Here you can see which (if ANY!) of these rare towncars are available at HEMMINGS MOTORS

History

Following the debut of the 1970s generation W116 (which also included the flagship Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9), Mercedes-Benz began plans for the next-generation S-Class model in October 1973. Codenamed "project W126,"[1] the project had specific goals: an improved ride, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency.[2] These improvements were aimed at helping retain the S-Class' market leadership as the world's best-selling prestige luxury sedan.[1] Following the 1970s oil crisis, Mercedes-Benz had made fuel efficiency an especially pertinent goal (named "Energy Program"),[3] even in the large V8 engined versions of the S-Class.
In terms of the body design, the objective of the W126 design team, led by Mercedes-Benz's Bruno Sacco, was to produce a car that was sleeker and more aerodynamic than the previous model. The application of lighter materials and alloys combined with thorough wind tunnel testing to reduce overall drag meant the car consumed about 10% less fuel than its predecessor.[2] The maximum speed was also increased (250 km/h in the most powerful model).[1]
After six years of development, the W126 was formally introduced at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (International Motor Show, or IAA) in Frankfurt on September 1979. The initial lineup featured seven models in standard (SE, SD) and long (SEL, SDL) wheelbase sedan body styles: the 280 SE/SEL, 380 SE/SEL, 500 SE/SEL and 300 SD. Technically, the long wheelbase (SEL) variants were codenamed V126, but this was not popularly known.[1] In 1981, the coupé version (SEC) of the W126 S-Class premiered at the IAA with the 500 SEC model. In 1981, Wheels Magazine selected the W126 model 380 SE as its Car of the Year.[4]
Four years after the introduction of the fuel-efficiency "Energy Program," the model range had been reworked completely. In September 1985, again at the IAA in Frankfurt, the reworked model range was reintroduced. Apart from visual changes to the bumpers, side covers and alloys, the changes made to the available collection of engine variants was most visible. Two newly-constructed 6 cylinder engines and new 4.2 and 5.6 litre V8's were added, and other engines were further upgraded.
The W126 generation was replaced by the W140 in 1992, although a satellite factory in South Africa is known to have continued production until 1994. The different body styles of the W126 S-Class achieved a combined sales total of 892,123 units (818,063 sedans and 74,060 coupés), making the W126 the most popular S-Class ever produced.

Mercedes-Benz OM603
From Wikipedia encyclopedia
(November 2008)
Mercedes-Benz OM603 Diesel Engine
Manufacturer Daimler-Benz
Production 1986 to 1997
The OM60x engine family was a straight-4,5,6 Diesel automobile engine from Mercedes-Benz used from 1984 through 1999. The 603 saw limited use in the W124, W126 and W140 model vehicles.
The 603 engine has a capacity of 2996cc and was an engineering marvel in pre-chamber design and a technological leap forward from the tractor motor like 5 cylinder OM617. Versions 60x.96x and 60x.97x are turbocharged; Versions of the 60x.91x and 60x.92x are naturally aspirated. Only turbocharged models of the 603 series were available to the U.S. market. Only naturally aspirated 601 variants we sold in the US market, The 602 and 606 variant engine of this family available with and without the turbos. The 604 and 605 never made the US market.<http://www.mbwholesaleparts.com/wholesaleparts/ModelChart/usmodels.htm>
The camshafts and injection pump are driven by duplex chain from the crankshaft. A separate single row chain drives the oil pump. The camshaft operated the valves via hydraulic bucket tappets; valve clearance adjustment is automatic.
Fuel injection is indirect. A Bosch M in-line injection pump is used, with a mechanical governor and vacuum-operated stop control. The pump is lubricated by a connection to the engine oil circulation and the fuel lift pump is mounted on the side of the injection pump. Preheating is by glow plugs with automatic control of preheating time.
All that said, it is known that engines which have regular head gasket and motor mount maintenance have lived well past 500,000 miles.

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