Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz W112 Cabriolet 300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz W112:
The Mercedes-Benz W112 is a luxury automobile produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1961 to 1967. Marketed as the 300SE, it was available as a standard sedan , stretched sedan , and distinct coupé and convertible.
The sedan is based on the Mercedes-Benz W111 Fintail chassis and coachwork. The 300SE coupe/convertible was introduced in February 1962, and shares its more restrained and elegant Paul Bracq designed bodywork and interior with the Mercedes-Benz W111 220SE coupe/convertible. The stretched wheelbase 300SE "Lang" sedan appeared in March 1963, redesignated the 300SEL in 1964....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Cabriolet Overview:
Mercedes-Benz W112 (Cabriolet). With 249 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1715 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 11.4 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W112 Cabriolet was produced long before the establishment of Euro NCAP (1997) and modern crash safety standards. Its safety features are rudimentary by today's measures, focusing on structural integrity and basic restraints of its time.
300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Surprisingly quicker acceleration than the manual, offering effortless power delivery for a more relaxed and luxurious driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption compared to the manual, typical for automatic transmissions of this vintage, reflecting a trade-off for convenience.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and styling
- • Exceptional ride comfort thanks to air suspension
- • High-quality interior materials and craftsmanship
- • Strong performance for its era, especially the 170 Hp automatic
- • Prestigious and collectible classic car status
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption by modern standards
- • Expensive to maintain and restore due to rarity and specialized parts
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Complex air suspension can be costly to repair
- • Manual gearbox can feel dated compared to modern transmissions
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: February, 1962 - January, 1964).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | W112 |
| Generation: | Cabriolet |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SE (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1964 |
| End of production: | December, 1967 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| 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 VI / 189.987 More details about the engine M 189 VI / 189.987 |
| 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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13.0-13.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1715 |
| Max. weight: | 2185 |
| Max load: | 470 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4880 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1845 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1400 mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 |
| Tires size | 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz W112. How does it handle on the road?