Richard / E320

I know that the SEL is approximately 6" longer than an SE; is the longer overall wheelbase reflected in the front and rear doors being wider? Looks like hood length and trunk length are the same...

Untertürkheim

Everything is identical except the rear doors.

Richard / E320

Thanks Untertürkheim; I was parked by a 300SE the other day and I could tell that it didn't look quite right. Then I realized it was an 'SE' and not a long wheelbased SEL. Since I was side-by-side, I could see the longer overall length and it seemed that the back doors were longer on mine. Then my eyes were playing tricks, as it seemed the front doors were a little longer too... looks like the longer wheelbased SEL has more room, just for the back seat passengers.

Thanks again for the reply...

Untertürkheim

Exactly. In markets where both SE and SEL were available with any engine, the SE was much more popular because it was a bit more nimble, with no space penalty except rear legroom.

RogerJones

From MB's Technical data passenger cars (October 1993):

SE/SD
Wheelbase 2935mm
Length 5145mm USA, 5020mm elsewhere

SEL/SDL
Wheelbase 3075mm
Length 5285mm USA, 5160mm elsewhere

SEC
Wheelbase 2845mm (2850mm 420SEC and USA)
Length 5060mm USA, 4935mm elsewhere