Anyone have the meaning behind the codes?

ie:


SL500"R"
E500"W"
S500"V"
CLK320"A"

Well I don't know the exact meaning, but I think they are in german.

The R after 129, is a roadster, hence, the SL.
V and W have me a littl stumped because they're both sedans. But I think it's something with the type of platform. HOpefully someon else will assist.!

I also believe that a knowledge of the German language would be an asset here. Someday I should learn it.
"W" always seems to be a reference to a sedan body style. One thing I do know is that the V is for Vito, which is used in reference to the longer S-class chassis as opposed to the short wheelbase S-class. An A I believe is a convertible, or possibly a coupe. At any rate, the letter is a designation for the body type. In some literature, the old SLC's were referred to as a C107 instead of an R107, same with the SEC's being called a C126 instead of a W126.
Gilly

I don't think the V stands for Vito in this case as the Vito is people carrier that they sell in markets other than the US. The V class is the executive version with 6 leather captains chairs, pull out tables, coat hangers and what not. The Vito looks almost the same on the outside but is much more spartan in the inside using cloth shod benches in the interior.

The V in the S500 V must be something else then...

I'll try rechecking my facts on this, maybe I can break "the code"
Gilly

V is for long-wheelbase W140 S-Class
 

I don't know what V "means", but it does represent the long-wheelbased W140 S-Class.