[NZ Benz]

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/vehicles/used-cars/mercedes.html

Well, I was quite suprised to find that apparantly the w124 is safer than the 126 from 86-91, (When the 126 2nd gen began?)

As a 140 owner it makes me happy. If the 126 which in this case is 82-92 is rated as average which I assume being in the used car market will list all cars from the invention of the wheel to 2005, the news would be even better than this for those with Mercedes cars which are even newer. But then some have said that the newer MB are not as safe as they were before, So if then the 126 is 'average' are all the others of us driving potential death traps? Well most likely not.

 

[1999_S600]

I feel that both the W126 and the W140 are safe. I absolutely love both of them, and think that they do a perfect job of keeping people safe. I got my 1995 S500 into a pretty major accident, (Airbags, Hood, Right Side door, headlights, corners, windshield, etc.) and I was able to open my door, and walk out.

I haven't gotten into any accidents with my W126, but I feel that the car is very solid, and will be able to withstand an accident very well.

I hope I will never have to find out though.

 

[NZ Benz]

Yea I say a 92 400sel that was totaled and sold for wrecking it looked like the car had been in a pileup with both front and side impacts. The passanger compartment was still in good shape; that car saved someones life.

 

[Gareth Coe]

My Unimog's nice & safe: when they see me coming they get OUT of the way

 

[benz420]

You're comparing older MB S-classes to newer MB S-classes. Both were pinnacles of safety in their day. Either way, no matter what S-class i'm in, i think i'm gonna feel bad for the other driver.

 

[Kajtek1]

ML gets 5-star ratings in most of crash tests and my wife confirmed that in the real life.
Common misconception is interpreting the statistic. Each category has its own ratings.
On the side of 5-star rated ML I used to own 5-star rated VW Jetta wagon.
Again -Jetta was rated "in it's class"
Guess in which vehicle I would rather be in real-life "testing"?

 

[Guest]

I DO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

 

[myfirstbenz]

My w124 400E saved my life in a rollover accident, the doors still shut like a vault. That's why I bought another, as well as my mother and brother drive one too.

 

[jzaroh]

I have no doubt the newer cars are better at absorbing impacts and protecting their passengers from injuries far better than older models. In fact, they absorb so much energy, they compromise their "rigid" safety cage.

Heck, in the 90's, Mercedes made efforts in designing their cars to absorb damage for both the car's collision, and the other vehicle it hits. Making accidents look worse when in fact the injuries for both sets of passengers are less.

Here's a W123 vs a C-Class Mercedes. 80 km/h

Notice how the A-Pillar is crushed, and the jaws of life had to be used on the passenger side of the C-Class. The W123's cabin (and windshield) is virtually unscathed! And the C-Class wagon was the one that rammed into the W123! Both had offset crashes, the C-Class hit the passenger side front fender of the W123 with its passenger side fender.

So, there you have it. Old Mercedes vs New Mercedes.

 

[asianml]

As Kajtek said, the ML has gotten 5-Star safety ratings in many tests. Yes, I'd say I feel safe.

 

[Oatie44]

.....very safe

 

[MBeige]

And the C-Class wagon was the one that rammed into the W123! Both had offset crashes, the C-Class hit the passenger side front fender of the W123 with its passenger side fender.

I think you have it the other way around. The W123 crashed head on into the C's passenger front fender.

Regardless, old MB's are built like tanks. New ones are designed to crumple and absorb energy. This is beneficial for pedestrian collisions where a hard vehicle body would be injurious to the person.

 

[grakoz]

 

[jzaroh]

Whoa!

What are the details on that, Grakoz? I can't believe how well that W123 held up! The rest of the car looks like an accordion.

 

[Michael Pillay]

I cant see how the w126 can only be rated as average. If compared to modern cars with side impact airbags and stuff maybe. I still feel safe in my w126. Anyone see the "fifth gear" show where there had a w126 involved in a rear end collision?

 

[Sporty]

A w140 is safer than a w126. I do not know if the curb weight makes a difference (almost a thousand pounds more in the 140) but i know the airbags do. Both have them but the 140's are more modern and advanced. i think that they are dual stage as well. also 96 and newer have side airbags. Both are very safe cars.

 

[jzaroh]

A w140 is safer than a w126. I do not know if the curb weight makes a difference (almost a thousand pounds more in the 140) but i know the airbags do. Both have them but the 140's are more modern and advanced. i think that they are dual stage as well. also 96 and newer have side airbags. Both are very safe cars.

The curb weight is about 500 lbs more, actually. The difference between my 350SD GVWR and the GVWR of the W140 300SD is about 500 lbs. Two cars, same engines.

A W140 may distribute the energy a bit better in a crash, thus it is less likely the driver will receive injury. Safer in that regard, definitely. But in how the core safety cage holds together?..I'd say the W126 does better . At least from the junkyard wrecks, and various pictures scatterred across the internet I've seen.

If you believe otherwise please present visual proof, with factual data.

 

[Peter Seow]

Safety of mb not good enough!

I don't feel convince of the safety of mb. I have found the door a my w126 to be lighter than a porsche 911. Seems ridiculous.

Pictures shows a 911 that's crashed into a tree at 200km/h. It's completely intact!

I have posted a picture of this crashed 911 in the sales and trade section as the owner was parting out his engine!

I have seen a 911 gt2 that rolled over at passed 200 km/h without much damage.

 

[Ruudje]

I feel safe in my 13 year old W-201.
Had a 80 MPH slide into a crash barrier in a Golf III TDI 11 years ago, and even with that car I was able to walk away from the accident. To my mind, MB and VW (besides that great Swedish brand) still are top choices for safety.

 

[Nutz 4 Benz]

More W123