Page 91 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

THE FACTS
Mercedes-Benz 230/250/280 SL
230 SL 250 SL 280 SL 1963-1967 1967 1967-1971
ENGINE
Displacement 2306 cc 2496 cc 2778 cc
Bore X stroke 82.0 mm x 72.8 mm 82.0 mm x 78.8 mm 86.5 mm x 78.8 mm
BHP @ RPM 150 @ 5500 170 @ 5500 170 @ 5750
Torque @ RPM 159 lb ft/216 N-m @ 4500 174 lb ft/236 N-m @ 4500 177 lb ft/240 N-m @ 4500
Compression Ratio 10:1 9.5:1 9.5:1
Fuel delivery Bosch mechanical injection Bosch mechanical injection Bosch mechanical injection
TRANSMISSION
Manual 4-Speed (5-Speed optional) 4-Speed (5-Speed optional) 4-Speed (5-Speed optional)
Automatic 4-Speed 4-Speed 4-Speed
Final Drive 3.75:1 (manual) 3.69:1 (manual) 4.08:1 (manual)
BODY
Construction Unibody Unibody Unibody
Overall Length 4285 mm/168.7 in 4285 mm/168.7 in 4285 mm/168.7 in
Overall Width 1760 mm/69.3 in 1760 mm/69.3 in 1760 mm/69.3 in
Overall Height 1305 mm/51.4 in (w/hardtop) 1305 mm/51.4 in (w/hardtop) 1305 mm/51.4 in (w/hardtop)
Wheelbase 2400 mm/94.5 in 2400 mm/94.5 in 2400 mm/94.5 in
Front Track 1486 mm/58.5 in 1484 mm/58.4 in 1484 mm/58.4 in
Rear Track 1487 mm/58.5 in 1485 mm/58.5 in 1485 mm/58.5 in
Fuel Tank 17.2 gallons 21.7 gallons 21.7 gallons
Trunk Capacity 12 cu ft 9.1 cu ft 9.1 cu ft
CHASSIS
Front Suspension Independent, with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, telescopic shocks,
anti-roll bar
Independent, with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, telescopic shocks, anti-roll bar
Independent, with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, telescopic shocks, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension Swing axles, with trailing arms, coil Swing axles, with trailing arms, coil Swing axles, with trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic shocks springs, telescopic shocks springs, telescopic shocks
Front Brakes Disc, power assist Disc, power assist Disc, power assist
Rear Brakes Drum, power assist Disc, power assist Disc, power assist
TEST DATA
0-60 MPH 9.7 seconds (MT) 9.5 seconds (AT) 10.3 seconds (AT)
Top Speed 120 MPH 120 MPH 120 MPH
Fuel Consumption 20 MPG 20 MPG 18 MPG
For more info from
snap the QR code or visit: hmn.com/mercedes-sl
WAYNE’S TAKE
Mercedes 230/250/280 SL: The “W113” series are handsome, well-engineered touring cars that will only appreciate over time. Manual preferred over sometimes finicky auto. Low gearing means annoyingly high revs at
highway speeds. Complex fuel injection system requires
regular use and specialist maintenance.
AReliable when properly maintained; excellent supply of parts
ÅVery expensive to properly restore, high cost of parts and service
ANXIETY INDEX: MEDIUM
Wayne Carini  Affordable Classics  89