Anybody know what generation the w126 is in? Is it the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation S-class? What model year is officially considered the 1st generation S-class? If I know this, my question is answered.
I think it depends on where you start counting. Probably the first 'S' was the 170S (W136), differentiated from the 170V by more chrome etc. There was similar distinction in the Ponton bodies of the fifties -- the S version was nicer, but basically the same as the base models. The 111 fintail models were the same situation. I think the 108 body of 1966 (?) S was the first totally different car, not just different trim. The 116 followed in the 70s, then our 126, the 140, and now 220. So 126 could be considered 3rd, 4th, 5th, maybe sixth generation. see<br>
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/2188/Timeline.htm<br>
http://www.automuseum.com/MBS500.htm<br>
http://home.concepts.nl/~vlimmere/the_gallery.HTM (interesting!)
Well, gathering the info from you two and my giant MB book. I'm 90% sure that the first official S-class is the w111 of 1959. Why? Here are my thoughts- the car before the w111, is the 220 SE of 1954. Now this was the first time ever that an MB was badged 'SE'. However, this sedan wasn't that big in size and it was very similar to the 180 ponton. The w111 was the first ever to be badged 'se' and 'SEL' as relating to the same car only with a longer wheelbase. The 300 SEL was the first long wheelbase S-class ever, which first appeared in the early 60s. If the 220 SE is first, the w126 would be the 5th generation. If the 300 SEL is first, the w126 would be the 4th generation, making the w140 and w220 fifth and sixth. Stay tuned for part 2!
from the Official MBZ site undet the Classics section:<br> <br> 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE <br> A completely newly developed luxury car series was presented to the public in September 1972. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (internal designation: W 116) replaced the 108/109 series and was the first series for which the name 'S-Class' was officially used. <br>
It is all very confusing! What does it all mean?! What does that 'S' stand for?? Well, it is true that the [w116] 70s series is the first to be officially named S-Class. [ Why, I have no idea ] That would mean that our w126 is only a 2nd generation and the current w220 only the 4th generation. It just dosen't seem right, does it? I thought there was a little more history to this car. Based on the www.w126.com history page, I can clearly see the evolution of the S-Class, and believe that the w111 is the first. Take a look for yourself.
Linear Mode
