Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) 300 SL (190 hp) Automatic

Gasoline engine with 190 hp (140 kW) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm), built 1989–1993, roadster body, rear-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) has 10 more powerful gasoline versions.

Mercedes-Benz SL (illustrative photo) Enlarge
Power190 hp (140 kW)
Torque192 lb-ft (260 Nm)
0–62 mph9.5 s
Top speed139 mph (223 km/h)
FuelGasoline

Specifications

Engine

Engine version300 SL (190 hp) Automatic
Engine codeM 103.984
Displacement3.0 L (2,960 cm³)
Cylinders6
Cylinder layoutInline
Engine positionFront, Longitudinal
Valves per cylinder2
ValvetrainSOHC
Fuel systemMulti-point indirect injection
Compression ratio9-2
Bore88.5 mm
Stroke80.2 mm
Engine oil capacity6.9 qt (6.5 l)

Performance

Power190 hp (140 kW) @ 5700 rpm
Torque192 lb-ft (260 Nm) @ 4500 rpm
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)9.5 s
Top speed139 mph (223 km/h)

Fuel economy and emissions

FuelGasoline
City16 mpg (15 l/100 km)
Highway22 mpg (10.9 l/100 km)
Emission standardEuro 1
Fuel tank21.1 gal (80 l)

Body, dimensions and weight

Body styleRoadster
Doors2
Length176.0 in (4,470 mm)
Width71.3 in (1,812 mm)
Height51.3 in (1,303 mm)
Curb weight3,638 lb (1,650 kg)
Gross vehicle weight4,497 lb (2,040 kg)
Cargo volume9.4 cu ft (265 l)
Drag coefficient0.32-0.40

Drivetrain and chassis

DriveRear-wheel drive
SteeringHydraulic power steering
Front suspensionCoil spring, wishbone, stabilizer bar
Rear suspensionCoil spring, stabilizer bar, independent multi-link
Tires225/55 ZR 16
Wheels8 J x 16 H 2
Driver assistanceABS (Anti-lock braking system)

What to check on a Mercedes-Benz SL with this engine

  • On a gasoline engine, check the oil consumption, the timing chain or belt and, on turbo engines, the turbocharger.
  • Test the clutch or the automatic transmission from a cold start and in the low gears.
  • Compare the odometer with the readings in the service records and in the VIN history report: a big gap means the mileage was rolled back.

Other Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) engines

EngineFuelPowerCombined
300 SL (190 hp)Gasoline190 hp (140 kW)
500 SL V8 (326 hp) AutomaticGasoline326 hp (240 kW)
500 SL V8 (320 hp) AutomaticGasoline320 hp (235 kW)
600 SL V12 (394 hp) AutomaticGasoline394 hp (290 kW)
AMG SL 60 V8 (381 hp) AutomaticGasoline381 hp (280 kW)
SL 280 (193 hp)Gasoline193 hp (142 kW)
SL 280 (193 hp) 4 AutomaticGasoline193 hp (142 kW)
SL 280 (193 hp) 5 AutomaticGasoline193 hp (142 kW)
SL 320 (231 hp) AutomaticGasoline231 hp (170 kW)
SL 500 V8 (320 hp) AutomaticGasoline320 hp (235 kW)
SL 600 V12 (394 hp) AutomaticGasoline394 hp (290 kW)

← All Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) engines

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