Era:
Mid-1950s to early 1960s premium sedan.
Segment:
Executive/Luxury Sedan.
Competitors:
Competed with other luxury marques of the era, offering refined engineering and build quality.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, robust engineering, and a focus on passenger comfort and safety for its time.
Powertrain:
Engine (M180), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual and optional automatic), propeller shaft, rear axle assembly.
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including drums and wheel cylinders), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system (generator), lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams.
Bodywork:
Body repair procedures, door mechanisms, glass, trim, seals.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points, filter replacement, spark plug service, valve adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHC)
Displacement:
2195 cc (2.2 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
82 mm x 74.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
7.5:1 or 8.0:1 (depending on variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 80-100 HP (net) depending on specific tuning and model year.
Torque:
Approx. 140-160 Nm @ 2500 RPM (estimated)
Carburetion:
Two Solex Zenith twin-choke downdraft carburetors (e.g., 32 NDIX).
Fuel Type:
Premium Leaded Gasoline
Cooling:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with a fan and thermostat.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Oil Type:
API SF/CD equivalent, viscosity typically SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 depending on climate.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2815 mm (110.8 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4670 mm (183.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1730 mm (68.1 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1510 mm (59.4 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350 - 1450 kg (2976 - 3197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Era Standards:
Designed to meet the safety standards and expectations of its era; official crash ratings as we know them today were not prevalent.
Brakes:
Hydraulically operated drum brakes on all four wheels. Dual circuit braking system introduced later in production for improved safety.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Body Structure:
Robust monocoque construction with integrated safety cage for its time.
Interior:
Minimalist interior design with safety in mind for the era; padded dashboard and steering wheel components.
Radio:
Optional factory-installed AM radio, often with a distinctive period design.
Speakers:
Typically a single dashboard speaker.
Power Steering:
No power steering was standard; it was a rare factory option.
Climate Control:
Basic ventilation system; air conditioning was not available.
Connectivity Features:
N/A - Modern connectivity features were not part of the vehicle's design.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km (approx. 3,000 miles) or 6 months.
Tune Up:
Recommended annually or every 10,000 km (6,000 miles), including ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and valve clearance check.
Lubrication:
Chassis lubrication points every 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
Coolant:
A mixture of distilled water and antifreeze (e.g., ethylene glycol based) in a 50/50 ratio for optimal freeze protection and corrosion inhibition.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for Hydrak transmission.
Engine:
Potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals, carburetor adjustment sensitivity, timing chain wear over time.
Suspension:
Wear in kingpins, ball joints (if applicable to later models), and bushings leading to steering wander.
Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses, generator output issues, contact breaker point wear, and corrosion in connectors.
Body:
Rust, particularly in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans, is a common concern due to age and materials.
