Interpretation of Data Card

[Garry]

Attached is a data card for a car that is currently for sale in AUstralia.  It was advertised as a 280SL but from the pictures and data card is a 230SL.  It had a 280 engine transplant!!

According to our Tech Manual we quote the following for reading the delivery codes.
Quote:
Order no.
The order number consists of eight digits:
The first digit is the last digit of the year in which the order was placed (in the above example it is 3, the order was placed by the dealer in 1963). The next three digits identify the region (if in Germany) or the country from which the order was placed (in the above example it is 219, which is the MB-"Niederlassung" in Hamburg, Germany). For the Dealer and Country Codes see the corresponding chapter below.
The next four digits are sequential by dealer/region/country and year. Unquote

How ever my reading of the delivery code as 35531832 is that it was built in '63, delivered to Netherlands???  with the 553 code (its a RHD) and then there are the last four numbers in area e that are showing 1832.  These four have me confused.

Any comments?

Garry

[66andBlue]

Hi Garry,
the four digits mean: "The next four digits are sequential by dealer/region/country and year".
However, notice that it is a LHD car: 113 042 10 XXXXX , not 113 042 20 XXXXX.
Probably converted to RHD when it left the Netherlands!!
Does it still have the Becker Grand Prix Stereo (code 516) and automatic antenna (code 531)?

[pj]

Hi Garry,
the quote you referred to is about the Auftragsnummer, which is 35531832, and I think you've got it exactly right: it was ordered in 1963 for delivery in Netherlands (code 553) and it was the 1832nd car in sequence to be sent there. That's what "sequential by region" means. Considering the car's serial number is 0653, I imagine the sequential numbering including more cars than just the Pagodas. I always wondered about that. I also wonder if the last 4 digits rolled back to zero when the subsequent year started.

[Garry]

Thanks Guys,  That is really interesting.

Here was the advertisement for the car here is Aust.  Bet the seller did not know that info.  He did not even realise the implications of advertising it as a 280SL when it was in fact a 230SL with changed engine.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mercedes-Benz-280SL-1968/SSE-AD-2157014/?Cr=8

Garry

[DaveB]

Sounds like this 1963 car has been through the mill, what a shame. It would be interesting to see how the RHD conversion was done, I guess it involved transplant of a donor dash and steering.
My reading of the codes is DB158 white grey with graphite grey hardtop, 'natural' light tan leather and brown carpet. Does it still match that?

Just checked your link - radically different from its original state! The 48,685 km sounds implausible, it'd be interesting to see how the 'complete maintenance history backs that up. I like the way the seller's modified ad emphasises the 1963 build ***That's right, it's 50 years old and an absolute classic*** but doesn't mention the RHD conversion!

[Flyair]

The photo with the open hood shows the engine bay with some  devices mounted differently than it is usually done. The most obvious is the brake fluid reservoir, which seems to be on the wrong side (unless this is normal in RHD cars, which would be quite peculiar).

[66andBlue]

After seeing the photos of the car I believe that it would be prudent to check whether the stamped VIN on the car actually matches the VIN on the data card!  

[Paul & Dolly]

Interesting - Quite some Job - does it mention it has been converted from LHD to RHD ?

Paul

[Garry]

I only let the seller know about the LH to RH conversion. Boor guy genuinely sounded shocked. I don't think he knew that is what had happened.

Will be interesting to see how he sells it now.  I heard about it when another Forum member asked me to comment as he was interested in buying it. Was originally advertised as a 280sl until I pointed out that it was a 230.  I toll him how to get the data card which he did and then the whole LH. R. H thing came out as he was hoping it was Australian delivered. Had to give him some bad news. I suspect he is now pondering how he is going to get out of it without losing too much.

I felt a bit sorry for him as the photos appear to show a reasonably decent car just been heavily modified.

Garry

[relbhcb]

The 48,685 km sounds implausible, it'd be interesting to see how the 'complete maintenance history backs that up.

The driver's seat looks much more worn than 48,000km might suggest ... 

[J. Huber]

I find this kind of fascinating mainly because I too have a 63 that was delivered to the Netherlands. Comparing data cards reveals some interesting similarities and differences. I will call them Sydney and Mine.

Sydney Delivery Code                                 3553 1832          Mine    3553 2147         so 315 cars apart   (does this mean just Pagodas? or all MBs to dealer?)

Sydney Delivery Date (or date sold?)              23 October 1963         Mine   12 November 1963        so 3 weeks apart

Sydney Vin Serial                                         -000653                     Mine    -000871                       so 218 cars apart

Sydney Motor Nr.                                       10-000673                    Mine  12-000045                     so mine a much earlier motor (because it is an auto??)

Sydney had a Varta Battery                                                           Mine had a Hopp Battery           I believe Varta was the typical one -- wonder why the Hopp?

Sydnet Aufbau number (00651) 2 less than Vin number                   Mine (00881) 10 more than Vin number     not sure what that signifies...



J



  
  

[49er]

Hey James, sounds like you found your "cousin"

john

[sandcrab59]

Gary:
In the past I have found out a lot about the 230, 250,280 engines.
One is Gernold (Maine, USA) and another person just north of New York City (cannot be contacted any longer) There is major differences that will show what kind of car it is.
Unless the engine has been exchanged then it will be a mystery.
The data card does not lie.
Tom Mrowka

[Yem]

Yep I did make inquiries about that same car as soon as it came online approximately 2+ weeks ago.  The owner did tell me that it is currently registered as a 230SL and then I asked a few more questions.  He seemed to think that they all were registered as 230SLs being the first in the W113 series.  But I explained to him in a nice way that it should not be the case.  Anyway wonder whether the dash has that removal radio mounting plate as on 230SLs or has it got the full one piece dash incorporating the centre mounting piece?  There is no firewall pad, the door card configuration with the opening latch and locks is a giveaway that it is a 230SL.  Not sure if anyone noticed or it could be the lighting on the photo, the two front seats look like that they may be from two different cars and the headrests look a bit squarish and extendable, is that normal as my car does not have headrests?

[Garry]

Given that it is a very early 230sl I don't think they had headrests on them at that point and appear to be the thicker seats from a later model.
Will be interesting to see how he values it now knowing that it is a LH to RH converted car. I suspect he is not a happy camper.

Garry

[Paul & Dolly]

I wonder where and why the conversion was carried out ?

It must surely  have been for personal reasons, as so much work is involved, and it would always be easily recognised
as a conversion by any serious potential owner, which much affect the value.

Paul

[hands_aus]

the car is still advertised with no mention of the LH to Rh conversion