Mercedes-Benz launched their flagship 560 SL at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985. It was sold alongside the 500 SL with minor external changes, improved front wheel suspension new brakes and a 5.6-liter V8 engine.
The most powerful engine available was a 5.6-liter V8 with 272 hp. This engine was only used in Europe for the S-Class sedans, leaving only USA, Australia and Japan with a 560 SL convertible. These extra-European markets got a detuned version with a catalytic converter and only 230 hp because of the emissions regulations in these countries.
The American-delivered cars were equipped with rubberized DOT-compliant bumpers and quad headlamps. Many were also fitted with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Heavily equipped with stock amenities, the 560 SL had only two options: heated seats and electronically adjustable headrests.
Story by Supercars.net
In Detail
| tags | r107, 560sl |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1986 – 1989 |
| built at | Munich, Germany |
| price $ | $ 64,000 |
| engine | M117 V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Bosch KE-Jetronic Fuel injection |
| displacement | 5547 cc / 338.5 in³ |
| bore | 96.5 mm / 3.8 in |
| stroke | 94.8 mm / 3.73 in |
| compression | 9.0:1 |
| power | 202.8 kw / 272 bhp @ 4750 rpm |
| specific output | 49.04 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 163.36 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 373 nm / 275.1 ft lbs @ 3250 rpm |
| redline | 6000 |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 205/65VR-15 |
| rear tires | 205/65VR-15 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist, ABS |
| rear brakes | Solid Discs w/ Vacuum Assist, ABS |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| steering | Recirculating Ball w/ Power Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers, Torsion Bar Stabilizer |
| r suspension | Beam Axle w/Telescopic Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Torsion Bar Stabilizer |
| curb weight | 1665 kg / 3670 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2456 mm / 96.7 in |
| front track | 1463 mm / 57.6 in |
| rear track | 1466 mm / 57.7 in |
| length | 4580 mm / 180.3 in |
| width | 1791 mm / 70.5 in |
| height | 1290 mm / 50.8 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
| gear ratios | 3.68:1, 2.41:1, 1.44:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 2.47:1 |
| top speed | ~223.7 kph / 139 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~18.0 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~15.5 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL WDBBA48D5HA070814 – sold for $57,750 Extremely well-kept and original example. Just 9,250 miles from new and one owner from until 2012. Excellent Deep Blue exterior color over light brown leatherette. Offered with extensive history file. High-quality Mercedes-Benz ‘Young-timer’.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL WDBBA48D9HA073604 – sold for $23,650 Low mileage example of Mercedes’ V8 classic. A California car for many years. Highly original example of the end-of-the-line 560SL. Complete with both soft and hardtop. High-quality Mercedes-Benz cruiser.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Convertible WDBBA48D5KA095123 – sold for €16,100
This is beautiful 560SL dates from the last year of production and thus incorporates the 4-pot brake callipers, large brake discs, and improved suspension from the W124 saloon, together with modern rust proofing, and is fully optioned with the best ‘extras’, including a hardtop. The car has spent most of its life in the USA – in Florida, Arizona and Minneapolis – and has covered 96,000 miles (approximately 154,500 kilometres) from new. It has recently been imported into Belgium and undergone the official technical inspection there. All import taxes and duties have been paid and the car comes with Form 705 enabling it to be registered within the European Union.
Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL WDBBA48D9KA094198 – sold for $52,800 The Final Model Year of the Legendary R107 Series. Extremely Low-Mileage Example. Mint, Original Condition. Desirable Period Color Combination. The Perfect Finishing Touch to any SL Collection.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL – sold for $17,500 1 owner since 1997. Immaculately kept. Complete original handbooks. Maintenance history from new. Recent servicing including all new fluids. Clean Car Fax report included. Removable hardtop. Navy blue soft top. Chrome wheels. Original Becker Grand Prix radio. Sold new in Bellevue, WA. 5.6L all alloy V8. 227/279lb-ft. A Northwest car from new. $55,030 original MSRP.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1987 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Convertible – sold for $18,000 Two owners since new. 59,000 original miles. All original paint and interior. Original factory radio comes with car. Brand new tires and brakes.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
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