Jackson,
Hi. Congratulations on your purchase! I don't know if I can list all the differences, but I can tell you there is nothing wrong with buying a Euro model. I assume you live in the USA? There were more differences with the 280SL between USA/Euro, but here are some differences that I can think of:
- Euro model has metric instruments, USA model has standard.
- Euro model has no extra bumper parts, USA model has bumper "over riders".
- Euro model has one-piece multi-function headlights, USA model has sealed beam headlights without built-in fog lights.
- Some Euro models had turn signals on the sides of the front fenders, no USA models did (later 280s had reflectors).
- Some Euro models had an extra piece of chrome under the rear license plate, USA models did not.
- Some Euro models had a different rear axle ratio than the USA models.
- Euro 280s had the hard door pockets, but the USA 280's had soft elastic door pockets. All door pockets were hard pockets on early cars.
- Euro cars used the all red tail light lenses further through production, but the USA cars started using the 3-color tail light lenses with the 250 SL, and maybe the 230 SL(?).
- Euro 280 SLs had a higher performance cam shaft, but USA cars had lower performance cam shaft for emissions reasons. The 230 SL and 250 SL were the same.
- Euro 280 SLs had fewer emissions controls than USA 280 SLs. The 230 SL and 250 SL were the same.
- Euro cars had the option of a 4-band radio (AM/FM/SW/LW), but the USA cars had a 2-band radio (AM/FM).
For your 230 SL, there really is no major difference, major differences being engine changes effecting performance, suspension changes, etc.
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
