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Mercedes-Benz SL R107, facelift 1985 300 SL (188 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R107, facelift 1985 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R107, facelift 1985). With 260 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1500 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.6 s). The top speed reaches 203 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
300 SL (188 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.0L straight-six provides smooth, adequate power for comfortable cruising, offering a lively feel, especially with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Better fuel economy than the V8s, making it a more practical choice for daily driving, though still a classic car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and iconic design.
- • Robust build quality and durable engineering.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Strong V8 engine options for effortless cruising.
- • Increasing classic car appeal and value.
- • Excellent parts availability for a classic.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models.
- • Maintenance and restoration can be expensive.
- • Lacks modern safety features and technology.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated compared to modern units.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R107: 1973 - 1980).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R107, facelift 1985 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SL (188 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1985 |
| End of production: | 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 188 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.5 Hp/l [20mm more] |
| Torque: | 260 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 30 / 103.982 More details about the engine M 103 E 30 / 103.982 |
| Engine displacement: | 2962 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88.49 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 203 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1500 |
| Max. weight: | 1920 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 261 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4390 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2460 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Front track: | 1461 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1465 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.34 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 284 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 279 mm [above average] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/65 VR15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
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