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Mercedes-Benz W109 SEL 300 SEL 6.3 V8 (250 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W109:
The Mercedes-Benz W 108 and W 109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 to succeed the W 111 and W 112 "fintail" sedans. The cars were successful in West Germany and in export markets including North America and Southeast Asia. During the seven-year run, a total of 383,072 units were manufactured. Some publications mention 383,361 units.
As the W 108 and W 109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W 111 and W 112 coupés and cabriolets filled those niches, and are often mistaken for W 108/W 109 two-doors....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SEL Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W109 (SEL). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1780 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a classic vehicle from the late 1960s, the Mercedes-Benz W109 SEL was not subjected to modern Euro NCAP safety tests. Its safety features are rudimentary by contemporary standards, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced occupant protection systems.
300 SEL 6.3 V8 (250 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional performance for its era, offering sports car-like acceleration and effortless cruising from a luxury sedan.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, typical for a large displacement V8 of its time, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional luxury and build quality for its time
- • Powerful engine options, especially the 6.3 V8
- • Advanced air suspension provides superior ride comfort
- • Timeless design and strong classic car appeal
- • Excellent highway cruiser with refined driving dynamics
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, particularly for V8 models
- • Complex air suspension can be expensive to maintain
- • Parts availability can be challenging and costly for specific components
- • Lack of modern safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Can be prone to rust if not well-maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SEL: August, 1969 - September, 1972).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W109 |
| Generation: | SEL |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SEL 6.3 V8 (250 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | December, 1967 |
| End of production: | September, 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 250 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 39.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 100 E 63 / 100.981 More details about the engine M 100 E 63 / 100.981 |
| Engine displacement: | 6332 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 103 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 95 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 15.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 280.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1780 |
| Max. weight: | 2280 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 105 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5000 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1420 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Trailing arm |
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