CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL — 2-door coupé, roadster, 2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine

Transmission4-speed manual

About the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a 2-door coupé, roadster in the sports car; grand tourer class. The available vehicle data lists 2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual 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 300 SL guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine and 4-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Mercedes-Benz 300 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	300 SL
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door coupé, roadster
Vehicle class	Sports car; Grand tourer
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1954–1957 (Coupé): 1,4001957–1963 (Roadster): 1,8581955 (300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé): 2''3,258 built'' Oswald
Market / country	AR, ES, FI, LU, NL, NZ, US
Doors	Gull-wing (Coupe)Conventional (Roadster)

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL includes 2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine
Transmission	4-speed manual
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	4520 mm (178 in)
Width	1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1300 mm (51.2 in)
Kerb / curb weight	Coupé 1295 kg (2,855 lb), Roadster 1330 kg (2,932 lb), from 1961 1370 kg (3,020 lb)

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL other specifications

Name	Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Image	File:Fox Classic Car Collection, 2008 (02).JPG
Caption	300 SL roadster and gullwinged coupé

Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300 SL	1954–1957 (Coupé): 1,4001957–1963 (Roadster): 1,8581955 (300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé): 2''3,258 built'' Oswald	2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine	4-speed manual	FR layout

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓Mercedes received a positive visitor response to both cars in New York, and production began at the Sindelfingen plant in August of that year

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300 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 300 SL have?

The available source data lists the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL engine as 2996 cc ''M198'' straight-six engine. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300 SL?

There is no single best engine oil for every Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300 SL?

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is classified as a 2-door coupé, roadster.

What are the dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The available source data lists length 4520 mm (178 in), width 1790 mm (70.5 in), height 1300 mm (51.2 in), and wheelbase 2400 mm (94.5 in).

What transmission does the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual transmission options for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is FR layout.

Who makes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The manufacturer listed for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is Mercedes-Benz.

When was the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL produced?

The available source data describes production as 1954–1957 (Coupé): 1,4001957–1963 (Roadster): 1,8581955 (300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé): 2''3,258 built'' Oswald.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of Coupé 1295 kg (2,855 lb), Roadster 1330 kg (2,932 lb), from 1961 1370 kg (3,020 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL built?

The available source record lists assembly information as West Germany: Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.

What class of car is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is listed in the Sports car; Grand tourer class.

How many doors does the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL have?

The available vehicle record lists Gull-wing (Coupe)Conventional (Roadster) doors for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

What platform does the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Coupé W198 I, Roadster W198 II.

Which markets or countries sold the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL with AR, ES, FI, LU, NL, NZ, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The available vehicle data lists Mercedes-Benz W113 (230SL) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The available vehicle data lists Mercedes-Benz W113 (230SL) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL?

The available source data identifies related models as Mercedes-Benz W121 BII (190 SL). Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Mercedes-Benz 300 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 300 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.

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

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.