Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107) photos

1971 — 1989 · coupe, convertible

photos

specifications

153–241

7.3 s

best 0–100

Photos

Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), roadster, green, front three-quarter view — photo 106277

SL-Class W107 A classic dark green two-door roadster with a removable hardtop, chrome trim, and twin round headlights, parked in an asphalt lot.

Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), roadster, white, front three-quarter view — photo 106276

SL-Class W107 A classic white two-door open-top roadster parked outdoors on pavement near a fence and event banners. The car features a prominent chrome and rubber front bumper, dual round headlights, a black leather interior, and multi-hole alloy wheels.

Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), coupe, silver, rear three-quarter view — photo 36979

112

1978 A vintage silver sports coupe in full racing livery with the number 78 and sponsor logos on the side, featuring bolt-on widebody fenders, an interior roll cage, and gold deep-dish mesh wheels, photographed from a rear three-quarter angle.

Mercedes-Benz SL III (R107), coupe, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 36978

101

1978 Silver racing coupe featuring wide fender flares, a front spoiler, gold mesh wheels, and racing livery with number 78.

About this generation

The third-generation R107 remained in production for 18 years from 1971 to 1989, becoming the longest-running SL series in history.

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (R107 chassis) was manufactured continuously from 1971 to 1989, representing the second longest single production run in Mercedes history after the G-Class. The R107 adopted clean exterior styling with safety-focused ribbed rear light clusters designed to shed dirt. A fixed-roof four-seater coupe derivative with an extended wheelbase, the SLC (C107), was built alongside the roadster until 1981.

Over its 18-year lifespan, the R107 was powered by a wide range of gasoline powerplants, including 2.8L and 3.0L inline-sixes (280 SL, 300 SL) alongside V8 engines ranging from 3.5L to 5.6L (560 SL for North American and Asian markets). Mechanical systems evolved significantly with fuel injection advancements (D-Jetronic to K-Jetronic and KE-Jetronic), introduction of ABS brakes, and addition of driver airbags. Total roadster production exceeded 237,000 units.

Specifications

4390 mm172.8 in

Length

1790 mm70.5 in

Width

1300 mm51.2 in

Height

2460 mm96.9 in

Wheelbase

Petrol

380 SL

153hp(114 kW)

3.8 l 4-speed automatic RWD

1981–1985

Torque: 266 Nm (196 lb-ft)
Top speed: 178 km/h (111 mph)
Displacement: 3839 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.960
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1650 kg (3638 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

280 SL

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1976–1978

Torque: 236 Nm (174 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1500 kg (3307 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

280 SL

174hp(130 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1976–1978

Torque: 236 Nm (174 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1520 kg (3351 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

280 SL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1974–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1500 kg (3307 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

280 SL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1974–1976

Torque: 238 Nm (176 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1520 kg (3351 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

280 SL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 10.1 s

1978–1981

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

280 SL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.8 s

1981–1985

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

280 SL

182hp(136 kW)

2.7 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 11.0 s

1978–1985

Torque: 240 Nm (177 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 2746 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 110.986
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1560 kg (3439 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

300 SL

185hp(138 kW)

3.0 l 5-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.6 s

1985–1989

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 103.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1510 kg (3329 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

300 SL

185hp(138 kW)

3.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.9 s

1985–1989

Torque: 260 Nm (192 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 2960 cc
Cylinders: 6
Engine: M 103.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1530 kg (3373 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

350 SL

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 9.5 s

1976–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.984
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

350 SL

192hp(143 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 10.3 s

1976–1980

Torque: 285 Nm (210 lb-ft)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.984
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

350 SL

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed manual RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1971–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 212 km/h (132 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

350 SL

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.0 s

1971–1972

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

350 SL

197hp(147 kW)

3.5 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.0 s

1972–1976

Torque: 286 Nm (211 lb-ft)
Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Displacement: 3499 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1570 kg (3461 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

380 SL

201hp(150 kW)

3.8 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.0 s

1981–1985

Torque: 315 Nm (232 lb-ft)
Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 3839 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.962
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

380 SL

215hp(160 kW)

3.8 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.0 s

1980–1981

Torque: 305 Nm (225 lb-ft)
Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 3818 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.960
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

420 SL

215hp(160 kW)

4.2 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.5 s

1985–1989

Torque: 330 Nm (243 lb-ft)
Top speed: 213 km/h (132 mph)
Displacement: 4196 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 116.964
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1600 kg (3527 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

450 SL

215hp(160 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 9.3 s

1975–1980

Torque: 360 Nm (266 lb-ft)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.985
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1580 kg (3483 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

450 SL

221hp(165 kW)

4.5 l 3-speed automatic RWD 0–100 8.8 s

1971–1975

Torque: 378 Nm (279 lb-ft)
Top speed: 215 km/h (134 mph)
Displacement: 4520 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.982
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1580 kg (3483 lb)
Fuel tank: 90 l (23.8 gal US)

560 SL

224hp(167 kW)

5.5 l 4-speed automatic RWD

1985–1989

Torque: 389 Nm (287 lb-ft)
Top speed: 223 km/h (139 mph)
Displacement: 5547 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.967
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1665 kg (3671 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

500 SL

228hp(170 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.7 s

1981–1985

Torque: 405 Nm (299 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.962
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

500 SL

237hp(177 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.8 s

1980–1981

Torque: 402 Nm (296 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.960
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1540 kg (3395 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

500 SL

241hp(180 kW)

5.0 l 4-speed automatic RWD 0–100 7.3 s

1985–1989

Torque: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Displacement: 4973 cc
Cylinders: 8
Engine: M 117.964
Aspiration: naturally aspirated
Curb weight: 1600 kg (3527 lb)
Fuel tank: 85 l (22.5 gal US)

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