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Mercedes-Benz SL R230 SL 500 V8 (306 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)
R230 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230). With 460 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1770 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.3 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz SL R230 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally featured robust safety structures and advanced passive safety systems for their time, including multiple airbags and stability control.
SL 500 V8 (306 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A fantastic balance of power and refinement. The V8 engine provides strong acceleration and a satisfying exhaust note, making it a true grand tourer.
Fuel Economy
Decent for a V8, though still on the higher side. Manageable for those who appreciate the extra power without going to the extremes of the V12s.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning design with a retractable hardtop for all-weather versatility.
- • Exceptional ride comfort, especially with Active Body Control (ABC) suspension.
- • Wide range of powerful and refined engines, from V6 to AMG V12.
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials and advanced features for its time.
- • Strong performance, particularly in V8 and V12 variants.
Cons:
- • Complex Active Body Control (ABC) system can be very expensive to maintain and repair.
- • High running costs for V8 and V12 models (fuel, insurance, parts).
- • Early models can suffer from electronic issues and rust in certain areas.
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space with the roof down.
- • Depreciation can be significant, though now stabilizing for well-maintained examples.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R129: July, 1993 - August, 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R230 |
| Modification (Engine): | SL 500 V8 (306 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 2001 |
| End of production: | March, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 306 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.6 Hp/l [65mm more] |
| Torque: | 460 Nm @ 2700-4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 113.963 More details about the engine M 113.963 |
| Engine displacement: | 4966 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 3 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 97 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 19.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.8 kg/Hp, 172.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 259.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1770 |
| Max. weight: | 2140 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 370 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 317 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 235 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 80 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4535 mm mm [65mm more] |
| Width: | 1815 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1298 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2560 mm mm [45mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2050 mm |
| Front track: | 1559 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1547 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
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