 1969 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL sedan |
The 1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 was a German-built freeway flyer with electrifying performance. It was created by slotting the big quad-cam V-8 engine from the massive 600 limousine into the smaller, lighter type W109 bodyshell ordinarily propelled by M-B's 3.0-liter six.
As in the 600, Bosch timed-flow fuel injection was used, good for a
rousing 250 bhp (DIN) and a solid 369 lbs/ft torque. The result, according to
factory figures, was 0-100 kph (62.5 mph) in 6.5 seconds and a top end of 130
mph plus, making this the world's fastest luxury sedan.
Air suspension with
built-in self-leveling was exclusive to the 6.3 among Mercedes'
"mass-market" models. Other features included standard air
conditioning, leather upholstery, M-B's four-speed automatic transmission,
AM/FM radio, and central locking system.
It was impossible to tell from an ordinary
300 SEL except by the discreet "6.3" badge on the right of the
trunklid, and many owners removed that to avoid suspicious glances from the
law.
A goodly proportion of the deliberately limited production run made its
way to the U.S. It was withdrawn in the aftermath of the first energy crisis,
and also to make way for the new-generation W116 series S-class sedans
introduced for 1973. It was succeeded in the lineup by the 450SEL 6.9 in 1976.
Pluses of the 1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3:
- Prestige with punch
- Four-door convenience
- Superlative construction quality
- Solid handling
- Rarity
Minuses of the 1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3:
- Air suspension leak problems
- Thirsty
- Some mechanical parts in short supply
Production of the 1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3:
- 1967: 1
- 1968: 1,094
- 1969: 2,578
- 1970: 1,797
- 1971: 670
- 1972: 386
Wheelbase, inches: 112.8
Length, inches: 196.9
Weight, pounds: 4,010Price, new: Approximately $14,500 U.S. in 1969
Engines for the 1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| dohc V-8 | 6,332 cc (387 cid) | 250 | 1967-1972 |
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