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1966 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W109 (Automatic / 4 Gears) RWD [1965-1967]

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Overview

1966 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W109 (Automatic / 4 Gears) RWD [1965-1967]

The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE for the North American market was the epitome of European luxury tailored to American standards, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the best domestic limousines. This model is powered by the legendary M189 engine, a 2996 cm3 Gasoline unit with aluminum block and mechanical injection Bosch, which according to the SAE standards of the time produced 195 HP / 198 PS / 145.5 kW at 5500 engine rpm and a 276 Nm torque at 4100 rpm. Equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission and pneumatic suspension (airborne) as standard equipment, this sedan offered an exceptionally smooth ride, ideal for long-distance American routes. With a top speed of 185 km/h and a 0-60 mph acceleration in 9.9 seconds , it combined solid performance with a refinement that few cars at the time could match.

Model:W109 300 SE
Production year:1966
Transmission:Automatic 4 speed
Starting price:€8,800
Engine size:3.0 L
Max torque:276 Nm (Gross)
Cylinders alignment:Line 6
Charge system:Gasoline pa turbocharger
Displacement:2996 cm3
Max power:195 HP / 198 PS / 145.5 kW (Gross)
Fuel type:Gasoline
Fuel consumption:15.3 L/100km combined
Extra-urban:11.4-13.7 L/100km
City:18.3-22.0 L/100km
Emission standard:N/A
Body style:Sedan
0-80 km/h:7.6 s
0-100 km/h:10.4 s
0-160 km/h:30.6 s
0-200 km/h:N/A
Top speed:185 km/h
Curb weight:1560 kg
Gross weight:2060 kg
Length:4900 mm
Width:1810 mm
Height:1440 mm
Fuel capacity:82 liters

Expert Assessment

Consumption
100%
Safety
95%
Performance
100%
Driveability
100%
Durability
95%
Maintenance
85%
Design
100%
Summary

American experts at the time praised the 300 SE as an "engineering marvel" that offered much higher control and safety than American heavy ships, thanks to its air suspension and disc brakes. However, modern revisions point out that this version is a real challenge to maintain in the US, due to the complexity of the aluminum engine and the difficulty in finding parts specific to the Bosch mechanical injection system. High fuel consumption was expected for the segment, but the build quality and status that this car conveyed in the 1960s, make it today one of the most sought after models by refined collectors.

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