250SL vs 280SL

[Cole]

Hi

This is some interesting data about the 250SL vs the 280SL from a write-up by a company called SLSHOP:
"The 2.8l motor is a bored-out version of the 2.5. That doesn’t mean that it’s mechanically flawed, but it’s not the way the original engine was designed. The 2.5 was an entirely new engine – with seven bearings on the crank, over five for the 2.3. The 250 SL Pagoda also had an oil cooler fitted. Additionally, the head was a totally new design, sporting bigger valves.
AESTHETICALLY SPEAKING
From an aesthetic point of view, the Mercedes 250 SL Pagoda came ‘fully-loaded’ with all the chrome and luxury features available in the top-spec, outgoing 230. The 280SL was launched with less chrome and fewer mod cons [added: modern conveniences] as standard. You paid extra for those special touches. When you bear in mind that the horsepower figures for the 250 are the same as the 280 – the bigger engine returns a higher torque rating – and that it has the same top speed, the 250SL, with its less lofty asking price, starts to look like the thinking man’s choice. The hidden gem. The sweet spot.
"Around 5,000 of these indescribably well-built, highly spec’d, timelessly beautiful 2-door 250SL Pagodas were sold. When one considers that a mere 10% of those were RHD, buying one here in the U.K. could be the wisest choice you’ve ever made."

[rwmastel]

Like it said, the 250 came out with 230 style trim.  Small dash and window crank knobs, inside door pull style, chrome instead of brushed or matte finishes, small hub caps, and much more. It changed mid-stream to how the 280 would look when released.  Some people think the pre-update 250sl is the best car in the lineup, some think the post-update 250sl is the best, some the early 280sl.  Best can be argued regarding esthetics, engineering, market demand (investment), performance, or whatever.

I ignore all that and just enjoy what I have.  I bought it 23 years ago, knowing very little to nothing about Pagodas, or classic German cars in general, but it's been so enjoyable.  We're all lucky to have a cool car in our lives.

[Cole]

Hi,

Good points. Do you know when in the 250's mid-stream that the change occurred? Was there a cut-off VIN dividing the old & new?

Thanks.
Cole

[Garry]

Many have said the earlier 250sl are the pick of the Pagodas.


For Full Members, all the changes to the 250sl are listed in Pagoda Notes Volume 10 for information. 250sl production number 2980 7/12/1967


https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/PagodaNotes?action=download&upname=PNv10i4.pdf

[rwmastel]

For Full Members, all the changes to the 250sl are listed in Pagoda Notes Volume 10 ....

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Pagoda Notes track all changes throughout production for all 3 models?

[JamesL]

I obviously need one of each. 7/12 is my birthday

[thelews]

Call me biased, but I agree completely.  And the early 250 with the 230 cosmetics and 280 mechanical improvements (other than engine) is the one.  Only 1000 early were sold in the US IIRC.  Will be driving mine a couple of hundred miles today!

[Jonny B]

To answer the comment about the listing of changes for the Pagodas.

These were published in Pagoda Notes Vol 9 No 4 through Vol 11 No 3. The change listing for the 230 SL through the 250 SL were re-published from the work originally published in Frank Mallory's Mercedes Collector magazine. He was not able to complete this for the 280 SL.

Hans Strom, Achim Ahlert and I put together the list for the 280 SL based on the work done by Engelen for his book.

All issues of Pagoda Notes are available in the technical manual for full members.

[JimVillers]

I agree with everything that has been said.  But ..... I have a late 230SL with the trim items (Euro) and I prefer the 230SL engine.  It is a higher reving "sporter" engine without the DOT environmental items.  The additional displacement provides additional torque for an automatic transmission or air conditioning, neither are important to me.

We all have our preferences and all of the cars are excellent.

[john.mancini]

I love them all. I've had mostly 280SL's. I must admit, I like the look and the performance of my 65 230SL 4-speed. It does not take a back seat to any Pagoda in my opinion.

[Merc_Girl]

Going to argue that the 230sl is best!!
Lots of chrome and ‘finer’ features

But then again I may be a little bias ion this point  😁