Elena Rossi
If you are looking to purchase a classic 1989 Mercedes 560SL, it is important to know how to identify an authentic vehicle. This includes checking the paint colour and code. The 560SL is a high-specification SL roadster, sold in only a few countries between 1986 and 1989. With its premium price, you'll want to ensure you are getting a genuine car. You can do this by checking the paint colour and code, as well as other features like the chassis and engine number, and interior and mechanical features.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1989 |
| Model | 560SL |
| Series | R107 |
| Paint Code Location | Data Plate |
| Engine | M117967 V8 engine producing 227HP |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic (some with 3-speed automatic) |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive |
| Brakes | ABS |
| Front Wheels | 38.1cm x 17.8cm (15.0” x 7.0”) |
| Rear Wheels | 38.1cm x 17.8cm (15.0” x 7.0”) |
| Front Brakes | 4 pot vented Discs with vacuum Assist, ABS |
| Rear Brakes | 4 pot solid Discs with Vacuum Assist, ABS |
| Interior | Leather seats (MB vinyl not available); optional driver's side airbag |
| Exterior | Modern paint system designed to improve rust protection |
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What You'll Learn
Check the data plate for the original interior colour code
To find the original interior colour code of a 1989 Mercedes 560SL, you need to locate the data plate. This data plate is located on the front crossmember under the bonnet, directly in front of the radiator. The data plate is embossed and contains various details about the car, including the paint code and the model type.
The interior colour code you're looking for should be indicated on the third line of the data plate, as shown in the attached image in the source. It's important to note that this image may not be available or applicable to all models, so the exact location of the interior colour code could vary slightly.
The data plate contains a wealth of information, and it might be challenging to locate the specific code you're after. The paint code, for example, is typically a three-digit number followed by a letter. On the 123 chassis, for instance, it can be found on the bottom left of the plate (932 H).
It's worth mentioning that the format and location of certain information on the data plate may vary depending on the market in which the car was sold. However, for all 560SL models, the model type will be listed as C107-048 on the data plate.
By carefully examining the data plate and referring to the appropriate resources or images, you should be able to locate the original interior colour code for your 1989 Mercedes 560SL. This information can be invaluable for maintenance, restoration, or simply ensuring the authenticity and originality of your classic vehicle.
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Look for the stamp with key manufacturing details
Each Mercedes-Benz vehicle is stamped with key manufacturing details, including Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and colour codes, which can be used to confirm the originality of the vehicle. The location of these stamps varies depending on the model and year of the vehicle.
For 1960s Mercedes-Benz models, the paint code can usually be found on a dedicated metal plaque located on the inside of the nearside front wing. This plaque will contain various data details, including the paint code.
In the 1990s, the location of the data card was moved to a more difficult-to-reach place. For these models, the data card can be found by opening the bonnet and looking behind the grille and star, which is usually hidden behind a black X-shaped bar.
For your 1989 Mercedes 560SL, the paint code location has been moved to the front of the vehicle and is situated above the radiator on the metal crossbar. You should be able to find a stamped plaque in a similar format to the previous era of Mercedes-Benz SL models.
Additionally, the paint code may also be found on the manufacturer's tag, which also contains the VIN. This tag is typically white, black, or silver with a barcode along the bottom. The paint code is located near the top of the tag, sometimes placed next to the "PASSENGER CAR" heading.
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Consult a Mercedes ID guide for paint colour codes
If you are looking for detailed information about the Mercedes R107 560SL, you can consult an ID guide. These guides are designed to help prospective purchasers or existing vehicle owners identify the authenticity or originality of a 560SL. They contain information on exterior features, interior features, mechanical features, paint colours and codes, chassis and engine numbers, and other vehicle options.
The ID guides are based on a variety of enthusiast input and online sources and are intended to be a comprehensive information hub for the R107 560SL. They cover the 1986-1989 models, which were sold in the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia. As the 560SL is based on the same body as other R107 roadsters, it is important to know what to look for to ensure you have a genuine car.
The ID guides include information on paint colours and codes, which can be useful if you are unsure if the colour is original to the vehicle or if it has been repainted. For example, you can refer to the attached chart listing all available leather colours throughout the 1986-89 range and their associated codes. To find the original interior colour of a car, you can refer to the data plate.
Additionally, each Mercedes-Benz vehicle is stamped with key details relating to its manufacture, which can be helpful if you have lost the paperwork for your classic car.
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Check the chassis number to verify engine authenticity
The 1986-1989 Mercedes R107 560SL is a highly sought-after vehicle, and as such, it often demands a price premium over many other R107 roadsters. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for to ensure that you are getting a genuine car. One way to do this is by checking the chassis number to verify the engine's authenticity.
The chassis number of the 560SL will be embossed on the VIN plate, which is riveted to the radiator crossmember support panel, not on the door jamb. The same number on the VIN plate should also be stamped onto the radiator support panel crossmember itself. Right-hand-drive (RHD) markets did not have a VIN plate on the door jamb.
The engine number of the 560SL can be found at the rear of the engine block on the left-hand side, where the block joins the transmission bell housing. You can also locate it by looking directly down from where the windscreen washer head sits on the hood. You will likely need a degreaser and a flashlight to see it clearly.
The 560SL had the M117 engine, identifiable by the engine prefix beginning with 117967, followed by eight digits unique to that particular unit. Unfortunately, unless you have early documentation confirming the original factory engine number, there is no way to check on the spot if the engine is original. However, Mercedes-Benz may be able to assist with such an enquiry if you provide them with the chassis number.
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Identify the car's external and internal features
To identify the external and internal features of a 1989 Mercedes 560SL, you can refer to the following guides and information:
External Features:
The external features of the 1989 Mercedes 560SL can vary slightly depending on the market and specifications. Here are some key external features to look out for:
- U.S.-spec cars had a trunk-mounted brake light. On 1986-87 models, this is a large pod light mounted close to the passenger compartment. On 1987-88 cars, it was changed to a smaller unit at the rear top edge of the trunk, directly above the Mercedes badge.
- The body of the car features a modern paint system designed to improve rust protection.
- The car has improved suspension derived from the W124 sedan.
- The 1989 560SL rides on 15-inch wheels, with front and rear wheel sizes measuring 38.1cm x 17.8cm.
Internal Features:
The interior of the 1989 Mercedes 560SL also has notable features that can help with identification:
- Leather seats were standard on the 560SL. MB vinyl was not available as an option.
- The original interior colour can be determined by referring to the data plate, which provides a code for the specific colour.
- An optional driver's side airbag was offered on some models.
- The car features a 4-speed automatic transmission, although it is believed that some models may have been fitted with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Additional Identification Guides:
For a comprehensive understanding of the external and internal features, as well as other specifications, you can refer to detailed identification guides specifically created for the 1986-1989 Mercedes R107 560SL. These guides provide information on exterior and interior features, paint colours and codes, chassis and engine numbers, and mechanical features. They are designed to assist prospective purchasers and owners in verifying the authenticity and originality of the vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find the paint code for a 1989 Mercedes 560SL by referring to the car's identification guide or by locating the stamp with key manufacturing details.
You can find the identification guide for your 1989 Mercedes 560SL online. These guides are based on enthusiast input and other online sources.
The identification guide contains detailed information about the R107 560SL, including exterior and interior features, chassis and engine number information, mechanical features, and paint colours and codes.
