The fourth generation MB was introduced in 1981. It is often referred to as the 3rd gen MB face lift because of how similar it is to the previous generation MB. Some visual aspects were re-designed and the car got slightly longer, at 5.06m, for extra trunk and passenger space.
All engines, now including the 5.9L V8 which received an update, are capable of running 91RON fuel so consumers didn’t have to worry about fuel availability. One could use either 92RON leaded regular or 91RON unleaded regular, depending on fuel availability and whether or not the car is equipped with a catalytic converter.
Most of the features from the 3rd generation MB were re-used in the 4th generation one except the 5.9L V8, which received an upgrade. All trims have power steering as standard equipment now and the panels of the car have been treated to resist corrosion better.
The fourth generation MB introduced a turbocharged version of the 5.9L V8. It spools up at around 3000RPM and has a peak power of 441HP. It wasn’t available in the US because the engine lacked a catalytic converter.
The V6 version of the fourth generation MB wasn’t available on the US market. only the MB460 and MB590 were available there.
Production was scheduled to cease in 1986.
MB 350 V6
Base model with a detuned version of the 3C9190V-1964 V6. It’s rated at 167HP
@5500 RPM. The V6 version was not available in the USA.
DRIVABILITY 28.3 - SPORTINESS 18.4 - COMFORT 19.6 - PRESTIGE 18.4
SAFETY 32 - PRACTICALITY 50.9 - UTILITY 46.7 - OFFROAD 31.2 - RELIABILITY 64.1
Weight: 1316.9 KG
Fuel: 18.68L/100 km
WHEELS & BRAKES
640mm wheels - 15" steel rims - 205mm f/r width - long life road tires.
Solid disc 2 piston F/Solid disc 1 piston R.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
MacPherson Strut & Solid axle w/ coil springs.
Standard springs, gas mono-tube dampers, passive sway bars.
Galvanized steel ladder chassis w/ corrosion resistant steel panels.
INTERIOR & SAFETY
Five seat standard w/ basic 8 Track player. Standard 70s safety.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
RWD - manual four gear - automatic locker differential - 167HP 3C-9190V-1964 detuned V6 engine.
PERFORMANCE
AIRFIELD TRACK: 01:38.60
MSRP TODAY: 12478$
MB460 V8
Equipped with the 4.6L V8. It has dual exhausts, wider tires and a new V8 badge on the rear.
DRIVABILITY 26.6 - SPORTINESS 22.8 - COMFORT 19.3 - PRESTIGE 22.4
SAFETY 32.9 - PRACTICALITY 51 - UTILITY 49.4 - OFFROAD 26.8 - RELIABILITY 66.2
US LEGAL VERSION
DRIVABILITY 29.2 - SPORTINESS 21.8 - COMFORT 20 - PRESTIGE 21.6
SAFETY 32.8 - PRACTICALITY 51 - UTILITY 49.2 - OFFROAD 26.9 - RELIABILITY 65.5
Weight: 1430.2 kg
Fuel: 20.26L/100 km (US version: 22L/100 km)
WHEELS & BRAKES
640mm wheels - 15" steel rims - 235mm f/r width - medium compound tires.
Solid disc 3 piston F/Solid disc 1 piston R.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
MacPherson Strut & Solid axle w/ coil springs.
Standard springs, gas mono-tube dampers, passive sway bars.
Galvanized steel ladder chassis w/ corrosion resistant steel panels.
INTERIOR & SAFETY
Five seat standard w/ basic 8 Track player. Standard 70s safety.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
RWD - manual four gear - automatic locker differential - 263HP 4C-9091V-1964 detuned and upgraded V8 engine. US legal version has same engine with catalytic converter and 229HP.
PERFORMANCE (Non-US version)
AIRFIELD TRACK: 01:31.29
MSRP TODAY: 14685$ — 15226$ US Version.
MB590 Super V8
Equipped with the 5.9L V8. The 5.9L V8 is now available with a catalytic converter so it will be available in the USA.
DRIVABILITY 26 - SPORTINESS 24.9 - COMFORT 18.2 - PRESTIGE 25
SAFETY 33.7 - PRACTICALITY 51.1 - UTILITY 50.2 - OFFROAD 26.7 - RELIABILITY 63.7
US LEGAL VERSION
DRIVABILITY 26.7 - SPORTINESS 24.4 - COMFORT 18.8 - PRESTIGE 24.8
SAFETY 33.7 - PRACTICALITY 51.1 - UTILITY 50.1 - OFFROAD 26.7 - RELIABILITY 63.7
Weight: 1526.6kg
Fuel: 22.54L/100 km (US version: 23.62L/100 km)
WHEELS & BRAKES
640mm wheels - 14" steel rims - 235mm F/245mm R width - medium compound tires.
Solid disc 3 piston F/Solid disc 1 piston R.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
MacPherson Strut & Solid axle w/ coil springs.
Standard springs, gas mono-tube dampers, passive sway bars.
Galvanized steel ladder chassis w/ corrosion resistant steel panels.
INTERIOR & SAFETY
Five seat standard w/ basic 8 Track player. Standard 70s safety.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
RWD - manual four gear - automatic locker differential - 375HP upgraded 4C-9898V-1969 5.9L V8 engine.
PERFORMANCE (Non-US version)
AIRFIELD TRACK: 01:28.22
MSRP TODAY: 16976$ — 17559$ US Version.
MB590 Turbo V8
Equipped with a twin turbo 5.9L V8. Has all the features of the MB590, a Turbo badge and slightly wider rear tires. This trim also has a sporty five speed manual gearbox. Only available in countries where catalytic converters aren’t mandatory.
DRIVABILITY 25.9 - SPORTINESS 25.9 - COMFORT 15.9 - PRESTIGE 30.3
SAFETY 34.1 - PRACTICALITY 51.1 - UTILITY 47.3 - OFFROAD 24.9 - RELIABILITY 62.8
Weight: 1573.8kg
Fuel: 24.15L/100 km
WHEELS & BRAKES
640mm wheels - 14" steel rims - 235mm F/255mm R width - sports compound tires.
Solid disc 3 piston F/Solid disc 1 piston R.
SUSPENSION & CHASSIS
MacPherson Strut & Solid axle w/ coil springs.
Standard springs, gas mono-tube dampers, passive sway bars.
Galvanized steel ladder chassis w/ corrosion resistant steel panels.
INTERIOR & SAFETY
Five seat standard w/ basic 8 Track player. Standard 70s safety.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
RWD - manual five gear - automatic locker differential - 441HP twin turbo 4C-9898V-1969 5.9L V8 engine.
PERFORMANCE
AIRFIELD TRACK: 01:26.07
MSRP TODAY: 18557$