My new set of wheels, apologizes

[samuli]

Sorry Guys,

Its sad to announce that I have traded my W116 for a C126 560SEC . Actually we made a deal that in 5 years we might exchange the cars back. So, I might return to W116 owner as it has won a place in my heart. Having said that, the C126 is a handsome piece of a car .

Cheers,
Samuli

[ZCarFan]

Looks nice, though do you have any more pictures? One is not enough

[nathan]

nice car.  i think most merc fans would like one of these. the only problem is most have fallen into the hands of bogans who tart them up and ruin them with silly wheels, horrible steering wheels and the other issue of rust (esp under the rear window!). enjoy your big 560!

[samuli]

I agree, its quite rare to run accross a good example of W126 coupe. This one is decent, 200000kms and in original condition. I understand it has served as a company car most of its life, so has been saved from modifications and serious wrecking. Its not mint, but in good use condition.

I regret that in the past I didn't buy one that I test drove. A mint '82 500SEC with 100000kms.

I post some new photos once I manage to take some.

Cheers!

[samuli]

Guys, few images of the 560SEC. It is an amazing car. I loved my W116, but the new feels totally different. I don't know actually which contributes more, the fact that 560SEC is top of the line model compared to my entry level 280SE, or the fact that it is one generation newer.

It is so relaxing to drive long distances, but also feels home in city traffic. For me the two most important things in it are the pillar-less lines and 5.5 liter V8.

[Beastie]

Glad you're enjoying it and getting some good use out of it. 

I like the W126 and cross shopped them against my W116 but I foolishly never test drove one so I don't know how they drive. What year is yours? It looks like a nice late model. What's the performance like when you really mash it? Does it have a lot of top end power? One of the things I really enjoy about my 280 (and you probably know what I mean when I say this) is the way you need to rev the nuts off of it to really get the most out of it. Does the 560 like to rev?

[samuli]

Hi Beastie, I perfectly know what you mean . My 280SE was a 1976 4-speed manual. So, being manual it was easy to get high revs and I agree the straight six was at its best when revved up to 6000.

The 560SEC is a 1987 example, which to my knowledge is post major upgrade of the lineup. Meaning that at 300hp it is probably the most powerful version of the W126s ever made. It is clearly a fast car, on paper should go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds with top speed of 250km/h. Having said that, to me it doesn't feel like a sports car, but more a grand tourer. In addition I am still in process of learning the tricks of the automatic gearbox. By default it seems to like to start with 2nd gear. And then the console has E and S setting, which I have just learned, that the S (sport) lets the engine to go to higher revs before switching to higher gear. Also, I have just learned that to start with 1st gear, I shall move the gear lever to "B" and then back to "D". Meaning that for example in traffic lights, I shall do this trick to be able to get off with 1st gear to accelerate faster.

So, to answer honestly to your question. No, the 560 does not like to rev as the 280. Also, when I "step on it", the auto gearbox seems to round off the sharp potential of the engine. It is more an effortless cruiser. However, perhaps when I fully crack the mysteries of the automatic box, perhaps it shows a yet slightly more sportier side as well.

[Beastie]

Ah, I didn't know your W116 is a manual. The automatic in mine works much in the same way as the auto in your 126. It starts in 2nd unless you shift down, and you can hold 1st if you shift even lower, but then it can be easy to over rev. I didn't know about the 2B in the 126, that sounds like a nice feature to have. 'S' mode with 2 gear might unleash it a little more. I'd heard that '87 and later cars had some power improvements and better performance, but I can definitely see what you mean about it being more of a GT car than a sports car. I imagine it's very weighty with a lot of torque.
I can dig it, I mean I actually just came home this evening from a long highway drive, and after the fourth hour there was a moment where I really felt like I would prefer something with a slightly more relaxed, mellow engine that lazily hummed the tune of "i'll waft us passed this semi, you just relax" as opposed to the 280's slightly more intense and wearisome "AHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" sound.

300hp and oodles of torque must be very nice. And it looks good and has carried its miles well.  I hope your friend doesn't ask to swap back just as it grows on you! 

[samuli]

W126 is probably better for more intense use than W116. It's just more comfortable and especially quieter. I am not using the classic car that much, so for my next car I think a W116/450 would be quite a good canidate. I like the style of W116, and now that I have tasted the V8...

[samuli]

A progress report. Bit by bit I have learned the mysteries of the automatic and indeed it accelerates from stand still quite quickly when forced to start with 1st gear. However, it is so quiet and smooth that you do not feel the speed and acceleration that much. But, I guess that is a typical feature for S-classes of all time.

Some funny remarks. It is a highly specced top of the line car. It has electric seats including headrest, electric steering column, electric lumbar support etc etc. BUT, the driver side mirror is manually operated... Also, it has s switch to alter the horn sound. Louder for countryside, quieter for town. Or vice versa, I am not sure...