Technical Details on the early 190 SL
Pictures from the 190 SL
Just bought the Mercedes Documentation on Microfiche. Manual, Parts List etc.
Windshield Washer System
The early version of 190 SL has a special windshield washer with a hand pump knob. Hand operated windshield washer system was optional and had a black water container (very rare) with a small spray nozzle.
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Small Tail Light
Typical for the early 190 SL is the small tail light which was manufactured til 1956.
Beehive Parking Light
"Shallow" clear glass "beehive" parking light and indicator. Export version differs from the German version by different cabling. The Export version has an additional cable for the low beam light.
Small Window Steel Hardtop
Small window steel hardtop, no visible changes to the very early aluminium one compared with the metal one. Later version had a large rear window.
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Engine with side covers
121-921 engine with side covers and had an Octane adjuster on dashboard.
Gas Cap (very rare)
Non-locking Gas cap of Brushed Aluminum. Locking cap was optional, then became Standard Equipment.
Brake fluid container metal
Brake fluid container was metal on the early model. Original color way black with a blue cap.
License Plate Lights and Trunk Pull
Lights on rear panel with an option to light the country plate as well. The later version has the lights in the bumper. The pull on the trunk is different as well.
Spark Plug Connectors
Early spark plug connectors are angled, different version are on the parts list, e.g. original unsupressed (1955) and suppressed (1957)
Different Seats on Early Version
Two different seats have been shown already in the 1955 Version A Spare Part list. Bucket Style and Regular seats without vent holes.
Sunvisors with a chrome frame
Early sunvisors had a chrome frame with a plexiglass insert. Only the drivers side was standard, passenger side was optional.
Different Door Pulls on Early Version
1955-1957 mainly the large door pulls were used but there are different versions with door handle in chrome. Depending on version there are either 7 or 8 door panel pleats.
Becker Mexico Radio
Different radios were offered already with an electric antenna.
Distributor and Octane Adjuster
Until 1958 the 190 SL engine had an octane adjuster on the dashboard.
1956 Dashboard
The dashboard has some small difference on the timeline. The glovebox pull and lock has changed. The hand clock was optional. The Combination Starter Button/Steering Wheel, Lock Switch was optional.
Additional items
Kacu Clamp Clip Light
The Kacu clamp clip light was optional in case of a problem to get some light in the engine compartment.
Mercedes tyre pressure gauge
On the spare part list are different versions of the tool kits. Version A has the tyre pressure gauge included.
Supporting material
The early versions of supporting documentation is quite hard to get. The spare part lists are quite helpful.
First Aid Kit
The Hartmann First Aid Kit from 1955 is an additional item which may have been used at the time. The reanimation procedures have changed since.
Jack
Version of a jack from the time.
Tools
A set of tools from the 190 SL. Some parts missing.
