Mercedes-Benz 230 SL / 250 SL / 280 SL, W113 (Pagoda) (EU)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL / 250 SL / 280 SL, W113 (Pagoda) (EU) models require automatic transmission fluid with a capacity of 3,8 liters. Service intervals include checks at 3000 km and fluid changes at 18000 km or 20000 km. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
280 SL, W113 (1967-1971)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3,8 liter
  • Change 20000 km
250 SL, W113 (1966-1968)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3,8 liter
  • Change 20000 km
230 SL, W113 (1963-1967)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 3,8 liter
  • Check 3000 km
  • Change 18000 km

Additional Notes

  • All three W113 variants share a 3.8-liter automatic transmission fluid capacity, which represents a full service fill figure for the unit.
  • The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, W113 specifies a fluid check interval of 3,000 km under normal use conditions, a notably short inspection cycle that reflects the maintenance philosophy of the era.
  • The 230 SL (1963-1967) carries a fluid change interval of 18,000 km under normal use, which is shorter than the 20,000 km interval specified for both the 250 SL and 280 SL variants.
  • The 250 SL (1966-1968) and 280 SL (1967-1971) share an identical 20,000 km change interval under normal use conditions, despite being introduced in different model years.
  • The 230 SL is the only variant among the three to include a dedicated fluid check interval in the specifications, with the 250 SL and 280 SL rows listing only a change interval.
  • A 3.8-liter capacity for an automatic transmission of this period indicates a relatively substantial fluid volume, consistent with the torque converter-equipped units common to Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the 1960s.

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