model question

[dwest]

I have just started shopping for an SL.
Can someone tell me the last (most recent) year the SL was available with an in-line six? I'm thinking it was the 97 SL320. Is this correct? Is it the same M104 engine that's in the E320?
Thanks

[Gilly]

That sounds about right, it was about 97 or so. It would be the M104 like they put in the E320 up to 1997, yes essentially the same engine. They dropped the SL320 in the USA, somehow thought it was in competition with the SLK (???). The SL320 did continue to be built with the V6 320 motor, just not sold in the US.

Gilly

[jjrodger]

The in-line 6 was replaced by the V6 from June 1998.

[Gilly]

BUT was never offered in the US in the SL. After the V6 was introduced, you could only get the SL500 and SL600 in the US.

Gilly

[jjrodger]

I know that, Gilly, but presumably the I6 was available until June 1998 build?

[bobterry99]

West, you might know too that the '97 320 has the electronically-controlled tranny, while the older ones don't. And '96 was the year for the minor facelift and intorduction of OBDII diagnostics.

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by jjrodger

I know that, Gilly, but presumably the I6 was available until June 1998 build?

No, they quit early here - the last SL320 here was the 97 model year, produced through the summer of 1997. In 97 the eights outsold the sixes by about two to one.

[bobterry99]

Reading the last several posts, I think there is some miscommunication. It is understood that the SL320 was discontinued after the '97 model year in the U.S., but it continued on in Europe and other markets right up to the end of R129 production. That leaves the question of when the new 6 replaced the old 6 in this model. JJ, these blokes in "Giffnock" have a '98 SL320 for sale: tel. 01416291200. How about settling this with a call and asking if the engine is a "V" or an "I"?

[Gilly]

Yes, I agree the 129 with the M104 was made up to 6/98, this is the same time the 129 was introduced (produced for sale) with the M112 V6. There were pre-production test units made before this date (Oct 97 I believe). It was dropped in the US market before production ended.
I don't have figures on US sales, may be at the MBUSA website. Total production figures I do have (all years) The SL with the M119 V8 total was 70,344. SL with the M104, starting 2/93 to end of production was 32,223, so 2 to one would SEEM about right, however they also produced the M103 version, and the 300-24 is also counted seperately, they made 12,020 with the M103 and 26,984 of the 300-24, PLUS there were also 280SL/SL280's made, both M104 and M112 versions.

Gilly

[dwest]

You guys are the best.
I guess the answer to my question is that when I see a six cylinder SL available, it will be in-line since there are no V six SL's.
I like my present M103, have learned a few of its in and outs and it has plenty of juice for me.
Thanks again

[Gilly]

Oh boy, I guess I didn't clarify that well enough, our friends across the pond will correct it anyways; there WERE V6 SL's made, just not brought to the USA, hope that's concise enough. There were both 3.2 and 2.8 V6 SL's made, and I wouldn't be surprised if the new R230 is also available in other countries with the M112 motor. But yes, it's unlikely you will see a V6 SL in the US, either a 129 or R230


Gilly