Differences between 1968-1971 280 SL's

[n/a]

I am currently considering purchasing one of these cars.....I am wondering if there are any substantial differences betweeen the 1968-1971 280 SL's that make a difference in performance or value?  I really want a 4 speed manual transmission instead of an automatic....any thoughts on the performance or difference in value between the manual 4 speed and automatic?  Thanks for any feedback

Dan

[hauser]

Someone correct me if I am wrong. W113 (US version) had emission control for '70 & '71 model years. If this is correct we know that early emissions systems choked a bit of performance. Depending on who you speak with, believe the 230sl to be the truest sportscar.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Cees Klumper]

On performance, I would have liked my car to have been a manual transmission, however with the traffic the way it is sometimes, having an automatic just makes for easier driving. I would stay away from emission controlled cars myself, since it is more involved to get everything tuned and working correctly. If you could get your hands on a late, original Euro-spec (more horsepower due to hotter cam, no emission controls, and cleaner lines in my personal opinion) 280 SL then that might be the way to go for you.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

The '68 does not have emission control. The mechanical fuel injection is complicated enough without these extra pesky devices!

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[n/a]

Hi ddittmar,
 If you need info on the spec of the engine phone
Rodger Edwards (Motors) The Sl People in Wembley England
talk to Rodger he is fantastic 020 8902 3509
he should answer all your questions.

 Pagoda Red

red kelly

[n/a]

I lost my connection earlier as I was listing the production information differences for the 230-280, after offering what a big fan of the automatic I have been for the last 30 years, not feeling I have given up control or convenience.

Let me repeat the comparisons between the models, although I am sure they must already be here on the website someplace.

230
63-67
19,831 total production
2306cc displacement
170 BPH
115 Top Speed
Disk/Drum Brakes
2905 lbs

250
67-68
5,196 total production
2496cc
170 BHP
118 Top Speed
Disk/Disk
3097 lbs

280
68-71
23,885 total production
2778cc
180 BHP
114 Top Speed
Disk/Disk
3120 lbs.

The 280 is heavier, more powerful, and slightly slower.  But this car has never been about top speed.  My suggestion - go with the latest car you can find with complete records that has been protected from the elements, poor ownership.  They are all great, but from the numbers, it seems like the 250 might have low production numbers and higher speed going for it.

And don't worry about the automatic; they are bullet proof, allow you to up and down shift at will, and yet have a free hand in traffic.

Good Luck


Peri
69 triple green pagoda

[Cees Klumper]

The 250 and 280 engines have more main bearings. Also the parts for the 230 engines are generally more expensive and sometimes harder to locate. A well-known example is the FI pump thermostat: for the 230 SL here in The Netherlands this costs EUR 580 while for the 250/280 it is EUR 44! On the other side of the equation is the lower weight and the more 'pure' sports car feel and more traditional (= more chrome) styling of the 230 SL.
It seems though that the 230 SL consistently commands somewhat lower prices than the later 280 SL's.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

I am currently considering  a 69 280 SL 4 speed manual ....."street restored" within the last 3 years with correct paint, fenders, engine #'s etc.......any particular strengths or weeknesses on this particular model (69 280 manual transmission)?

[Ben]

I think if you want a manual then buy a 230 and if auto then a 280 !

The performance figures below are different to anything I've read, oh wait maybe those are US figures !  The old measurements dont reflect the current BHP measurement which is nett and would be 150BHP for 230 & 250 then 170BHP for the 280. The top speed of the 230 according to my owners manual is 124MPH !

Like already mentioned just buy the car with the best body and trim !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[n/a]

Good Morning Ben, (at least it is here)

Just thought I would jot off an introduction and explaination.

I am David Peri, the triple green 69 Pagoda.  Always nice to meet a fellow W113 owner, even if we are 10,000 miles apart.

As an explaination for my numbers; they are taken from a poster that was produced in America from the highest numbers published in automobile tests in the US.  I have had mine over 100 a few times, and thier wasn't much left then, so the 114 for my model seems believable.  I haven't worked out the max revs and multiplied it out with the final drive ratio and the cirmumfirance of the tires, but the torque seems to drop off toward the redline, so I don't think I could ever get any higher.  This car shines as a "boulivarder", or just enjoying the top down on a summer's eve in the foothills.  At least for me.

Just wanted to say hello really.  All the best.

quote:Originally posted by Ben

I think if you want a manual then buy a 230 and if auto then a 280 !

The performance figures below are different to anything I've read, oh wait maybe those are US figures !  The old measurements dont reflect the current BHP measurement which is nett and would be 150BHP for 230 & 250 then 170BHP for the 280. The top speed of the 230 according to my owners manual is 124MPH !

Like already mentioned just buy the car with the best body and trim !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

Peri
69 triple green pagoda

[n/a]

Hi Dan,
Everyone has their favorites and will respond accordingly.  Mine is the 1971 4 speed manual sl.  It is the final culmination of the mark, melding all of what mercedes wanted to do with the 113.  With all due respect for the lovers of the automatic, I would only have the 4 speed manual transmission.  It is true fun and you feel very connected with the performance of this great sports car.  I believe that the advancements on the 280sl outweigh the emissions additions as compared to earlier models.  Just my opinion.

Best regards,
Don