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Mercedes-Benz W109 SEL 300 SEL (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W109:
The Mercedes-Benz W 108 and W 109 are luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1965 through to 1972 to succeed the W 111 and W 112 "fintail" sedans. The cars were successful in West Germany and in export markets including North America and Southeast Asia. During the seven-year run, a total of 383,072 units were manufactured. Some publications mention 383,361 units.
As the W 108 and W 109 were only available as 4-door models, similarly squarish Bracq-designed 2-door W 111 and W 112 coupés and cabriolets filled those niches, and are often mistaken for W 108/W 109 two-doors....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SEL Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W109 (SEL). With 249 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1640 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 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 190 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.
As a classic vehicle from the late 1960s, the Mercedes-Benz W109 SEL was not subjected to modern Euro NCAP safety tests. Its safety features are rudimentary by contemporary standards, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced occupant protection systems.
300 SEL (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for a luxury sedan, providing smooth power delivery suitable for daily driving and comfortable journeys.
Fuel Economy
More reasonable fuel consumption compared to the V8s, making it a more practical and economical choice for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional luxury and build quality for its time
- • Powerful engine options, especially the 6.3 V8
- • Advanced air suspension provides superior ride comfort
- • Timeless design and strong classic car appeal
- • Excellent highway cruiser with refined driving dynamics
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, particularly for V8 models
- • Complex air suspension can be expensive to maintain
- • Parts availability can be challenging and costly for specific components
- • Lack of modern safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Can be prone to rust if not well-maintained
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SEL: May, 1971 - October, 1972).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W109 |
| Generation: | SEL |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SEL (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | September, 1965 |
| End of production: | December, 1967 |
| 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 [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 249 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 189 VII / 189.988 More details about the engine M 189 VII / 189.988 |
| 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: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 103.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1640 |
| Max. weight: | 2140 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5000 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2850 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 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 | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Trailing arm |
Does the Mercedes-Benz W109 live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!