Verifying data plate and engine numbers

[djbosch]

Hello. I am new to the group. I am in the process of purchasing a 1967 230SL W113 Automatic. The engine number is 127.981-12-004808 and the And the chassis number is 12-017245. Are these numbers supposed to match? It is an original owner car that states the engine has never been out of the car. I can also surmise that it was built between June and July 1966 but would like to narrow that down. I understand only 185 were made. Is there a way to determine what number this car is? Thanks in advance, Dan

[EeVeeWee]

Welcome,

According to the table here, your VIN is from June 1966 indeed:

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/USModelYear

[Pawel66]

I would start from looking at this chapter of our Technical Manual: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/Start

Please note that the last 6 digits of the engine number were sequential but separately for automatic and manual transmission cars. Your engine number looks correct for 230 SL, left hand drive (1) and automatic (2). I am not sure if 004808 can be "late" automatic number - others may chime in here.

Your chassis number is late - you have it here: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/USModelYear, but you mighht have seen this one already.

If the owner can send you a picture of the Data Card and pictures of the plates on the car - you will know a lot and be able to verify a lot, including production date, as shown here: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/DataCards

[djbosch]

Thank you so much. I will continue to do my due diligence. Many thanks!!