Mercedes-Benz W 113

The W 113 is a two-seat soft top convertible from Mercedes- Benz, which was presented in March 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show. He should at the same time replace the types 190 SL and 300 SL. Because of its additionally available, curved inward hardtops he was nicknamed Pagoda. He was in the versions 230 SL ( 1963-1967 ), 250 SL (1967) and 280 SL ( 1968-1971 ), built with either manual or automatic transmission 48,912 total times.

For an additional charge there was the car as a Roadster ( 2 2) with hardtop without hood / soft top compartment and a continuous rear seat. This California model was offered by Mercedes as a " special design without roadster soft top with larger rear ".

Model history

General

The W 113 marked the transition from the round forms of the previous model to a more functional style. The goal in the design development was to clearly delineate the predecessor and to try to create " masculine " appearance. Smooth surfaces, lots of storage space and the absence of decorative elements draw the " Pagoda SL " from. The main market was the United States, here, a majority of the vehicles went to California.

Body and chassis

The "Pagoda" was the first SL in the extensive security measures were taken. Since its basis is the bottom group of the " tailfin " W 111 is equipped with a 30 cm shorter wheelbase, and the SL has a stiff passenger cell and crumple zones, easily deformable front and rear segments. The interior is mitigated as the sedan, there are no hard corners and edges. Seat belts were, like its predecessor, available as optional equipment. The steering gear was moved from the crash risk area of the front end of the front wall, the steering column is bent and has joints that prevent the feared lance effect in an accident. In 1967, the safety steering column with steering-wheel were added in the steering wheel.

The chassis with recirculating ball steering and rear -joint swing axle was also taken from the W 111 sedan. The dual-circuit brake system had disc brakes at first only on the front axle; with the introduction of the 250 SL also on the rear axle. The suspension is taut but very comfortable for a sports car. For the damping gas pressure shock absorbers guarantee; first time, an SL on radial tires.

Engine and transmission

The, also from the W 111 sedan six-cylinder M 127 pairs cast cylinders has undergone some changes. The most important was the use of a six-plunger injection pump instead of the two-plunger pump with two triple distributors. Thus it was possible to inject the fuel through the open inlet valve to the combustion chamber and no longer in the intake pipe. The drilled out to 2.3 liter engine M 127 II makes so 150 hp at 5500 rpm and 4200 rpm provides for a torque of 196 Nm. This very sporty drive unit for the SL requires relatively high speeds.

The top speed with manual transmission at 200 km / h Upon request, a four-speed automatic was available, the first time ever in a SL.

In December 1966, also 150 hp from its Mercedes Benz 250 SL followed (Mercedes- Benz M 129). Engine and brakes come slightly modified from the 250 SE. Original 250 SL are the rarest specimens of series W 113 your motor is thermally critical due to the paired cylinder arrangement as in the saloons and the big coupes and convertibles due to the only good one-year construction period. With the 250cc engine size, the concept of the paired cylinders had reached the limits.

1968, the 250 SL was replaced by the 170 -hp, torque increased 280 SL with the engine M 130, now with an even distance between cylinders. The car differ from its predecessor externally only the nameplate on the trunk lid and revised wheel trims. The 280 SL was in 1968 and the impact absorber steering wheel of the 280 S / SE; the steering column is therefore shorter than 230 SL and 250 SL; Conversions of 230 SL or 250 SL 280 SL can sometimes be recognized by: The turn signal lever of the newer impact absorber steering columns is longer and wider front hinged on the dashboard.

The engine of the 280 SL makes 170 hp 10 hp more than the same displacement 280 -SE engine of the limousine; the same SL- engine was used on a transitional basis and the drive of the same built 300 SEL to end of construction of the complex three-liter aluminum engine.

Due to the modular principle, many exchange potentials are given drives. Of these, the non- rare engine damage (230 SL, 250 SL) was also made extensive use in earlier decades in the case. When a purchase is therefore a high value is set to the correct belonging together of body and drive lay. The decisive second group of three digits of the chassis number after the model 113, in conjunction with the engine type. Not for the examination of the body belonging drives devalue a vehicle equal to five-digit euro amounts. Amazing cheap deals appearing here have often hook and then on closer examination with respect to an investment and, because of the restoration costs on the original version often too expensive.

Eight-cylinder engines, it has never given in the series of the W113, but both attempts this, as well as private modifications were made. Eight -cylinder engines were introduced in SL until 1971 when successor the 350 SL with the type C107.

Datasheet

Special equipment

Mercedes offered the W 113 on some special features. Here is a selection:

* Price list Jan. 1972; full DM including the then VAT at 11%

Production figures and current inventory

When the production, which was characterized by a large number of interim technical changes, expired on 23 February 1971, more than half of the vehicles outside of Germany, been sold, primarily in the United States.

On January 1, 2012 or 4,245 copies of the three model series were registered in Germany. Not recorded, a significant number logged out, standing in restoration or waiting on the restoration SL vehicles. A SL of this series is only very rarely scrapped, even in the worst condition ( an accident, corroded, broken mechanics ). In addition, it is also easy after a complete, complex repair of the body due to the modular system, to implant the far partly identical and readily available (except for the engine of the 230 SL) technique of limousines.

113 W U.S. version

280 SL U.S. version rear view

250SL 1967 front view

1967 250SL rear view