Is it possible to parallel park an S class sedan in a space that's only 12" longer than the car itself?
A friend says he can and has done this with only 8" in front and 4" to spare in back

A more important question is why would you WANT to do that?

Inevitably, the people parked in front of you and behind you are going to be pi$$ed that you crowded them in so badly, and will probably hit your car when they try to get theirs out, either accidentally or out of anger.

Mike

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

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I think the stunt driver that they featured on Top Gear....Russ something was able to do it except with a twist by heading at it at 60mph and then E-braking it into the space.

Other than that I think it could be done but it would be an Austin Powers moment with the electric utility cart.

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Waste of gas And probably hell on the power steering pump

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Ususally, I try to find a place where I don't have to parellal park...

Something just makes me worry that I won't be able to get out when I have to leave.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

Obviously, you never fought for a place to park in San Francisco, where the braille method of parking is used. When I lived there, up till a couple of years ago, you simply dealt with it.

Of course, your car gets it back, because everyone else there parallel parks the same way

SF is HELL on cars.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

Sure. Your inconsiderate parking neighbors should have thought ahead and left you more room. Therefore, you're fully justified in using the bumpers for their intended purpose and doing the advanced Braille method... make the space a little larger for yourself.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Yeah, you can do it.

Aside, when I lived in Chas., SC, I parked in a tight spot on a busy retail street. I pulled forward and bumped the Honda in front, which was parked over the line. My passengers got out and childishly laughed (I was maybe 19 & we were going to a bar) and the female owner came out of the store where she worked and was screaming. She called the police, and I waited for them to arrive. There was no damage to her car, other than a little bit of paint trading that rubbed off with my finger. When the Man got there, he told the girl that he was previously in the Air Force and stationed in England. He claimed the law there was that if you get boxed in, you are allowed to "push" the other car up to the metric equivalent of one foot out of the way in order to get your car out. She was parked over the line in her spot, so he told her to pipe down. I don't know if the cop was right or not about the law in England. The girl was kind of hot, so I had a pledge come over the next day and wax her car. She still thought I was an *******

I used to parallel park my Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham with no problem at all, if someone parked to close I just put a note on their windshield asking where the can opener was so I could get my car out. Parking an S class, no problem.

Yeah no problem.

If you use the NY method back up until you hear a crunch, then proceded forward to you hear another. Keep doing it and you will be in. I'm not kidding go to the city and take a look if you don't beleive me.


Seriously though the S has a pretty tight turning circle and good sight lines. With a bit of work you can do it.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I did it in my dads old 420SEL. It wasnt too bad, as it turns pretty well for a big car. You just need to pay attention to what your doing, and you'll be fine.


Now my friends GMC 2500HD is a different story. That has a big - ol turning radius. You need at least a wide 3 lanes when you need to make U turn. That thing is a ***** to park.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

In theory it's possible. You'd have 3" of space with which to maneuver between the opposite corners. It will probably take 30 or 40 forward and reverse maneuvers to achieve and, as mentioned above, it's brutal on the steering.