1966→1968 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL

On 27 February 1967, Mercedes-Benz presented the 250 SL, which replaced the 230 SL that had been produced for four years. On the outside the new car, whose series production had already begun in December 1966, was indistinguishable from its predecessor. The changes concerned mainly the engine and the brake system. Both were taken, slightly modified, from the 250 SE (W 108 III). The M 129 III engine, its displacement enlarged by 200 cubic centimetres, had the same output as the 230 SL, 150 bhp (110 kW) at 5500 rpm, but 10 per cent more torque and a flatter torque curve. It was now provided with seven crankshaft bearings for smoother operation, and with an oil/water heat exchanger as well; only the future 280 SL would be fitted with an air/oil cooler. The 250 SL thus was appreciably more flexible in operation, but did not quite reach the previous model’s top speed owing to its higher weight. The 250 SL’s top speed with four-speed manual transmission was 195 km/h or 200 km/h depending on the final drive ratio (standard: 1:3.92; optional: 1:3.69; automatic transmission: 190 km/h or 195 km/h). With five-speed manual transmission it was available in only one variant (1:4.08), which reached 200 km/h.

The changes to the brake system included disc brakes on the rear wheels as well, larger brake discs at the front, and the fitting of a brake power regulator to prevent rear wheel overbraking. As an optional extra a differential lock was now available. A fuel tank capacity of 82 litres instead of the previous 65 permitted an extended cruising range. In addition to the three body versions known from the 230 SL, the 250 SL was available as an optional extra in a fourth version, a coupé with rear seat bench, which was shown for the first time in March 1967 at the Geneva Motor Show. In this so-called California version, the necessary space for the rear bench seat had been obtained by eliminating soft top and soft-top compartment. Since the soft top could not be retrofitted, this variant promised unspoilt driving pleasure only in dry regions or with mounted coupé roof.

Less than a year after the presentation of the 250 SL, after 5196 units had been built it was replaced by the 280 SL. Apart from the model plate it could only be distinguished from the two preceding models on the outside by the different wheel hub caps.

In Detail

tags	w113, 250sl, pagoda
submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1966 – 1968
built at	Germany
production	5196
price $	$ 6,731
engine	M 130 Inline-6
valvetrain	SOHC
displacement	2778 cc / 169.5 in³
bore	86.5 mm / 3.41 in
stroke	78.8 mm / 3.1 in
compression	9.5:1
power	126.8 kw / 170 bhp @ 5750 rpm
specific output	61.2 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	120.14 bhp per tonne
torque	261.7 nm / 193.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
body / frame	Unit Construction w/ Steel & Aluminum Panels
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	185 HR-14
rear tires	185 HR-14
front brakes	Discs
front wheels	F 35.6 x 15.2 cm / 14.0 x 6.0 in
rear wheels	R 35.6 x 15.2 cm / 14.0 x 6.0 in
steering	Recirculating Ball w/ Power Assist
curb weight	1415 kg / 3120 lbs
wheelbase	2400 mm / 94.5 in
front track	1481 mm / 58.3 in
rear track	1486 mm / 58.5 in
length	4288 mm / 168.8 in
width	1778 mm / 70.0 in
height	1306 mm / 51.4 in
transmission	4-Speed Auto
gear ratios	3.98:1, 2.52:1, 1.58:1, 1.00:1
final drive	4.08:1
top speed	~183.5 kph / 114.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~9.5 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~31.5 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~17.3 seconds