Speedo

[louie2]

Are there different speedo between 250 and 280? If so what is different?

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Louie,
Except for KPH and MPH, I don't think the speedos were different on the 230/250/280SL models.
Regards
Chris

[Pawel66]

I looked at the part numbers - for 113043 and 113044 for the US and Canada markets, the speedo reading in MPH, PN is the same: A0055420106.

For the World as well, for kmh (PN A0045425506). It just says that after chassis number 14545 it would not work in the US cars. Also a different PN appears A0055420006 for 113044 which is then replaced by A0045425506 again.

[louie2]

Only reason I ask is my restorer said the speedo in my 280sl was from a 250sl. This man is very well respected in pagoda circles.

[Pawel66]

Then perhaps if you ask him how he figured it out and post it here, we will learn something...
What I have learned here is that there are quite a few topics that are not black and white.

[Jack Jones]

One of the main differences between speedos is they are based on differential ratio. 

[Pawel66]

Yes and speedos for various road ratio options have other part numbers.  Not sure if you can tell 250 and 280 difference by this and not sure if this is the case here.

[Jack Jones]

Not sure about Europe but in Canada and the US the 280SL came with either a 4.08 or a 3.92 axle ratio and the 250SL can have a 3.69, 4.08 and possible a 3.92 axle ratio. Roll the dice.

[Pawel66]

Could be this difference!

[louie2]

Found out the button to adjust trip miles on face of speedo is different for 280sl . Same applies for clock! I just got back from Gus' shop in Houston.

Gus is in process of restoring my 1968 280SL I can not say enough positive things about Gus!!!

[Pawel66]

There you go!

Good point to know!