THE GLOBAL CAR CATALOG

Mercedes S-Class Specs, Engines & Dimensions (1979–1985) — Second Generation

The second-generation Mercedes S-Class offers a blend of comfort and performance across Coupe, Sedan, and Sedan Long bodies. This article explains its engine and transmission choices for everyday driving.

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17 modificationsAll supplied years

Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions

Power comes from gasoline engines paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, all driving the rear wheels. For example, the Coupe is available with a 3.8-liter engine and a manual gearbox, or the same engine with an automatic for smoother commuting. A larger 5.0-liter engine with a manual transmission provides stronger acceleration for those who prefer more spirited driving.

Coupe — Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions

Coupe Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions
ModificationEngine typeEngine capacityMaximum powerMaximum power, kwMaximum torque N⋅mTransmissionType of drive
3.8 MTGasoline3800 cm³204 hp150 kWNot providedManualRWD
5.0 MTGasoline4973 cm³231 hp170 kWNot providedManualRWD
3.8 ATGasoline3839 cm³204 hp150 kW315 N⋅mAutomaticRWD
5.0 ATGasoline4973 cm³231 hp170 kW405 N⋅mAutomaticRWD

Sedan — Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions

Sedan Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions
ModificationEngine typeEngine capacityMaximum powerMaximum power, kwMaximum torque N⋅mTransmissionType of drive
2.8 MTGasoline2746 cm³185 hp136 kWNot providedManualRWD
3.8 MTGasoline3800 cm³204 hp150 kWNot providedManualRWD
5.0 MTGasoline4973 cm³231 hp170 kWNot providedManualRWD
5.0 ATGasoline4973 cm³231 hp170 kWNot providedAutomaticRWD
5.0 MTGasoline4973 cm³241 hp177 kWNot providedManualRWD
5.0 ATGasoline4973 cm³241 hp177 kWNot providedAutomaticRWD
3.0 ATDiesel2998 cm³122 hp90 kW230 N⋅mAutomaticRWD
3.0 ATDiesel2998 cm³125 hp92 kW250 N⋅mAutomaticRWD
2.8 MTGasoline2746 cm³156 hp115 kWNot providedManualRWD
2.8 ATGasoline2746 cm³156 hp115 kWNot providedAutomaticRWD
280SE 2.8 ATGasoline2746 cm³185 hp136 kWNot providedAutomaticRWD
3.8 ATGasoline3800 cm³204 hp150 kWNot providedAutomaticRWD

Sedan Long — Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions

Sedan Long Mercedes S-Class Engines and Transmissions
ModificationEngine typeEngine capacityMaximum powerMaximum power, kwTransmissionType of drive
280SEL 2.8 ATGasoline2746 cm³185 hp136 kWAutomaticRWD

Mercedes S-Class Dimensions

Coupe — Mercedes S-Class Dimensions

Coupe Mercedes S-Class Dimensions
ModificationLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weightMax weightGround clearance, minimum
3.8 MT4910 mm1828 mm1406 mm2850 mm1610 kgNot provided150 mm
5.0 MT4910 mm1828 mm1406 mm2850 mm1610 kgNot provided150 mm
3.8 AT4910 mm1828 mm1406 mm2850 mm1585 kg2105 kg150 mm
5.0 AT4910 mm1828 mm1406 mm2850 mm1610 kg2130 kg150 mm

Sedan — Mercedes S-Class Dimensions

Sedan Mercedes S-Class Dimensions
ModificationLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weightMax weightGround clearance, minimum
2.8 MT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
3.8 MT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
5.0 MT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
5.0 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
5.0 MT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
5.0 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
3.0 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mm1705 kg2155 kg150 mm
3.0 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mm1715 kg2170 kg150 mm
2.8 MT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
2.8 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm
280SE 2.8 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mm1560 kg2080 kg150 mm
3.8 AT4995 mm1821 mm1440 mm2930 mmNot providedNot provided150 mm

Sedan Long — Mercedes S-Class Dimensions

Sedan Long Mercedes S-Class Dimensions
ModificationLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weightMax weightGround clearance, minimum
280SEL 2.8 AT5286 mm1821 mm1440 mm3076 mm1590 kg2110 kg150 mm