The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 250 SE represents a pinnacle of 1960s German engineering and design. Produced between August 1965 and December 1967, this elegant coupe was part of the larger W111 family, which included saloons and convertibles. The 250 SE Coupe, distinguished by its sophisticated styling and robust mechanicals, catered to a discerning clientele seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. While not initially a high-volume seller like its saloon counterparts, the W111 Coupe, and particularly the 250 SE variant, has become a highly sought-after classic, celebrated for its timeless appeal and build quality.
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 250 SE: A Detailed Overview
The W111 series, introduced in 1959, was Mercedes-Benz’s response to the growing demand for more modern and luxurious automobiles. It replaced the W180 “Ponton” series and established a new design language for the brand. The Coupe version, with its two-door configuration and flowing lines, offered a more sporting and personal experience than the four-door saloons. The 250 SE designation indicates the engine displacement and fuel injection system – a significant advancement for the time. This model occupied a premium segment, competing with other grand touring coupes from manufacturers like BMW and Jaguar.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 250 SE Coupe is its 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder engine, designated M 129 I / 129.980. This engine produced 150 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 216 Nm (159.31 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. A key feature was its multi-port manifold fuel injection system, which improved efficiency and responsiveness compared to carbureted engines. The engine’s power output translated to a respectable top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 11.8 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 11.2 seconds. The engine’s longitudinal front-mounted layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution. With a power-to-weight ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp, the 250 SE offered a smooth and refined driving experience, prioritizing comfortable cruising over outright performance. The engine delivered 60.1 horsepower per liter, a respectable figure for the era.
Design & Features
The W111 Coupe’s design is characterized by its elegant proportions, clean lines, and understated luxury. The two-door coupe body style, with its sloping roofline and pillarless design, created a sense of openness and sophistication. The car’s exterior featured chrome accents, including bumpers, window surrounds, and trim, adding to its premium appearance. Inside, the 250 SE Coupe offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, capable of seating five passengers. The interior was typically finished with high-quality materials, including wood veneer, leather upholstery, and plush carpeting. While safety features were less advanced than in modern vehicles, the W111 Coupe incorporated disc brakes on all four wheels, a significant improvement over drum brakes, providing enhanced stopping power. The steering system utilized a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering precise and responsive control. The 6J x 14 inch wheel rims were standard.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W111 |
| Generation | W111 Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 250 SE (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 1965 |
| End of production | December, 1967 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.1 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.5 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Power per tonne | 100.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Torque per tonne | 145 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 216 Nm @ 4200 rpm (159.31 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 129 I / 129.980 |
| Engine displacement | 2496 cm3 (152.32 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.8 mm (3.1 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1490 kg (3284.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1960 kg (4321.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 82 l (21.66 US gal | 18.04 UK gal) |
| Length | 4880 mm (192.13 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 14 |
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Coupe 250 SE remains a highly desirable classic car, representing a golden age of automotive design and engineering. Its combination of elegant styling, robust mechanicals, and luxurious appointments continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The car’s enduring appeal is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that defined Mercedes-Benz during the 1960s.
