300 SL Roadster

Design name:
W 198 II
Type:
198.042
Production period:
02.1957 / 05.1957 - 02.1963
Note on production period:
production start-up pre-production series / standard production - end of production

Combustion principle:
four-stroke petrol (with direct injection)
Configuration:
front, longitudinal; vertical
Engine type:
M 198 I / 198.980; from 03.1962: M 198 III / 198.982
Number of cylinders / arrangement:
6 / in-line; 45° inclination to left; since 03-62 light-alloy block
Bore x Stroke:
85 x 88 mm
Total displacement:
2996 cc (tax classification: 2975 cc)
Compression ratio:
8,55
Rated output:
215 hp at 5800 rpm
Rated torque:
28 mkg at 4600 rpm
Number of valves / arrangement:
1 intake, 1 exhaust / overhead
Valve operation:
1 overhead camshaft
Camshaft drive:
double roller chain
Fuel system:
direct injection, mechanically controlled; Bosch 6-plunger injection pump
Fuel tank: position / capacity:
in the rear / 100 l

Frame design:
tubular space frame / sheet-steel bodywork
Front-wheel suspension:
double wishbone
Rear-wheel suspension:
single-joint swing axle with compensating spring
Front springs:
coil springs, torsion bar stabiliser
Rear springs:
coil springs
Shock absorber front/rear:
telescopic shock absorbers
Steering:
recirculating-ball steering
Brake system (foot brake):
hydraulic, with vacuum booster, acting on front- and rear wheels; four-wheel drum brakes, from 03.1961 four-wheel disc brakes
Parking brake (hand brake):
mechanical, acting on rear wheels
Wheels:
sheet-steel disc wheels
Wheel rims:
drop center rim 5 1/2 K x 15
Tires:
6.50-15 super sport
Driven wheels:
rear wheels
Drivetrain:
single-piece cardan shaft

Gearing:
4-speed manual transmission
Availibility:
as standard
Shifting:
central floor gear shift lever
Clutch:
dry single-disc clutch
Transmission type:
change-speed gear
Gear ratios:
I. 3.34; II. 1.97; III. 1.39; IV. 1.0; R. 2.73
Final drive ratio:
3.64 (3.25, 3.42 or 3.89 optional)
Maximum speed:
up to 250 km/h, depending on rear axle ratio
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
10 s
Fuel consumption:
12.5 l
by Guideline:
DIN 70030: consumption, determined at 3/4 of top-speed (not more than 110 km/h), plus 10 %

Wheelbase:
2400 mm
Front / rear track:
1398 / 1448 mm
Length:
4570 mm
Width:
1790 mm
Height:
1300 mm (with cabriolet top closed)
Chassis weigth:
970 kg
Kerb weight:
1330 kg
by Guideline:
DIN 70020 (ready to drive, including fuel, spare wheel and tool kit)
Gross weight:
1560 kg; from 03.1961: 1660 kg