🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

W113 SL

Model Designation:

SL 'Pagoda'

Product Name:

1960 Mercedes W113 SL Service and Repair Manual

Product Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Covered Year:

1960 (implicitly covers the early W113 models)

Chassis Code:

W113

👋 Introduction

Value Proposition:

An indispensable resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the iconic Mercedes-Benz W113 SL, offering dealership-level expertise in a convenient digital format.

Differentiation:

Distinguished from generic repair guides by its specificity to the W113 chassis and its direct lineage to factory technician documentation.

Convenience:

Single, easy-to-use PDF manual eliminating the need to manage multiple physical books; ability to print specific pages or diagrams.

Durability:

Protects original manuals from damage, grease, and loss by providing a digital archive.

Accuracy:

Provides exact, vehicle-specific information rather than generalized procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Scope:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (exact number not specified, but implied to be extensive for A-Z coverage)

Type:

Vehicle-specific Factory Repair Manual (exact same manual used by dealership technicians)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Accessibility:

Compatible with Windows Vista (32/64), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, and Mac

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, intake/exhaust, emission control

Transmission:

Automatic transmission and clutch, manual transmission, transfer case, propeller shaft, drive shaft

Drivetrain:

Differential, axle suspension, tire & wheel specifications

Brakes:

Brake control systems, parking brake, hydraulic systems, adjustment, repair

Steering:

Steering column, power steering system, steering linkage

Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, wiring schematics, multiplex/CAN communication (for later models, but general electrical principles apply), lighting, instrumentation, accessories

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service and repair

Body And Interior:

Exterior and interior trim, engine hood/door mechanisms, windshield/glass/mirror replacement, instrument panel, seats, door locks, wipers and washers

Safety Systems:

Supplemental restraint systems (airbags and seat belts - though less prevalent in 1960 models, the manual likely covers seat belts and general safety equipment), engine immobilizer (if applicable to early models), cruise control (if equipped)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, fluid changes, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic procedures for all systems

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems

Overhaul:

Complete engine, transmission, and differential overhaul procedures

Adjustment:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, valve clearance, brake adjustment

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures

Depth:

Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete vehicle rebuilds

Illustrations:

Detailed diagrams and illustrations for clarity

Schematics:

Comprehensive wiring schematics included

📊 Manual Specifications

Document Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within PDF for easy navigation

Printability:

All pages printable, allowing users to print only needed sections or enlarged images

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline-6 Cylinder (M129 and M127 families for early W113 models)

Displacement 230Sl:

2.3 Liters (M127 engine)

Displacement 280Sl:

2.8 Liters (M130 engine - introduced later but often covered in broader W113 manuals)

Horsepower 230Sl:

Approximately 105-130 hp (net) depending on configuration

Torque 230Sl:

Approximately 190-200 Nm (net) depending on configuration

Carburetion 230Sl:

Typically twin Solex Zenith carburetors (e.g., Zenith 35/40 NDIX)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributor-based ignition with coil

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual (standard on some early models)

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (often a popular option)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmission models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2050 mm (approx. 80.7 inches)

Length:

4270 mm (approx. 168.1 inches)

Width:

1760 mm (approx. 69.3 inches)

Height:

1300 mm (approx. 51.2 inches) (hardtop)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on model and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 1700-1800 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Reflects the safety standards of the late 1950s/early 1960s; advanced for its time with a strong safety cell structure. Modern crash test ratings are not applicable.

Braking System:

Disc brakes on front wheels (introduced on W113), drum brakes on rear.

Steering Mechanism:

Recirculating ball steering (power steering became available later and is covered by the manual)

Seatbelts:

Provision for or standard fitment of lap belts, depending on the specific vehicle build date.

Body Construction:

Integrated body-frame construction with a focus on crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Typically a period-correct analog AM/FM radio, often with Becker units as an option.

Speakers:

Limited to 1-2 speakers, often dash-mounted.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on some later models, detailed in the manual if equipped.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus is on mechanical and electrical integrity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or annually. Specifics will be in the manual.

Tune Up Interval:

As needed, but often around 15,000-20,000 km (10,000-12,000 miles) for spark plugs and ignition system checks. Detailed intervals in manual.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SF or SG quality oil, viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Specific MB specifications will be detailed in the manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Specific MB approval will be in the manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Problems General:

Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms), aging rubber components (hoses, seals, bushings), fuel system degradation (from ethanol in modern fuels), ignition system tuning, carburetor synchronization.

Common Problems Engine:

Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, potential valve guide wear.

Common Problems Suspension:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Successor to the iconic 300SL 'Gullwing' and 190SL, continuing Mercedes-Benz's tradition of producing high-performance, luxurious grand tourers.

Introduction Year:

1963 (W113 chassis replaced the 190SL and 300SL)

Variants:

230 SL, 250 SL (later), 280 SL (later). The manual covers the W113 platform, implying it might extend to cover updates within the model's lifecycle.

Production Period:

1963-1971

Key Design Features:

The distinctive 'Pagoda' roof design, panoramic windshield, and convertible soft-top.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Icon:

Widely considered a design icon of the 20th century, praised for its elegant lines and engineering. It won the coveted 'Etoile de l'Année' (Star of the Year) award in France in 1963.