What does Longer Wheelbase mean? Mercedes SEL?

Question

For Mercedes cars, a long wheelbase means what? Is the 420 SEL longer or wider than a SE or SD? I have a 300SD and 420 SEL and don't notice a difference. Someone told me my 420 SEL is 6 inches wider and longer, but I don't think so.

Answer 1

longer wheelbase, the distance from the center of the front wheel to the rear wheel. a greater distance equals better stability and lower center of gravity.

Answer 2

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RE:
What does Longer Wheelbase mean? Mercedes SEL?
For Mercedes cars, a long wheelbase means what? Is the 420 SEL longer or wider than a SE or SD? I have a 300SD and 420 SEL and don't notice a difference. Someone told me my 420 SEL is 6 inches wider and longer, but I don't think so.

Answer 3

Bill, I don't know if this is a common problem or not with Mercedes but my theory is that any leak is a bad leak. Under "normal" conditions it may last another ten years but you can't control the weather. You can bet money that this problem will get worse with time. In extreme heat or under servere driving conditions the pressure from the hot coolant in your system could blow the gasket while you drive or right after you stop. In extreme cold, the water in the coolant could freeze in the crack and force the gasket apart. I have had both of these happen to me in the past. I would recommend that if you have the funds and plan to keep the vehicle for any amount of time that you go ahead and have it repaired. It sounds like you have a bit of time so use it to shop around to find a reputable mechanic that won't take you to the cleaners.

Answer 4

As many and even yourself have stated the answer. SD model and SE model are the same, as these two model are sharing the same body but different engines, where SEL is longer by 6" from center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel comparing to SE and SD, with the same width. Besides, longer wheel base give you a better freeway ride, but it gives way in cornering. 6" longer mean the car is heavier. The extra 6", usually contribute to rear passenger's foot room of 50% and the balance goes to rear boot.

Answer 5

Class, class, quiet down. Wheelbase is the distance from the center of the front wheels to the center of the rear wheels. That's all. It has nothing to do with the length or width of the car itself. Generally speaking, a car with a short wheelbase is going to have a choppier ride than a comparable car with a longer wheelbase. Contrary to what you may read here, the car's center of gravity is not higher or lower based on wheel base. It is a factor of many other variables, such as the height of the car, the weight of the car, where the weight is concentrated in the car, where various components such as the engine or the fuel tank are located, that kind of thing. Check magazines like Car and Driver or Road and Track for specs on wheelbase, total vehicle length, width, weight, and other specifics. Mercedes may also have this information on its own web site.

Answer 6

The longer wheelbase means that the wheels are farther apart. I don't have the specs on the wheel base difference between the two models but if you are interested, you can look it up. The longer wheel base will usually give you a better ride. A little smoother, and some extra interior space to boot.

Answer 7

Yea, you did answer your own question, it's 6" Longer, between the centers of the front & back wheels.

Answer 8

If I remember correctly, the ONLY difference is 4" in the rear seat area for leg room. EVERYTHING else is the same.

Answer 9

What Is Wheelbase

Answer 10

you answered your own question

i doubt you'll notice a few inches by eye...

wider and longer = more stable