A Look at the Fabulous Mechatronik Mercedes-Benz M-SL

Giancarlo Perlas February 23, 2015

Mechatronik is known for its magic touch when it comes to restoring classic Mercedes-Benz cars. In this article, we will feature one of the all-time favorite roadsters of the three-pointed star brand that was fully-restored by the company, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL.

The ever-fabulous 280 SL was produced from 1967 up to 1971. Being more than four decades old, it is really hard to find one that is still in good condition. Thanks to Mechatronik though, some of them still continue to see the light of day at the present. One of the works of the restoration company was rechristened as the Mechatronik Mercedes-Benz M-SL.

Turning a Classic 280 SL into the Mechatronik Mercedes-Benz M-SL

According to Super Street Network, what the specialists of the firm did to the SL here is that they repaired the paint, which took two painstaking months to finish in order to match their standards. Then, the interior was completely replaced in the same fabric used in the retractable roof of the car.

While the 280 SL is one of the most gorgeous cars of Mercedes, and its body is capable of enduring decades of existence, it does not go well with today’s safety, reliability, performance, and technological norms. So, the people in Mechatronik took a great deal of time and effort to upgrade the said factors.

The engine of the roadster was replaced with the more modern 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine found in the C43 AMG in the early 2000’s. There was no mention about its power but the standard version of the engine has a 279 hp and 400 Nm torque output. On the other hand, the configuration of the one in the C43 AMG car can go up to 302 hp with 409 Nm torque.

The power of the M-SL is distributed through a 5G-Tronic transmission. It allows the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in only 6.5 seconds, and build a top speed of 130 mph.

The other changes were the electric side windows and seats with heating system. Then, the radio may look like the original unit that the classic SL used to have. However, a closer examination would reveal a Becker radio modified with advanced sound system and navigational features.

The whole restoration job took around 1,500 hours to finish with 50 workers working on it. However, it was totally worth it as only a few trained eye could tell the difference between the Mechatronik Mercedes-Benz M-SL and the standard SL. Of course, the payout is also very rewarding for the finished unit. The source said it sets back customers an estimated $350,000 for one of these.