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Differences between 1st Generation and 2nd Generation W126
After much searching, I never saw a concrete answer to the differences between these two runs of the W126. So, for that matter, I would like to create a solid thread to leave for the W126 enthusiast.
Here are the basics: 1st Generation W126 ranges from 1981 to 1985, included. 2nd Generation W126 ranges from 1986 to 1991, included. I have filled in some of these already, but I would like to have the moderator(s) compile everything down here in the following categories: Seats (7-pleated design on 1st, big-pleated leather from 1989 on in 2nd). -Underdash plastic key holder and rolltop console box in 2nd. (Standard on models with passenger side airbag, option on all others) EXTERIOR -Longer wheelbase (+L) models available in 2nd. -Bumper design (vent design in the front). -Lower plastic moldings (ribbed in 1st, flat in 2nd). -Headlights (recessed in 1st, flat with plastic cover in 2nd). -Headlight wipers (an option in 1st, standard in 2nd). -"Bundt" wheels on 1st, 16-hole wheels on 2nd. -Automatic heated mirrors in 2nd. -Electric sliding sunroof in 1st, tilting and sliding in 2nd. -Better rust-proofing from 1985 on. -Water heated windshield with thermostat (2nd). -Different dome light designs (seatbelt warning in 2nd). INTERIOR -Seats (7-pleated design on 1st, big-pleated leather on late 2nd as an option). -Different seat motor design in 1st and 2nd. -Airbag (option in 1st; driver's standard in 2nd, with passenger as option). -Underdash plastic key holder and rolltop console box in 2nd (option w/airbag). -Vinyl door panels (1st, early 2nd) and leather (2nd). -RS seatbelts from 1985 on. -Adjustable steering column. -Electric headrests standard in 2nd. DRIVETRAIN / MECHANICAL -Differential subframe mounting configuration. -Different window regulator styles. -Frequency valve (1st) vs EHA valve (2nd). -Gas: 380/500 engines (1st) vs. 300/420/560 (2nd). -Diesel: OM617 (1st) vs OM603 (2nd, on 1986-87 and 1990-1). BRAKING / SUSPENSION -Smaller calipers on 1st vs. bigger ones on 2nd. -274mm brake discs on 1st, 300mm brake discs on 2nd. -Rear hydraulic leveling suspension in 560SEL models (2nd). -ABS: option in 1984 and standard from 1985 on. ELECTRIC / ELECTRONIC -Memory seats (option in 1st, standard in 2nd). -Deletion of radio aerial adjustment switch for 1991 only. -Traction control (only available in the US in 1991). -Third brake lamp, standard in the 2nd Generation. -Low washer fluid cluster light only standard in 2nd. -Low engine oil cluster light only standard in 2nd. -Different Becker radios in 1st and 2nd. -Different climate control systems in 1st and 2nd. -Different headlight switch design (letters illuminate). -Solid state transistor for blower motor. -Recirculation mode in climate control. Help me complete this list!
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[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine. Last edited by Delibes; 02-26-2013 at 01:43 PM. |
#2
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I think the explanation is that the model change between 123 and 124 happened at the same time as the transition of the 126 generations.
Your list seems to bear this out, the features shown on the list that are gen 1 are consistent with a 123, while the gen 2 features are consistent with a 124.
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The OM 642/722.9 powered family Still going strong 2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD) 2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD) both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023 2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles) 2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles) 1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh 1987 300TD sold to vstech |
#3
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To ad to your list
Second Gen: Standard ABS RS seatbelts 85+ Different window regulators They used a solid state transistor with a huge heatsink to control heater blower 300mm brakes instead of 274mm Different automatic climate control system Electric headrests Automatic heated outside mirror Letters around headlight switch illuminate Water heated windshield with thermostat Motorized steering column adjustment Recirculation mode on climate control Tilt sunroof (never ever EVER use the tilt feature) Updated dome light with seat belt warnings
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1981 300SD 512k OM603 |
#4
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14 inch bunts on Gen 1, 15 inch 15 hole on Gen 2
Frequency valve gen 1, EHA valve Gen 2 380/500 engines gen 1, 420/560 engines gen 2 Electrically, a list as long as your arm. Most body parts will interchange from Gen 1 to 2 Most electrical components will not interchange from Gen 1 to 2 Paul
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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles) |
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Added! Keep them coming!
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[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine. |
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The brake calipers from 1st to 2nd gen do not have any more or less pistons, they are just a different size. And the rotor mounting design is the same from 1st to 2nd gen. I think you are thinking of the W124, which uses a set screw on the rotors.
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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) |
#7
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Quote:
I know the II dash with the passenger airbag won't fit in a Gen I Jeff
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1984 300SD 300,000 miles--two tank WVO setup 2.88 diff & 500SEL anti-squat rear end Last edited by Rooster300SD; 02-21-2013 at 09:23 PM. Reason: add info |
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I have only seen the roll top console in later 2nd generation cars with a passenger air bag in place of the dash glove box. Noticed some 6 cyl gas cars have painted rear defogger instead of thin wires in the glass.
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Present 1987 300SDL 1991 300SL 1990 560SEL 2001 ML320 Past 1969 200D 1979-82 1983 300SD 1984-85 1972 250C 1982-02 1995 S350 2011 1997 S320 2012 |
#9
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I stand corrected! The list has been updated.
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[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine. |
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The dash will interchange if you keep the passenger air bag. The problem is you loose the glove box, or gain a glove box depending on which way you are going. The bumper is a little different but will interchange. As far as I know, all the body parts will fit. All the interior parts will fit. Please correct me if I am wrong.
You can put a gen 2 transmission in a gen 1, but not the other way because of the crank sensor. Paul
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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles) |
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Is it like in the W124, in which the seats are interchangeable but the seat motors are not?
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[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine. |
#12
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What exactly is a "-Water heated windshield with thermostat (2nd)." -- I've never heard of or seen such and I'm curious.
Also -- nobody's mentioned yet (Maybe we are taking it for granted or maybe I skimmed too quickly) -- second generation is (or can be) a longer wheelbase. The back doors are longer and there is more leg room in the rear seat. (I can't sit in my own back seat in my 300SD but I can in the SDL.) I'm not sure whether the 90/91 second generation "350SD" is the longer wheelbase or the shorter one, but anything that ends in "L" is definitely going to be longer. I think. Don't know if this is enough difference to be worth putting on the list but the control switch to operate the sunroof got moved from the first-gen rocker switch on the console stack up to the now-conventional location on the upper dome light. |
#13
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All SD's and SE's are short, and all SDL's and SEL's are long. Gen1 and Gen 2.
A far as seats, the seats are the same, the electrical is different so the motors won't directly fit but can be modified to work. The head rest are electrical on the Gen 2 but manual on the Gen 1. The headrest motors can be put in the Gen 1 seats if needed. Paul
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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles) |
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Quote:
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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out 1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out) 1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481) "The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care." |
#15
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The 84+ cars have a metal plate behind the windsheild that heats up the glass where the wipers sit. Its for snow so I wonder if the first gen 126 has a serious issue with packing snow in the wiper cove.
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1981 300SD 512k OM603 |
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