Well, I'd always liked the W126, and today came my first opportunity to drive one. I road tested a Silver 1983 380SEL (after doing minor work to it) with only 56,500 miles. I actually parked my 190E next to it in the car park, and gave it a good look over, only later in the day realising I would be driving it!

Paintwork was absolutely perfect all over, just like new. So was interior. Only thing that would make you realise it's not brand new was a small windscreen chip.

It drove nicely, just like a big 190E (that's a compliment). Had the expected better refinement, ride, quietness. And also the expected extra body roll and comparative 'ponderousness' (but much better than it could be). Lots more room!!

Fairly powerful V8, but I would want more if I bought an S-class, a 420 or 500... and it was a little *too* refined -
Can I confirm that the 500E/E500 I hope to get's V8 is a little more 'fun' & 'charismatic' or am I best off buying a muscle car ??


Overall, I thought it's a nice car if you want a luxury saloon and lots of space, but for me I would definitely stick with the 190E for the UKs small, twisty roads, and easily forgive the relative lack of power. Unless a late model 500SE hides something I'm not expecting??

later!

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Since you're in England, you should find a later production 500SE or 560SE if you want to have some fun with a W126.

The 380SE is a little bit too refined and isolated for my tastes. I got to ride in a 420SEL once (1991) and the 380SE seemed like a farm tractor next to it...those later W126s are INCREDIBLY refined isolation-tanks.

On the other hand, did you people across the pond ever get 280SEs or 300SEs with manual transmissions? I've seen some grey-market manual 280SEs for sale here in the States.

-Sam

Oh yes, for sure. In fact I suspect they built us a special 200SE with no fuel guage and non-opening windows

Over here we get the most basic MBs you have ever seen. A 1.8 W202 C-class with winding windows, manual trans, steel wheels and no radio? Of course, sir. Other tasty models include: 200CE, and W210 E200 Wagon (no Kompressor).

later!

__________________
190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Glad you enjoyed your ride Pentoman. I get to do this everyday but have a sporty little (restored immaculate) miata to tool around in when I get tired of riding the waves. I know what you mean about the handling of the 190 too.

Congrats. If you ever get to drive a mannual w126 I would be glad to hear about it. I think it would be fun even lacking power. Since your across the pond you could find some powerfull w126s
I drove a 190e once and was way way to cramped for me and lacked the pickup of the 500.
Well I hope you get to drive more w126s