MERCEDES 300 SEL 6.3

All the difference!

Background
Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 started life as a secret experiment.  Knowing how conservative Daimler Benz management was, Erich Waxenberger, an engineer by profession - racer by choice, built the prototype in his own spare time.  Once finished, he showed it to his boss Rudolf Uhlenhaut.  Rudi Uhlenhaut was half German half English who was appointed Technical Director of the Racing Department back in 1937 and led Mercedes to many victories before and after the war.  He was, as well, an excellent driver, a keen racer and was behind some of the best racing cars that Mercedes ever built.  With such background, Rudi appreciated Erich's efforts and took this rather strange package to the Board for approval.  Limited production followed together with a short-lived racing project.

Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 is essentially the same car as the 2.8 litre straight six, air suspended W109 model.  The only visible difference is the headlights which are taken from the American exports' bin.  They are of round stacked type.  Shoehorning the engine from the 600 was probably not an easy task, but it was pure luck that M100 went in without a major surgery.   Just by looking at the engine bay, one sees that there is very little space left after the transplant has been done.  To recognise the engine once the bonnet is lifted is easy. Many parts and the layout are similar to its 3.5 or 4.5 relatives. One thing though is a giveaway - the air filter and the fact that sunlight cannot reach the ground in straight line for everything stands in its way.  

Technical
The fuel system is Bosch mechanical injection and first cars had their throttle linkage modified due to being too responsive.  The gearbox comes in automatic 4 speed version only.  It is of early type and doesn't quite match the smoothness of later ones with torque converter.  Mind you, I don't think that anyone would complain because the gearchanges are almost imperceptible.  The suspension is a mixture of air springs front and back, telescopic dampers front and back, low pivot swing axles at the back and wishbones at the front.  It is a very sophisticated, self-levelling unit which ensures classy and smooth ride, but at the same time allows the car to be driven hard without offsetting its balance at change of direction.   The power steering is excellent too.  It steers quickly and you do get some feedback.  The best of all is the brakes.  They are disks all around and are power assisted.  They are extremely capable and absolutely spot-on.  It certainly is reassuring knowing that after that brisk acceleration you'll be able to slow down as efficiently.  One word of warning - don't be ever tempted to switch off the engine while on the move.  It happened to me when I was queuing to enter an underground car park. I turned the ignition off and let the inertia do the work.  Moments later I regretted because the brakes did not appear to be functioning at all.  I then realised what luxury power steering is, as well.

Everything else is typical S-class Mercedes of its era.  You had a choice of leather or fabric interior.  The dashboard is walnut veneered, a small rev-counter is there (some lesser Mercs don't have them), a nice clock, electric windows, optional sunroof, optional air-conditioning, top-of-the range Becker stereo...

Driving
The reputation of this car as a beast is somewhat unjust.  As much as the acceleration is exhilarating, the quality of the ride cancels the excitement to some extent.  The feeling is more of an airplane picking up the speed needed to take off than of a tarmac battle you would expect from a demon like this.  Driving it is completely different from Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 that I own.  Because of the super efficient air suspension it is virtually impossible to recognise the type of the ground you just flew over.  This car is seriously comfortable, even though the seats are not.  The noise is kept to the minimum, the engine is barely heard under any load.  Drive it fast into a bend and you'll be surprised how well controlled it feels.  As I mentioned, stopping it is an easy task providing you don't encounter ice because by the time you realised you've locked the brakes, you will be well and truly in trouble.  You guessed it, the air cushion denies you the information that something is going wrong.  

Overall, an exciting, fast, quality sports car that is not a brute.  It feels very modern and is easy to drive in town or on motorway.  The main weakness is the product of its main strength and that is the thirst.  It would only do about 12 miles to gallon.  If you can live with it and the cost of maintaining it - buy it and you'll make yourself a very happy man!

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