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Mercedes-Benz SL R129 SL 320 (231 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R129 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R129). With 315 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1780 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.4 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The R129 generation predates Euro NCAP testing. While featuring robust construction and early safety features like ABS and airbags, it lacks modern active safety systems.
SL 320 (231 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers strong and smooth performance for daily driving and touring, though not as exhilarating as the V8 or V12 models.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for its class and power, making it a more practical choice than larger engines.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design
- • Robust build quality and luxurious interior
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engines
- • Comfortable ride, ideal for grand touring
- • Retractable hardtop adds versatility
Cons:
- • High running and maintenance costs, especially for V8/V12 models
- • Complex electronics can be problematic with age
- • Heavy vehicle, impacting agility compared to pure sports cars
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards
- • Limited rear storage space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R107, facelift 1985: June, 1985 - August, 1989).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R129 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 320 (231 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | June, 1993 |
| End of production: | August, 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.2 Hp/l [110mm less] |
| Torque: | 315 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 104.991 More details about the engine M 104.991 |
| Engine displacement: | 3199 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 1 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 177 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1780 |
| Max. weight: | 2170 |
| Max load: | 390 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 265 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4470 mm mm [110mm less] |
| Width: | 1812 mm mm [22mm more] |
| Height: | 1303 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2515 mm mm [60mm more] |
| Front track: | 1535 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1523 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 ZR 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 8 J x 16 H 2 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz SL!