Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1972–1980 car dimensions: 4960 mm long, 1870 mm wide and 1425 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,610 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
Power steering and central locking come standard. Heating and ventilation are fitted as standard with air conditioning available as an option. Automatic climate control became available from 1976 as an option. Cruise control is optional. ABS is optional from late 1978. The cabin is roomy with a padded dashboard and safety-oriented controls.
Boot space measures 530 litres with the seats in place. Rear seats are fixed in this sedan body style.
Payload is 520 kg based on 1610 kg kerb weight and 2130 kg gross weight. Braked towing capacity is 1200 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Hydropneumatic level control for the rear suspension is optional to help with loads.
The cabin is fully padded on all surfaces with recessed controls for a soft, quiet feel. Cloth seats are standard with optional velour or leather. A large optional sliding sunroof opens the roof. Manual windows are base. electric windows, seat heaters and climate control are available options. Heating and ventilation work well with good air flow.
Fuel: petrol, 12.5 l/100 km DIN combined, 96 l tank
Brakes: dual-circuit discs all round with servo, front ventilated
ABS optional from late 1978
Safety cell with crumple zones, padded dash and four-spoke impact wheel
Fuel tank above rear axle for protection
The 280 S runs on petrol with a claimed 12.5 l/100 km under DIN testing. The 96-litre tank sits safely above the rear axle. Real-world use is higher in mixed conditions.
Routine care follows the factory maintenance system with oil and filter changes plus checks on brakes, steering and fluids. Parts remain available through classic specialists. The carburetted six-cylinder is simpler than injected models.
Safety design includes a strong passenger cell, front and rear crumple zones, fully padded interior, deformable controls and a safety steering wheel. Dual-circuit disc brakes with servo are standard. ABS became optional from December 1978. No star-rated crash tests from the period are published.
Living with the car means solid build that lasts with regular servicing. Watch for rust in typical spots and keep the timing chain and suspension bushes fresh. Power steering is standard and makes the big sedan easy to place.
Length 4960 mm, Width 1870 mm, Height 1425 mm, Wheelbase 2865 mm (S-Class 1972–1980)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz Classic technical data, 226 Nm is that 23 mkg figure as converted in the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car programme brochure of August 1973, Ground clearance, seats, luggage volume, turning circle and airbags are not on that sheet.