Option codes 320 & 330

[perry113]

I am trying to decipher a data card on a 1963 230SL to the right of the softtop color code listing 725 there are 2 additional codes 320 & 330.
I believe these to be options but am unable to find them listed on with the technical manual listing of option codes.
Can anyone shed any light on these codes.
Kind Regards
Peter

[66andBlue]

Here you go:
320     from 01.09.1961  to 30.06.1964    " LEFT REAR VIEW MIRROR NOT INSTALLED, MIRROR FIXTURE MOUNTED"

330: according to the Japanese and German decoding site (see links here: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/OptionCodes)
this code was started in 1989.

Perhaps it is a typo on your data card?

[Jowe]

I have option code 326 on my data card, and I have neither a car phone with keyboard or a partition panel with sliding window  in my car. I guess option codes 326 and 330 was for some special order, like a bucket of extra paint or country specific loose equipment (my was originally delivered to Switzerland), such as hazard triangle.

[perry113]

I don't think there's a typo but I do think there are some special options and dealer country codes that are not listed on our technical database.
It is good to reach out on the forum though to see what we might be able to figure out.

[66andBlue]

Perry 113, why do you think that is not a typo? Got any evidence for your thinking?
The two data bases that I mentioned are very extensive and the largest that are available. It is known that some codes used internally by MB, e.g. employee cars, are not listed but otherwise very little is missing. Be happy that you now know what code 320 is!
I also remember that a few years back someone on a German web site inquired about codes 320 and 330 for a 280SL and after several comments one possibility turned up:
There is a code 330A Fabric/ STOFF "ARABI" but it was dismissed.
The consensus was that it was either a transcription typo or a fake data card.

Why don't you or your friend ask the Classic Center for an explanation and/or a data card verification?

[perry113]

Perry 113, why do you think that is not a typo? Got any evidence for your thinking?
The two data bases that I mentioned are very extensive and the largest that are available. It is known that some codes used internally by MB, e.g. employee cars, are not listed but otherwise very little is missing. Be happy that you now know what code 320 is!
I also remember that a few years back someone on a German web site inquired about codes 320 and 330 for a 280SL and after several comments one possibility turned up:
There is a code 330A Fabric/ STOFF "ARABI" but it was dismissed.
The consensus was that it was either a transcription typo or a fake data card.

Why don't you or your friend ask the Classic Center for an explanation and/or a data card verification?

The data card is not fake. No typo its from Mercedes Benz Classic. The car is numbers and color matching. Nothing unusual whatsoever. Just 2 unusual options to the right of the unique soft top color 725 cream so 330 refers to the type of material used on the top.
Another question box #41 what does the 6 represent?
I think I might reach out to Classic to see if they can add any clarification.

These are the kinds of situations that make us reach to each other and try to add to the forums knowledge base 

[68_white]

 Code 41 6 = Hardtop Mounted

[66andBlue]

Peter,
I am sorry if I was not clear about the typo. I believe it was Klaus Drexl - who worked for MBUSA and to whom we owe the initial info on these data cards and paint codes in the Wiki - who pointed out that the info on these cards was first filled in by hand and then retyped. Apparently there have been typos on these cards.
"Another question box #41 what does the 6 represent?"
That is simply option code 416 (sometimes also written as 41/6) = HARDTOP MOUNTED.
But now you have another problem to deal with. You show a Data Card Type 1 (see: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/DataCards) and in Box 10 it shows UT (Unterteil = body) paint code 190 but under OT (Oberteil = hardtop) there are 3 dashes. Normally that means no paint code for the hardtop is shown because it was ordered without one.
I am attaching a part of the vehicle data card for my 1964 230SL that was delivered without a hardtop (OT = ---) and in box 41 there is also a matching "-".

Your car was also delivered with leather interior as indicated by code 203.

I agree it would be very informative if Tom Hansen at the CC could provide you with better info on this code 330 and perhaps also answer the hardtop question.

[perry113]

Here is the answer from Classic

171-classicparts@mbusa.com 
6:14 AM (11 minutes ago)
to me
Option codes;
401     single seats
416     hard-top mounted
491     USA version
641     white wall tires
725     soft-top fabric, cream
320     side view mirror, left
330     mode of packing VE IV

Quote" But now you have another problem to deal with. You show a Data Card Type 1 (see: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/DataCards) and in Box 10 it shows UT (Unterteil = body) paint code 190 but under OT (Oberteil = hardtop) there are 3 dashes. Normally that means no paint code for the hardtop is shown because it was ordered without one.
I am attaching a part of the vehicle data card for my 1964 230SL that was delivered without a hardtop (OT = ---) and in box 41 there is also a matching "-"."

Alfred I clearly had seen what you were saying above however in this case the Data Card says 416 and Classic further verifies this yet card also says under OT ---
It's very interesting. You wouldn't think the top was delivered without paint or maybe the Data Card was erroneously not filled out there.
 

[66andBlue]

Peter,
thanks, now we know finally what code 330 means!
I am still curious about your hardtop. What color is it and can you post a photo of the paint plate in the engine bay, please?
Mine shows the "---" for the missing hardtop color and the "-" for the missing code; see attachment.
Your hardtop also has two numbers stamped in - one in the rear, the other under the side window frame - that should match the "Aufbau Nr." on the data card.

[Garry]

Peter,

You have also piqued my interest in the potential errors in the Data Card to the vehicle. It doesn’t happen very often but it does happen.

Can you give us a photo of the paint plate and what numbers are on there??

Garry

[perry113]

This car is a very early 230SL (pre 001175). The body and plate # in the driver's door jamb in between the front hinges. The first 8 of the vin are stamped on the relay holder.

[66andBlue]

Peter,
wow that early, must be a very interesting car to work on! Thanks for the update.
How many paint numbers are on the plate, one or two like this example: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/uploads/DataCard/james.jpg  ?