As far as I know, the W126 diesels were manufactured by MB for the North American and Japanese markets as just diesel powered S-classes for the general public. Some guy on another forum claims that diesel W126s are nothing but taxis, and that W126s should have gasser engines only (seems as if forum dwellers here at Mercedes Shop are real MB fans and say more intelligent things) . Well, the only taxis that I know MB has manufactured come from the W114 chassis, W123, W124, and W210s. The only W126 taxi I've seen was a 260SE with a manual transmission. Did MB ever manufacture the 300SD or SDL for taxi use with beefed up components?
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

I've personally ridden in more than one 126 diesel (300SD) taxi, both here and abroad. Been in plenty of 123 taxis in europe. I highly doubt though, with the popularity of diesel engines at mercedes that they ever intended any strictly for taxis.

it is indeed how many people want to say startling things that they don't really know for sure... about mercedes and other things.

i think that the 126 for taxi only and with gassers is silly. mb taxis have always been oil burners.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I can imagine the fares from a taxi company using 126 gassers would be pretty steep! They'd be averaging about 12-14mpg instead of 22+ Not to mention maintenance costs....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

i meant to say "interesting".

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

In addition to the taxi models you mentioned, MB made taxi versions of the W202, W203, and W211 sedans. Many upscale hotels in Europe and Asia use these (typically CDI versions).

And yes, the W126 diesels were only imported for North American and Japanese markets.

Is it correct to say--While all taxis are diesels, not all diesels are taxis?

Sounds like another uninformed slam from a know-nothing diesel-hater; he forgot to add that they also make nice farm implements when you order the ultra rare PTO option...

My euro EPC is broken and I've been unable to revive it, but I don't recall seeing any 126 taxi equipment even listed (special dashboard, roof sign, etc), can anyone verify? It is not too uncommon in eastern Europe for 126s to be converted to N/A 617 and used as taxis, but they didn't start out that way. As they were export models only, all 300SDs were loaded to the gills with options, which would have made them awfully expensive for use as taxis when new.

I've ridden in a W211 E220 CDI taxi in Singapore. It was pretty nice but I still prefer the Toyota Crown - very W123esque.

Tom

I would highly doubt that. Why would they put power headrests and dual memory seats in a car intended to be used for a taxi? An SDL with leather would be a good choice for a taxi? Keep in mind, most of these options on our cars are standard (300SDL). It was a stupid statement and deserves no more of my time.

Thank You
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Did (does) MB ever manufacture special taxi versions for fleet sales with beefed up components (equivalent to, e.g., the Interceptor version of the Ford Crown Vic)? I've always assumed that MB taxis in Europe were just low-spec standard models, the same cars that any frugal buyer could purchase at his dealership if he didn't want to pay for options, and that the mid-sized platforms you mentioned were used because they were big enough to fit people in back comfortably, but much cheaper than a base-spec S-Class (and small enough for European urban streets). Benzoboy, do you know anything about the special taxi versions?

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

MB made (and continues to make) their own "Police Interceptor" sedans. I know they made W124 cop cars. Special consoles, light bars, and the works

I'd be interested to see if MB made special components for "taxis", cop cars, etc. Who wouldn't want some extra heavy duty components for our cars. Personally I doubt it. I don't know this but I would bet they are just stripped down versions of regular MBs...no power windows, etc.

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Tom in AZ

1985 300SD, smoke silver, blue interior, 146K
1973 280, 85K (sold)

There were no diesel w126 for use outside of North America. The ones in Europe are either a rare import(From NA) or a popular engine transplant.