As a passionate owner of a 1968 Mercedes 250sl and an active member of the W113 forum, I’ve immersed myself in the intricate details of the 230SL, 250SL, and 280SL models. It’s widely known that within this esteemed lineup, the mercedes 250sl stands out as the rarest variant. However, it’s important to note that this rarity doesn’t translate into a premium in value compared to its siblings. Generally, when assessing value, the ’70/’71 280SL models typically command the highest prices, followed by the ’68/’69 280SL, then the 250SL, and finally the 230SL. My personal journey led me to the 250SL primarily because the later 280SL models often exceeded my budget. To be honest, any model within the W113 range would have brought me equal satisfaction; condition was ultimately my paramount consideration when making my choice.
The mercedes 250sl model brought forth several enhancements over its predecessor, the 230SL. All 250SLs boast improvements that significantly refined the driving experience. These upgrades include a larger engine featuring 7 main bearings, resulting in noticeably smoother operation. Furthermore, the 250SL was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, providing enhanced stopping power. A larger gas tank was also incorporated, extending the driving range. An oil cooler, implemented via an oil/coolant heat exchanger, was another welcome addition, contributing to improved engine cooling. Lastly, while not numerous, certain parts that are considered rare or even obsolete on the 230SL are more readily available for the 250SL and 280SL models, simplifying maintenance and restoration efforts.
A crucial distinction to understand about the mercedes 250sl lies in the model year variations. The 1967 model year 250SL retains the aesthetic characteristics of the earlier 230SL, while the 1968 model year 250SL adopts the aesthetic features that would become synonymous with the 280SL. The transition for the 1968 model year occurred in July 1967. The primary aesthetic differences present in the 1967 model year include a more liberal use of chrome trim, distinct knobs and heater levers characterized by more vibrant colors, different designs for both exterior and rearview mirrors, and the absence of side marker lights on the body, except for USA models of the 1968 variant which did feature side markers.
The 1968 mercedes 250sl, particularly the USA specification models, incorporated a range of safety enhancements. Regarding emissions controls for the USA market, the 1968 model introduced a Fuel Shutoff Solenoid positioned at the rear of the injector pump. However, it’s commonly observed that this system rarely functions correctly over time and is often disconnected, effectively rendering the car free of these emission controls. It’s worth noting that subsequent 280SL models for the USA market progressively added more complex emission control systems, which can sometimes lead to difficulties in starting the engine when hot. Furthermore, the injector pump on the 1968 model was refined with the inclusion of ball check valves, a significant improvement over the earlier cone valves. This enhancement notably improves the engine starting reliability under various operating conditions.
Hopefully, this detailed overview provides valuable insights into the unique aspects of the mercedes 250sl and its position within the esteemed W113 family.
