Mercedes-Benz 500 W126
The Mercedes-Benz 500 W126 (1984–1991): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 4 versions in the United States.
Model codes: W126, C126
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,470–5,220 mm Traficom | 4,910–5,160 mm |
| Width | 1,810–1,890 mm Traficom | 1,820–1,828 mm |
| Height | 1,303–1,500 mm Traficom | 1,406–1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,840–3,070 mm RDW | 2,850–3,075 mm |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,627–2,010 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,727–2,110 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 2,140–2,660 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, braked trailer | 1,500–1,900 kg RDW | – |
| Towing, unbraked trailer | 750 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 4–5 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2–4 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Torque | – | 273–455 Nm |
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Traficom type approvals (Finland), Wikipedia (en, de), RDW type approvals (Netherlands). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 85.6% (82.7–88.1) | 69.2% | 661 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 21.8% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 21.2% | 36.4% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.4% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 12.3% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 11.3% | 28.8% |
| Steering | 10.6% | 7.7% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
7 complaints for model years 1990–1991. 1 fire · 1 injury
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 4 versions of the Mercedes-Benz 500 W126
United States 4 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985–1992(GUZZLER) (FFS) | 5.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 13–14 MPG (16.8–18.1 L/100 km) EPA | 394–425 g/km |
| 1991(GUZZLER) (FFS), EMS | 5.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA | 425 g/km |
| 1985(GUZZLER) (FFS) CA model · (GUZZLER) (FFS) | 5.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 1984(GUZZLER) · (GUZZLER) CA model | 5.0 L | Petrol | 4-speed automatic | – | 13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA | 425 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.