Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Production	1963–1971
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W113
Powertrain
Engine	2.3 L M127.II I6; 2.5 L M129.II I6; 2.8 L M130 I6
Transmission	4-speed automatic; 4-speed manual; 5-speed manual (ZF)
Dimensions
Length	4,285 mm (168.7 in)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,305 mm (51.4 in)

First generation
First generation
	File:Mercedes 300SL Coupe vr silver EMS.jpg Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198)
Overview
Production	1954–1963
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W121 BII (190 SL); Mercedes-Benz W198 (300 SL)
Powertrain
Engine	1.9 L M121 I4; 3.0 L M198 I6
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
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)

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
	Mercedes-Benz SL 550 (R231)
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1954–present
Assembly	Bremen, Germany; Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car / Grand tourer (S)
Body style	2-door coupe; 2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout
Related	Mercedes-Benz E-Class; Mercedes-Benz S-Class; Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz SSK; Mercedes-Benz 540K

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (formerly known as the SL Roadster prior to 1994) is a grand touring roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sportlich-Leicht, (English: Sport Lightweight) and was first applied to the 300 SL, often referred to as the "Gullwing" due to its gullwing or upward-opening doors.

The term SL refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning six design generations.

W198 and W121 (1954–1963)

The 300 SL was introduced in 1954 in coupé form, featuring gullwing doors. The 300 SL roadster succeeded the coupé in 1957. The four-cylinder 190 SL 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 190 SL and 300 SL ended in 1963.

300 SL ("Gullwing"): 1954–1957, 3.0 L I6, 215 hp (160 kW)
300 SL (Roadster): 1957–1963 3.0 L I6, 225 hp (168 kW)
190 SL: 1955–1963, 1.9 L I4, 105 hp (78 kW)

Mercedes.Benz 300 SL Gullwing (7475449370).jpg

Mercedes Benz 300 SL (W198)
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (5797515234).jpg

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198)
Mercedes R121 190SL (1960) lVA 100kb.jpg

Mercedes Benz 190 SL (W121)

W113 (1963–1971)

File:1969-1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R113) roadster (2011-10-31) 02.jpg

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL roadster (Australia)

Next came the SL-Class 230 SL, a new design with a 2.3-litre 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 250 SL. Within a year the engine displacement was increased for the final time and the model designation became 280 SL. Beginning with later versions of the 250 SL changes were made to dashboard padding, switches and knobs, door pockets (US models only) and steering wheel. In addition, on the 230 SL formerly separate centre hub caps and wheel trim rings became full wheel covers.

230 SL: 1963–1967, 2.3 L I6, 150 hp (112 kW)
250 SL: 1966–1968, 2.5 L I6, 150 hp (112 kW)
280 SL: 1967–1971, 2.8 L I6, 170 hp (127 kW)

R107 (1972–1989)

Third generation
File:Merc.280sl.arp.jpg
Overview
Production	1972–1989
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R107
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L I6 3.0 L I6 3.5 L V8 3.8 L V8 4.2 L V8 4.5 L V8 5.0 L V8 5.6 L V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Dimensions
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)

File:1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL (R107) roadster (2012-06-04) 02.jpg

1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL roadster (Australia)

350 SL: 1971–1972, 3.5 L V8
450 SL: 1973–1980, 4.5 L V8
280 SL: 1974–1985, 2.8 L I6
380 SL: 1980–1986, 3.8 L V8
500 SL: 1980–1986, 5.0 L 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. However this was not effective as models still continued to rust especially around the wheel arches, sills, jacking points, floor and front wings; especially the drill holes on which the mudflaps are mounted and the sides facing the engine bay.

300 SL: 1986–1989

The 300 SL 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.

420 SL: 1986–1989, 4.2 L V8
500 SL: 1986–1989, 5.0 L V8
560 SL: 1986–1989, 5.6 L V8

The 560 SL was only sold in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia to compensate the reduced output of the 5.0-litres due to the stricter emission laws in these markets.

R129 (1989–2001)

Fourth generation
File:MB SL 500 SILVER ARROW.JPG
Overview
Production	1989–2002
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R129
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L 193 hp (144 kW) I6 2.8 L 204 hp (152 kW) V6 3.0 L 190 hp (142 kW) I6 3.0 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 3.2 L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 5.0 L 326 hp (243 kW) V8 5.0 L 306 hp (228 kW) V8 5.5 L 354 hp (264 kW) AMG V8 6.0 L 381 hp (284 kW) AMG V8 6.0 L 394 hp (294 kW) V12 7.0 L 496 hp (370 kW) AMG V12 7.3 L 525 hp (391 kW) AMG V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
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)

Mercedes-Benz SL 320 (France)

The 1990 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0-litre inline 6 300 SL version in the US. In Europe the base model was the 190 hp (140 kW) 3.0-litre inline 6 300 SL with 12 valves, and the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0-litre inline 6 with 24 valves is known as the 300 SL 24 . But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500 SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.

The R129 model was the first convertible/roadster to offer the automatic rollbar deployment in event of rollover. The motorist can also manually raise and lower the rollbar should he choose to. This facilitates the clean look of R129 without compromising the occupant's safety.

1994 saw a minor facelift for the SL with changes to the taillamps and white turn signal indicators in the front, and the 300 SL was replaced in Europe by the SL 280 and SL 320 (with 2.8- and 3.2-litre I6 engines). The SL 500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0-litre V12 SL 600 topped the range. Introduced in 1993 as the 600 SL, it was re-badged the SL 600 in 1994.

The SL 320 replaced the 300 SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL 280 was not offered. The six-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US line-up in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL 500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0-litre V8 for 1999.

AMG

File:SL73.JPG

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG

The extremely rare SL 73 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 SL 73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001, although the engine was slightly updated to be more reliable. The same 7.3-litre V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda. A total of 85 SL 73 AMG roadsters were built. The SL 73 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 SL 73 is the car that appears in the picture (left).

Even rarer is the SL 70 AMG which was powered by a 7.0-litre V12 engine.

The SL 60 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 SL 55 AMG was sold through AMG in the R129 body style from 1998 to 2001 in limited quantity. It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL 55 AMG sold from 2002 to 2008.

Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customised by AMG prior to 2002.

R230 (2001–2008)

Fifth generation
File:2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (R230) roadster 01.jpg
Overview
Production	2001–2008
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R230
Powertrain
Engine	3.7 L 245 hp (183 kW) V6 5.0 L 308 hp (230 kW) V8 5.4 L 493 hp (368 kW) V8 6.0 L 604 hp (450 kW) V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)

File:2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (R230) roadster (2011-01-12) 02.jpg

Mercedes-Benz SL 350 roadster (Australia)

The fifth generation SL was in production between 2001 and 2008. The all-new SL (initially just a 5.0-litre SL 500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. This featured a 5.0-litre 302 hp (225 kW) V8, with a 5.4-litre AMG Supercharged V8 appearing in 2002's SL 55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL 600 and the limited-production SL 65 AMG and the SL 350 3.7-litre (3724 cc) 18-valve V6 245 hp in some markets.

Facelift (2008–2012)

Fifth Generation Facelift

Overview
Production	2009–2012
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R230
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 L 308 hp (230 kW) V8 5.4 L 493 hp (368 kW) V8 5.5 L 382 hp (285 kW) V8 6.0 L 604 hp (450 kW) V12 6.2 L 518 hp (386 kW) V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)

Facelift Mercedes-Benz SL 350 convertible (UK)

The R230 SL underwent a significant facelift in 2008 featuring new and revised engines and a new front end that evokes the classic 300 SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the bonnet, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. The SL 63 AMG replaced the SL 55 AMG.

R231 (2012–present)

Sixth generation

Overview
Production	2012–present
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz R231
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L 302 hp (225 kW) V6 4.7 L 430 hp (321 kW) V8 turbocharged 5.5 L 529 hp (394 kW) V8 turbocharged 6.0 L 621 hp (463 kW) V12 turbocharged
Transmission	7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,585 mm (101.8 in)
Length	4,612 mm (181.6 in)
Width	1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height	1,315 mm (51.8 in)

Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (Germany)

In December 2011, Mercedes-Benz announced the all new SL-Class and was formally launched at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The new SL (R231) has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium. The new aluminium body shell weighs around 110 kilograms less than it would using the steel technology from the predecessor. Although the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has more assistance systems on-board than its predecessor and therefore does actually sacrifice some of the weight saved through the aluminium body shell, the scales show some better figures: the SL 500 (1,785 kg) weighs around 125 kilograms less and the SL 350 (1,685 kg) is 140 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

New features include the unique FrontBass system (it uses the free spaces in the aluminium structures in front of the footwell as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers) and adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL, which supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe. The R231 is also available with two different suspension systems: semi-active adjustable damping as standard. The optional active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) is available as an alternative. Both suspension variants are combined with a new electromechanical Direct-Steer system featuring speed-sensitive power steering and a ratio that can be varied across the steering wheel angle and it also reduces the amount of steering required when parking and manoeuvring.

Contrasted with its predecessor, the new generation of the SL is longer and wider. Shoulder room is increased by 37 mm (1.5 in)) and elbow room 28 mm (1.1 in).

Engines

Petrol engines
Model	Years	Type	Power, torque@rpm
SL 350 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012–	3,498 cc (213 cu in) 24V V6 (M 276 DE 35)	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)@6500, 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft)@3500–5250
SL 500/550 BlueEFFICIENCY	2012–	4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 278 DE 46 AL)	435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft)@1800–3500
SL 63 AMG	2012–	5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo (M 157 DE 55 AL)	537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp)@5500, 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)@2000–4500 Performance Package: 564 PS (415 kW; 556 hp)@5500, 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft)@2250–3750
SL 65 AMG	2012–	5,980 cc (365 cu in) 36V V12 biturbo (M 279 E 60 AL)	630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800–5400, 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft)@2300–4300
SL 400	2015–	3,000 cc (183 cu in) 24V V6 biturbo ( AL)	329 hp (245 kW; 334 PS)@5250–6000, 354 lb⋅ft (480 N⋅m)@1600–4000