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!
You might also like:
Contact Details YourCar360:
Vliet 115, 8446LX, Heerenveen, The Netherlands
webmaster@yourcar360.com