- Combustion principle: four-stroke petrol (with manifold injection and emission control system with closed-loop 3-way catalyst)
- Configuration: front, longitudinal; vertical
- Engine type: M 113 E 55 / 113.985
- Number of cylinders / arrangement: 8 / 90° V; light-alloy block
- Bore x Stroke: 97.0 x 92.0 mm
- Total displacement: 5439 cc
- Compression ratio: 10.5
- Rated output: 260 kW / 354 hp at 5500 rpm
- Rated torque: 530 Nm at 3000 rpm
- Number of valves / arrangement: 2 intake, 1 exhaust / V-shaped overhead
- Valve operation: 1 overhead camshaft per cylinder bank
- Camshaft drive: double roller chain
- Fuel system: microprocessor controlled injection system with hot-film air mass sensor (Bosch ME engine management)
- Fuel tank: position / capacity: above the rear axle / 80 l
- Frame design: steel unit body
- Front-wheel suspension: A-arm / shock-absorber strut (level control optional)
- Rear-wheel suspension: multilink suspension (hydropneumatic level control optional)
- Front springs: coil springs, torsion bar stabiliser
- Rear springs: coil springs, torsion bar stabiliser
- Shock absorber front/rear: gas-pressure shock absorber struts / gas-pressure shock absorbers
- Steering: recirculating-ball power steering
- Brake system (foot brake): hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with vacuum booster, antilock system and Brake Assist; disc brakes front (internally ventilated) and rear
- Parking brake (hand brake): mechanical (foot-operated), acting on rear wheels
- Wheels: light-alloy wheels
- Wheel rims: front: 8 1/2 J x 18 H 2; rear: 9 1/2 J x 18 H 2
- Tires: front: 245/40 ZR 18; rear: 275/35 ZR 18
- Driven wheels: rear wheels
- Drivetrain: divided cardan shaft
- Gearing: 5-speed automatic transmission
- Availibility: as standard
- Shifting: central floor gear shift lever
- Clutch: hydraulic torque converter with lock-up clutch (governed)
- Transmission type: planetary gear system
- Gear ratios: I. 3.59; II. 2.19; III. 1.41; IV. 1.0; V. 0.83; R. 3.16
- Final drive ratio: 2.82
- Maximum speed: 250 km/h (electronically governed)
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.9 s
- Fuel consumption: 18.5 / 9.6 / 12.8 l
- by Guideline: 93/116/EC; figures apply to City (urban) / EUDC (extra-urban) / NEDC (New European Driving Cycle, average from <36.8%> City and <63.2%> EUDC)
- Wheelbase: 2515 mm
- Front / rear track: 1553 / 1545 mm
- Length: 4499 mm
- Width: 1812 mm
- Height: 1300 mm (with cabriolet top closed)
- Kerb weight: 1890 kg
- by Guideline: EC 92/21 (including driver, 68 kg, and baggage, 7 kg; tank 90 % full)
- Gross weight: 2210 kg
- Units produced: not separately documented
- Prices: conversion price, based on SL 500, equipped with
AMG light-alloy wheels and AMG bodystyling:
04.1999: DM 37,120.00