Mercedes S-Class Generations Compared: W126 to W221
mercedes s-class w126 w140 w220 w221 comparison classic
The S-Class: Four Generations Compared
The Mercedes S-Class has defined the luxury segment for decades. Each generation set new standards in technology, comfort and safety. We compare the most desirable generations for collectors and enthusiasts.
Generation Overview
| Generation | Years | Highlight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| W126 | 1979-1991 | Last hand-built S-Class | Classic |
| W140 | 1991-1998 | Technological masterpiece | Youngtimer |
| W220 | 1998-2005 | First with ABC suspension | Used car |
| W221 | 2005-2013 | Digital revolution | Used car |
Price Comparison February 2025
Average Prices by Condition
| Generation | Project | Driver | Collector | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W126 SEC | €12,500 | €24,800 | €48,000 | Strongly rising |
| W126 SEL | €8,500 | €18,500 | €35,000 | Rising |
| W140 S500 | €6,800 | €14,200 | €28,000 | Rising |
| W140 S600 | €9,500 | €18,500 | €35,000 | Strongly rising |
| W220 S350 | €4,200 | €8,500 | €15,000 | Stable |
| W220 S500 | €5,800 | €11,200 | €22,000 | Slightly rising |
| W221 S350 | €8,500 | €15,800 | €28,000 | Stable |
| W221 S500 | €12,500 | €22,400 | €38,000 | Stable |
W126 (1979-1991): The Classic
Technical Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | M116/M117 V8, M103 I6 |
| Power | 185-300 hp |
| Innovation | ABS, Airbag (1981) |
| Special | Timeless elegance |
Engine Range
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 SE/SEL | 2.8L I6 | 185 hp | 12 L | Entry-level |
| 380 SE/SEL | 3.8L V8 | 218 hp | 14 L | Balanced |
| 420 SE/SEL | 4.2L V8 | 224 hp | 14 L | Popular |
| 500 SE/SEL | 5.0L V8 | 245 hp | 15 L | Classic favorite |
| 560 SE/SEL | 5.6L V8 | 300 hp | 16 L | Collector’s dream |
W126 Buying Guide
Strengths:
- Indestructible quality
- Timeless design
- Rising collector value
- Good parts availability
Weaknesses:
- Rust (especially fenders, sills)
- Electrics (windows, central locking)
- AC often defective
- High consumption
W140 (1991-1998): The Masterpiece
Technical Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | M119 V8, M120 V12 |
| Power | 231-408 hp |
| Innovation | Double glazing, soft-close doors |
| Special | Over-engineering |
Engine Range
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S320 | 3.2L I6 | 231 hp | 11 L | Sensible |
| S420 | 4.2L V8 | 279 hp | 13 L | Balanced |
| S500 | 5.0L V8 | 320 hp | 14 L | Classic |
| S600 | 6.0L V12 | 408 hp | 18 L | Icon |
W140 Buying Guide
Strengths:
- Outstanding build quality
- Extremely comfortable
- V12 experience available
- Still affordable
Weaknesses:
- ABC suspension expensive (if equipped)
- Complex climate control
- High maintenance costs
- Weight (~2 tons)
W220 (1998-2005): The Evolution
Technical Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | M112/M113 V6/V8, M137 V12 |
| Power | 224-500 hp |
| Innovation | ABC suspension, COMAND |
| Special | Weight savings vs. W140 |
Engine Range
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S320 | 3.2L V6 | 224 hp | 11 L | Entry-level |
| S350 | 3.7L V6 | 245 hp | 11 L | Sensible |
| S430 | 4.3L V8 | 279 hp | 12 L | Balanced |
| S500 | 5.0L V8 | 306 hp | 13 L | Popular |
| S600 | 5.8L V12 | 367 hp | 16 L | Luxury |
| S55 AMG | 5.4L V8 SC | 500 hp | 15 L | Performance |
W220 Buying Guide
Strengths:
- Lots of car for the money
- Modern design
- Good performance
- ABC suspension impressive
Weaknesses:
- ABC suspension expensive to repair
- Rust-prone (wheel arches)
- Electronics issues
- SBC brakes
W221 (2005-2013): The Modern Era
Technical Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engines | M272/M273 V6/V8, M275 V12 |
| Power | 231-630 hp |
| Innovation | Night vision, DISTRONIC |
| Special | Digital integration |
Engine Range
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Consumption | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S350 | 3.5L V6 | 272 hp | 10 L | Sensible |
| S350 BlueTEC | 3.0L V6 Diesel | 258 hp | 7 L | Efficient |
| S400 Hybrid | 3.5L V6 + E | 299 hp | 8 L | Future |
| S500 | 5.5L V8 | 388 hp | 12 L | Classic |
| S600 | 5.5L V12 BiTurbo | 517 hp | 15 L | Luxury |
| S63 AMG | 6.2L V8 | 525 hp | 14 L | Performance |
| S65 AMG | 6.0L V12 BiTurbo | 630 hp | 17 L | Extreme |
W221 Buying Guide
Strengths:
- Latest technology
- Excellent safety
- Low consumption (diesel/hybrid)
- Still current design
Weaknesses:
- Complex electronics
- High maintenance costs
- ABC/AIRMATIC expensive
- Short used car history
Value Development Comparison
5-Year Development
| Generation | 2020 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| W126 500 SEL | €12,500 | €24,800 | +98% |
| W140 S500 | €8,200 | €14,200 | +73% |
| W220 S500 | €7,500 | €11,200 | +49% |
| W221 S500 | €18,500 | €22,400 | +21% |
Forecast 2025-2030
| Generation | Expectation | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| W126 | +40-60% | High |
| W140 | +50-80% | High |
| W220 | +20-30% | Medium |
| W221 | +15-25% | Medium |
Which Generation for Whom?
W126 - For Classic Car Lovers
- Budget: €15,000-50,000
- Usage: Weekends, meets
- Maintenance: DIY or specialist
- Risk: Rust, parts sourcing
W140 - For Youngtimer Fans
- Budget: €8,000-35,000
- Usage: Regular possible
- Maintenance: Good workshop
- Risk: Technical complexity
W220 - For Value Buyers
- Budget: €5,000-22,000
- Usage: Daily possible
- Maintenance: Mercedes experience
- Risk: ABC, rust, electronics
W221 - For Tech Enthusiasts
- Budget: €10,000-40,000
- Usage: Daily
- Maintenance: Specialized workshop
- Risk: Complexity, costs
Conclusion
Each S-Class generation has its place. The W126 is the classic with appreciation potential, the W140 offers the best value with youngtimer character, the W220 attracts with affordable entry prices, and the W221 brings modern technology at accessible prices.
Our Recommendation: The W140 currently offers the best overall package - still affordable, but with rising prices and genuine collector potential.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: February 17, 2025