Differance between 300se and 300sel, 126
 

I have seen the 300 series w126 two ways, as a 300SE and a 300SEL. What's the differance? They both look like "long" wheelbases to me and appear the same. Confusing. Anybody know the differance?

Thanks. I would imagine it's also about 400 lbs. heavier or so. It sure looks very similar....

I just did an overlay of two 300 profile photos I found on e-bay. One was the 300 sel and the other a 300 se. Here's what I came up with.

The two cars are virtually the same length b to b. The differance is the 300 sel has a longer rear door and the rear wheel is set back closer to the rear bumber. The gas filler door is set back as well. The C pillar may be a little narrower as well on the se. So it appears that the 300 sel just has more leg room without compromising the trunk space.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

The overlay's used are not the same scale.

The SEL's are longer.

Terry is correct, the SEL adds 4.5 inches to the rear-seat knee room. This adds the same 4.5 inches to the rear door dimension, wheelbase, and overall length. That is the only difference, other than of course the differences in spring rates, driveshaft length, weight, etc.
My Service manual indicates approx 185 pounds difference in comparably-equipped cars.

I own the SE, and actually the rear knee room is not so great, less than in today's E-class. If you are over six-feet tall, the person behind you will be kinda cramped.
Asthetically, The SE has a clean, lighter, more modern look, but the SEL looks more limo-like.

DG

Thanks guys. I stand corrected. I agree with the proportions on the se. Looks better. Would that make them (se) slightly faster due to lesser weight?

10cm longer, the L is

Guys, its not 4 - 4.5 inches in the W126. It is 5.5 inches (14 cm).

Dimensions = 121.1 inch wheelbase (LWB), 115.6 inch wheelbase (SWB).

Overall length = 208.1 inches (LWB), 202.6 inches (SWB).

4.5 inches was correct for the prior S, the W116.

I own both, and the differences seem a bit more subtle from the outside, but from the inside, the "L" body has a cavernous interior.

Oh, the difference in weight is only ~ 40 lbs.

Don't know about faster, but the handling is noticably different between the SE and the SEL.

SEL has a grand look and fits the style and shape of the car perfectly while the SE would look more like an ordinary sedan.