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#1
08-17-2002, 05:05 PM
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300 SL Questions
Just joined the board and have spent some time going through all the posts. Have a few questions I couldn't find answers for & was hoping that some might be able to lend a hand.
In the process of selling my C36. Was looking at 500 SL's but here in Canada they are tough to get at a reasonable price. My MB mechanic suggested I look at the 300 SL. I've found two at fair prices and have been able to look them over but haven't yet driven either. Doesn't anyone know the hp and 0-60 times for a '92 or '91 300. Tried the MBUSA site but it only provides the hp starting with the '94 320. How do you 300 owners find the power? Are there engine upgrades available? One has minor grille damage. Does anyone know of a grille upgrade which might be available? Thanks for any and all help. As an aside I have to say that I have seen some fine rides on these forums. The SL has always been my dream and now its time to do it right. 
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#2
08-18-2002, 11:19 AM
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My 1990 300SL has 24 valves and makes 228hp
A 12-valve engine was offered outside of North America, and these cars have significantly less power. The 24-valve engined cars in those markets are badged 300SL-24.
Regarding performance, I don't find my car lacking. Feels rather powerful actually. I have the manual transmission that Dan mentions, and perhaps this adds to this perception. Recently I drove a couple of 500SL's, since I am considering selling my car and buying a model with automatic transmission. The 500's have much more performance, of course, but I didn't perceive the difference to be dramatic and was a bit disappointed, frankly.
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#3
08-18-2002, 05:04 PM
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I took that post right out of the thread. I looked my info over, and the info between the 103 and 104 engined SL's was the same, so obviously my info source is incorrect. I was intending to give the info on the 24 valve engine though.
Gilly
__________________
Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)
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#4
08-19-2002, 05:50 PM
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Thanks guys.
I drove one of the 300 SL's today and found it quite slow off the mark. Excellent after the first 100-150 feet but not right off the mark. To be fair I just sold my C36 and previously had a Jag XJR so I'm used to above average take off. Funny thing was I drove a 300 CE today from the same year and it was considerably quicker off the mark. I'd have to agree though, after the first 100-150 feet there seems little reason to go to the 500 SL given the cost.
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#5
08-22-2002, 01:45 PM
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I have to say you're right about the takeoff. I've noticed many 6 cyl SL's struggling to keep up on takeoff when I'm barely on the throttle. As for the two cars being similar after that, I say get an early example (32 valve) 500SL for a test drive, then you'll be amazed. 100HP makes a big difference here, the car is just too heavy for a 6 cyl. Just my 2 cents. Eli.
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________ '90 500SL (sold) 17" AMG's
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#6
08-22-2002, 02:21 PM
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Quote:
 As for the power, it has 228HP according to my owners manual. It goes PERFECT!! On the stats a 500SL tops out at 147 MPH a 300SL tops out at 147MPH. The 500SL gets 11 miles to the gal. The 300 SL gets about 24!!! Same body, same top, same looks, same seats, SAME PRICE ON THE SPEEDING TICKET 
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#7
08-22-2002, 04:28 PM
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300SL??= top of the line? (a stretch of that description? and very arguable, perhaps the 600SL R129 or 600 series W140 is most recognized as "TOTL", ...following and in a bit lesser TOTL "Sport Leight" appears the 500SL)...for some reason I've considered the I6-SL's the "economy version" SL due to the lower pricing and lower equip vs. the V8 and V12 R129 (please correct me if I'm mistaken...perhaps the I6-SL is recognized as the true successor of the 50's Gullwing?)
300SL@ 228HP= overpowering? (depends on one's taste for power/ experience/ intended use- but gearing and weight of SL req much of that 228 down low) M103@ 228HP?= would that stat be in a 'new' or 'as-new' 300SL (or euro spec? vs. N America spec?) .....if so, mostly likely there will be less than that 228 in a 10Y+ older motor/chassis version currently 500SL vs. 300SL= same? ..obiously there's more robust engineering and hardware contained in the SL600 and SL500 (accounting for the performance and price differences) 147mph= if that's a true 147mph, ...wow that's fast for a M103 SL - (or even by todays automotive standards) I'd hope to have the SL500 HD components underneath to mate w/ its top speed ability...does the I6-SL share the V8's: brakes, trans, rear end, chassis components etc.? >I've driven the M103, M104, & M119 equipped SL's- - and the there were marked differences in the power/ refinement/ overall driving experience between them (personal preference would define which is the best fit for any individual) Although the M103 and M104 motor'd cars edge on very adequate (imho) ...the M119 was more than enough to provide substance behind the TOTL concept good luck and let us know how it turns out- I concluded that the SL300 and SL320 wouldn't be enough machine for my preferences. hope this helps -fad Last edited by -fad; 08-22-2002 at 04:41 PM.
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#8
08-22-2002, 06:29 PM
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Marc, don't take it personal, even if I owned the 300, I would still praise the 500. One is just adequate, the other truly fast.
I don't know where you got your numbers on the early 500, but here are mine: 322hp, 339lb/ft of torque, about 6.3sec to 60, top speed is electronically limited to 155 (draw your own conclusion here), and 17+ mpg in mixed driving. Considering the above, I can't see how the cars are very similar in performance! Eli. P.S. Not knocking anything here, but there's a reason these cars were 15 grand apart when new. And, the 500SL was the top of the line Benz here at $107 K in 1990. O.K I'm off the soap box now.
__________________
________ '90 500SL (sold) 17" AMG's
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#9
08-22-2002, 06:57 PM
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Quote:
I'm very happy with mine and as far as the component difference I'm not so sure that you've got it right. The 300SL was very simple and today it costs $250K plus to own one. No, it's not as speedy and fast as a 600 nor is the trans the same or the doors for that matter, it simply means that it's a matter of personal pref. I suppose I could go buy a $1.2 Million Ferrari. Yup that's exactly what the one I'm talking about costs and I guarranty that it will blow your super sloooow 600 into the weeds... As far as 'over powering' that was in ref to PRESTIGE! If it's speed and HP you want (for what?) than you've got the wrong forum, and the wrong web site.
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#10
08-23-2002, 01:53 PM
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No Problemo- didn't mean to bust some chops....or burst bubbles....just sharing a perspective
With all due respect to everyone's opinion and personal preferences (and not wishing to change anyone's in the process): >SL= simply a model line of MB with distinct features/ platform ie as in 'recognizing' all the the other model lines: the C,E,CL,S,SL, etc....however, SL600,S600=truely TOTL (notwithstanding- for 'car-types' all cars are special) >all MB= TOTL? including C's/ E's, 190D?, mb-tex'd models? etc. hmmmm, perhaps moreso in the old days more of the MB model lines would have been considered TOTL (when MB didn't seek to have a car for every pocketbook/ taste ie mass produce) >$1.2MM Ferrari vs. SL600 Comparison= Perfect Analogy when viewing a 300SL vs. its brethern SL's ; certainly different machinery, apples and oranges; personal preferences naturally reign supreme (they're different) food for thought re:'...it will blow your super slooow 600 into the weeds...'- seen many an inadequate driver blow their own mega-buck exotic into the weeds....LOL! >'overpowering' in reference to the 'PRESTIGE' factor? ...true, true...perhaps moreso in the ltd. production old days 70's,80's, very early 90's? We see MBs owners from lower income Census Tracts all the way to the most exclusive Metropolitan Statistical Areas ...., and I've spoken to many MB owners: 19 year olds through 80 year olds (complimenting their cars & chatting) ....universally they voice that the 'prestige' factor even for new MBs has dulled- - the supply of MBs is not limited and increasing, MBs can now can be acquired at price points/entry level costs (new or used), MBs may be leased soo easily (new or used), MBs may even be purchased w/ long term financing (I believe MBUSA offers up to 10 year terms on purchase contracts!) on another note,...I've observed an atypical (moreso than normal snobby) group of MB owners at the dealership service center- 600's- Sedans and coupes, CL's, SL600's that believes & exudes the 'prestige factor' ....interesting sub-grouping of clientele >'if it's speed and HP you want then you've got the wrong forum and the wrong website' opps, ...no need to direct folks away from sharing their views, experience, & wisdom...Mercedesshop 'Performance Paddock' and 'Hot Rods'" Forum????...now that's a great idea! (even better an SL AMG!) food for thought: some vehicle owners recognize choices (forward and in retrospect) by weighing as many characteristics as possible utilizing the most painstakingly logical & broadly universal discipline (mixing personal preference in the process) ...some don't need nor desire to delve into such depths of logic, finances, performance, characteristics, metal and wood (its all good) In either case, yep- personal preferences in life- we call it the way we see it and choose accordingly. Best Regards and its a good thing to enjoy our rides. -fad
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#11
08-23-2002, 03:48 PM
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My two-cents...
Excluding those of you who have the use of a well-maintained highway that allows flat-out high-speed motoring (the Autobahn, to be exact), or those of you who take their cars to a closed-circuit track, I think it's immaterial whether you can get to 147mph in a 300SL, 500SL, or 900SL!! As much as we like to brag about our cars' potential, many of us get white-knuckled doing anywhere near 100mph!!! Consider that while we like to think we emulate the commercials and spend our days endlessly cruising the twisty mountain roads, most of us are taking our masterfully-engineered marvels to the dry cleaners, the video rental store, the grocery, kids soccer games, the mall, to work, etc. Unfortunately, I fall under this category. On some occasions I get the rare opportunity to tap the kickdown switch on the W124 and blaze past a few slower moving SUVs, only to discover the business end of an Irving trooper's K-40 radar gun! When I do get the SL, my adventurous drive is the scenic route to the gas station, or the dealer for a service interval. Saw a black Lambourghini today on the way to work. ..speeding through a banked curve on I-35? Nope...puttering along at 20mph past a school zone! I applaud those of you who actually GET to let the horsies stretch their legs and do what these cars are intended to do...but I firmly believe that the majority of us have relegated our MBs to more mundane uses... 
__________________
2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle 2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car 2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver 2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car
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#12
08-23-2002, 04:16 PM
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true, true....so true...most all DOT vehicles are after all defined as 'passenger duty' type of cars vs. off road use only types ie. pro competition/ track/ ralley/ race cars
I've had several occasions in the past few years to speak to the Fact Author Bently/ Rolls dealer (Sales Manager) and he's even opined that these brands' prestige/image has slipped (along with Porsche)... btw- he drives a '93 500e and continues to love it to death over the fleet of Fact Author MBs Sales Fleet, BMWs, Audis, Porsches, etc. ...hmm, now that's interesting! (personal preference for ya) best regards -fad PS- What's there not to like about any SL? It's an SL.
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#13
08-23-2002, 04:58 PM
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Quote:
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#14
08-23-2002, 05:24 PM
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Wow, I didn't mean to inspire such a battle of opinions.
 First off, just to be seen in an SL is a good thing and the average person would have no idea whether it was a 600, 500 or 300. Do I care about top speed, no not at all. Do I care about 0-60, yes i do, in fact very much so. As I said above, the 300 I drove was great except the first 100-150 feet. Sadly I value that greatly. To be fair, I plan on test driving another 300 as the one I drove was too lame for it to be natural in a 300 SL. The dealer was moving it for another owner and he suggested that it might be badly out of tune. I drove a 300 CE right after that was hot next to the 300 SL so it may have been that specific car.
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#15
08-25-2002, 04:19 PM
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I have a UK spec 300SL, which is not the fastest thing off the line BUT - Try pulling away in 3 rather than D, and select sports mode rather than economy.
The 300 pulls away in 2nd gear - and therefore feels much slower than it needs. Most of the time 2nd is fine, but if you need better acceleration then just use 3 Try that on your next road test ! Mark
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