Cosmetic differences between late US 250SL and US 280SLs?

[GGR]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find out what the cosmetic differences are, apart from the hubcaps and the trunk badge? Do late 250SLs have headrests? Are the seats the same? Do they have tinted glass? Defroster in the back windows? What else?

Thanks!

[hkollan]

Hi,

If you narrow it down to the cosmetic differences between late US 250SLs and EARLY US 280SLs there will be very few aside from the badge and
Hubcaps, if any at all.  As the US  280 evolved and became equipped with headrests, defroster in HT,  later styles of headlights etc, the differences will be more obvious.

Hans

[GGR]

Thanks. That what I thought. However, EPC is showing some headrests for the 250s, at least in the US. You seem to say that headrests only appeared on 280s?

[69280sl]

I THINK the side reflectors would be another difference.

Gus

[pdc]

GGR,

I have a late 250 SL, european version

no tinted glas, no power steering , no headrest; door trim is a mix of 230 and 280 ;  the chrome is like the 280 and the arm rest from the 230 is there.
No defroster in HT. THere is also no defrost indication on the escutcheon from the heater levers.

if you need to know more, let me know, I will be happy to upload detail pictures if you like.

Regards

Pascal

[W113SL]

I own one of each of the 250SL's, early and late, both US versions.  The changes well documented at serial number 2980 were made in the interest of DOT and emissions compliance.

The later 250SL's retained square weave carpeting and basket weave patterns on the pleats on the seats.  Other than that, they look just like an early 280SL including he horrible rubber heater levers.

Pete Lesler

[GGR]

Thanks Peter. So they also have the same headrests as the 280sl?

[Benz Dr.]

I believe all Euro cars came with the hard door pockets so one has to take that into account.

[hkollan]

Thanks Peter. So they also have the same headrests as the 280sl?

Headrests became std. equipment sometime in 1969 on US versions, they where always optional on the Euro cars. So early US 280 SLs would not have them unless retrofitted by someome, neither would late US 250sl cars.

Hans