Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: n/a on August 23, 2006, 17:02:05
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Have been interested in a pagoda top for many years. Currently into Jags and have a mint xjs conv. for one of my play toys. Can someone point me to a location that clearly explains the differences between the 230/250/280 model range. I'm afraid at my current level of knowledge "they all look alike". Thanks for any help you can give. You can see from my vehicle listing below I am indeed a glutton for punishment : )
Bruce Sawyer
Orrington, ME
90 Jaguar XJS conv
95 Saab 900 SE conv
99 Winnebago Rialta (based on VW Eurovan)
01 Audi TT 225 roadster
02 Range Rover
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Hello Bruce,
The basic diferances between these cars are as the model suggests is the displacement of the engine. The Bodies are the same. However there are other diferances.
The 230SL was the first out. It had the 2.3 Liter engine. It was before there was so much polution control. It did not come with seat belts or head rests. As the polution equipment threatened horsepower the displacement was increased to 2.5L but this did not prove to be enough so the 250SL was soon replaced by the 280SL and its 2.8L engine.
As the engine morphed the rear drum breaks were replced by disks. Seat belts added, and head rests. The later cars had a higher percentage shipped with Automatic transmissions and air conditioning.
Those of us who own 230SL apreciate the simplicity, the owners of the 250SL will be quick to point out they have the rarest and the 280SL owners note the increased refinement.
The bottom line is find the car you like no mater which one it is and join the rest of us who love these cars!
Daryl
'64 230 SL Buckeye Benz Scarlet interior and Grey top Serial # 508
'77 280SE
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http://silverstarrestorations.com/113SL.htm
Douglas Kim
New York
USA
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here is a cliff notes summary of the w113 production changes.
63-65, 2.3 litre 4 main bearing motor (not used in any of the sedans) Disc/drum brakes, steel tube exaust headers, spare tire mounted upright in left side of trunk, rubber floor mats.
66, Cast iron exaust manifolds, spare tire moved to right side and mounted horizontal.
67, 250SL 2.5litre 7 main bearing motor also used in 250SE sedans. 4 wheel disc brakes.
68, 280SL 2.8 litre motor (shared with 280SE). One piece hub caps replaced the Baby Moon and beauty rings, Side reflectors on fenders, Many changes in interior appointments because of the /8 upgrades to the entire production line. Colapsable steering colunm, Smaller dia. steering wheel, larger dash controll knobs, different door release and lock handles, rounded corners on dash padding, door pockets replaced with a pouch and pull handles from the sedan line, rubber matts replaced with carpet, 3 point seat belts, different exterior mirror, one double sided key fits all locks,
69, different injection pump for emission controll.
70,71, Chrome bumper extensions, Illuminated side markers, Transistorised ignition, more emmision related equipment, smaller (quieter) horns, Shorter intake manifold. design change in folding top mechanism.
72 a handfull of pagodas were made to the 72 emission specks.
The change over between 230/250/280 didn't always correspond with the model year change, there are some 67 230sl's. there are both 250sl's and 280sl's made as 68 models.
These are primaraly the differences found in the USA models, Euro imports have some production changes that differ from the US spec cars.
Al :O)
113-042-10-014715
built 11 Jan 66
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition- rust bucket
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quote:
Originally posted by downeasTTer
Bruce Sawyer
Orrington, ME
Bruce,
You must go visit Gernold
http://www.sltechw113.com/sltech_company_profile.htm
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
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Thanks for the great resources. As in the past a lot of research BEFORE purchase is a wise choice. Another question if possible. All my other classic/milestone purchases in the past ( Jensen Interceptor, Vovo 1800, Jaguars xjs & xj6 and MGA) have had what many owners call the bible, a must have book for those interersted in the model. What appears to be the title the 113 model's bible?
Thanks again
Bruce Sawyer
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quote:
Originally posted by downeasTTer
Thanks for the great resources. As in the past a lot of research BEFORE purchase is a wise choice. Another question if possible. All my other classic/milestone purchases in the past ( Jensen Interceptor, Vovo 1800, Jaguars xjs & xj6 and MGA) have had what many owners call the bible, a must have book for those interersted in the model. What appears to be the title the 113 model's bible?
Thanks again
Bruce Sawyer
Hello Bruce,
There isn't one Bible per se; there are a variety of books each specific to your particular needs and desires. For example, there is the "BBB" Big Blue Book which is the factory service manual; there is the Haynes Service Manual; there are a variety of books specific to the SL series all which contain good sections on the Pagoda/113. Some are in German. There are a variety of MB books that list part numbers and exploded parts diagrams. There are owner's manuals, technical references, etc. Again, all depends on what you need. Do a search on Mercedes SL, Pagoda, etc. on Amazon and you'll find quite a few. Mercedes sells the factory stuff, some in reprint. A lot is available on eBay, gotta keep looking.
Most of us have a reasonable selection of these, few of us have them all, though we all want them all!
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Bruce:
Having found this website may be the best pre-purchase bible you could stumble across. The search function works quite well and there is a ton of information in the archives. Just work through several pages of threads and you will probably learn more about actual ownership and real life issues than you could from many of the books out there.
Welcome and good luck!
Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0
2006 GS430
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Bruce,
I completely agree with Ed, these forum pages contain an incredible amount of information. It's just finding it! The Search tool works great when looking for a particular item/function/term/problem.
If you prefer to hold a book:
http://www.sl113.org/publications.asp
Oh, and you MUST go see Gernold!
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
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Yup Gernold is a great guy. I've bought quite a few parts from him.
I also agree that this site is the best source for for all your Pagoda questions.
Cheers and happy hunting
Joelj
1969 280sl auto
White exterior
Blue interior
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Hello and Welcome:
In addition to the suggestions you've already received, I like Laurence Merideth's Original Mercedes SL. It gives a very good overview of the Pagoda series, as well as the 300 and 190 SLs.
Rod Hersberger
Santa Barbara
'68 280 SL, red, tan, 4sp, two tops
'01 Jag S Type brg
'07 Cayman S Carmon red, sand beige (on order)