Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
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| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
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| Production | 1954–present |
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico |
| Class | Luxury grand tourer |
| Body style | 2-door grand tourer |
| Layout | FR layout |
The Mercedes-Benz SL is a grand tourer manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Lightweight — and was first applied to the 300SL 'Gullwing' named also after its gullwing or upward-opening doors.
The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations.
Contents |
1954 to 1963
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| Production | 1954–1963 |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W121 BII (190SL) Mercedes-Benz W198 (300SL) |
| Engine | 1.9L M121 I4 3.0L M198 I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 4,520 mm (178.0 in) |
| Width | 1,790 mm (70.5 in) |
| Height | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
The 300SL roadster succeeded the Gullwing in 1957. The 4-cylinder 190SL was more widely produced with 25,881 units, starting in 1955. Cars of the open SL-Class were available as a coupe with a removable hardtop or as a roadster with convertible soft top or with both tops. Production for the 190SL and 300SL ended in 1963.
- 300SL ("Gullwing"): 1954-1957, 3.0L I6, 215 hp (160 kW)
- 300SL (Roadster): 1957–1963 3.0L I6, 215 hp (160 kW)
- 190SL: 1955-1963, 1.9L I4, 105 hp (78 kW)
1963 to 1971
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| Production | 1963–1971 |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W113 |
| Engine | 2.3L M127.II I6 2.5L M129.II I6 2.8L M130 I6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Length | 4,285 mm (168.7 in) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) |
| Height | 1,305 mm (51.4 in) |
Next came the SL-Class 230SL, a new design with a 2.3L mechanically fuel injected six cylinder engine. It featured a low waistline and big curved greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster with detachable hardtop, whose distinctive roofline earned the nickname "pagoda top." The design was by Paul Bracq. Around 1967, the engine received a displacement increase and the model became known as the 250SL. Within a year the engine displacement was increased for the final time and the model designation became 280SL. Beginning with later versions of the 250SL changes were made to dashboard padding, switches and knobs, door pockets (U.S. models only) and steering wheel. In addition, the on the 280SL formerly separate center hub caps and wheel trim rings became full wheelcovers.
- 230SL: 1963-1967, 2.3L I6, 150 hp (112 kW)
- 250SL: 1966-1968, 2.5L I6, 150 hp (112 kW)
- 280SL: 1967-1971, 2.8L I6, 170 hp (127 kW)
1972 to 1989
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| Production | 1972–1989 |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R107 |
| Engine | 2.8L I6 3.0L I6 3.5L V8 3.8L V8 4.2L V8 4.5L V8 5.0L V8 5.6L V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 96.7 in (2,456 mm) |
| Length | 180.3 in (4,580 mm) |
| Width | 70.5 in (1,791 mm) |
| Height | 51.1 in (1,298 mm) |
- 350SL: 1971–1980, 3.5L V8
- 450SL: 1973–1980, 4.5L V8
- 280SL: 1974–1985, 2.8L I6
- 380SL: 1980–1986, 3.8L V8
- 500SL: 1980–1986, 5.0L V8
All updated 86-89 models have the advantages of the more modern 4 pot brakes, larger discs, and suspension derived from the W124 sedan. The body itself is built with a modern paint system designed to improve protection from rust.
- 300SL: 1986–1989
The 300SL base model was available as standard in a 5-speed manual although very few were sold. The SOHC 6 cylinder M103 is typically considered to have handling advantages with its lighter weight engine.
The 560SL was only sold in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia to compensate the reduced output of the 5.0L due to the stricter emission laws in these markets.
1989 to 2002
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| Production | 1989–2002 |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R129 |
| Engine | 2.8L 193 hp (144 kW) I6 2.8L 204 hp (152 kW) V6 3.0L 190 hp (142 kW) I6 3.0L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 5.0L 326 hp (243 kW) V8 5.0L 306 hp (228 kW) V8 5.5L 354 hp (264 kW) AMG V8 6.0L 381 hp (284 kW) AMG V8 6.0L 394 hp (294 kW) V12 7.0L 496 hp (370 kW) AMG V12 7.3L 525 hp (391 kW) AMG V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 99.0 in (2,515 mm) |
| Length | 1997–2001: 177.1 in (4,498 mm) 1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm) 1992-96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm) |
| Width | 71.3 in (1,811 mm) |
| Height | 1992–2001: 51.3 in (1,303 mm) 1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm) |
The 1989 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version in the US. In Europe the base model was the 190 hp (140 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL with 12 valves, and the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 with 24 valves is known as the 300SL 24 . But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.
1994 saw a huge facelift for the SL, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range. Introduced in 1993 as the 600SL, it was re-badged the SL600 in 1994.
The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0 L V8 for 1999.
AMG
The extremely rare SL73 AMG was sold through AMG in 1995, and at 525 bhp (391 kW) it offered the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time. After a brief gap, the SL73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001, although the engine was slightly updated to be more reliable. The same 7.3L V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda. A total of 85 SL73 AMG roadsters were built. The SL73 was briefly reintroduced in September 1999 following the SL's end-of-life facelift and a limited number were produced up until December 2001. The facelifted SL73 is the car that appears in the picture (left).
Even more rare is the SL70 AMG which was powered by a 7.0 L V12 engine.
The SL60 AMG was also extremely rare. Sold through MB from 1996 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litre V8 engine producing between 381 bhp (284 kW) and 384 bhp (286 kW). AMG claimed a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) speed of 5.8 seconds. Its top speed was limited to 155 mph (249 km/h), but with the limiter removed, it was capable of approximately 185 mph (298 km/h). AMG later unofficially admitted that 0-60 mph was closer to 5.0 seconds and the engine produced between 405-410 bhp.
The SL55 AMG was sold through AMG in the R129 bodystyle from 1998 to 2001 in limited quantity. It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL55 AMG sold from 2002 to 2008.
Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customized by AMG prior to 2002.
2003 to Present
2003-2008
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| Production | 2003–2008 |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R230 |
| Engine | 5.0L 308 hp (230 kW) V8 5.4L 382 hp (285 kW) V8 5.5L 493 hp (368 kW) V12 6.0L 604 hp (450 kW) V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 100.8 in (2,560 mm) |
| Length | 178.5 in (4,534 mm) |
| Width | 2005–08: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 2001-04: 72.0 in (1,829 mm) |
| Height | 51.0 in (1,295 mm) |
In 2003, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. This featured a 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8, with a 5.4 L AMG Supercharged V8 appearing in 2002's SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG.
2005
The following Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadsters are offered Worldwide for the year 2005. Prices are listed in US, 2005 dollars.
- 2005 SL350 (Europe only)
- 3.7 L (3724 cc) 18-valve V6 245 hp (182 kW) at 5,000 rpm 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 7.2 s
- 2005 SL500 Roadster
- Driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift control
- Aluminum hardtop (automatic retraction: 16 seconds)
- US$92,620
- 5.0 L 24-valve V8 engine 306 hp (228 kW) at 5,600 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 6.1 s
- 2005 SL55 AMG
- Manual shift buttons
- Sensotronic brakes with 8-piston front calipers
- AMG Active Body Control suspension.
- US$122,220
- AMG supercharged 5.5 L (5439 cc) 24-valve V8 engine 493 hp (367 kW) at 6,100 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.7 s
- 2005 SL600 Roadster
- Active Body Control suspension
- Sensotronic Brake Control with enlarged front and rear disks
- Heated and ventilated multicontour seats
- US$128,220
- Twin turbocharged 5.5 L (5513 cc) 36-valve V12 engine 493 hp (367 kW) at 5,000 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.6 s
- 2005 SL65 AMG
- Twin turbocharged 6.0 L (5980 cc) 36-valve V12 engine
- Power : 604 bhp (450 kW; 612 PS)
- Torque : 738 lb·ft (1,001 N·m)
- BHP/Liter : 102 bhp / liter
- Top Speed : 250 km/h / 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Top Speed : approx 338 km/h (210 mph) without electronic limitation
- 0–100 km/h Acceleration : 4.2 s
- US$190,539
2008 to present (facelift)
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| Production | 2008–present |
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| Platform | Mercedes-Benz R230 |
| Engine | 3.5L 231 hp (172 kW) V6 3.5L 315 hp (235 kW) V6 5.5L 382 hp (285 kW) V8 5.5L 510 hp (380 kW) V12 6.0L 612 hp (456 kW) V12 6.2L 525 hp (391 kW) V8 6.0L 670 hp (500 kW) V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic 7-speed semi-automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,560 mm (100.8 in) |
| Length | 4,562 mm (179.6 in) |
| Width | 7.5 mm (0.3 in): 1,820 mm (71.7 in) |
| Height | 1,317 mm (51.9 in) |
The SL received a face lift in 2008 featuring a new front end that evokes the classic 300SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the hood, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system.
SL 63 AMG replaced SL 55 AMG.
In popular culture
- In the 1956 film High Society, Grace Kelly drove a silver 190SL.
- In the 1967 film Two for the Road, Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney drove a white 230SL.
- In the 1970s TV series Wonder Woman, Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) drove a blue 450SL
- In the 1970s TV series The Six Million Dollar Man, Steve Austin drove a silver 450SL.
- In 1978, the long running American drama Dallas opens with one of the primary characters, Bobby Ewing, driving a red 560SL, a vehicle the character would drive until 1987.
- In the 1970s/80s TV Series Hart to Hart Jennifer Hart (Stefanie Powers) drove a yellow 450SL, including in the opening credits. A red 560SL featured in later episodes.
- In the 1982 film "American Gigolo", the character Julian Kaye played by Richard Gere drives a black 500SL during the opening credits and throughout the movie.
- In the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop, the character of the Detroit detective played by Eddie Murphy is seen driving around in a red 500SL.
- In the 1990 film The Rookie, Clint Eastwood is seen driving a silver R129 500SL with Charlie Sheen as a passenger through the window of an exploding warehouse as their lives are saved just in the nick of time.
- In the 1991 film Death Becomes Her, Meryl Streep drove a white 500SL.
- In the 1997 film Jackie Brown, Samuel L. Jackson drives a black [r107] SL.
- In the 1997 film Liar Liar, Jim Carrey drove an SL.
- In the 1999 film The Corruptor a MY 2000 SL600 is used in the UGK music video "Take It Off" made especially for the film. UGK refers to it as "The V12 Benz parked outside" although it appears de-badged in the video.
- In the 2000/10s TV Series True Blood, Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis) drove a white 1986 350SL [r107], which he gave to Tara.
- In the 2009 film, I Love You Phillip Morris, Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor drove matching red 500SL's.
- In the Family Guy episode, "Peter, Peter, Caviar Eater", Brian asked the parking valet at a Newport Historical Society charity auction to help him convince a woman he met inside that he owned a 500SL.
Awards
- The 2001 Mercedes Benz SL Class won European Best Interior Design award.
- The Mercedes SL-Class won the coveted ‘Most Technologically Advanced Car of the Year’ award from AutoCar Magazine and CNBC TV.
- The Mercedes SL-Class won the equally coveted ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ awards from AutoCar Magazine and CNBC TV.
Sales
| Calendar year | US sales |
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| 2001 | 4,217 |
| 2002 | 13,717 |
| 2003 | 13,318 |
| 2004 | 12,885 |
| 2005 | 10,080 |
| 2006 | 8,462 |
| 2007 | 6,126 |
| 2008 | 5,464 |
| 2009 | 4,025 |
| 2010 | 2,385 |
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. - Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 2003-01-03. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mercedes-Benz+USA+Records+Highest+Sales+in+Its+History.-a096075297. Retrieved 2011-02-11.
- ^ "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/01/04/313903.html. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/01/03/032870.html. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ^ "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz - The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 2009-01-05. http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Jan09/05_001548_Mercedes_Benz_USA_Sales_Drop_32_Percent_In_December_2008.html. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ^ "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an... - MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". New Jersey: Prnewswire.com. 2011-01-04. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/highest-sales-month-for-the-year-at-21469-brings-mercedes-benz-to-an-18-percent-increase-for-2010-112881769.html. Retrieved 2011-02-11.