Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1981–1985 car dimensions: 4910 mm long, 1828 mm wide and 1406 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,585 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin has standard electric front seat adjustment with door-mounted controls and electric windows including rear. Velours upholstery is standard with leather available. Dual-zone electronic Heizmatic heating keeps set temperatures steady from 16 to 32 degrees. Full air conditioning is optional and integrates with the system. Electric belt presenters are standard. Cruise control (Tempomat) is optional. No electronic parking aids or cameras appear in the equipment.
Boot volume is 505 litres to VDA standard, the same as the related S-Class saloons. The light-alloy lid opens to a wide angle for easy access.
Payload is 520 kg based on 1585 kg kerb weight and 2105 kg gross. Braked towing capacity is 1500 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Hydropneumatic rear level control is optional.
The cabin offers a quiet, refined space with steel-sprung seats and air-permeable upholstery that support well on long drives without tiring the occupants. Front seats adjust electrically in eight ways via door switches as standard, with vacuum-locked backrests and adjustable head restraints. Dual-zone Heizmatic climate control holds set temperatures precisely left and right from 16 to 32 degrees, with separate rear footwell and console vents. Power windows cover all glass including fully retractable rears, belt presenters ease entry, and a third sun visor cuts glare. Individual rear seats include a folding centre armrest for a spacious four-seat feel.
Fuel use 8.7 l/100 km at 90 km/h, 10.8 l at 120 km/h, 13.9 l urban
Service every 20,000 km
Standard safety cage with crumple zones and dual-circuit disc brakes
Three-point belts with presenters and pretensioners standard. driver airbag and ABS optional
The 3.8-litre V8 runs on super petrol and returns the stated DIN figures of 8.7 litres per 100 km at a steady 90 km/h, 10.8 litres at 120 km/h and 13.9 litres in the urban cycle. A 90-litre tank with 12.5-litre reserve supports long range when driven gently.
Routine servicing falls due every 20,000 km, reflecting the durable engineering and reduced maintenance needs of the energy-concept engines with hydraulic valve clearance and electronic idle control.
Safety starts with a torsionally stiff passenger cell, calculated crumple zones, fuel tank above the rear axle and dual-circuit brakes with ventilated front discs. Three-point automatic belts with electric presenters and pretensioners are standard for front seats. a driver airbag with passenger pretensioner and ABS were available as options, the latter becoming standard from late 1984.
Keeping the car means relying on the dense dealer network for parts and care. Light-alloy engine and body panels ease weight, while replaceable side rubbing strips and zinc-coated steel help resist corrosion. Regular chain and guide checks keep the V8 reliable over high mileages.
Length 4910 mm, Width 1828 mm, Height 1406 mm, Wheelbase 2850 mm (S-Class 1981–1985)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz brochure 380 SEC / 500 SEC, Germany, December 1984 , 380 SEC column, with the Mercedes-Benz Classic sheet, Brochure, 0.505 m³, tank ca.