S-Class—this series name has long denoted the flagship models from Mercedes-Benz. Some of the best cars to ever wear the 3-pointed star have been a part of the S-Class line-up, but there have arguably been some less successful generations as well. Let’s take a quick look at the S-Class range through the years and make our picks for the good, the bad and the ugly.
Where to begin? Mercedes used the “S” designation to denote Sonderklasse (special class) on flagship models in the 1950s through the early 1970s, including notable cars like the W108 300SEL. But the official use of S-Class started with the unveiling of the W116 series in 1972, and has continued since. So those cars will be the S-Class models for us to pick from. In the interest of simplicity, let’s also limit this QOTD to the sedans, as those have been the common thread though all the generations.
W116 S-Class: 1972 – 1980 (U.S. models arrived for 1973)
The generation that formally launched the S-Class name, and firmly cemented Mercedes-Benz leadership. Often credited with being the “best sedan in the world” when new, these cars embodied Mercedes dedication to engineering innovation and excellence, as well as superior materials and build quality.
W126 S-Class: 1980 – 1991 (U.S. models arrived for 1981)
Needing to respond to global demands for increased efficiency while retaining the ultra upper-crust snob appeal, this generation brought sleekly elegant, aerodynamic designs and a broad array of engines to demonstrate the pinnacle of the luxury car art for the 1980s.
W140 S-Class: 1991 – 1999 (U.S. models arrived for 1992)
The “grosser” S-Class: too big and too expensive, the ultimate example of Mercedes-Benz over-engineering. Still the “best” in many ways, but unable to define the future of luxury sedans as effectively as previous S-Class generations.
W220 S-Class: 1999 – 2006 (U.S. models arrived for 2000)
The polar opposite of the W140, this generation was lighter, nimbler, less expensive, tech filled and targeted as a “younger, hipper” big Benz. The long-term was not kind to these cars, however, as they didn’t maintain Mercedes quality standards in many key areas.
W221 S-Class: 2006-2014 (U.S. models arrived for 2007)
This generation added in styling gimmicks like flared wheel arches and Mercedes-Benz’s version of BMW’s “Bangle Butt” 7 Series raised deck lid, along with a move back to higher quality materials and a more substantial feel. Technological proliferation continued unabated, with ever more advanced and complicated features.
W222 S-Class: 2014 to the present day
Demonstrating renewed vigor in Mercedes-Benz mastery of the conventional ultra-luxury large sedan, loaded with luxury features, technology, craftsmanship and “street cred.” But with the Tesla Model S setting the pace for innovation in the super premium luxury segment, the Benz becomes the best of the “old school” approach.
So now let’s make our choices! Here is my list, from most favorite to least favorite S-Class.
The Top Three
- The W126 just nailed it for me. Modern, arrogant, brilliant—it defined Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the world’s best sedans. I was an impressionable young teen when these arrived, and I thought they were amazing—pretty good showing for a big 4-door sedan!
- The W116 also set the pace for Mercedes excellence, and made significant sales inroads in key global markets. Established Stuttgart’s definition of the modern luxury sedan as the one to beat.
- The W222 felt like Mercedes rediscovered the magic that had made previous S-Class generations so successful: great presence, cutting edge technology and great build quality along with an absolutely sumptuous interior. Truly a state-of-the-art luxobarge.
I would be thrilled to own any of these S-Class models, and feel they are truly best of breed. Now on the rest on my list, which I will add I have no interest in ever owning.
The Bottom Three
- The W221 represented a return to a bit more traditional substance after the lightweight W220. But those fender flairs looked like they were from a PT Cruiser, and this generation felt gimmicky rather than timeless.
- The W140 was a car I wish I could like more than I do. On the one hand, it was so solid, commanding and over-the-top, with the ultimate expression of the traditional Mercedes interior. But the size, and the looks…. No thanks.
- Every list has to have last place, and the W220 takes mine among S-Class models. Time has not been kind to this car, and what was seen as fresh when new turned out to be below the quality standards that the brand had historically offered. It just doesn’t live up to the lofty standards set by other generations of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans.
So those are my picks, what are yours?
W126 hands down. The perfect mix of seriousness and sleekness. The sedan is great, the coupe is even better.
W126, W116, i that order. I would include the W140 as a third but I have seen what happens to them over time in terms of reliability of electronics etc.
Like the 1979 Lincoln Continental posted by Joe today, I still see the W116 (getting rarer) and W126 still in service today.
Exactly.
The w108 is my top pick–that prow embodies Mercedes.
I’d most like to own a w116: its stodgy formality suits me.
I’ve owned a w126 (300SE), and didn’t enjoy it: it’s underpowered for today’s highways (which I expected) and unreliable (which I didn’t expect). Very handsome, though.
There’s a w140 in my garage right now. It just might be the best car I’ve ever driven… when everything is working right… which is approximately never. I wish I hadn’t bought it.
Part of me prefers the W116 but as a child of the 80s it has to be W126. (Not that I particularly like 80s cars)
The styling is tight, it looks solid as a tank, and it seems so appropriate as the car of movie drug barons and TV news dictators and the dubiously wealthy the world over I grew up seeing.
Also, my parents used to buy the Sunday Times. Wasn’t really their type of paper but like a 15 year old S Class, it was massive and only cost a quid.
In the back of the magazine supplement every week was a double page ad which was entirely taken up by an impossibly glossy black SE. When you folded it out it became an SEL. I used to stare at it for ages.
W116, particularly a 6.9L SEL.
W126 first, W116 runner up. The best or nothing.
I actually agree with your list, to a tee.
Not much of a sedan guy, but the W-126 made an impression on me when I first saw one in my early twenties. Just a great looking luxury car.
Similarly, when I first saw a Mercedes with the “four-door-coupe” look at an auto show, I was smitten. The W-222 has that look in spades, and just look at that interior. Wow!
Also, when did Mercedes-Benz quit selling SWB versions here? I would think it was when the W220 came out, but I’m not sure; it could have been earlier.
Meanwhile, BMW and Audi *just* defaulted to LWB-only models for the 7 Series and A8 in the U.S., while the Lexus LS and Genesis G90 are already in LWB-comparable lengths. The only one still doing two different wheelbases is Jaguar with the XJL.
The W220 has a SWB version for 2006 only. I don’t know why they bothered.
How weird! Maybe it was some logistical thing, since they would have been starting W221 production by then.
I always liked the 1986-91 Mercedes Benz 420SEL and 560SEL’s the best because they have the best looks, high durability and good powertrains, while the 1981-85’s were the same vehicles they didn’t have too great of powertrain’s unless you’ve gotten the 500SEL.
Does the W111 “Heckflosse” count as die S-Klasse ?
If not, my favorite would be the W116. Also, probably the only one I may consider buying. Someday…
W126 for me, hands down. As a kid, I loved the 116, but when the 126 came out, it really moved the game forward. And I’ve loved it (and have wanted one) ever since. I still have the brochures and look at them often.
I certainly didn’t love the W140 when it was new, but it did have presence, that’s for sure. And while I’m aware of its reliability/durability issues, the looks have grown on me.
It’s been downhill from there, and while today’s S Class is better than the last two, it really doesn’t interest me at all.
Kyree, I think there was SWB W220 sold here for a short time during its run, but I can’t remember.
W126
I’ve owned 2 560 SEL’s for brief periods. One was. 88 and the other a 91. I only kept them for a few months because I knew i was playing with fire owning these cars. They were quit old by the time I got them. This was about 8-9 years ago. Awesome cars and I want another one! I just know that I can’t afford to keep one on the road when things start breaking. I can fix some of the stuff myself, but the more complicated bits I don’t have the guts to tackle. The 88 was my favorite because it didn’t have traction control like the 91. You couldn’t turn it off on the 91.
Head says W126, heart says W116, preferably a 450SEL 6.9. Heart would win – it was good enough for James Hunt……
+116 !
W126. Period.
There is a plugin hybrid W222 called the S500e which I was prepared to admire, but its electric-only range is a dismal 12 miles (EPA). Both its overall fuel efficiency (26 mpg) and its all-electric efficiency (59 kWh per 100 miles) are only about half what a proper PHEV delivers.
I’m all in favor of great luxury, superior engineering and build quality. But without efficiency the result is incomplete and unsatisfying. I’ll take a ’59 Cadillac on pure passion, to hell with efficiency in a car like that, it’s not the point. But a cold-blooded engineering-driven luxury car without world-class efficiency is obsolete. Sorry.
The W126 got decent mileage, reportedly around 20 mpg city and 25 highway for a 380SE which is pretty good for its time. Reportedly they improved mileage about 10% through aerodynamics. And it’s otherwise a marvelous car. So good on the W126.
Favourite for what purpose? To look at, the W108. To drive? Donno; haven’t driven any of them, but I’m guessing the W126 with the W116 as a second preference and the W108 after that.
I would just put them chronologically.
116 is best with 126 a close second.
140 still looks like a Mercedes but is too plain. Relies on mass for presence rather than details.
220 & 221 look like nice cars but just don’t say Mercedes to me.
I actively dislike the 222. That curved belt line just makes it look warped like a plastic model from 1960.
W126 100% That continues to be the definitive Mercedes.
Never understood how they could follow up that masterpiece with the W140, which looked like they had started with a block of clay and, after a few hours work, said, “ok, we’re done” Such an awkward and clunky design.
A neighbor has a dark blue W126 and I look every time it drives by. Every. Time.
I Love my 1979 280S mine has 5 speed stick shift which I Think it’s a big plus.
Late W126, either 420SEL or 560SEL. Preferably Smoke Silver with the dark red interior. Charcoal exterior as a second choice. Still affordable, still good ones available, still fixable by a mere mortal without a CompSci or EE degree, all the class, and virtually none of the hooptification that the newer models have experienced by virtue of now being too old for that.
An intelligent choice for the discerning enthusiast. 🙂
I’ve ridden in a few versions but my only drive was a brief one in a W126 diesel. Honestly, I’m not an S Class fan, so make mine a W108, a 300SEL 6.3 (OK, I just looked it up and apparently that’s a W109). Maybe dated to drive, probably expensive to keep running, but to me the W116 was flabby looking and in my opinion started a change in direction for M-B that’s continued to this day, and is not really to my taste. Nevertheless, I enjoy reading others’ opinions … even passion … for these cars.
Definitely the W126. It’s an eloquent car, both arrogance and sober rationalism combined. A perfect reflection of it’s Germanic progenitors.
The W220 is definitely the nadir, joined by the W140. My two favorites are the W116 that really made the model with its dignified looks and rock solid build and the elegance and purity of Paul Bracq’s original W108. I do prefer the look of the US spec W108 with round headlights since the euro lights look blank faced to me.
The W126 gets honorable mention for its bank vault styling and equally solid build quality
I keep hearing people say the W126 is reliable. I’ve owned a 560SEL FOR THE LAST 8 years and while I like it, it’s been anything but reliable. Short list of problems: Erratic idle, high speed stalking issues, cruise control module failure$250, climate control electronic controller failure, vacuum actuator failure, signal light/wiper control module failure, camshaft wear (replaced), driveline bushing failure, power mirror failure, fuel pump relay failure…..and more. Beautiful yes, money pit, YES!
That’s a myth that’s clearly not substantiated by anyone who’s tried to own one for an extended period of time. “Reliable” is not really a term that should be applied to a 35 year old car. Things invariably give out, especially the kind of items you describe. These are not going to last 30+ years; not even 20 or so.
The truth of the matter is that these W126 and W124 cars were great and mostly reliable and quite durable for the first 15-20 years or so. But those in the know have moved on, if they’re looking for reliable transportation. These are strictly hobby cars now.
Durable might be better word to describe them in as much as the materials used were all very high quality. Which is a quality that’s not necessarily the case in all cars. It does make them more appealing for the longer haul but after a certain point, they will require a steady stream of repairs.
I know several folks who tried to run a W126 as a daily driver in the past decade and eventually realized they were constantly shoveling money at them. It’s the case with all old cars, and these are ultimately mortal too.
My mother-in-law is the perfect example of someone who had an extremely satisfactory long-term ownership experience with an S-Class. In her case, it was a 1980 300SD (last of the W116) which she happily owned for a whopping 23 years–and it was her primary driver. The Benz (nicknamed “Max”) was exceedingly durable and well made, and the diesel was designed for longevity and it delivered. She literally put hundreds of thousands of miles on it. She did spend money to maintain it, but always felt that the costs fell within the parameters of keeping a good car on the road. Ultimately, like all things, “Max” did just wear out, reaching a point where it no longer made sense for her to keep it for daily use. But that 300SD wasn’t scrapped–she actually sold it to her butcher–he’s German, and was nostalgic to have a cheap old MB diesel to putt around in occasionally. That car would probably still be going today if a tree hadn’t fallen on it during a storm.
I met “Max” when my wife and I first started dating–the car was 9 years old then, and I knew it for the following 14 years during which time my MIL kept right on driving it every day. I always marveled at how tight and solid the car seemed, and how well the interior materials held up, plus ergonomics and handling that didn’t seem totally out-of-date decades after the car was originally designed. “Max” aged gracefully and did yeoman’s work, and certainly sold me on the magic of the products that Mercedes-Benz used to offer.
W126
When this Benz arrived on the scene, it was like a breath of fresh air. The previous generations of S Classes tended to look like their lesser brethren.
Look at the W108 and W114. The W108 looked like a stretched W114
Look at the W116 and the W123. The W116 looked like a bigger W123
Now look at the W126. It looked nothing like the W123 or the W124. It did not look like any other Benz.
Now look at the later generations of S-Class. They look like larger versions of the E-Class
This is the iconic and quintessential S-Class in the same vein as the E30 BMW 3 Series is considered to be the iconic 3 Series
The W221 looks nothing like the W211 or the W212 E-classes IMO
W116.
Engineered like no other car in the world.
W116 is about the last one that would interest me and then only in diesel,
build quality? dont make me laugh, they rust, that says it all about the quality MB cant even be bothered with proper rust prevention.
126, then 140. Of course I like a coupe in either type over sedan but . . .
If it must be a sedan – same answer. 126, then 140.
I have about 1,500 miles seat time in a 126 from Florida to Illinois. Wonderful car. I prefer the simpler (non SLS) suspension in the short wheelbase car, but gasoline. I would investigate a nearby 380SE, 300SE or maybe a 420SEL. But I think the SLS is to be avoided.
The 140 was audacious. But now I am getting to like it. It looks like a 124 scaled up 15% but baked in a bread pan. Spartan, German luxury and quality and still simple, intuitive instruments & controls. But, as with 126, it has old & fragile parts. Both are collector cars now, no longer reliable.
Actually from my experience, the SLS on my 560SEL has not been a problem. It’s a very simple system, similar to a tractor hydraulic control lever attached to the anti roll bar to allow into or release hydraulic fluid from the nitrogen spheres.
My first choice would be a W108 280SEL 4.5. Second would be an early W116 450SEL with the euro bumpers. Those two cars are built like bank vaults and they also had fewer electronic gizmos that break (automatic climate control for example). If I had to go W126, it would be a 560SEL with an R107 1989 560SL for top-down days.
W116 – it’s the only S class I would be inclined to want to own. To me it still looks modern – and is a timeless design.
W126 – is sadly the only S class I’ve ridden in – the reclining rear seats made a big impression on me. This is my #2 choice.
I agree, the W108. That front says Mercedes like no other and the shape and design is just timeless. Taut and athletic w/ absolutely no sign of excess or the bloat to come.
I have a lot of wheel time in both the 116 and the 126.
My favourite of them all was a 1976 280SE Eurospec model. The car was a total stripper-it even had cranker windows-but man-o-man was that a nice car to drive. It was just so much better than anything I had driven up to that point.
The W126 was also a wonderful car. A couple of years ago, I considered buying one, but came to my senses after I drove it.
W126 by far, the 140 was the worse. The 126 is easily one of the greatest cars ever built.
The W140. That’s mainly because of when it came out vs any objective qualities. Being born in 1996, the W140 was the first S-Class I was exposed to, as a young kid, they were my favorite of the Mercedes Benz’s available at the time. When I was little, that was my dream car, and in many ways, my love for the S-Class shaped a lot of my tastes today. I know that the older ones are more revered, for good reason, I certainly acknowledge they are great cars and my fondness for the W140 is childhood nostalgia at the forefront. But, no matter what, it will always remain my favorite.
In fact, if I could give a definitive ranking on each S-Class in order, it would go.
W140
W126
W116
W221
W220/W222 (It’s hard for me to decide which one I hate more since I find them both equally unappealing)
The trouble with the W126 was that such a large proportion of them (at least in the U.S.) were the 300SD turbo-diesel variety.
Have to agree, there on the 300SD engine and performance. It was slow from a standing start, almost depressingly so…a close relative had one and I got a lot of time in it. Once up to highway speed it was no great shakes, but it was okay. His car also had a peculiar assembly error: the left rear door was assembled with its power window motor/regulator assembly upside down. The left and right side were symmetrical and could be physically interchanged but that would put the drain hole on top instead of the bottom, so water resulting from condensation would accumulate instead of draining out. Eventually the thing rusted up solid. It was not difficult to fix but was expensive to buy.
Its turbocharger first failed before 100,000 miles and was replaced as per USA emissions regulations. The second time…KA-CHING!!!
Well, I already see I’m the only one who loves the W221. Perhaps because I was 6 when it came out, but I certainly love the styling and the interior.
I certainly don’t hate the W221. If anything, I think it’s certainly head and shoulders above the W220 and W222 from a styling perspective, and if nothing else, I like it better than other cars around that same time period that competed in its class. I just think that compared to the others, it’s weaker in overall desirability (For me at least).
The W140 and W221, though if I bought the W221, I would lament the ventilated seats since they come standard in the S-Class. All those little holes would bug me (I have OCD). I like smooth seating surfaces. I find that if I put up a sunscreen in the windshield on hot days and run my good, cold AC, it negates the need for ventilated leather(ette) seating. None of my cars have ventilated seats and I’m just as comfortable as ever.
The W222 is unappealing to me, as are all the other current Benzes. Their current design language resembles that of Hyundai and the interiors are ugly and complex. The previous generations of the C, E and S-Classes were conservatively yet distinctively styled with clean, simple lines inside and out.
I thought about stepping out of my Mopar loyalty for just one time and getting a Mercedes C- or E-Class after I eventually retire my Chrysler 200, but I think I’ll just get a 300C or a Grand Cherokee instead.
W126- preferably a 300SE SWB. It wasn’t that slow, and I really liked the shorter wheelbase.
W116. This car established Mercedes’s engineering dominance for decades. It exposed the Rolls Royce for what it really was- an overweight antique.I can’t remember another time that the S Class was so far ahead of it competition.
W116. Diesel. Had one in the taxi fleet that the company founder still putts around in even though we are no longer in the taxi business.
W126. Preferably a later 420SEL. Love this car.
W220. I have my (irrational) reasons….
As Paul mentioned above, I would treat any one of these as a hobby car only. I also know quite a few folks who tried to daily W126s and W123s (myself included…) in the last decade only to enter a stream of never ending maintenance and repair. Durable cars indeed, but I wouldn’t/couldn’t daily one.
W116 for me!
And FYI, I’ve been trying to send you emails, Paul – keep getting a message that tells me it failed to send after making me click through umpteen verification pictures, please contact administrator another way. What gives?
Another broken part on our old site, just like with an old Mercedes S Class.
Here you go: curbsideclassic(xx)gmail.com
Thank you!
Black W126 560SEL with tan interior.
I’ve thought of this way more than I should, but in the end I have to go for the obvious one.
W116
116. Was always smitten by these barges. The styling had a light and nimble look, haha, okay, it didn’t; but it certainly looked sleeker than the later iterations. I seem to recall there was a year or two in the malaise 70s that they were crowned the world’s (or perhaps it was only in the US) fastest production car. I don’t know which parameter was used, but I distinctly recall that claim; I assume that was with the 6.9 powerplant.
W116 – Of course, this kicked off the whole series but was let down by too-subtle styling. Unless there’s a W123 parked right next to it for comparison they’re hard to tell apart.
W126 is THE S-Class, the most desirable sedan in the world in its’ day.It’s hard to imagine Lucille Bluth driving anything else.
W140 and 220 – A one-two punch. When the best thing that can be said about how time’s treated the W220 is that its’ looks have aged better than the oval Taurus, that’s saying something.
W221 – I disagree on the flares, I like this look. It has presence without falling into the trap of being stuffy.
W222 – This will be very significant if it’s the last S-Class. Otherwise, meh.
The ones that I have:
W108 280S
W109 300SEL 6.3
W116 450SEL 6.9
W215 CL500 (basically a W220)
A W140 600 coupe is on my wish list.
The only one that is operational at the moment is the CL.
And now a quesrion: DId American manufacturers produced anything that matched Mercedes quality, reliability, and durability during the post-war years?
It depends on how exactly you define those terms. But I would say yes, especially so in the 1950s. And possibly in some cases in the 60s.
Quality is somewhat subjective. In terms of reliability and durability, I’d say many American cars over many decades of the post war era.
Keep in mind that most Mercedes, especially the gas engine ones, were not really paragons of reliability, and needed pretty regular and service and other ministrations. The diesels were better.
Keep in mind that American taxi companies routinely put 500-600k miles (about a million kilometers) on their American cars. If they they thought a Mercedes was so much more reliable and durable, they probably would have used them.
My point being: a typical Mercedes back in the day cost some 2-4 times as much as an American sedan. So yes, more “quality” in its materials was to be expected, no? But it came at a substantial price.
Sure, you can make an old Mercedes run forever. But you can make just about any old car run forever, as many have shown. The Mercedes will just cost more in the process, and the owner will enjoy the pleasure of the “quality”. But at a price.
“Keep in mind that American taxi companies routinely put 500-600k miles (about a million kilometers) on their American cars. If they they thought a Mercedes was so much more reliable and durable, they probably would have used them.”
In a weird way they did, when Ford designed the 4.6 that would power many cabs/cops/trucks/vans, they looked to several global engines for inspiration, Mercedes M117 being a big one (itself a 4.5 OHC 4.5).
Thankfully they kept the cars fairly basic compared to a Benz.
I find that irrelevant. “Looking” at other companies’ engines (or cars) when planning a new one is something just about everyone does in the industry. The key is in the execution. I can find plenty of examples where a company “looked” at another engine, but failed to make it a really good one.
As an adult, i came across a 1973 Car & Driver comparison (Aug 73?) of the “new” 450SE vs the colonnade Cutlass sedan. The article compared them to each other AND their predecessors.
Good read. Objectively, the cars are close.
My takeaway was that the Benz was the best sedan one could buy. Cost was no object. The Cutlass, other than the smallish rear seat, was built to a cost. It was the best ‘mass market’ sedan in the US.
Both were thirsty, and the road test was written before the October War and subsequent energy crisis.
You should run that article here.
As for me, in my formative childhood years, a Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and W116 Benz represented what “rich people drove”
Please see this CC post from a few years back covering that ’73 comparison test:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/uncategorized/vintage-review-1973-oldsmobile-cutlass-salon-versus-1973-mercedes-450se-no-joke-car-and-driver-compares-a-colonnade-to-an-s-class/
Hi Paul,
I appreciate the response and I agree with your assessment. I was thinking of a time when both Mercedes and American car manufacturers where producing relatively simple automobiles. That era might have ended in 1966 with the 1967 government mandates kicked in.
I am not making any assertions one way or the other I am just curious.
Thank You
It’s a question that can’t really be answered simply. I might feel different about it tomorrow. 🙂
These are the kind of questions that can be discussed and debated endlessly, as there’s lots of anecdotes and examples, but few simple definitive answers. The biggest problem being the definition of those terms. And weighting them. But it’s certainly grist for the mill. We’ve been working on these lofty questions here for years now. And we’ll continue to. Makes for endless discussion!
W126.
1. W140 (and W108/W109. I consider it an S) The W140 is like a W124 only more of it.
2. W126 (close second) Nothing says diplomat’s car more than the W126. It’s the perfect balance between understated and imposing.
3. W116 The balance skewed a bit towards imposing. Still a REAL Benz.
4. W221 It has some of that character that says here comes the boss
5. W222 Like the W221 only a bit less of it
6. W220 A big piece of soap. And I still like it a bit. It’s just really tough competition.
An optioned W126 500 definitely, W108 second as it defines what a Benz should look like, and W140 third
The W126 is everything I want in a luxury saloon and would find it completely satisfying today along with a Jag XJ6 series 1, I rate it for the following reasons
Resistance to rust, far better then the preceding W116 and disgracefully some of the later ones
High gearing and effortless cruising at 135 mph all day long, I speak from experience.
Outstanding top speed and acceleration with fair fuel economy for the performance, (much better than the W116) , it is as fast a car as I would want today
Drives exceptionally well, really good handling to match the excellent performance
Aesthetics after the W108 – but must have Euro headlights – subjective, but the cleanest one to me, the later ones I find plain ugly, much too fussy
Still relatively simple electronically and mechanically, the later cars gave trouble
The US cars might have done as many miles as was mentioned in another post, but I don’t think the buyer of the Benz would have considered them a substitute, not in Europe anyway
W126.
I’m not really big on any of these (way too much talk of reliability), but I will say that I’m surprised at the dash layout in the W116, its a surprisingly ahead of its time lay-out that we see quite often in modern cars.
Just stick a screen in there, add some arbitrary angles/curbs, and you have the front interior to most recent cars.
W116, unmatched gravitas. With W126 a close second.
I like the W126, but the US sealed beams really uglify the front view. The European version looks much better.
In the case of the S-Class, the older the better
Peak S Class right there in a Coupe or Convertible.
W126 absolutely! In the early 2000s the general manager of the then newest Mercedes-Benz dealership in my area, a man who had been selling Mercedes-Benz for almost 40 years at the time, told me the W126 sedans were “the quintessence of Mercedes-Benz automobiles.” I’ve never owned one though I have owned two W124s and have driven and rode in several W126s so I have to agree with his assertion.
Add to that their look is reserved, understated, regal, stately, and totally bad-ass. To back up that claim I cite the car’s appearance in the Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America where the prince’s father (the king, played by James Earl Jones) arrives in New York with an entourage comprising three of these – all painted black. I am sure there are many other movies and TV shows where the W126 was an indicator of the superior power and prestige of its owner.
At one time my brother-in-law, who had a ranch in south central Texas, got the bio-fuel bug. He was going to supply his Diesel powered agricultural equipment and pick-up truck with fuel he “brewed” himself. On a lark he bought a 20 year old 300SDL. Cosmetically the car looked its age but it was in excellent mechanical shape. We took it out on some back roads and got it up to 85 mph where it cruised for several miles in total comfort and poise. We decided not to push our luck and the b-i-l ultimately sold it to an enthusiast for more than he paid for it about a year later reasoning that future maintenance requirements might obviate any savings in fuel.
The 300SE was not quick by any contemporary measure but, like the 560SEL it could cruise at VERY extra-normal speeds all day long.
Just found this W116 production plant video.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DK_NKoMF3k38&ved=2ahUKEwir35uex67dAhXhFjQIHYIzBP8QtwIwAHoECAYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1EYcVlYTBp9Q1kC5d__uRI
And at the other end of the life cycle, a rusty, blown engined and chicken coop stored example is rescued by a father and son team, covered with over 20 years of chicken shit…
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DoBpuaJo7s7U&ved=2ahUKEwjszNzbya7dAhXcBjQIHQVXBrwQtwIwAXoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2JUL5nMKP5_6v8cacXQTH5
W126 560SEL by miles! Then the W116 and the W140, primarily because you could tell that they were the ‘top of the line’ owing to their overall presence on the road. The newest one does restore some of that road presence.
I may judge only by design. My top 3 cars are:
1Mercedes w220
2Mercedes W222
3 Mercedes W126
Why I put W220 on the first place. I still remember early 2000s when I first saw W220 on the street. I was so impressed, it was such a modern and revolutionary look like nothing on the street at the moment. The W220 design is brave attempt to bring the radical jump in understanding how the future of the automobile design should look like. Also the W220 is the most sold S class of all times just check the figures.
Mercedes 126 the best design by far. I have had two 380SE in Nautical Blue Metallic. One day at the grocer, an older woman walked over to my vehicle and said “Now that’s a real automobile!”..She was right,eh?