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Free Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN Decoder

Decode your Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN number free for full specifications, engine, power, transmission and body, plus recalls and safety ratings. Covers 16 variants (1979–1991). No registration.

1979–1991 16 variants Sedan Petrol
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126)
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) specs by variant

Engine, power, transmission and emissions for each S-Class (W126) variant in our database.

VariantYearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
560 SE 5AT RWD (300 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.5 L 296 bhp AUTOMATIC 5sp RWD
560 SEL 4AT RWD (300 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.5 L 296 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
500 SE 4AT RWD (265 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.0 L 261 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
500 SEL 4AT RWD (265 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.0 L 261 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
500 SE 4AT RWD (231 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.0 L 228 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
500 SEL 4AT RWD (231 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 5.0 L 228 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
420 SE 4AT RWD (224 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 4.2 L 221 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
420 SEL 4AT RWD (224 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 4.2 L 221 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
380 SE 4AT RWD (204 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 3.8 L 201 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
380 SEL 4AT RWD (204 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 3.8 L 201 bhp AUTOMATIC 4sp RWD
280 SE 4MT RWD (185 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 2.7 L 182 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD
280 SEL 4MT RWD (185 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 2.7 L 182 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD
300 SE 5MT RWD (179 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 3.0 L 177 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
300 SEL 5MT RWD (179 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 3.0 L 177 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
260 SE 5MT RWD (170 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 2.6 L 168 bhp MANUAL 5sp RWD
280 S 4MT RWD (156 HP) 1979–1991 Petrol 2.7 L 154 bhp MANUAL 4sp RWD

Specifications are indicative, from open data (cardata.wiki). Decode your VIN above to confirm the exact build.

Why decode a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN?

The VIN confirms the exact engine, gearbox and trim, exposes outstanding recalls, and verifies the car matches its paperwork, so you can be sure a used S-Class (W126) is what the advert claims before you buy.

Other S-Class generations and versions

The same nameplate across body styles and chassis generations.

Other Mercedes-Benz models

Decode another Mercedes-Benz, or see all Mercedes-Benz models.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN FAQ

What does a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN tell you?+
A Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN decodes to the exact variant, engine, transmission, body type, model year and factory options. Our free decoder also checks recalls and available safety ratings.
Where is the VIN on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126)?+
Look at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the driver's door-jamb sticker, and on the vehicle registration document (V5C / title).
What years was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) made?+
Our database covers the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) for model years 1979–1991, across 16 variants.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN check free?+
Yes, decoding specifications, recalls and safety ratings is completely free and needs no registration. A paid full-history report (mileage, theft, accidents) is optional.

Decode your Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) VIN

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