide range of paint schemes over its lifetime. They are always painted two-tone with the lower plastic cladding painted the second color, and the most common colors are white/grey, tan/grey, and tan/brown. There is also a blue/gray and blue/tan available from early on, and as the years progressed, silver/gunmetal became a popular choice, as did other metallic paints including a striking pale gold color.
WHEELS
One way to spot the 1986 model year and forward is the 15" alloy "slotted" wheels. The 1986 560SEL were sold with a lightweight 15" aluminum-alloy disc wheel and 205/65-15 tires. This combination allows for the sidewall to soak up a lot of impact and allows for a smoother ride provided tire quality is sufficient. Most newer vehicles elect to perform vibration damping in the suspension system, and utilize a wide tread, short sidewall, and a much larger wheel (typically 17 to 18" in full-size Mercedes.) 18", 19" and even 20" AMG wheels are available as a direct bolt-on replacement for this vehicle. It would be easy to stiffen and upgrade the overall handling by simply buying stiffer rims and tires which would work with the stiffer factory suspension to provide an overall stiffer ride. I choose to leave mine alone and leave them bone stock factory original.
INTERIOR
The 500SEL wouldn't be an S-class if it weren't for a highly detailed and designed interior. Gauges are easy to read and fairly complete. Oil pressure and coolant temperature are represented as gauges, not lights, and there is a tachometer present. An audibly ticking clock (when the car is not running) also sits inside the cluster. Below this are warning lights for the parking brake, brake wear, charging system, and high-beams. The dash is smooth overall, with a small vent for the climate control system's temperature sensor. Typical of German vehicles, the steering column does not tilt, and you must move the seat around it. The dash is covered with plastic even in vehicles which have leather interior as it better handles excessive direct sunlight, and it is appointed with one of several choices of (real) wood trim. The wood is used throughout the vehicle on all four doors, across the dash, down the center of the dash and back along the center console.
SEATING
The front power seats have four adjustments, including seat height front and rear, seat tilt, and front to back adjustment. They were offered with a heater, but all driver's seats have a pneumatic lumbar support inflated by the use of a squeeze bulb to the right of the seat along the center console. The driver's seat also has a fold-down armrest which locks into position. The control for the seat is located on the door and consists of two levers representing the seat and the seat back. The back control actuates the seat back tilt, while the seat control actually engages three separate switch elements to control the other three functions. Both front and rear seats are extremely comfortable with a great deal of spring, and there is a huge amount of headroom in all four major seating positions. A fifth passenger can ride (with slightly less headroom) in the center position in the rear. If they are not present, an arm rest may be folded down for comfort. Typically speaking, five average adults can fit into this car at once with reasonable comfort.
CLIMATE CONTROL
Automatic climate control allows the user to set a temperature (in degrees centigrade, or by the blue-white-orange scale) and never touch the system again except to engage the defrost. The system will operate the vent, fresh/re-circulated air door, air conditioning, and heater valve as appropriate to maintain your desired temperature. The climate control system has ducts that open to the sides and in the center of the dash, as well as under the front seats (for foot-room ventilation for rear passengers) and in the back of the center console. A vent in the top of the dash draws in air from inside the vehicle and the system reacts accordingly. In most situations the car draws in 20% outside air to avoid the atmosphere becoming stale.
INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS
Three ashtrays, one in the center of the dash where it meets the center console at the bottom and two in the rear doors, each have their own light and lighter socket. Switches for power windows (when installed) are in the center console, and lit so they can be located at night. Windows use worm gear motor drives, while door locks use vacuum solenoids. Locking the driver's door can only be done from outside with the key, or from the inside when the car is already closed. Either way, it locks all the other locks on the vehicle. Pulling on inner door handles automatically opens the corresponding door lock. Each door has a reflector on it as well as a courtesy light. A front dome light can be controlled from a switch located on the light, and will go out a few seconds after both front doors are closed. A rear dome light has a switch on the center console and opens when a rear door is opened. There are reading lights at either side of the back seat.
STEREO
The four stock speakers are excellent as far as such things go, and handle the output from a 40W/channel stereo admirably. There is a control in the center console for rear speaker volume which should be disconnected and patched around for use with aftermarket stereo systems.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Immediately after acquisition I proceeded to drive it for a bit less than four two on the freeway and then through some relatively twisty hills. A week later I had also driven it on some very twisty up-and-downhill roads, eight lane highways, and a broad assortment of city streets. The car performed excellently in all of these situations. Braking force is more than adequate (superior) for all conditions and while the suspension is less than nimble, it is far more agile than American cars sold to the same market. At highway speeds (and above) the vehicle is exceptionally stable. At lower speeds, it can be difficult to maintain high enough RPMs for efficient cornering, which in a rear wheel drive car requires some application of power. This leads to a necessarily sedate driving style which drivers of more powerful vehicles might find frustrating.
The interior controls are logical in general, although the climate control buttons could be clearer. Seat belt latches are sometimes difficult to engage but are very positive, as is typical in German cars. The vehicle is generally comfortable to sit in for long periods.
FUEL PERFORMANCE
A well-maintained vehicle can get fuel mileage as good as 30 MPG on the freeway, but in normal driving you will not likely see these numbers. I typically get between 12 and 18 MPG around town and recently got 22 MPG on a long trip. Driving in a lot of stop-and-go or up steep hills means that you will either be going slowly or burning a lot of fuel. This is in part due to the gear ratios. German vehicles are expected to make high top speeds (presumably for driving on the Autobahn).
SUMMARY
The 560SEL has the same length and wheelbase as the Bentley giving it the same silky smooth ride. And the 560SEL has the same weight and horse power as the Caddie but more torque resulting in great power while still retaining the safety of a relatively massive body.
REFERENCES
User Forum Mercedes-Benz
User Mercedes Forum
Parts
Parts
Tech Tips
Model Guide
Frapper
Twombly Garage
Notes Below:
(1) US Specification (Catalytic converter, 9.0:1 compression, 91 octane gas)
(2) Grey market specification. European market specification with catalytic converter and premium (95 octane) unleaded fuel. (The North American cars are optimized for petrol of 91 octane and thus compression ratios (outputs) are relatively smaller than the European and Grey Market Specifications.)
(3) European Specification (10.0:1 compression ratio, no catalytic converter, 95 octane gas)
Please let me know if you can update any of these descriptions, facts or figures. Thank you. --Ben
