1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

After 18 years in its prior form, a new SL two-passenger roadster debuted for 1990, with a choice of two engines. The 300SL used a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. A 5.0-liter V8, producing 322 horsepower, went into the 500SL. Each engine had dual-overhead camshafts and a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration. Built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a 99-inch wheelbase, the two-seater's body was 4.3 inches shorter overall than its predecessor. Both models were heavier, too. The 300SL weighed 458 pounds more than the previous model, while the new 500SL tipped the scales at 265 pounds more than the former 560SL. Both versions of Mercedes' luxury coupe/convertible came with a removable aluminum hardtop as well as a power soft top. A five-speed manual transmission was standard in the 300SL, with five-speed automatic optional. The 500SL came only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Safety was a major design factor in the new convertibles. A rollover bar was designed to flip into position between the seats when needed. Made of foam-covered steel tubing, the bar lay flush with the rear tonneau cover, ready to deploy within 0.3 second if sensors detected an impending rollover incident. The bar could be raised and lowered via a dashboard button, if desired. Antilock braking also was standard.