- Combustion principle: four-stroke petrol (with manifold injection)
- Configuration: front, longitudinal; vertical
- Engine type: M 117 E 50 / 117.960
- Number of cylinders / arrangement: 8 / 90° V; light-alloy block
- Bore x Stroke: 97 x 85 mm; from 05.1979: 96.5 x 85 mm
- Total displacement: 5025 cc (tax 4990 cc), from 05.1979: 4973 cc (tax 4939 cc)
- Compression ratio: 8.8
- Rated output: 240 hp / 177 kW at 5000 rpm
- Rated torque: 41 mkg at 3200 rpm
- Number of valves / arrangement: 1 intake, 1 exhaust / overhead
- Valve operation: 1 overhead camshaft per cylinder bank
- Camshaft drive: double roller chain
- Fuel system: manifold injection, mechanically controlled (Bosch K-Jetronic)
- Fuel tank: position / capacity: above the rear axle / 90 l
- Frame design: steel unit body
- Front-wheel suspension: double wishbone
- Rear-wheel suspension: twist-beam axle (semi-trailing arm axle with starting- and braking-torque compensation), hydropneumatic level control optional
- Front springs: coil springs, supplementary rubber suspension, torsion bar stabiliser
- Rear springs: coil springs, supplementary rubber suspension, torsion bar stabiliser
- Shock absorber front/rear: telescopic shock absorbers
- Steering: recirculating-ball power steering
- Brake system (foot brake): hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with vacuum booster; disc brakes front (internally ventilated) and rear
- Parking brake (hand brake): mechanical (foot-operated), acting on rear wheels
- Wheels: light-alloy wheels
- Wheel rims: 6 1/2 J x 14 H 2
- Tires: 205/70 VR 14
- Driven wheels: rear wheels
- Drivetrain: divided cardan shaft
- Gearing: 3-speed automatic transmission
- Availibility: as standard
- Shifting: central floor gear shift lever
- Clutch: hydraulic torque converter in automatic transmission
- Transmission type: planetary gear system
- Gear ratios: I: 2.31; II: 1.46; III: 1.0; R: 1.84
- Final drive ratio: 2.72
- Maximum speed: 225 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.5 s
- Fuel consumption: 14.5 l
- by Guideline: DIN 70030: consumption, determined at 3/4 of top-speed (not more than 110 km/h), plus 10 %
- Wheelbase: 2815 mm
- Front / rear track: 1452 / 1440 mm
- Length: 4750 mm
- Width: 1790 mm
- Height: 1330 mm
- Kerb weight: 1515 kg
- by Guideline: DIN 70020 (ready to drive, including fuel, spare wheel and tool kit)
- Gross weight: 2005 kg
- Units produced: a total of 2769 (models 450 SLC 5,0 and 500 SLC)
- Prices: 04.1978: DM 62,272.00
12.1978: DM 63,504.00
05.1979: DM 63,700.00
01.07.1979: DM 64,268.75
16.07.1979: DM 65,517.40