MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (1991 - 1999)

CAR MODEL:
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (1991 - 1999)
TYPE:
4-Door Saloon, 4-Door Limousine, 2-Door Coupe.
SIZE:
(S) 5113 x 1880, (SEL) 5207 x 1879
RELIABILITY:
Superb, but full Mercedes service history a must. Build quality is unparalleled and it is capable of round-the-world mileage: Usually well cared for.
RELIABILITY:
Superb, but full Mercedes service history a must. Build quality is unparalleled and it is capable of round-the-world mileage: Usually well cared for.
VERDICT:µµµµm
HISTORY:
OCT 1991 New S-Class rear wheel drive Saloons launched in UK: 300 SE, 300 SEL, 400 SE, 400 SEL, 500 SE, 500 SEL and 600 SEL, all with 'Cat', power assisted steering and anti-lock brakes. 300 SE and 300 SEL have 4-speed automatic transmission, other models have 5-speed automatic (optional on 300 SE/SEL). 400, 500 and 600 models have cruise control (optional on 300). 600 SEL has self-levelling suspension and 'ASR' acceleration skid control (optional on other models). OCT 1992 New 500 SEC and 600 SEC Coupes launched in UK. AUG 1993 Range rebadged: 500 SE becomes S500 Saloon; 500 SEC becomes S500 Coupe, etc.; 300 SE/SEL and 400 SE/SEL now badged S320/S320 Limousine and S420/S420 Limousine respectively. S280 Saloon launched in UK. APR 1994 Revisions: all models have restyled grille, bumpers, side mouldings and boot lid, minor interior changes and standard cruise control; S280 and S320 have automatic locking differential (ASD) and automatic climate control; S320 has modified engine with higher torque output, and 15-hole alloy wheels; S420 and S500 have acceleration skid control (ASR); Coupe models have 18-inch tyres on 5-hole alloy wheels; S500 Coupe has heated front seats; S600 Coupe has self-levelling suspension. JAN 1995 All models now have improved immobiliser system and infra-red remote central locking. APR 1996 S420 Coupe launched in UK with electronic 5-speed automatic transmission and equipment similar to S420 Saloon. JUN 1996 Revisions: S280 and S320 have acceleration skid control (ASR); all models have side airbags, rain sensor and remote boot release; S600 has mew 16" alloy wheels and nappa leather upholstery. Previous S-Class Coupes now rebadged as CL-Class but have a 'Parktronic' system and nappa leather upholstery. JAN 1997 All models have 'Brake Assist' emergency braking. JUN 1997 Uprated equipment on all models: standard heated electric seats, leather trim, metallic paint and audio. JAN 1998 'Business Edition' S320L, S420L and S500L launched in UK.
COMMENTS:
For some this enormous, highly engineered, sumptuous, palace on wheels is the ultimate symbol of the plutocrat. Ownership usually has more to do with wealth and status than environment awareness, Thirsty with horrendous servicing costs at Mercedes-Benz garages but making a statement never comes cheap.


P e r f o r m a n c e       D e t a i l s
Engine
BHP
MPG
Fuel
Ins
Service
0-60
Top Speed
2.8i 24v/6
193
23
UL
16
6/9
10.7 Secs
130 m.p.h
3.2i 24v/6
231
21
UL
17
6/9
8.9 Secs
143 m.p.h
4.2i 32v/V8
286
22
UL
18
6/9
6.4 Secs
155 m.p.h
5.0i 32v/V8
319-326
21
UL
19
6/9
7.1 Secs
155 m.p.h
6.0i 48v/V12
389-408
18
UL
20
6/9
6.6 Secs
155 m.p.h

 
  The New C-Class Coupé
Dynamic design, sporty appearance and efficient engines		  

  The New SLK
This edition of the roadster from Mercedes-Benz impresses with its dynamism, efficiency and stylish comfort		  

  The New CLS
This autumn the new CLS will cause hearts to race and a whole new spark with its athletic design