1985 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL

At the time of their launch, the 560 SEC and 560 SEL with this engine were the most powerful Mercedes-Benz production cars built until then.

The most spectacular novelty in the engine range was a 5.6-liter eight-cylinder which had been developed from the five-liter V8 whose stroke had been lengthened to give the car an output of 200 kW (272 hp). A version with an even higher compression ratio was optionally available and generated a proud 221 kW (300 hp), but could not be combined with a closed-loop emission control system. However, even without a catalytic converter, this so-called ECE version complied with the emission limits specified by the European Economic Commission (ECE).

In Detail

tags	560sel
submitted by	Richard Owen
engine	M117 V8
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel injection
displacement	5547 cc / 338.5 in³
bore	96.5 mm / 3.8 in
stroke	94.8 mm / 3.73 in
compression	10.0:1
power	223.7 kw / 300 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output	54.08 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	168.54 bhp per tonne
torque	454.2 nm / 335 ft lbs @ 3750 rpm
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Not Available Assist
curb weight	1780 kg / 3924 lbs
wheelbase	3071 mm / 120.9 in
front track	1554 mm / 61.2 in
rear track	1549 mm / 61.0 in
length	5159 mm / 203.1 in
width	2007 mm / 79.0 in
height	1445 mm / 56.9 in
final drive	2.65:1
top speed	~236.6 kph / 147 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.1 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~15.8 seconds