Mercedes-Benz
300 SEL 6.3 (W 109)

Why it matters

The 300 SEL 6.3 (W 109 E 63) is often called the first super saloon. It put the 6.3-litre V8 and automatic gearbox of the 600 into the long-wheelbase W 109 body, giving 250 hp, a top speed of 220 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds according to the factory archive. 6,526 were built between 1967 and 1972.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Photos

Exterior, interior and detail photos with their licences.

• Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W 109) (Wikimedia Commons search)
  Photo: nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0
• Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W 109) (Wikimedia Commons search)
  Photo: nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1968 and caused a sensation, since no hints of it had been given. It cost over DM 10,000 more than a 300 SEL and twice as much as a 280 SE, yet 6,526 were sold. The archive lists DM 39,160 in May 1968, rising to DM 47,397 in January 1972.

RM Sotheby's describes the 6.3 as beginning as a personal project of a Mercedes-Benz engineer, Erich Waxenberger, and says Mercedes-Benz liked the finished prototype enough to put it into production in 1968, built through 1972. Road tests quoted by auction houses give a top speed of about 142 mph and 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and Bonhams notes that the car cost more than a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The factory type is 109.018 (design name W 109 E 63). The engine is a 90-degree V8 of 6332 cc (103 x 95 mm) with a 9.0 compression ratio, Bosch eight-plunger injection pump and 250 hp at 4000 rpm. Fuel tank capacity is 105 litres, the automatic gearbox is a 4-speed planetary unit and the car has air suspension with level control, four-wheel disc brakes and power steering. Outwardly it differs from other 300 SELs only by broader tyres (195 VR 14 on 6 1/2 J rims), double halogen headlights and additional long-distance headlights. An auction car is identified by chassis number 109.018.12.002404.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   300 SEL 6.3 / W 109 E 63, 1967 - 1972 Level A Mercedes-Benz Public Archive (Classic M@RS)

   • Units produced : 6526
   • Engine type : M 100 E 63 / 100.981 (Specifications)
   • Number of cylinders / arrangement : 8 / 90° V (Specifications)
   • Total displacement : 6332 cc (tax classification: 6289 cc) (Specifications)
   • Bore x Stroke : 103 x 95 mm (Specifications)
   • Compression ratio : 9.0 (Specifications)
   • Valve operation : 1 overhead camshaft per cylinder bank (Specifications)
   • Fuel system : manifold injection, mechanically controlled; Bosch 8-plunger injection pump (Specifications)
   • Rated output : 250 hp at 4000 rpm (Specifications)
   • Rated torque : 51 mkg at 2800 rpm (Specifications)
   • Gearing : 4-speed automatic transmission (Specifications)
   • Gear ratios : I. 3.98; II. 2.46; III. 1.58; IV. 1.0; R. 4.15 (Specifications)
   • Final drive ratio : 2.85 (Specifications)
   • Driven wheels : rear wheels (Specifications)
   • Frame design : floor assembly / steel unit body (Specifications)
   • Front-wheel suspension : double wishbone (Specifications)
   • Rear-wheel suspension : single-joint swing axle with level control (Specifications)
   • Brake system (foot brake) : hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with vacuum booster, acting on front- (Specifications)
   • Steering : recirculating-ball power steering (Specifications)
   • Wheelbase : 2860 mm (Specifications)
   • Length : 5000 mm (Specifications)
   • Width : 1810 mm (Specifications)
   • Height : 1420 mm (Specifications)
   • Front / rear track : 1490 / 1485 mm (Specifications)
   • Kerb weight : 1780 kg (Specifications)
   • Maximum speed : 220 km/h (Specifications)
   • Acceleration 0-100 km/h : 6.5 s (Specifications)
   • Fuel tank: position / capacity : in the rear / 105 l (Specifications)
   • Fuel consumption : 15.5 l (Specifications)

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Mercedes-Benz Classic M@RS archive – 300 SEL 6.3 Level A

   • 6526 units produced

   Accessed 2026-11-12