Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan W112 - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan W112 - 360° Interactive
Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan W112 - Key Specifications
Mercedes-Benz 300SE (W112) Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Luxury Sedan / Coupe / Cabriolet |
| Released At | 1961 Model Year |
| Built At | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Engine | 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (M189) |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Mechanical Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 2996 cc / 182.9 in³ |
| Bore | 82 mm / 3.23 in |
| Stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Power | 160 hp / 119 kW @ 5000 rpm |
| Specific Output | 53.3 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | 95 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 235 Nm / 173 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h / 112 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 11.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Monocoque |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Steel with Chrome Hubcaps |
| Front Tires | 185HR14 |
| Rear Tires | 185HR14 |
| Front Brakes | Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Disc Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 14 x 6 in |
| Rear Wheels | 14 x 6 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone, Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Swing Axle, Air Suspension |
| Curb Weight | 1680 kg / 3704 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 53 % Front / 47 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm / 108.3 in |
| Length | 4875 mm / 191.9 in |
| Width | 1845 mm / 72.6 in |
| Height | 1450 mm / 57.1 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual / 4-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 14.0 L/100 km or 17 mpg-US |
| Fuel Capacity | 82 liters / 21.7 gallons |
Some Interesting Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan Facts
A Luxury Upgrade of the W111 "Fintail" The Mercedes-Benz 300SE (W112) was introduced in 1961 as a more luxurious and powerful version of the W111 "Fintail" sedan, featuring high-end materials and advanced technology.
Equipped with a 3.0L M189 Inline-Six Engine The 300SE was powered by a 3.0-liter M189 inline-six engine, producing 160 horsepower (later upgraded to 170 hp), providing smooth and refined performance.
First Mercedes with Standard Air Suspension Unlike the W111, the W112 came standard with self-leveling air suspension, a feature previously seen only on ultra-luxury cars like the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.
Expensive and Exclusive for Its Time The 300SE was one of the most expensive Mercedes models of the 1960s, costing significantly more than the standard W111, making it a car for wealthy buyers and diplomats.
Handcrafted Interior with Premium Materials The cabin was adorned with real wood trim, leather upholstery, and high-quality chrome accents, ensuring a luxurious driving experience.
Available as a Coupe and Cabriolet In addition to the four-door sedan, the 300SE was also available in two-door coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) versions, making it one of the most elegant cars of its era.
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission as Standard The 300SE featured a four-speed automatic transmission as standard, a rarity for the time, though a four-speed manual option was still available.
Advanced Safety Features for the 1960s The 300SE came equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, crumple zones, and a rigid passenger cell, making it one of the safest sedans of its time.
Limited Production Numbers Due to its high price, fewer than 6,800 units of the 300SE sedan were built between 1961 and 1967, making it a rare and collectible classic.
A Classic Mercedes with Rising Value Due to its engineering excellence, luxury, and historical significance, the Mercedes-Benz 300SE W112 has become highly collectible, with well-preserved examples appreciating in value.
Mercedes-Benz 300SE Sedan W112 Price
The W112 300SE is a rare hand-built luxury sedan with air suspension, fuel injection, and 3.0L M189 inline-six (160hp). A "Fintail" aristocrat that predates the S-Class—now a coveted barn find or concours queen.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Standard 300SE (Non-Cabriolet, Non-Coupe)
Project Car (Non-Runner/Rusty): €15,000 – €25,000(Check for floorpan rot, seized engine, or missing chrome trim.)
Drivable but Worn (200,000+ km): €30,000 – €50,000(Expect leaky air suspension, cracked leather, and outdated wiring.)
Restored (Matching Numbers): €60,000 – €90,000(Fresh paint, rebuilt mechanicals, documented history.)
Concours-Grade (<50,000 km): €100,000 – €150,000+(Factory-original, unmodified, Daimler-Benz Classic certified.)
Special Versions
300SE Cabriolet (1962–1967): €250,000 – €400,000+(Only 2,419 made—verify VIN with MB Classic Center.)
300SE Coupe: €180,000 – €300,000(More desirable than sedans—check for Palladium Silver paint.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance is King
Original "DB" Paint Code: +€20k (especially Anthracite Grey).
Factory Air Suspension Functional: +€15k (most convert to coils).
✅ Desirable Original Features
VDO Clock Working: +€3k (often broken).
Uncracked Bakelite Steering Wheel: +€5k.
Fully Equipped Tool Kit: +€8k (usually missing).
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Rust: Check firewall, trunk floor, and fender arches—repairs exceed €50k.
M189 Engine Corrosion: Coolant passages clog? €25k rebuild.
Fake Cabriolets: Clones built from sedans—demand factory soft-top mechanism.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Specialist Dealers
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center (Germany).
Fintail Specialists (e.g., Oldtimer Garage Bamberg).
Private Sales
Oldtimer Markt (Germany): Best for original barn finds.
Catawiki Auctions: Watch for restoration scams.
Pro Tip: Swiss cars often have less rust but higher prices.
4. Market Trends
📈 60s Mercedes Boom
+10% annually since 2020.
Cabriolets now 3x sedan values.
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Matching Numbers" Scams: Fake engine stamps—cross-check with MB archives.
Brazilian-Made Clones: Lack VIN tags—walk away.
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical
Air Suspension Test: Holds pressure overnight? If not, €10k+ repair.
Fuel Injection Pump: Bosch mechanical unit rebuilds cost €5k.
📄 Paperwork
Kardex Document: Proves build date/options (via MB Classic).
TÜV/CT Reports: Post-1965 cars need emissions compliance.
Fun Fact:
The W112’s air suspension was derived from the 300SL Gullwing—making it the world’s first production car with self-leveling ride!
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