I sometimes get the feeling I’m driving a 91 300 E 124, just bigger with an “S.� I could be wrong on this (that has not stopped me before…) and I’ve done no research, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the second gen 126 came out the year after the debut of the w124 – DB’s new, modern, break with the past model, bearing in mind the 86 126s were built in 85. I think there may be a lot of shared suspension and chassis parts between the two along with upgraded electronic components like the ABS. Although available in 1984 the newer CIS – E fuel injection system – a mechanical/electronic hybrid – was used in all the second gen cars.
Airbags became standard – passenger side available, the tilt sunroof, better seats with better, softer material, upgraded sound system and speakers, and an ‘upgraded’ idiot light array with a low washer fluid level and low motor oil level, among others, which are not on my 500 SEL. I also don’t have the telescoping steering wheel or map light on the 500. The first gen of US market cars did not have the headlamp wipers or third/top mounted brake light. The second gen came in the US market with the ‘new style’ 15� rims standard as opposed to the 14� bundts.
The two cars are very different – my 500 is more like my 123, single ingot of steel, not much in the way of overboard creature comforts – cars designed to function first; the second gen cars are stuffed with more stuff, whether needed or not – they are more smooth and refined but not so ingot-like if you will, still great build quality but just not as solid.
Second generation w126 is to say comparing day and night! The difference in body styling does not matter much to me but performance does.
Benzonline you must try the 2nd gen w126, but then again the sound is still hopeless compared to w140. But it is a lot quiter. i had a 1st gen 500 sec and 1st gen 280 se. Both were rather lousy to be honest compared to my 2nd gen 300se. They were a lot nosier the engine noise is terrible even the 500 was nothing near the level of refinement the 300 se gave and the later 420 sec was fantastic. much better than the ist gen 500 sec.
If it were now i would not buy a 1st gen w126 unless i had been given one. The 380 is a terribily noisy car and even noisy than almost any new car. But the second generation is rather comparable to a new car but not that close to the w140 but its getting there it is some where near the w140 standard but not that quite.
Yes you a missing a lot any c class is going to be out run your 380. Even basic c200 is faster.
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W126 91 300SEL EURO, AMG 16 INCH RIMS, BURL WALNUT WOOD, ABS, NAKAMICHI RD 701,STOCK SPEAKERS. WHITE FRONT AND REAR LAMPS.
PORSCHE 911SC SPORTS PACKAGE AKA REAR AND FRONT TURBO SPOILERS, RED, TARGA. COMPLETELY STOCK ONLY ADDITION IS K AND N AIR FILTER.
"Airbags became standard – passenger side available, the tilt sunroof, better seats with better, softer material, upgraded sound system and speakers, and an ‘upgraded’ idiot light array with a low washer fluid level and low motor oil level, among others, which are not on my 500 SEL" The idiot light options were NOT option i belive among 500 sel/sec euro versions of pre 85 cars.
"Airbags became standard – passenger side available, the tilt sunroof, better seats with better, softer material, upgraded sound system and speakers, and an ‘upgraded’ idiot light array with a low washer fluid level and low motor oil level, among others, which are not on my 500 SEL" The idiot light options were NOT option i belive among 500 sel/sec euro versions of pre 85 cars.
Only the 89+ benefit from the better seats though!!
I am not sure as to exactly when Mercedes started doing this it might have been in 2nd gen 126s, it might be in the 124s. I absolutley hate how the front end (headlights and grille area) are slanted. I love the 126 front end and tail end. That slant just takes away from the car somehow makes it look less "imtimidating?" Eventually, when i save up the money i am going to buy a 500SEC with an AMG body kit, that probably wont be for a while. I have my 300SD, im quite happy with it despite the fact that people make fun of it because it has problems [:(]. Even thou the one guy who makes fun of it compares it to his 5 year old "beat-the-crap-out-of" Jeep Cherokee.
I agree with the seats, i think MB should put more support in them.
Just my 2 Cents
Kris
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"The past tempts us, the present confuses us and the future frightens us...and our lives slip away moment by moment lost in that vast terrible inbetween."
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