Build quality

[zak]

I was wondering if the 113 build quality from the factory was the same as the 111/112 coupes of the same era?
The engines and mechanicals are the same, or are they?
Certainly the interior fittings and finish look superior in the 111/112 coupes.
I love the seat back solid stainless steel side frames over the 113 caped steel.
Overall was the build concept of a 113 a weight savings or cost savings?
Just a thought. 

jz

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Zak,
I believe the build quality of the cars were very much the same.
I owned and restored a 63 220SE Coupe, 61 220SE Cabrio and 65 230SL in the late 80's and early 90's. I took them apart and looked and scratched in every nook and cranny. The Coupe was restored to be our family car and the Cabrio and Pagoda became my daily drivers up to about 2000.
Although the 111/220SE cars had earlier model engines and fuel injection systems,  the cars were very much the same.
You would probably find the Coupe and Cabrio seats were sturdier because of continious accesss to the rear seats, whereas the Pagoda was not really meant to be a 2+2.
Nearly 20 years later and I still have sellers remorse and pine for my 111/113 babies.
Regards
Chris

[zak]

Thank you Chris with your experience you should know. I love the 111 coupes and wish I owned one. The interior finishes are of a much higher level vs the pagode. I love their size and proportions. But I love my 250 SL very much too! Much sportier.

jz

[Tyler S]

Keep in mind that SL stands for Sport Leicht (sport light). So yes weight savings played a factor during construction.