The Mercedes-Benz W112 Coupe 300 SE represents a pinnacle of early 1960s German automotive engineering and luxury. Produced between February 1962 and January 1964, this elegant coupe was part of the larger W112 series, designed as a more luxurious and technologically advanced successor to the W111 “Fintail” models. While the W112 series included saloons, the coupe variant, the 300 SE, is particularly prized for its sophisticated styling and advanced features for its time. It catered to a discerning clientele seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and prestige, primarily in the European market, where large, luxurious coupes were highly sought after.
The Mercedes-Benz W112 Coupe 300 SE
The W112 series, and specifically the 300 SE Coupe, was positioned above the standard Mercedes-Benz offerings. It was intended to compete with other high-end grand tourers of the era, offering a refined driving experience and a level of craftsmanship that set it apart. The “SE” designation stood for “Sonderausführung” (Special Edition), indicating a higher level of equipment and refinement. The coupe body style, with its flowing lines and pillarless design, further enhanced the car’s appeal to those seeking a stylish and exclusive vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 300 SE Coupe was the M189 I inline-six cylinder engine, a 2,996 cc (182.83 cu. in.) masterpiece of engineering. This engine produced 160 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 251 Nm (185.13 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection, a relatively advanced technology for the early 1960s, contributing to its smooth power delivery and improved efficiency. Power per liter was a respectable 53.4 hp/l for the period. The engine was longitudinally mounted and drove the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 10.9 seconds, and the car had a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 9.9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.3 kg/Nm provided a balanced driving experience, prioritizing smooth cruising over outright performance.
Design & Features
The W112 Coupe 300 SE boasted a striking coupe body style, characterized by its elegant proportions and flowing lines. The pillarless design, a hallmark of luxury coupes of the era, provided an open and airy feel to the cabin. The car seated five passengers, offering a comfortable and spacious interior for its time. The exterior styling was understated yet sophisticated, reflecting the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of the period.
Technologically, the 300 SE Coupe was ahead of its time. It featured disc brakes on all four wheels, providing superior stopping power compared to drum brakes. Perhaps the most innovative feature was the air suspension system, which offered a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone setup with a transverse stabilizer, while the rear suspension employed a trailing arm design, both incorporating the air suspension technology. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing precise and responsive handling. The interior was lavishly appointed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery and wood trim, reflecting the car’s luxury status.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | W112 |
| Generation | W112 Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 300 SE (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | February, 1962 |
| End of production | January, 1964 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 13-13.7 l/100 km (18.1 – 17.2 US mpg, 21.7 – 20.6 UK mpg, 7.7 – 7.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 251 Nm @ 3800 rpm (185.13 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 189 I / 189.985 |
| Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 (182.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1590 kg (3505.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2060 kg (4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 470 kg (1036.17 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4880 mm (192.13 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1490 mm (58.66 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 13 |
The Mercedes-Benz W112 Coupe 300 SE remains a highly collectible and admired automobile. Its combination of elegant styling, advanced technology, and luxurious appointments cemented its place as a significant vehicle in Mercedes-Benz history and a testament to the engineering prowess of the era.
