When released, only three different shades of grey were used on the bumpers and lower panels of the W126. These combinations continued for two years following the 1986 facelift, where in late 1988 the number of contrasting colours blossomed to 12 with the introduction of the W124 coupe. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz made minor changes to the combinations on a regular basis, all of which are shown in chronological order below.
The following are extracts from the Paintwork folder produced by Mercedes-Benz.
Models 107, 126 (1980 up to September 1982), 124 (up to September 1989), 201 (up to September 1988)
Bumpers, lateral panels and outside rear view mirror housing, door handle recess (126 coupe only)
Model 126 sedan, coupe (as of September 1986 up to September 1988)
Bumpers, lateral panels and outside rear view mirror housing, door handle recess (126 coupe only)
Models 124 coupe, 126 sedan, coupe and 201 (as of September 1988 to August 1989)
Models 124, 126, 129 and 201 (excluding 201.034/035) as of August 1989 to May/June 1990
All models (except 201.034/035) as of May/June 1990 up to January 1991
All models (except 201.034/035) as of January 1991 up to October 1992
201 "Avantgarde" vehicles as of March 1992
All models (excluding 201.034/035) as of October 1992 to June 1993
All models (excluding 201.034/035) as of June 1993
