According to the Mercedes numerical identification system, 500SEL can easily be dissected to identify the vehicles attributes. "500" refers to its 5.0L V8 engine. "S" refers to its class; their flagship full-size sedan. "E" means that it is gas/petrol powered, rather than diesel. And "L" means that it is a long-wheelbase vehicle. This car was produced from 1980-93, and was included in the 126 and 140 chassis lineups with a total of approximately 150,000 made. This was the top of the line luxury sedan offered by Mercedes at the time, so that means Mercedes-Benz 500SEL parts are as good as they get.