Mercedes Benz 230 SL ‘Pagoda’ W113 - A classic car you can daily - RETRO DRIVE REVIEW

To celebrate the show’s 11th Birthday, MotoMan drives a 1965 Mercedes Benz 230 SL ‘Pagoda’, a/k/a, the Mercedes Benz W113 and learns this Mercedes is a huge departure from the Mercedes 190 SL and Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing that came before it in an unusual way: It is the first Mercedes Benz passenger car designed with safety features ubiquitous today. Of course, there is a round of our new game, #OptionsGameSenior, as well as a personal message from Dave . . .
#Mercedes #MercedesBenz #MercedesPagoda #RETRODRIVEREVIEW
Subscribe AND CLICK NOTIFICATIONS now to experience our adventures in the car world.
www.youtube.com...
Check out our RETRO DRIVE REVIEW Playlist:
• RETRO DRIVE REVIEWS
Follow us at our socials to get behind the scenes video clips, pics and more:
Facebook - / motomantv
Twitter - / motomantv
Instagram - / motomantv
MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People
Check out our long form interview show, INSIDE THE MOTOMAN STUDIO, where we talk to the key people shaping the car world!
Available NOW on all our streaming platforms as well as a PODCAST!
Subscribe. Rate. Review at:
podcasts.apple...
play.google.co...
open.spotify.c...
tunein.com/pod...
Download our MotoManTV App!
Apple iTunes/iOS:
itunes.apple.c...
Google Play/Android: play.google.co...
Amazon App Store:
www.amazon.com...
MUSIC courtesy of the Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com, Michael Bliss, Evan Schaeffer - / evanschaeffer & Jahzzar

[@RoyMcLellan]

I love the history lessons that come along with the classic cars. That's the best thing about them.

[@macstone9719]

When I think of how cheap they were 30 years ago, I could cry. So beautiful, also the hardtop version with the typical "dented" roof. Pure elegance. I love your retro drives!

[@MotoManTV]

The owner of this car has a saying when referring to classic cars and real estate: Buy it while it is cheap:)

[@LaDivinaLover]

One of the prettiest cars Mercedes ever designed. Beautiful!

[@thelews4]

Not only should the 230 not be overlooked, the early 250 SL with the 230 cosmetics and 280 mechanical improvements, are in my opinion, the sweet spot for the 113. Understanding it as a boulevard cruiser, like the 190 SL was and subsequent SLs were, this car is fully in its element. Comfortable, reliable, good looking, easy to drive and engineered and built to ridiculously high standards, it's one of the best MB built.

[@davidrivera2165]

You are tugging at my ❤ George. I have visions of driving this exact color combination of a Pagoda. The condition of this 230 SL has just made my visions and obsession. Here's to another 11 years of driving obsessions. Thank you sir.

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you, David . . . This car was in the best condition of the three we have here at the airport. The blue one at the end is the one I have the most personal experience with. There's also a white one with a blue Pagoda roof - stunning.

[@rafaelmeneses5066]

I like the elegance of the 230sl cars. The mirrors, door cards, simplified dash, 2 piece hubcaps, and just less plastic than the 280 car.

[@chrisg3780]

What a beautiful car. Thank you for bringing it to us.

[@ericgiacinto]

The 230sl win the Spa -Sofia-Liège rally, also, on the tight three-quarter mile Annemasse Vétraz-Monthoux race track in 1963, where he put up a best lap time of 47.5 seconds vs. 47.3 seconds by Grand Prix driver Mike Parkes on his 3-liter V12 Ferrari 250 GT!!! So, by the time it was launched, was a pretty fast car...

[@IceDree]

Happy anniversary, M. Thank you for mentioning the different shades of red, it was driving me crazy not knowing whether they're different or my eyes were playing tricks on me. The interior is beautifully done, its no 300SL, but still cool in its own. As always, excellent work, M.

[@steved2008]

Why would you want to drive this car fast? It’s for chilling out 😎 and looking cool.

[@torquedaily5955]

One of my favourite cars! Been waiting on this one for a while, probably the nicest condition W113 I've seen on video and with euro lights too. Glad to see a cameo from the blue car as well. Perfect one for me would be Dark Blue, contrasting pagoda top and wheels, period Becker and a manual. Great Review, M

[@MotoManTV]

There's another one floating around here at the airport that is white with a blue hard top . . . it is gorgeous!

[@johnburns4017]

@@MotoManTV Where the lights a retro fit?

[@justaddafan]

I've had the privilege of caring for and driving a 1967 250SL with the 5 speed. I'd describe the 5 speed transmission, with it's shorter lever, as highly notchy and not particularly precise. It doesn't like to be rushed, which is unfortunate because the free revving nature of the engine would be well suited to a transmission that could be shifted bit more quickly to keep the revs up in the power band. But it definitely makes the car feel sporty and it is enjoyable to drive.

[@jimmyk6336]

There's currently a 1969 280SL with a ZF 5spd for sale on Bring a Trailer. When these rare unicorn Pagoda's hit the auction block they typically bring top dollar. With that said: What would've been the cost of the ZF 5spd option back in the day? BTW, Informative video and nicely done now what's the story with that white Porsche?

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@jimmyk6336 The transmission allone was as expensive as a new VW beetle back in the 1960s!

[@deyamarzouk2355]

Brilliant intellectual review. Thank you

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you, Deya!

[@aurorajones8481]

No, THANK YOU my good man. You do us all a great service. Im sure we all appreciate you, I know I do. That said ill admit i was one of those 280 only guys but having heard your comments id consider a 230. So thanks! Honestly i know you and others would set fire to me for saying this but id love to take this body and interior and re do the driveline, brakes, and engine to modern, and maybe an EV drivetrain i dunno. For that reason id probably look for a shell for a resto mod? I think thats what its called. I like the idea tho.

[@Your.Uncle.AngMoh]

A 280SL Pagoda in Condition 1 in Australia will realise around $US220,000.

[@Stinger430]

Congrats on your milestone !!! And Thank You for all your informative and entertaining content for all these years. Stay Safe, and keep on Motoring.

[@faizsani]

What a peach of a four wheeled piece of history!!

[@fludeball]

That edit at 17:57 is a thing of beauty.

[@adammahomed6167]

I have one I’m restoring, it was my dads, parked away for more then 30 years and it’s also a 230, but what’s the top speed on it?

[@Engineering_Rebel]

1:55 It’s a 2.2 m127 engine. Same in the 220se from the w111 division. Review the w111 Coupé please.

[@fthyme87]

Its a 2308 cc engine (2.3 l) called m127.II

[@billsavard620]

Enjoyed your presentation very much. First time I've seen you. Have now subscribed. By the way my first Mercedes-Benz was a 65 quote Pagoda white with black top hardtop and black soft top blue interior. One of the prettiest most well-built cars I've ever owned. But like you say slow. Air Force called me and I had to go to Japan and sold the car. I'm now in possession of a 380sl 1985. Much more fun. Thanks again for your post. Hope to see a presentation on the 380 sometime.

[@Engineering_Rebel]

Bill Savard are you taking about me? I’m confused?

[@CarsIn4K]

I have been waiting to see the review/video of the Pagoda !! since its been in the background of your garage, this one is in amazing condition ! i'm on the search for a w113, looking for a 230,250,280SL either one ! hoping to find a 250SL California coupe !!

[@jeeper5264]

did you find one yet?...curious on why you are looking for a California Coupe. Though it is not for sale, I have one and most want the convertible. It is rare to see anyone seeking out a coupe

[@CarsIn4K]

@@jeeper5264 I’m pretty much still looking, I just prefer the rarer 2+2 California coupe because it’s still a convertible without the soft top. I got a 87 560sl until I find the right pagoda

[@GarageTimeAutoResto]

No panic stops, got it!

[@dcc460ut]

Excellent Story! thank you very much

[@MotoManTV]

My pleasure!

[@anthonylau7228]

Thank you and take care of yourself!

[@dimitristsampouniaris9245]

Brilliant review , thank you , greetings from Greece.

[@duraflexllc4860]

It’s been a long time that I seen somebody use double clutch to shift I really like that

[@MotoManTV]

Funny, I got skewered in my Porsche 718 Spyder episode for doing the same:)

[@dougcargill6730]

Lovely drive around Rolling Hills in a Pagoda.

[@zacclark3657]

You’re awesome ! Keep on keepin on

[@duncandorris884]

5:55 - that thing needs the bushings redone before it's handling can be critiqued, eh?

[@johnburns4017]

The 230SL was based on the Benz sedan cars at the time. The car was sheet steel with all the caps (hood, trunk and doors) were aluminum. Similar with the engine - a cast-iron block with aluminum head and caps. The engine, gearbox, steering and suspension were all from the sedan car. The physically big long stroke sedan engine is totally unsuited for such a car. But subsequently parts were easily available and cheap to other similar types of cars. The heavy & noisy straight-six engine was inferior to say the Jaguar E-Type straight six. The car did have engineering design flaws. *** The fuel injection was a Bosch mechanical injection pump, hence why the engine needs more revs to start than other cars. The oil bath in the pumps needs to have quality oil in at all times. Do not neglect. *** The fuel injection was not suited to these engines at the time, giving too many problems. To start the engine, a 7th injector was in the air inlet manifold, operated only when starting. But a saviour came along, third party contactless ignition. You *have* to fit electronic contactless ignition to these cars, as it makes a massive difference in performance and especially starting. This type of ignition was not available when the car was made. It can eliminate the 7th injector. *** The engines suffer from poor alternator mountings - the side of the block was drilled out to take the bracket mounting bolts which ovaled. To get this fixed cam be an expensive job as the side of the block has to be drilled out, with the sump removed and engine lifted to remove any swarth from the drilling. *** The engine mountings are two large flat rubber mountings either side of the engine. If they deteriorated, which they did quite quickly with the old inferior rubbers they had in the 1960s, the engine could move forward slightly ramming into the radiator - the space between the radiator and engine was too tight. Best to remove the mechanical fan to give more space, then fit an electric fan in front of the radiator. *** The rubber gearbox to propshaft coupling also deteriorated quickly. I assume replacements for the rubber parts are of superior quality to the originals. *** Fit latex radiator hoses, having *all* hoses latex. *** The wires to the indicator stalk frayed where they entered the steering column from the stalk, as there was not enough slack in the wire. The indicators failed. *** The ignition switches never lasted too long. Make sure they are well lubricated. Same with the door handles and trunk locks. *** I _think_ a high torque starter motor is available, if so get one of those if the motor fails. It will make a difference. *** Fit a modern large capacity non-lead-acid battery. Jay Leno does that to many of his classics that he drives frequently. *** The intermediate spring on the rear suspension could weaken with the top of the rear wheels visibly toeing in. *** Use suitable fully synthetic oils. The oil pressure drop using old mineral oils when the oil heated up. *** Ensure that the underside is rust proofed. Rust around the headlights is common. *** Fit gas shock absorbers on the rear. They came with gas on the front and oil on the rear on some models. *** The ball joints on the accelerator linkages needs constant lubricating. The ball joints had a habit of wearing out quickly. The electrical systems were generally well made. Replace all parts with quality parts. Not an inspiring car to drive at all. Looks nice though.

[@sonofcain14]

Such a beautiful car

[@Fanzindel]

More sound effects please!! ❤️

[@michaelrodber8580]

Paul bracq was involved in tgv design but under the leadership of jacques Cooper

[@davidskeeterskeeter1835]

Everything I really needed to know

[@primozkrajcar4144]

Beautiful review. Soo nice to watch the old lady coming to life. Could you make a video with Shelby cobra daytona coupe made by superformance? There are there in California...

[@MotoManTV]

Never have been a fan of Cobras . . .

[@rycuddles]

Happy Birthday!

[@fthyme87]

I seriously doubt the Corvette c2 will handle and brake better than this. The Pagoda cost 50% more than a Jaguar E-type for a reason. The 230 sl was once tested as fast as a Ferrari 250 gt on a tight track because of its breaking and handling performance (fact from the book about the w113 by Brian Long).

[@Schlipperschlopper]

5 speed Pagoda is faster than any contemporary Corvette! By far!

[@藤野奨平]

第一級のスポーツ性能と快適性を融合させた第2世代のSL

[@TheCaneSlingerCherryflexrattan]

I noticed most of the engine parts are mettalic.

[@Vitamins152]

The Cane Slinger Cherryflexrattan, Well this was when Mercedes was super reliable. Mercedes from when it started to all the way up until 97 or 98 were good. They were just as reliable as a Toyota except classy and beautiful. Even old bmws from 70s and 80s were good but they were called the poor mans mercedes. But after 97 or 98 German cars became crap. The only reliable German car brand that is left is Porsche

[@kevinruger8819]

Is it “faster” than a modern Toyota Corolla?

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Today the fetch 200 grand in EU! An E type is cheap compared to a Pagoda!

[@lassethomsen7056]

is this car for sale?

[@MotoManTV]

Nope.

[@rafaelmeneses5066]

The dash looks like a 250/280sl dash

[@janvan158]

Stoi przy mercedesie a w trampkach ,obciach!!!

[@zeitgeist5401]

It’s “Pagode” there’s an e at the end not an a !

[@TheHughGErection]

First

[@afhyoutube]

Daily driving a car without head restraints is asking for a broken neck.

[@Agent-mw8th]

Trump 2020 !!! so we can afford new Sl 600

[@moesabawi4437]

Agent 008!! What happened to 007?? I heard he was missing in action.

[@Agent-mw8th]

@@moesabawi4437 he got hit by a Tesla

[@moesabawi4437]

@Agent 008 😂