The 500SE was a variant of the W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan. Introduced for the 1980 model year, the 500 SE was built on the standard length wheelbase. The 'E' designation in the name refers to the 500 SE's fuel-injection as Einspritzmotor means fuel-injected engine in German. This family of cars was initially powered by Mercedes' M117.963 5.0L V8 engine, but starting in the 1986 model year, the updated and more powerful M117.965 5.0L V8 unit was used. These engines sent power through both manual and automatic transmission options to the rear wheels. Production of the Mercedes-Benz 500SE lasted until 1991, although the variant would continue life in the next generation W140 S-Class as the W140 Mercedes-Benz 500SE.