Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was introduced in 1954 as a two-seat, closed sports car with distinctive gull-wing doors. Later it was offered as an open roadster. It was the fastest production car of its day.

Built by Daimler-Benz AG and internally numbered W198, the fuel-injected road version was based (somewhat loosely) on the company's highly successful competition-only sports car of 1952, the somewhat less powerful carbureted Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194).

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

First direct injection

The 300SL's engine, canted at a fifty-degree angle to the left to allow for a lower hoodline, was the same 3.0 litre straight-6 as the regular four-door 300. Fitted with a Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection system it had almost double the power of the original 86 kW (115 hp) carbureted version.

While not the first fuel-injected car - Mercedes engineers who had developed the principle for the DB 601 fighter aircraft engine had used fuel injection in the tiny 2-stroke Gutbrod they had designed after the War - it was the first to inject fuel directly into the cylinders. This innovation allowed a top speed of up to 260 km/h (161 mph) depending on gear ratio and drag, making the 300SL the fastest production car of its time.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The engine's maintenance requirements were high, unlike the current electrically powered fuel injection systems, the mechanical fuel pump would continue to inject gasoline into the engine during the interval between shutting off the ignition and the engine's coming to a stop; this gasoline was of course not burned, and washed the oil from the cylinder walls and ended up diluting the engine's lubricating oil, particularly if the engine was not driven hard enough nor long enough to reach a temperature high enough to evaporate it out of the oil.

Exacerbating the problem were the large oil cooler as well as the large volume of oil (10 liters), both oriented more to racing than to street driving, which virtually guaranteed that the oil would not reach a high enough temperature. In practice, many street drivers would block off airflow through the oil cooler, and the recommended oil change interval was 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Operation of the clutch was initially very heavy, later roadster having an improved clutch arm helper spring which reduced the pedal force. From March of 1963 to the end of production, a light alloy crankcase was used on a total of 209 vehicles.^[2]

Aerodynamics played an important role in the car's speed, Mercedes-Benz engineers even placing horizontal "eyebrows" over the wheel openings to reduce drag. Unlike many cars of the 1950s, the steering was relatively precise and the four-wheel independent suspension allowed for a reasonably comfortable ride and markedly better overall handling. However, the rear swing axle, jointed only at the differential, not at the wheels themselves, could be treacherous at high speeds or on imperfect roads due to extreme changes in camber.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Today, the 300SL with its unique doors, technological firsts, and low production numbers is considered one of the most collectible Mercedes-Benz models of all time, with prices reaching well past the US$400,000 mark. Sports Car International magazine ranked the 300SL as the number 5 sports car of all time.

The 208 mph (334 km/h) top speed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by these 1950s automobiles.

2009:300SL Gullwing. 300SL Gullwing Mercedes-Benz luxury cars are well know in a few months ago to re-launch of Mercedes-Benz 300SL plan, the comeback of the 300SL has a V8 engine of 6.3 liters, 571 horsepower limit output torque 650,0 -100Kmh with 3.6 seconds top speed 310 + kmh, body 1.6 tons.

1956 "Gull wing" opened up.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SL is a roadster manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Light — and was first applied to the 300SL 'Gullwing' named also after its "gullwing" or upward-opening doors.

The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

1963 to 1971

Next came the SL-Class 230SL, a new design with a 2.3 six cylinder engine, low waistline and big curved greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster whose distinctive roofline earned the nickname "pagoda top." Around 1968 the engine received a displacement increase and the model became known as the 250SL. The last two years of production as the 280SL saw minor changes to switch knobs, and wheel trim rings became full hubcaps.

1963–1971

1972 to 1989

All updated 86-89 models have the advantages of the more modern 4 pot brakes, larger discs, and suspension derived from the W124 sedan. The body itself is built with a modern paint system designed to improve protection from rust.300SL - 1986–1989 Base model was available as standard in a 5-speed manual although very few were sold. The SOHC 6 cylinder M103 considered by many to have handling advantages with its lighter engine.

1972–1989

The 1989 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version in the US. In Europe the base model was the 190 hp (140 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL with 12 valves, and the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 with 24 valves is known as the 300SL 24 . But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (known as the 560 SL in USA) (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.

1994 saw a mild facelift for the SL, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range in 1993.

1990-2002

In 2001, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) available on the SLK since 1997. A 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 was optional, with a 5.4 L AMG V8 appearing in 2003's SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG.

2003–2008

2007–2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550

The facelifted 2008 SL model was revealed in the Geneva Motor Show in March. The 2008 SL gets a new front end reflecting Mercedes's new design philosophy, with a pair of long powerdomes on the bonnet and a single-bar grille replacing the old three-bar effort. Also improvements have been made on the engines as the 3.5L V6 is uprated to 311 PS (229 kW; 307 hp) at 6500 rpm. Compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, the output has been boosted by 16 percent. Torque has also been improved adding 10 N·m (7.4 lb·ft) to the previous 350 N·m (260 lb·ft) making it 360 N·m (270 lb·ft). this engine now can rev up to a max of 7200 rpm for a period as the oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting, a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and extensively modifying and lightening the valve train. In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with a consumption figure of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the new SL 350 undercuts the previous model developing 200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp) by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz is extending the SL-Class line-up by introducing an attractive entry-level model in the shape of the SL 280 developing 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp). The six cylinder powerplant delivers its peak torque of 300 N·m (220 lb·ft) from 2500 rpm and accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds, whilst fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg_-imp; 25 mpg_-US). It will feature the AIRSCARF heating system used in the SLK.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a series of the largest sedans produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The S-Class, a product of nine lines of Mercedes-Benz models dating since the mid-1950s, is the world's best-selling luxury flagship sedan.^[1][2] As the foremost model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems (such as the first airbag supplemental restraint systems, seatbelt pretensioners, and electronic stability program).^[3] The latest generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2006 as an all-new design. As in previous iterations, the latest S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions and offers V6, V8, V12, and diesel powertrains.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

A 1950s W128 Ponton, a 220SE

A W111 230S Fintail

With West Germany's economy growing in the early 1960s, Mercedes-Benz saw the opportunity to build a much larger vehicle than hitherto, aimed mostly at an international market and heads of state. In 1965, the company introduced the luxurious 600 limousine (W100 series), which assumed the title of "Großer Mercedes". This model became a showcase of luxury and technology, being the most luxurious Mercedes-Benz to date and it can be viewed as an early predecessor of the modern Maybach models, rather than as part of the S-Class lineage, although certain techologies pioneered in this car did find their way into the smaller model. The 600's role the flagship of the marque was later assumed by the modern

The Mercedes-Benz 600 model slotted into the range above the S-Class
S-Class.

With "Fintails" being passé and dropped in favor of a look similar to the 600, the updated and larger W108/W109 lines were introduced, which included the 250S, 250SE, 300SE, and 300SEL (long wheelbase) models. The W108/109 lines, which eventually supplanted the W111 lines, were not available with 4-cylinder engines, and thus established the distinct S-Class market position which continues to the present day. Since the debut of the W111 300SEL, each iteration of the S-Class has included short and long wheelbase models, with the latter models (such as the W109) typically being the most luxurious, powerful, and well-equipped, with the V8-powered 300SEL 6.3 marking the highlight.

Late 1960s W108 line

In 1973, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. The arrival of the W116 saw the introduction of much improved passive safety into the vehicle design, with features such as anti-lock brakes and a strengthened vehicle occupant shell. Also, the V8-engines of the 350/450 SE/SEL models were now regular options. Due to the oil crisis, fuel efficiency was the major concern for the engineers, yet they still added also the Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9.

Large rear lights of the 1970s W116, the first official "S-Class"

The W126, the most successful S-Class

The W126 was succeeded in 1991 by the W140 line, which saw the car grow dramatically in its proportions, for which it received criticism. Also, more technology and numerous features were added in response to growing international competition.

A 1990s W140 as

In late 1999, the smaller but more roomy W220 saw a renewed focus on elegance and style, with a more rounded shape compared to the preceding W140. The W220 was produced in a sedan version only; at that time, the W140 S-Class coupes had already been succeeded by the new CL-Class in 1998, models of which share basic design and features with the S-Class.^[4] Since 2003, the traditionally rear-wheel drive S-Class also offered 4Matic all-wheel drive in some markets.

The W220

In 2007, the current W221 S-Class premiered, replacing the W220. This latest generation of the S-Class is slightly larger than its predecessor, with sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. New technological features on the W221 include an infrared night vision feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style. In the U.S., base prices for the W221 S-Class range from $87,475 for the S550, $144,975 for the S600, $127,775 for the S63 AMG and $194,775 for the S65 AMG.


Current S-Class generation: the W221

"Ponton" (1955)

The W180 line debuted in 1955, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" models associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The later W128 lineup was the last to be associated with the "Ponton" name, and featured sedan, coupé, and cabriolet models powered by a 2.2L straight-6. The "Ponton" designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.

The "Ponton" lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder W180 and W128 lines are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful "Ponton" versions available.

1955-1957 (W180)

"Fintail" (1959)

The W111 "Fintail" series debuted in 1959. Initially powered by a line of straight-6 engines (the M180 and M127), it set a new standard for luxury. In 1961, the W111 series was augmented with a line of 3.0 L straight-6 cars, the W112. The W112 was the most luxurious model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup until surpassed by the W100 line's model 600 limousines in 1963. The W111/W112 lines contained sedan, coupe, and convertible models.

The Fintail was among the first cars in the world to have crumple zones and disc brakes, and for the top of range W112 models, an air suspension. The characteristic name referred to a styling feature on the rear section of the W111/W112 models, the Heckflosse ("Fintail") which resembled the larger fins then in fashion on American luxury cars produced by Cadillac and Buick.

1959–1968 (W111)

W108 (1965)

With the W108/W109 series of 1965, the range received V8 power for the first time. The W108 line launched with an initial lineup of straight-6 powered models. The unusual high-displacement 300 SEL 6.3 V8 model was based on this body type. The W108 line was larger than the Fintail models it replaced, and also eliminated the characteristic design feature of the previous model.

During this period, the designation S or SE was used for short wheelbase models including 250S, 250SE, and 300SE. Long wheelbase models (extended by 4 inches in the back door) were designated SEL (L= lang or long). Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always included two wheelbase lengths. The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were the most luxurious versions of the W108 line, with available burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.

In 1968, the W108 line dropped the 250S and 250SE in favor of S-Class models with the larger engined 280S (in carbureted form) and the 280SE (with fuel injection); the 300SE/SEL models were later offered with a 3.5 litre V8 engine (in both the SE and SEL form) and a 6.3 litre V8 engine (in the SEL model only).

1965-1972

The W116 series, produced from 1972 through 1979, was the first Mercedes-Benz model to be officially designated the S-Class. The W116 S-Class featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units.

The W116 models were large luxury sedans. The W116 was larger on the outside than the W108/W109 series it replaced, but had similar interior capacity, as the additional bulk was driven by new theories on car safety and occupant protection in a crash. It was one of the first cars to be available with ABS, a driver's airbag supplemental restraint system, or a turbo diesel engine.

The 450SE, then the most powerful model in the W116 lineup, was awarded European Car of the Year in 1974. Starting in 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system in order to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update, but in 1978, a series of further engine upgrades restored original performance levels under the new fuel injection systems.

1972-1979

The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as 1980 model (and 1981 in USA and Australia). The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features, and ushered in the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. The W126 S-Class was also the first luxury car to win the prestigious Car of the Year award from Australia's Wheels Magazine, which it did in 1981. The W126 line lasted from 1979 through 1991, a production run of over twelve years. Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold. These sales figures make the W126 the most successful S-Class line in Mercedes-Benz history.

In 1981, the W126 introduced the modern airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, to the world as an additional measure of occupant protection. Other safety innovations on the W126 included passenger side airbags (in 1986), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. In the cabin, additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system, added to the luxurious interior environment. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Although the top of range Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system was offered as well. Abandoning the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two door variant, the SEC coupé. The longevity of the W126 S-Class model cycle was aided by a mid-cycle update in 1986, an upgrade which previously was not done in S-Class generations. During the update of the W126 model S-Class, a facelift was performed and engine upgrades occurred.

1980–1990

In 1991, W140 series replaced the W126 line in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the first production model of the latest S-Class rolled off the assembly line on August 6 of that year. As with its predecessor, the W140 was the first of the "next generation" of Mercedes-Benz models to feature the company's new design theme. Following S-Class tradition, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths along with the shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totaled 406,532 units, the reduced total reflecting the inroads made by the newly introduced Lexus LS into the key US export market.

1991–1999

In late 1999, the W220 was introduced. The W220 S-Class was completely restyled, with a body that was slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the A-Class when it launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class). Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140.

As with each new S-Class, the W220 brought in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension and Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations). A navigation system with center console-mounted screen display was introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled Distronic cruise control system and a cylinder shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The 4MATIC all wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2003.

Late 1999–2006

The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The latest S-Class is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter.

Models sold in North America are the S450 (2008-,SWB and Canada only), S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG; other models to be sold outside North America include the S280, S350, S300, S420 CDI and S320 CDI. The first W221 model released in North America and Japan was the S550 (called S500 outside North America and Japan), with the S600 arriving in the following spring. Notable features on the W221 include: the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission (standard, except on V12 engines, where the 5-speed Sequentronic is used as the 7-speed cannot handle the power of the AMG V12). 4MATIC four wheel drive arrived in the fourth quarter of 2006.

2006–present