Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198), 1955 - 1956

In the fifties, a truly outstanding sports car

Engine type:
M 198
Inlet valves:
1 inclined overhead valve per cylinder, actuated via finger follower
Ignition sequence:
1-5-3-6-2-4
No. of cylinders / arrangement:
6 / in line
Outlet valves:
1 inclined overhead valve per cylinder, actuated via finger follower
Configuration:
Front, longitudinal; 50° inclination to the left
Valve operation:
1 overhead camshaft, double roller chain drive
Ignition adjustment:
Ignition point, 4° from top dead centre
Combustion principle:
Four-stroke Otto (with direct injection)
Crankshaft:
7-bearing (friction bearings with steel backings)
Bore x Stroke:
85 x 88 mm
Fuel system:
Direct injection, Bosch 6-plunger injection pump PES 6 KL 70/320 RV
Total displacement:
2996 cc
Spark plugs:
1 per cylinder, Bosch W 280 T/V 2548 or Beru 280
Fuel supply:
Bosch piston pump as part of the injection pump
Compression ratio:
8.55
Fuel tank capacity:
130 l
Maximum / output / rated output:
215 hp at 5800 /min
Fuel consumption:
17 l
Rated torque:
28 mkg at 4600 /min
Cooling:
Water circulation cooling
Lubrication:
Pressure circulation lubrication via gear pump
Cylinders:
Gray cast iron block
Cylinder head:
Light alloy, removable
Starter:
Electrical, Bosch EGD 1.0/12 AR 5
Generator:
Bosch LJ/GJJ 150/12
Battery:
12 V 56 Ah
Ignition:
Battery ignition
Ignition system:
Bosch VJU R6 BR25

Hand brake:
Acting on rear wheels
Foot brake:
Acting on front- and rear wheels
Steering:
Recirculating-ball steering
Wheels:
Sheet-steel disc wheels, central mounting
Front tires:
6.70 x 15
Frame design:
Tubular space frame
Rear tires:
6.70 x 15
Front wheel suspension:
Double wishbone, coil springs, torsion bar stabilizer, telescopic shock absorbers
Drivetrain:
By cardan shaft to differential and rear wheels
Rear wheel suspension:
Swing axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
Brake system:
Hydraulically actuated brake system with vacuum brake booster
Front brakes:
Duplex drum brakes with air-cooled light-alloy drums, 260 mm diameter
Rear brakes:
Duplex drum brakes with air-cooled light-alloy drums, 260 mm diameter