When was 126 production ended?

[GradyService]

I know that the german producton of the 126 chassis was stopped in the '91 model year, but I read somewhere that in South Africa, maybe, that the 126 was built until 1997? , Or is it that i've been reading too many forums .
Thanks, Dave.

[ILUVMILS]

When was 126 production ended?

Way too soon!!!

[Snibble]

The production ended sometime around April of 1991 I believe for all markets expect South Africa. South Africa had a limited number (I believe around 100) built until around 1993-1994.

[rchase]

Originally Posted by GradyService

I know that the german producton of the 126 chassis was stopped in the '91 model year, but I read somewhere that in South Africa, maybe, that the 126 was built until 1997? , Or is it that i've been reading too many forums .
Thanks, Dave.

The 126 continued production until 1994 in South Africa because the 140 had not yet been prepared for that enviroment. Production of the 126 started in 1979 but was not sold in the American market. The 126 was the first production vehicle offered with airbags and the first vehicle in the world designed to survive an offset crash.

Ironically my 82 300SD was never produced in europe and I have had many double takes from some of my German friends who love the OM617 engine and wish they could get it in a 126.

[1991 560 SEC]

Second week of May 1991. Straight from Mercedes.

John

[rchase]

Originally Posted by 1991 560 SEC

Second week of May 1991. Straight from Mercedes.

John

For US only models. Worldwide production is different. The European market had been enjoying the 126 since 1979 several years before they started showing up here.

[1991 560 SEC]

That was world wide. Second week of May 1991 ended all production in Germany. The South African modles made there were few and far between and only for there consuption.

John

[rchase]

Originally Posted by 1991 560 SEC

That was world wide. Second week of May 1991 ended all production in Germany. The South African modles made there were few and far between and only for there consuption.

John

Care to provide your source on that information? I find it hard to believe Mercedes would sell 3 year old cars as new model year cars even in South Africa. They may have retooled their main production line but those cars were assembled "somewhere".

Many car makers are able to produce two series cars in the same factory. My 1998 Volvo S70 was produced on the same line as the 1997 Volvo 850's.