1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
 1993 Mercedes-Benz 600SL convertible |
The
1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL, Mercedes' top-line convertible, bowed for 1991 with
300SL and 500SL iterations. These were two-ton cars, which contributed to
solidity but that hampered acceleration with the 300's 228-horse 3.0-liter
inline 6. The 500's 322-horse 5.0-liter V-8 had considerably more pep.
A
389-bhp 6.0 liter V-12 600SL bowed for '93, with a staggering base price of
$119,500. By 2000, only the 500 and 600 remained, priced at $82,600 and
$128,950, respectively -- rarefied territory. The entry-level 6-cylinder was
dropped for '98, leaving the 302-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 and the 389-horse 6.0 liter
V-12.
A
safety-conscious automatic roll bar was a hallmark from the beginning, and
materials and finish inside and out were superb.
Pluses
of the 1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL:
- They're convertibles
- V-12/convertible combo (600SL)
- Acceleration (500SL, 600SL)
- Handling
- Build quality
- Safety features
Minuses
of the 1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL:
- Acceleration (300SL)
- "Used-car" prices still enormous
- Thirst
Production
of the 1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL:
- 1991: 7,482
- 1992: 4,879
- 1993: 4,828
- 1994: 5,919
- 1995: 6,964
- 1996: 6,856
- 1997: 8,025
- 1998 (500SL): 7,232
- 1998 (600SL): 577
- 1999 (500SL): 7,394
- 1999 (600SL): 459
Specifications
of the 1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL:
Wheelbase,
inches: 99.0
Length,
inches: 176.0-177.1
Weight,
pounds: 3,605-4,473
Price,
new: $72,500-$128,950 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1991-2000 Mercedes-Benz SL:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| dohc I-6 | 181 | 228 | 1991-1993 |
| dohc I-6 | 195 | 228 | 1994-1997 |
| dohc V-8 | 303 | 315/322 | 1991-1998 |
| ohc V-8 | 303 | 302 | 1999-2000 |
| dohc V-12 | 365 | 389 | 1993-2000 |
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