Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz Fintail W112 300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz Fintail:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail is a nickname for saloon cars of the W110, W111, and W112 series produced by Mercedes from 1959 to 1968. These replaced the Ponton-series saloon cars introduced in 1953.
These series' modest tailfin-era styling reflected the US-led trend. In Mercedes terminology, the short rear fins were designated Peilstege , parking aids which marked the end of the car for aid in backing....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W112 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W112). With 249 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1565 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W112 Fintail predates modern Euro NCAP safety testing standards. While robust for its era, it lacks contemporary safety features like airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems.
300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic transmission complements the 170 Hp engine well, offering smooth shifts and slightly quicker acceleration, enhancing the luxury driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is higher than the manual version, as expected for an automatic transmission of this period, reflecting a trade-off for convenience (13.7 l/100 km).
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort due to standard air suspension.
- • High-quality build and luxurious interior materials.
- • Powerful and refined M189 inline-six engine for its time.
- • Distinctive classic 'Fintail' styling.
- • Strong historical significance and collector appeal.
Cons:
- • Complex air suspension system can be costly to maintain/repair.
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards.
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be challenging.
- • Higher purchase and running costs compared to lesser W111 models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W110: August, 1962 - August, 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | W112 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1964 |
| End of production: | July, 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56.7 Hp/l [145mm more] |
| Torque: | 249 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 189 V / 189.986 More details about the engine M 189 V / 189.986 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1565 |
| Max. weight: | 2065 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4875 mm mm [145mm more] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1455 mm mm [40mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz Fintail!