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

Differential fluid capacity & service interval

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL / 250 SL / 280 SL, W113 (Pagoda) (EU) differential fluid capacity is 2,5 liters. Service intervals include checks at 3000 km and 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)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Change 20000 km
  • 250 SL, W113 (1966-1968)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Change 20000 km
  • 230 SL, W113 (1963-1967)
  • Rear
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,5 liter
  • Check 3000 km
  • Change 18000 km

Additional Notes

  • The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL / 250 SL / 280 SL W113 rear differential holds 2.5 liters of fluid across all three variants covered by these specifications.
  • A 2.5-liter capacity in a rear differential of this era is consistent with a compact limited-slip or open differential unit, where the fill volume reflects a sealed housing rather than a larger axle assembly.
  • All three variants carry normal use condition specifications, meaning the intervals listed apply to standard operating conditions rather than severe or track-oriented duty cycles.
  • The 230 SL (1963-1967) specifies a fluid check interval of 3,000 km alongside a change interval of 18,000 km, making it the only variant in these specifications to include a dedicated check interval.
  • The 250 SL (1966-1968) and 280 SL (1967-1971) share an identical change interval of 20,000 km, which is 2,000 km longer than the 18,000 km interval specified for the 230 SL.
  • Neither the 250 SL nor the 280 SL specifications include a fluid check interval, in contrast to the 230 SL entry where a 3,000 km check is explicitly listed.
  • The shift from an 18,000 km change interval on the 230 SL to a 20,000 km interval on the later 250 SL and 280 SL represents a modest extension in the recommended service frequency despite the shared 2.5-liter capacity.

Other Systems