Here is another good book to have when looking for parts. It has the original part numbers. It also has info on vin numbers. It is the spare parts list 10 126 for all 230 SL
... from which you can learn a helluva amount of knowledge & differences in detail on these cars.
Best is to have both,
the 10126 230SL Edition C as of January 1967
and
the 10202 W113 (250 & 280 SL) Edition C as of January 1972.
Both are (were?) available from Mercedes-Benz Classic as perfect reprints.
Even better were to have all six parts lists...
... three for the 230 SL
... three for the others.
The parts book is indeed an very worthwhile source. Be a bit careful, there are three versions of the 230 SL book, so there will be differences. You should have one that covers the year of your vehicle. The one shown is the last one for the 230 SL, Version C.
Jonny,
Cannot fully agree here.
Usually the last version (here editions C) cover all earlier cars.
For a very early 230 it is well worth to have the Edition A (or B if you want so) too.
Lots of tiny differences detectable there and usually even better drawing quality.
Contains also special equipment like power steering, leather interior and transverse seat.
A very nice collector item to have ...
Just my 2 cents ...
Achim
(sadly only with 4 SL parts lists)