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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

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Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 (R231)
Overview
Manufacturer
Also calledMercedes-AMG SL (2022–present)
Production1954–2020
2022–present
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSports car/Grand tourer (S)
Body style
Layout
Chronology
Predecessor

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (marketed as Mercedes-AMG SL since 2022) 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.

Abbreviation of SL

[edit]

Whether the abbreviation SL was derived from a 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Super Sport Kurz Leicht—Super Sport Short Light) isn't known. At the public introduction of 300 SL in 1952, Mercedes-Benz did not define the abbreviation SL.

The German magazine, Auto Motor und Sport, declared in its 2012 special edition issue of Mercedes-Benz SL that Rudolf Uhlenhaut—in his notarised letter—indicated the abbreviation meant Super Leicht.[1] This contradicted with the abbreviation proposed by Engelen, Riedner, and Seufert who worked with Rudolf Uhlenhaut: they indicated the abbreviation means Sport Leicht.[2] On 15 March 2021, Auto Motor und Sport published a photocopy of an undated "Informations-Unterlage" (press release) from 1952 in its issue, showing the definition of SL as super-leicht.[3]

Mercedes-Benz used Sport Leicht and Super Leicht interchangeably until 2017 when a chance discovery in its corporate archive clarified the abbreviation stood for "Super Leicht".[4][5]

According to the German definition, Leicht means light (as in weight, amount, and feeling, for instance) or easy (as in little effort). For this abbreviation in English language, the definition light is used.

W198 and W121 (1954–1963)

[edit]
Main articles: Mercedes-Benz W194, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, and Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
First generation
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198)
Overview
Production1954–1963
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz W121 BII (190 SL)
Mercedes-Benz W198 (300 SL)
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 1.9 L I4
  • 3.0 L M198 I6
Transmission4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height1,300 mm (51.2 in)

The 300 SL was a road-going version of the W198 racing car with extensive modifications to the body. The 300 SL in coupé form was introduced in 1954, featuring its trademark gullwing doors. In 1957, the roadster succeeded the coupé and had the larger conventional passenger doors and larger form-fitting headlamps and was in production until 1963.

In 1955, the smaller 190 SL presented an attractive, more affordable alternative to the exclusive Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, sharing its basic styling, engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension. Both cars had double wishbones in front and swing axles at the rear. Instead of the 300 SL's expensive purpose-built W198 tubular spaceframe, the 190 SL used a shortened unitary floorpan modified from the W121 base saloon. A 1.9-litre four-cylinder in-line engine was used instead of the 300 SL's engine.

Both the 300 SL roadster and 190 SL have a soft fabric folding top and an optional removable hardtop. The production for 300 SL and 190 SL ended in 1963 with the introduction of the W113 SL-Class.

Model range

[edit]
  • 300 SL (Gullwing): 1954–1957, 3.0 L I6
  • 300 SL (Roadster): 1957–1963, 3.0 L I6
  • 190 SL: 1955–1963, 1.9 L I4
  • Mercedes Benz 300 SL (W198)
    Mercedes Benz 300 SL (W198)
  • Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198)
    Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198)
  • Mercedes Benz 190 SL (W121)
    Mercedes Benz 190 SL (W121)

W113 (1963–1971)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W113
Second generation
Overview
Production1963–1971
DesignerPaul Bracq
Béla Barényi
Friedrich Geiger
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz W113
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.3 L I6
  • 2.5 L I6
  • 2.8 L I6
Transmission
  • 4-speed manual
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length4,285 mm (168.7 in)
Width1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height1,305 mm (51.4 in)
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL roadster (Australia)

Replacing both the 300 SL and 190 SL, the 230 SL was introduced in 1963 with a distinctive concave roofline that earned the nickname "pagoda top". The W113 featured a low waistline, large curved greenhouse windows, detachtable hardtop, and a new 2.3-litre straight-six engine.

For 1967, the engine was enlarged to 2.5 litres, and 230 SL was renamed as 250 SL. The changes were made to the interior with new dashboard padding, switches and knobs, steering wheel, and door pockets (US model only). The wheel covers fitted to 250 SL and 280 SL replaced the smaller hubcaps. A year later in 1968, the engine was enlarged again to 2.8 litres, and the 250 SL was changed to 280 SL.

Model range

[edit]
  • 230 SL: 1963–1967, 2.3 L I6
  • 250 SL: 1967–1968, 2.5 L I6
  • 280 SL: 1968–1971, 2.8 L I6

R107 (1971–1989)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107
Third generation
Overview
Production1971–1989
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz R107 and C107
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.8 L I6
  • 3.0 L I6
  • 3.5 L V8
  • 3.8 L V8
  • 4.2 L V8
  • 4.5 L V8
  • 5.0 L V8
  • 5.5 L V8
Transmission
  • 4-speed manual
  • 5-speed manual
  • 3-speed automatic
  • 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase96.7 in (2,456 mm)
Length180.3 in (4,580 mm)
Width70.5 in (1,791 mm)
Height51.1 in (1,298 mm)
Mercedes-Benz 560 SL roadster (Japan)

In 1971, R107 was introduced with new design language and safety features that spread to the subsequent Mercedes-Benz models. For the first time, the V8 engines were fitted to the SL-Class. With the production from 1971 to 1989, R107 was one of few longest-produced vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. R107 received a very minor update in 1972 with new rubber-edged wing mirrors from W116 and a major update in 1985 for 1986 model year. The engine options were updated in 1980 for the 1981 model year with new aluminium V8 engines from W126 S-Class introduced in 1979 while the 2.8-litre six-cylinder in-line engine carried over. It was updated again in 1985 for the 1986 model year with new 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine from W124 and enlarged 4.2- and 5.5-litre V8 engines while the 5.0-litre V8 engine carried over.

The SLC Coupe is much rarer, produced from 1971 – 1981, as 280, 350, 380 and 450 SLC. With the 450 SLC, 450 SLC 5.0 and 500 SLC models, Daimler-Benz took part in major rallies at the end of the 1970s such as the 30,000 km long Vuelta à la America del Sud (1977), the Safari Rally (1979) and the Bandama Rally.

The R107 received its first update in 1985 with deeper front air dam, revised brake system with larger discs and four piston calipers, driver's side airbag (standard for US market and extra-cost option for the European market), and, for the European market, catalysator option. The 5-mph bumpers and four round sealed-beam headlamps fitted to the US models remained unchanged despite the revised US FMVSS regulations that allowed the 2.5-mph bumpers and form-fitting headlamps, starting with 1982 and 1983 model years respectively. The US model received the third brake lamp mounted on the trunk in 1986.

The 560 SL was sold in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia only.

Model range

[edit]
  • 280 SL: 1974–1985, 2.8 L I6
  • 300 SL: 1986–1989, 3.0 L I6
  • 350 SL: 1971–1980, 3.5 L V8
  • 350 SL (4.5): 1972, 4.5 L V8 (exclusive for the US market)
  • 380 SL: 1981–1985, 3.8 L V8
  • 420 SL: 1986–1989, 4.2 L V8
  • 450 SL: 1973–1980, 4.5 L V8
  • 500 SL: 1981–1989, 5.0 L V8
  • 560 SL: 1986–1989, 5.5 L V8

R129 (1989–2002)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)
Fourth generation
Overview
Production1989–2002
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz R129
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.8 L I6
  • 2.8 L 204 hp (152 kW) V6
  • 3.0 L 190 hp (142 kW) I6
  • 3.0 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6
  • 3.2 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6
  • 3.2 L 224 hp (167 kW) V6
  • 5.0 L 326 hp (243 kW) V8
  • 5.0 L 306 hp (228 kW) V8
  • 5.4 L 354 hp (264 kW) V8
  • 6.0 L 381 hp (284 kW) V8
  • 6.0 L 394 hp (294 kW) V12
  • 7.0 L 496 hp (370 kW) V12
  • 7.3 L 518 hp (386 kW) V12
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase99.0 in (2,515 mm)
Length1997–2002: 177.1 in (4,498 mm)
1989–1996: 176.0 in (4,470 mm)
1992–96 V12: 178.0 in (4,521 mm)
Width71.3 in (1,811 mm)
Height1992–2002: 51.3 in (1,303 mm)
1989–1991: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Mercedes-Benz SL 320 (France)

The R129 was introduced in 1989 as a two-passenger convertible with a removable hardtop — the first Mercedes to feature a fully automatic, hydraulically-operated fabric convertible top; V8 and (later) V12 engines with four valves per cylinder; projector lens HID headlamps (introduced in 1995); and an automatic rollbar, which self-deployed in a rollover event. The retractable rollbar could also be raised or lowered manually using a switch on the console, and facilitated occupant safety without compromising aesthetics. In 1992, R129 was the first SL-Class to offer an optional a V12 engine (600 SL/SL 600) and to have official AMG variants (500 SL 6.0 AMG, SL 60 AMG (V8), SL 70 AMG (V12), SL 73 AMG (V12), and then SL 55 AMG (V8)). The R129 was the last SL-Class offered with a manual gearbox.

For the US market, R129 was the first SL-Class offered with six-cylinder in-line engine from 300 SL-24 (named as 300SL) since the 1971. For 1995, a larger 3.2-litre engine was introduced in the SL 320, subsequently dropped from the US market in 1998.

The 1994 R129 introduced a minor cosmetic and technical updates; revised engine optionals; as well as a new nomenclature. The 3.0-litre in-line six engines, initially fitted with 12-valve (300 SL) and 24-valve (300 SL-24) heads, was revised to one engine in two displacements (2.8 and 3.2 litres) with both utilizing a 24-valve head. The V8 and V12 were carried over with no changes. 300 SL and 300 SL-24 became SL 280 and SL 320 while 500 SL and 600 SL were renamed as SL 500 and SL 600.

In 1998, R129 received the major cosmetic and technical updates with revised engines to include the V6, V8, and V12 engines from the new W220 S-Class. All of those updated engines had three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder.

Model range

[edit]
  • SL 280: (1993–2001), 2.8 L I6
  • SL 280: (1998–2001), 2.8 L V6
  • 300 SL: (1989–1993), 3.0 L I6
  • 300 SL-24: (1989–1993), 3.0 L I6
  • SL 320: (1993–1998), 3.2 L I6
  • SL 320: (1998–2001), 3.2 L V6
  • 500 SL: (1989–1993), 5.0 L V8
  • 500 SL 6.0 AMG: (1991–1992), 6.0 L V8
  • SL 500: (1993–1998), 5.0 L V8
  • SL 55 AMG: (1999–2001), 5.4 L V8
  • 600 SL: (1992–1993), 6.0 L V12
  • SL 600: (1993–2001), 6.0 L V12
  • SL 60 AMG: (1993–1998), 6.0 L V8
  • SL 70 AMG: (1998–2001), 7.0 L V12
  • SL 73 AMG: (1995 and 1998–2001), 7.3 L V12

R230 (2001–2011)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230)
Fifth generation
2006 facelift SL 350 (RHD; Australia)
Overview
Production2001–2011
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz R230
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 3.0 L 170 kW (228 hp) V6
  • 3.5 L 200–232 kW (268–311 hp) V6
  • 3.7 L 180 kW (241 hp) V6
  • 5.0 L 225–285 kW (302–382 hp) V8
  • 5.4 L 350–380 kW (469–510 hp) Supercharged V8
  • 5.5 L 285 kW (382 hp) V8
  • 5.5 L 368–380 kW (493–510 hp) BiTurbo V12
  • 6.0 L 368–493 kW (493–661 hp) BiTurbo V12
  • 6.2 L 386 kW (518 hp) V8
Transmission
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.8 in (2,560 mm)
Length178.5 in (4,534 mm)
Width2005–07: 71.5 in (1,816 mm)
2002–04: 72.0 in (1,829 mm)
Height51.0 in (1,295 mm)
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 roadster (Australia)

The R230, introduced in 2001, continues the evolution of R129 with smoother body design and new peanut-shaped headlamp design. The fifth-generation SL-Class featured a 'Vario Roof' retractable hardtop, as introduced on the 1996 SLK Class: Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system, Keyless Go keyless entry and smart key, and Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) electro-hydraulic power brake system. The SBC proved troublesome, and was later disabled by Mercedes-Benz in a large recall campaign due to the difficulties in modulating the brake effort.

2004 pre-facelift SL 350

In 2006, R230 received a minor cosmetic update and revised engine options.

2008 facelift Mercedes SL front

The R230 SL underwent a significant facelift in 2008 featuring new and revised engines and a new front end that evokes the classic 300 SL with a large grille featuring a prominent 3-pointed star and twin "power domes" on the bonnet, the car also features new headlights with an optional "Intelligent Light System" and a new speed sensitive steering system. The SL 63 AMG replaced the SL 55 AMG. A high-performance version of R230, SL 65 AMG Black Series, was offered as a coupe only body type. A total of 169,433 SL R230s were ever produced. The most common model is SL500 (~100,000 units). The rarest is SL65 AMG with only 3,055 units (350 of which SL65 AMG Black Series).

Model range

[edit]
  • SL 280: (2008–2009), 3.0 L V6
  • SL 300: (2009–2011), 3.0 L V6
  • SL 350 (3.7): (2003–2006), 3.7 L V6
  • SL 350 (3.5): (2006–2011), 3.5 L V6
  • SL 500 (5.0): (2001–2006), 5.0 L V8
  • SL 500 (5.5): (2006–2011), 5.5 L V8, marketed as SL 550 exclusively in North America
  • SL 55 AMG: (2002–2008), 5.4 L V8
  • SL 600: (2002–2011), 5.5 L V12
  • SL 63 AMG: (2008–2011), 6.2 L V8
  • SL 65 AMG: (2004–2011), 6.0 L V12
  • SL 65 AMG Black Series: (2008–2011), 6.0 L V12

R231 (2012–2020)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R231)
Sixth generation
Overview
Production2011–2020
Body and chassis
PlatformMercedes-Benz R231
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 3.0 L 245–270 kW (329–362 hp) V6 Biturbo
  • 3.5 L 225 kW (302 hp) V6
  • 4.7 L 320–335 kW (429–449 hp) V8 Biturbo
  • 5.5 L 395–430 kW (530–577 hp) V8 Biturbo
  • 6.0 L 463 kW (621 hp) V12 Biturbo
Transmission
  • 7-speed automatic
  • 9-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,585 mm (101.8 in)
Length4,612 mm (181.6 in)
Width1,877 mm (73.9 in)
Height1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Mercedes-Benz SL 350 AMG Line (Germany)

Mercedes-Benz launched the sixth generation SL, internally designated R231, at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012. The R231 introduced aluminum bodywork, its weight advantage offset by higher safety and convenience equipment.

New features included a system marketed as 'FrontBass', which used space in the aluminium structure ahead of the front footwells as resonance spaces for the bass loudspeakers. Additionally, standard equipment included an adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system which supplied fluid from the wiper blade itself, as needed and depending on the direction of wipe. The R231 was available with two suspension systems: semi-active adjustable damping as standard and active suspension system ABC (Active Body Control) as an extra-cost option. Both types featured electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive power steering, which allowed the variable steering ratio across the steering wheel angle.

The R231 was longer and wider than its predecessor. Shoulder room is increased by 37 mm (1.5 in) and elbow room 28 mm (1.1 in).

A mid-cycle update was introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year along with revised engine and transmission options. A 9G-TRONIC Plus 9-speed automatic transmission was fitted to the SL-Class for the first time (SL 400/SL 450 and SL 500) while AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT and AMG SPEEDSHIFT Plus 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmissions for SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG respectively remained unchanged. SL 350 was renamed as SL 400 (SL 450 for the North American market).

R231 had a revised front end, front grille treatment, and larger non-functional side 'vents' behind the front wheels. It also received adaptive LED front headlights with integrated daytime running lights and turn signals, leaving the below-bumper intake area free from lighting. The LED tail lights received single-colour red lenses (for North American market) or red-and-amber lenses (for the European and international markets) instead of the red and white lenses of the pre-facelift models.

A slight revision to the folding 'Vario-roof' hardtop meant it could deploy at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) without the luggage compartment partition having to be deployed in a separate manual operation.

Model range

[edit]
  • SL 350: (2012–2014), 3.5 L V6 (sold as a 2015 Model year in Japan)
  • SL 400/SL 450: (2014–2020), 3.0 L V6 (SL 450 is exclusive to the North American market)
  • SL 500/SL 550: (2012–2020), 4.7 L V8 (SL 550 is exclusive to the North American market)
  • SL 63 AMG: (2012–2018), 5.5 L V8
  • SL 65 AMG: (2012–2018), 6.08 L V12

R232 (2022–present)

[edit]
Main article: Mercedes-AMG SL-Class (R232)
Seventh generation
Overview
Production2022–present
Powertrain
Engine
  • Petrol:
  • 2.0 L 280 kW (375 hp) M139 mild hybrid turbo (EQ Boost) I4
  • 4.0 L 350–430 kW (469–577 hp) M177 V8 Biturbo
Transmission
  • 9-speed automatic AMG Speedshift
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,705 mm (185.2 in)
Width1,915 mm (75.4 in)
Height1,359 mm (53.5 in)
Rear view

The seventh generation of the SL-Class was presented in October 2021. The R232 is confirmed to be an AMG model only, designating it as Mercedes-AMG SL-Class. There are three powertrains, the entry-level powertrain being a 2.0L I4 mild hybrid engine found in the SL 43, producing 280 kW (375 hp). Two of the powertrains are 4.0L V8 Biturbo gasoline engines, with the SL 55 developing a maximum of 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) & 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft), and the SL 63 developing a maximum of 430 kW (585 PS; 577 bhp) & 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft). Both versions are available only with all-wheel-drive, a first for the SL-Class. The R232 is reverting to the soft fabric roof rather than the heavier retractable hardtop that was fitted to the R230 and R231.[6][7]

This generation is the first SL-Class to have the 2+2 seating configuration as standard rather than optional fitment since 1989 with the introduction of R129. While R107 was built to be two-seater convertible, the owners could opt for the 2+2 seating configuration when ordering their R107 or for the retrofit kit to be installed in their R107 at later date. The rear seats are optimal for the passengers whose height is up to 1.5 metres.

The dashboard is symmetrical along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch touchscreen panel in the centre. The instrument cluster is placed within a binnacle as to reduce the reflections from the sunlight and improve the legibility when the roof is folded down. The touchscreen panel in the centre is electrically tiltable to the vertical position for the same reason.

Sales

[edit]
Calendar year US sales
2001 4,217[8]
2002 13,717
2003 13,318[9]
2004 12,885
2005 10,080[10]
2006 8,462
2007 6,126[11]
2008 5,464
2009 4,025[12]
2010 1,449
2011 4,899[13]
2012 5,233
2013 7,007[14]
2014 5,030
2015 4,060
2016 3,722
2017 2,940
2018 2,126

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Jochen Übler (19 April 2012), "Trimm's Leicht", Auto, Motor und Sport, Mercedes SL-Spezial 2012 (in German), no. 10, pp. 14–17, ISSN 0005-0806
  2. ^ Günter Engelen; Mike Riedner; Hans-Dieter Seufert (1999), Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (in German) (2 ed.), Motorbuch-Verlag, p. 31, ISBN 3-613-01268-5
  3. ^ "Mercedes SL: Allrad, 800 PS, AMG-Technik". Intro. auto motor und sport (in German). No. 8/2021. 15 March 2021. p. 13.
  4. ^ Gerold Lingnau (2002), "300SL – Die Ikone wird fünfzig", Mercedes-Benz Classic (in German), no. 1, pp. 10–22, ISSN 1610-8043
  5. ^ "Motorsport als Zündfunke: Der Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Rennsportwagen der Baureihe W 194 (1952–1953)". Daimler Media (in German). Retrieved 25 July 2017.
  6. ^ Glon, Ronald (12 March 2021). "Don't call me Benz: 2022 Mercedes SL next-gen will be AMG-only and AWD". Autoblog.
  7. ^ Greg Kable (28 October 2021). "2022 Mercedes-AMG SL gets four seats, 4WD and 577bhp V8". Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 3 January 2003. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  9. ^ "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  10. ^ "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  11. ^ "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz – The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 5 January 2009. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  12. ^ "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an 18 Percent Increase for 2010". New Jersey: PR Newswire. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  13. ^ "Mercedes Sales 2011 Best on Record! Strong December Sales Report Caps off 2011 with 264,460 Vehicles Sold". daveknowscars.com. 9 January 2012. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012.
  14. ^ "MERCEDES-BENZ ACHIEVES ITS HIGHEST YEAR EVER WITH 312,534 UNITS SOLD IN 2013". Mercedes-Benz. 3 January 2014. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2017.

Bibliography

[edit]

General

[edit]
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  • Allner, Michael (2018). Mercedes-Benz SL: R 129 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613041011.
  • Baaden, Helmut; Röcke, Matthias (2002). Das neue grosse Mercedes SL-Buch [The New Big Mercedes SL Book] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89880-084-9.
  • Barrett, Frank (1998). Illustrated Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz. Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide series (2nd ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0451-3.
  • Bass, Chris (2007). Mercedes-Benz 'Pagoda' 230, 250 & 280 SL: W113 series Roadsters & Coupés, 1963-1971. The Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84584-113-3.
  • ————— (2017). Mercedes-Benz 280-560SL & SLC: W107 series Roadsters & Coupés, 1971 to 1989. The Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78711-182-0.
  • Boddy, William (1983). Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gull-wing & Roadster; 3 litre 6 cylinder. Osprey AutoHistory series. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0850455014.
  • Bols, Udo (2007). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen: Eine Chronik [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars: A Chronicle] (in German). Brilon, Germany: Podszun Verlag. ISBN 9783861334125.
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  • ——————, ed. (1987). On Mercedes 1952-1962. Road & Track Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-869826-40-X.
  • ——————, ed. (1987). On Mercedes 1963-1970. Road & Track Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-869826-41-8.
  • ——————, ed. (1987). On Mercedes 1971-1979. Road & Track Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-869826-42-6.
  • ——————, ed. (1989). Mercedes 190 & 300 SL 1954-63. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1870642260.
  • ——————, ed. (1990). Mercedes SLs & SLCs Gold Portfolio 1971-1989. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-85520-010-4.
  • ——————, ed. (1996). Mercedes SLs Performance Portfolio 1989-1994. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-85520-268-9.
  • ——————, ed. (1997). Mercedes 230 250 280SL Gold Portfolio 1963–1971. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1855203049.
  • ——————, ed. (2004). Mercedes-Benz SLs & SLCs Ultimate Portfolio 1971-1989. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-85520-677-3.
  • ——————, ed. (2004). Mercedes-Benz SL SLK CLK Portfolio 1990-2003. Road & Track Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-85520-653-6.
  • ——————, ed. (2005). Mercedes-Benz SLs & SLCs Ultimate Portfolio 1971-1989. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 1855206773.
  • ——————, ed. (2007). Mercedes AMG Gold Portfolio 1983-1999. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-745-5.
  • ——————, ed. (2007). Mercedes AMG Ultimate Portfolio 2000-2006. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-748-6.
  • ——————, ed. (2010). Mercedes 230SL - 250SL - 280SL Ultimate Portfolio 1963-1971. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-886-5.
  • ——————, ed. (2011). Mercedes-Benz 190SL 300SL 300SLR A Brooklands Portfolio. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-932-9.
  • Engelen, Günter (1994). Mercedes-Benz SL 280–SL 600: Vom Mythos zur Offenbarung [Mercedes-Benz SL 280-SL 600: From Myth to Revelation] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613015471.
  • ———————; Riedner, Mike (1999). Mercedes- Benz 300 SL: Vom Rennsport zur Legende [Mercedes- Benz 300 SL: From Racing to Legend] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613012685.
  • ——————— (2002). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 3: Seit 1986 [Volume 3: Since 1986]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021692.
  • ——————— (2002). Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – 500 SLC: der Schritt zur Modellvielfalt [Mercedes-Benz 280 SL - 500 SLC: The Step towards Model Variety] (in German) (3rd ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613014084.
  • ——————— (2005). Faszination SL: 190 SL (W 121) 1955–1962 [Fascination SL: 190 SL (W 121) 1955–1962] (in English and German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 361302568X.
  • ——————— (2006). Faszination SL: R 129 [Fascination SL: R 129] (in English and German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3898805565.
  • ——————— (2007). Faszination SL: 300 SL Roadster (W 198 II) [Fascination SL: 300 SL Roadster (W 198 II)] (in English and German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783898808057.
  • ——————— (2013). Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – 280 SL: Vom Barock zur Pagode [Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – 280 SL: From Baroque to Pagoda] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613031173.
  • ——————— (2014). Mercedes-Benz SL 280 – SL 73 AMG: Die Baureihe R 129 [Mercedes-Benz SL 280 – SL 73 AMG: The R 129 series] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613036895.
  • ——————— (2015). Mercedes-Benz SL: Die Baureihe R 107 [Mercedes-Benz SL: The R 107 series] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613037540.
  • Günther, Dieter; Hübner, Johannes (1990). Das grosse Mercedes-SL-Buch [The Big Mercedes SL Book] (in German) (2nd ed.). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89365-218-3.
  • Hofner, Heribert; Schrader, Halwart (2005). Mercedes-Benz Automobile [Mercedes-Benz Automobiles] (in German). Vol. Band 2: von 1964 bis heute [Volume 2: from 1964 to today]. Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3898804194.
  • ——————— (2011). Mercedes-Benz Typenkunde [Mercedes-Benz Type Study] (in German). Vol. Band 3. Modelle der Oberklasse von 1951 bis 1972, Luxusklasse, S-, SL- und SLC-Klasse [Volume 3. Upper class models from 1951 to 1972, Luxury class, S-, SL- and SLC-Class]. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 9783768832786.
  • ——————— (2017). Mercedes-Benz SL: Die Baureihe 107 - Trendsetter und Dauerbrenner [Mercedes-Benz SL: The 107 Series – Trendsetters and Evergreens] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783958434226.
  • Holmes, Mark (2007). Ultimate Convertibles: Roofless Beauty. London: Kandour. pp. 96–99. ISBN 978-1-905741-62-5.
  • Howard, Colin (2014). Mercedes Benz SL: 1971–2001. Hockley, Essex, UK: CP Press. ISBN 9780957194045.
  • ——————— (2014). Mercedes Benz SL: 2002–2014. Hockley, Essex, UK: CP Press. ISBN 9780957666443.
  • Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos [German Cars] (in German). Vol. Band [Volume] 6: seit [since] 1990 – Mercedes, Ford, Opel und Porsche. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613020521.
  • ——————— (2002). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol. Band 2. Personenwagen seit 1976 [Volume 2. Passenger Cars since 1976]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02209-5.
  • Kleissl, Hans; Niemann, Harry (2021). Mercedes-Benz 300 SL: Das Jahrhundertauto [Mercedes-Benz 300 SL: The Car of the Century] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613043848.
  • Koehling, Bernd S. (2013). Mercedes-Benz, The modern SL cars: From the R107 to the R231. CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1-4841-0824-6.
  • ———————— (2014). Mercedes-Benz, The early SL cars: From the 300SL and 190SL to the 230SL-280SL (2nd ed.). CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1-4841-8056-3.
  • ———————— (2021). Mercedes-Benz, The 1960s. Vol. 2: From the Pagoda SL and 600 to the W108/W109. Independently published. ISBN 9798739183910.
  • ———————— (2021). Mercedes-Benz: Everything you want to know about the SL R129 - From the 300SL to the SL73 AMG. Independently published. ISBN 9798735682073.
  • Kornblatt, Myles (2014). Mercedes W113: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781847976956.
  • Laban, Brian (1992). Mercedes SL Series: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassics Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 1852235950.
  • Larimer, Fred (2004). Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide: Roadsters, Coupes, and Convertibles. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0760318115.
  • Lehbrink, Hartmut (2012). Faszination Mercedes-Benz SL: Evolution eines Klassikers [Fascination Mercedes-Benz SL: Evolution of a Classic] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783868526028.
  • Lintelmann, Reinhard (2010). Mercedes-Benz SL: Die Sportwagen-Legende [Mercedes-Benz SL: The Legendary Sports Car] (in German). Köln: Komet Verlag. ISBN 9783898368636.
  • Long, Brian (2010). Mercedes-Benz SL & SLC 107 Series 1971 to 1989. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845842994.
  • ————— (2011). Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Series 1963 to 1971. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845843045.
  • ————— (2013). Mercedes-Benz SL R129 Series 1989 to 2001. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845844486.
  • ————— (2015). Mercedes-Benz SL R230 Series 2001 to 2011. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845847470.
  • Ludvigsen, Karl (2002). Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Racing Cars 1952-1953. Ludvigsen Library Series. Hudson, WI, USA: Iconografix. ISBN 1583880674.
  • ——————— (2004). Mercedes-Benz 300SLR: The Fabulous 1955 World-Championship Sports-Racer. Ludvigsen Library Series. Hudson, WI, USA: Iconografix. ISBN 1583881220.
  • ——————— (2005). Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gullwings and Roadsters 1954-1964. Ludvigsen Library Series. Hudson, WI, USA: Iconografix. ISBN 1583881379.
  • McComb, F. Wilson (1980). Mercedes-Benz V8s: Limousines, Saloons, Sedans. 1963 to date. Osprey AutoHistory series. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0850453836.
  • Meredith, Laurence (1997). Essential Mercedes SL: 190SL & Pagoda models – the cars and their story 1955-71. Bideford, Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1870979893.
  • ———————— (1999). Mercedes-Benz SL Sports Cars. Suttons Photographic History of Transport series. Stroud, Gloucestershire, England: Sutton Publishing. ISBN 075092232X.
  • Niemann, Harry (2006). Personenwagen von Mercedes-Benz: Automobillegenden und Geschichten seit 1886 [Passenger Cars from Mercedes-Benz: Automobile Legends and Stories since 1886] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613025965.
  • Nitske, W. Robert (1995). Mercedes-Benz Production Models Book 1946-1995 (4th ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0245-6.
  • Noakes, Andrew (2004). Mercedes SL Series: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassics Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781861266736.
  • ——————— (2017). Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC 107-Series 1971–1989: The Complete Story. Crowood AutoClassics Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 9781785003653.
  • Olson, John R. (2001). The SL Experience: Five Decades of the Mercedes-Benz SL. Minneapolis, MN, USA: Independently published. ISBN 0963539426.
  • Oswald, Werner [in German] (2001). Deutsche Autos [German Cars] (in German). Vol. Band [Volume] 4: 1945–1990 Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche und andere [and others]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021315.
  • ——————— (2001). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 2: 1945–1985 [Volume 2: 1945–1985]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021684.
  • Parish, Julian (2016). Mercedes-Benz SL: R129-series 1989 to 2001. The Essential Buyer's Guide series. Dorchester, Dorset, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 9781845848989.
  • Pitt, Colin, ed. (2009). Mercedes Benz SL and SLC Gold Portfolio. Hockley, Essex, UK: C P Press. ISBN 978-1841557045.
  • ————, ed. (2009). Mercedes-Benz SL & SLR: The story of the W129 Mercedes-Benz SL, the W230 Mercedes-Benz SL and the SLR McLaren Road Cars and the SLR McLaren 722 GT Race Car. Hockley, Essex, UK: C P Press. ISBN 9781841557533.
  • Riedner, Mike (1993). Mercedes-Benz SL. Die exclusiven Wagen der Welt series (in German). Zürich: Stocker-Schmid / Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3727671130.
  • Rohde, Michael; Koch, Detlef (2000). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol. Band 1. Personenwagen 1945 - 1975 [Volume 1. Passenger Cars 1945 - 1975]. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 361302019X.
  • Schlegelmilch, Rainer W. [in German]; Lehbrink, Hartmut; von Osterroth, Jochen (2013). Mercedes (revised ed.). Königswinter, Germany: Ullmann Publishing. ISBN 978-3-8480-0267-2.
  • Schrader, Halwart (2015). Mercedes-Benz R/C 107. Schrader-Typen-Chronik series (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 9783613034372.
  • Sessler, Peter C. (2011). Mercedes-Benz SL Series: Recognition and Fact Guide. Hudson, WI, USA: Iconografix. ISBN 9781583882832.
  • Setright, L. J. K. (1986). Mercedes-Benz SL & SLC. Osprey AutoHistory series (rev. ed.). London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0850456983.
  • Staud, René (photographs); Kittler, Eberhard (text) (2001). Faszination und Mythos: Sportwagen von Mercedes-Benz [Fascination und Myth: Sports Cars from Mercedes-Benz] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021609.
  • Taylor, James (1985). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol. 1: The 1940s and 1950s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. pp. 8–24, 63–76, 103–136, 139–144. ISBN 0-900549-95-5.
  • —————— (1985). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol. 2: The 1960s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. pp. 9–26, 73–84, 126–132, 135, 140–141, 143. ISBN 0-900549-96-3.
  • —————— (1986). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol. 3: The 1970s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. pp. 9–60, 61–88, 127–129, 132–134, 139–140, 142. ISBN 0-900549-97-1.
  • —————— (1994). Mercedes-Benz since 1945: A Collector's Guide. Vol. 4: The 1980s. Croydon, UK: Motor Racing Publications. pp. 8–16. ISBN 0-947981-77-2.
  • —————— (2009). Mercedes-Benz: Cars of the 1990s. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. pp. 8–20, 36–51. ISBN 978-1-84797-096-1.
  • —————— (2013). Factory-Original Mercedes SL: The originality guide to Mercedes-Benz SL models, 1963-2003. Beaworthy, Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 978-1-906133-43-6.
  • Vieweg, Christof (2001). Alles über die Mercedes-Benz SL-Klasse: SL 500 und SL 55 AMG [Everything about the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: SL 500 and SL 55 AMG]. Technik transparent series (in German). Stuttgart: DaimlerChrysler. ISBN 3932786173.
  • Wirth, Thomas (2012). Mercedes-Benz Supercars: From 1901 to Today. Atglen, PA, USA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 9780764340901.
  • Zeichner, Walter (1989). Mercedes-Benz 190 SL: 1955-63. Schiffer Automotive Series. West Chester, PA, USA: Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 0887402097.
  • Zoporowski, Tobias (2016). Mercedes-Benz SL (R129): Alle Modelle von 1989 bis 2001 [Mercedes-Benz SL (R129): All models from 1989 to 2001]. Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf series (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 9783958433571.

Workshop manuals

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  • Ball, Kenneth (1972). Mercedes-Benz 280, 1968-72 Autobook: Workshop Manual for Mercedes-Benz 280 S, 280 SE, 280 SEL, 280 SL, 1968-72. Brighton, UK: Autopress. ISBN 0851472931.
  • Chilton Automotive Editorial Staff (1974). Mercedes-Benz: 1968-73 All 220, 230, 250, 280, 300, 350 and 450 models, gasoline and diesel engines. Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton Book Co. ISBN 0-8019-5907-1.
  • Freeman, Kerry A.; Rivele, Richard J.; Hallinger, Jeffrey W., eds. (1983). Mercedes-Benz: 1959-70 All 190, 200, 220, 230, 250, 280 and 300 models, gasoline and diesel engines. Chilton's Repair & Tune-Up Guide Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton Book Co. ISBN 0801960657.
  • Mellon, Thomas A, ed. (2001). Mercedes: Coupes/Sedans/Wagons, 1974-84 Repair Manual. Chilton Total Car Care Series. Radnor, PA, USA: Chilton; Sparkford, UK: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0-8019-9076-9.
  • Meredith, Laurence (1996). Original Mercedes SL: The Restorer's Guide to 300SL, 190SL and 230/250/280SL models to 1971. Bideford, Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1870979664.
  • Schauwecker, Steve; Haynes, John H. (1987). Mercedes-Benz 350 and 450: 1971 through 1980 3.5 and 4.5 liter V8: 350 SL, 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SL, 450 SLC: series 107 and 116 models with fuel-injected V8 engines and automatic transmissions. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK: Haynes. ISBN 0856966983.
  • Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2005. ISBN 978-0-8376-1033-7.
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