CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL — roadster, 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
Engine1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4
Transmission4-speed manual, fully synchronized

About the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is a roadster in the sports car / grand tourer class. The available vehicle data lists 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual, fully synchronized and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Mercedes-Benz 190 SL guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4 and 4-speed manual, fully synchronized transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Mercedes-Benz
Model 190 SL
Model years Not specified
Body style roadster
Vehicle class Sports car / Grand tourer
Manufacturer Daimler-Benz
Production 1955–1963 25,881 built
Market / country AR, ES, FI, NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL includes 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual, fully synchronized.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4
Transmission 4-speed manual, fully synchronized
Drivetrain / layout FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Length 4290 mm (169 in)
Width 1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height 1320 mm (52.0 in)
Kerb / curb weight 2552 lb (1,158 kg)

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL other specifications

Image MB 190 SL am 2006-07-16 (ret kl).JPG
Name Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL 1955–1963 25,881 built 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4 4-speed manual, fully synchronized FR layout
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 34 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 36 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL have?
The available source data lists the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL engine as 1,897 cc ''M121'' SOHC I4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
There is no single best engine oil for every Mercedes-Benz 190 SL configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is classified as a roadster.
What are the dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The available source data lists length 4290 mm (169 in), width 1740 mm (68.5 in), height 1320 mm (52.0 in), and wheelbase 2400 mm (94.5 in).
What transmission does the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL have?
The available source data lists 4-speed manual, fully synchronized transmission options for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.
Is the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is FR layout.
Who makes the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The manufacturer listed for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is Daimler-Benz.
When was the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL produced?
The available source data describes production as 1955–1963 25,881 built.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 2552 lb (1,158 kg). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL built?
The available source record lists assembly information as West Germany: Stuttgart; Untertürkheim.
What class of car is the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is listed in the Sports car / Grand tourer class.
What platform does the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL use?
The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Mercedes-Benz W121.
Which markets or countries sold the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with AR, ES, FI, NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The available vehicle data lists Mercedes-Benz W113 (230SL) as a successor where applicable.
What cars are related to the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
The available source data identifies related models as Mercedes-Benz W198 (300 SL)Mercedes-Benz W120/121. Relationships can vary by market and generation.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.