History Mercedes 300 SE

New body with stronset engine - click to enlarge!
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German version

Mercedes 300 SE/long version (W 112)
EngineIn-line six-cylinder
Displacement2996 cm³
Bore * stroke85 * 88 mm
Compression8,7/8,8 : 1
Engine controlOHC (chain)
Mixture preparationInjection pump
FuelSuper petrol
Tank capacity65, later 82 liter
Torque251 Nm at 3800/4000 rpm
Power118 kW (160 HP)
later 125 kW (170 HP)
Rated speed5400 rpm
Power drive designFront engine with rear-wheel drive
ClutchSingle disc, dry
Transmission USAutomatic, later four-speed, floor-mounted shifter
Wheelbase2750/2850 mm
Suspension (in front)Double wishbones
Suspension (rear)First two-, later single joint-swing axle
SteeringBall steering, hydraulical support
Brakes f/rDiscs, dual-circuit, servo
Parking brakeDrums
Tyres7.00 H - 13 / 7.50 H - 13 (later)
Length4875/4975 mm
Width1795 mm
Height1455 mm
Payload640 liter
Weight1565/1615 kg
Maximum speedApprox. 195 km/h
PriceApprox. 24.000 DM
Construction period1961 - 1965
Battery12 V 7 66 Ah
GeneratorDirect current

New Top Model ...

This car is substituted for the 300d and becomes thus temporarily the most expensive sedan in the Daimler-Benz program. Although it is the most expensive car in the program it is not simultaneously the largest as the interior corresponds with that of the 220. Even the cheapest model, the 190, does not have less interior space, however, a shorter front. Advertising this car, Daimler tries to point out the advantages of the same size as for example for warehousing, but also to stress the clear differences in the featuring of the car.

... with better performance?

What actually are the qualities of the new flagship? Starting with the engine, we recognize the 3-litre engine from the 300 SL with light metal block and seven bearing crankshaft, but without its direct injection. The engine is clearly lighter as compared to the other six cylinder engines, making the car less nose-heavy. Unfortunately it makes the car also substantially more expensive. The applied aluminum produces a clearly more discernible, clear sound with increasing power output and the higher revs. Due to a standard hydraulic support for easier and straighter steering, a compressor system for the air cushioning of the long version, and the optional air-conditioning, the increased engine performance gets used up. What is left is sucked up by the automatic transmission. Anyway, it is obvious how the extra charge for this car is answered for, and why a cubic capacity of three litres should be seen as a minimum requirement. We are not going to investigate the petrol consumption, which is indeed slightly cushioned by the viscous blower, a feature that is added later on. To bring down the force at all times, a locking differential is installed. This sedan is the first one to receive disc brakes on all four wheels.

... with higher trim level.

For customers who are really keen on more interior space in this top model, there is the long version adding 10 cm in 1963. The extra room is used to increase the space in front of the rear bench, supposedly for vehicles with chauffeur. To guarantee the private sphere of the passengers in the rear, it is at that time still common to install a partition window. The interior distinguishes itself by the usage of wooden enclosures in the windows, different coverings and some other gimmicks clearly distinguishing it from their less expensive brothers. Nevertheless, the interior lining is not comparable to the Maybach nowadays, introduced nearly 40 years later. Progress is inevitable both in designing and manufacturing.



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