The Mercedes-Benz 260 spans 1983–1989 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 260 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz 260 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1983 to 1989 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mercedes-Benz 260 VIN — every digit explained
Every Mercedes-Benz 260 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mercedes-Benz and the country it was built in (real Mercedes-Benz codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 260.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- GermanyW1H · W1K · W1N · W1W · W1Y · W1Z
- USA1MB · 4JG · 55S · WD0 · WD8 · WDW
- Argentina8BR · 8BT · 8BU
- Brazil9DB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 260, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Mercedes-Benz 260 have?
The Mercedes-Benz 260 has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1989. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Mercedes-Benz 260
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 260 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Mercedes-Benz 260 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Mercedes-Benz 260 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mercedes-Benz 260 specifications & dimensions
The 1989 Mercedes-Benz 260 measures 187″ long on a 110″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,208 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mercedes-Benz 260 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 187″ | 69″ | 57″ | 110″ | 3,208 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mercedes-Benz 260 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 260 holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 93 cu ft of passenger volume and 15 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mercedes-Benz 260 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz 260 get?
The Mercedes-Benz 260 returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,050/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 260 (2.6L 6-cyl) gets 16 mpg combined and costs about $3,900/yr to fuel, emitting 555 g/mi CO₂ — about $8,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 260 | 15 | 17 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 260 | 18 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 260 | 18 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 260 | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 2.6L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 260 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 260's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Mercedes-Benz 260 have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz 260 is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.6L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.6L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz 260 cost to own?
A Mercedes-Benz 260 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used 260 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 260 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $20,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 260 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Mercedes-Benz 260 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 260 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Mercedes-Benz 260 last?
A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz 260 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Mercedes-Benz 260’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 260’s VIN free →All Mercedes-Benz 260 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mercedes-Benz 260 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1988 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1986 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 260 | 0 | — | |
| 1983 260 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 260?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Mercedes-Benz 260.
How many recalls does the 260 have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1983–1989. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Mercedes-Benz recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the 260 get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 260 last?
A well-maintained 260 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 260 reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Mercedes-Benz 260 — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Mercedes-Benz 260 warranty?
New Mercedes-Benz models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Where is the Mercedes-Benz 260 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 260's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mercedes-Benz may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a 260 weigh?
The 260's curb weight is around 3,208 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the 260 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.