The Mercedes-Benz 560 is a compact car built from 1986 to 1991 over 2 generations. Between 1986 and 1991 it grew 12 cm longer and gained -20 kg. Engines offered: V8. Worth buying? It scores near the top of what we track at 4.5/5 — and the year you pick matters far more than the badge (best and worst years →).
What the 560 is
The Mercedes-Benz 560 is a compact car that Mercedes-Benz built from 1986 to 1991 — 6 model years. Our measurements put it at 2 generations, the current one starting in 1990. It has been offered with V8 power. Its closest siblings in the Mercedes-Benz range: 300, 400, 260.
560 generations, and what changed
These boundaries are not copied from a brochure — they fall out of the measurements. Where the 560's length or wheelbase jumps between consecutive model years the platform changed: a facelift moves a bumper by centimetres, a new generation moves the whole car — for the 560 that gives 2 distinct generations below.
| Generation | Length | Wheelbase | Weight | vs previous | Weight change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-1989 | 506 cm | 285 cm | 1795 kg | - | - |
| 1990-1991 | 518 cm | 297 cm | 1775 kg | +12 cm | -20 kg |
Between 1986 and 1991 the 560 gained 12 cm in length (+2.4%) and -20 kg in weight (-1.1%). Cars did not so much grow as thicken — crash structures, airbags and equipment weigh more than the metal they replaced, and on the 560 that is -20 kg against 12 cm. Full dimensions by year →
Mercedes-Benz 560 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment 560 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 engines does the Mercedes-Benz 560 have? Power & range
The Mercedes-Benz 560 is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.6L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain — 1 for the Mercedes-Benz 560, against one or two on most rivals.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.6L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
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.
The 560 by the numbers
What the federal and market records say about the Mercedes-Benz 560. Each line opens the full breakdown by year.
| Topic | 560 | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 1 campaigns | NHTSA, all years |
| Reliability | 4.5 / 5 | Best and worst years |
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz 560?
The 560 is a compact car, built from 1986 to 1991 across 2 generations. Engines offered: V8.
How many generations does the 560 have?
2 by our measurements, the latest starting in 1990. We draw the boundaries where length or wheelbase jumps between model years — a facelift moves a bumper, a new generation moves the whole car. Over its life the 560 grew 12 cm longer and gained -20 kg.
What is the Mercedes-Benz 560 warranty?
New models carry 4 years / 50,000 miles basic cover and 4 years / 50,000 miles on the powertrain. Worth knowing: across our complaint records the typical car reaches the halfway point of its faults at five years, so most repairs land after the basic warranty ends.
Is the 560 reliable?
It scores 4.5/5 in our data. The honest answer depends on the year far more than the model — see the best and worst years, and when this car starts to break.
How do I check a specific 560?
This page describes the model; it cannot tell you whether that car has an open recall or a branded title. Run its VIN against the records — free, and matched to the exact production run.
More in Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Years | Recalls | Best MPG | ForCar score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 1999–2026 | 75 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 2010–2026 | 143 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 1994–2026 | 213 | — | 4.0/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 1994–2026 | 176 | — | 3.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1981–1993 | 11 | 26 mpg | 4.5/5 |
| Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1983–1991 | — | 21 mpg | 4.5/5 |
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.