Option codes are three-digit numbers used to specify optional equipment either desired or present on a specific vehicle. This number is used to communicate between the purchaser / owner, sales staff, factory, and parts / service agencies. It is present on the sales contract, vehicle data card, and window sticker in the US.

In addition to these factory installed options the dealers could also install factory approved parts at the point of sale. For example, a car was delivered without a radio and the dealer installed a Becker Grand Prix radio at the customer’s request. In this case the car’s data card would not show option code 51/6 since it was not installed when built at the factory.

Not all options were available in all years of production, and in all countries. Depending on the distribution (Sales Market) area, options in one country may have been standard in another.

There are many more option codes than are shown here, some only applicable to specific countries, and apply only for certain time periods. Thus be careful, one option code can have more than one part associated with it; it depends on the time frame and/or the country.

In extremely rare cases (probably less than 50 out of +45,000 data cards) one might encounter a situation where an installed option was not listed on the data card. But the factory even accounted for those cases by using option codes 991, 992 and 993, (see list of option codes below) or by adding a 1-digit number (“1″,”2″,3”) in the “Hinweis” box on the data card. See description under Data Cards.

If you see a code on your data card that is not listed here, we will be happy to try to identify it (via sl113.org).

Additionally, have a look at these sites:

http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~mtor/mbcodedsc.html

http://wiki.mercedesclubs.de/index.php?title=SONDERAUSSTATTUNGSCODES

which list a large number of more obscure codes.

SA codes are five-digit numbers used to specify the parts or service literature that describes the actual part or set of parts installed on a vehicle. These numbers are generally only used by the factory and parts / service agencies; they are not exposed to the purchaser / owner.

It might be reasonable to think there is a one-to-one relationship between an option code and an SA code. In some cases this is true.

For example, option code 600 “Garnish mouldings used for hardtop” maps directly to SA 55 629 (contains part numbers for the mouldings and securing hardware) . At other times, one option code maps to multiple SA codes. For example, option code 422 “Power steering” maps to SA 10 560 and SA 10 717. SA 10 560 covers the steering box and other parts that are not engine dependent. SA 10 717 covers the power steering pump and other engine specific parts required to fit power steering to the M129 and M130E engines. There are even examples of an option code which has no corresponding SA code. Option code 744 indicates that the folding top fabric should be dark blue – as there are no special parts required for this option, there is no corresponding SA code.

The following list contains option codes that you may (or may not) find on your data card: (39)

003 – 059	Steuerungscode Produktion	Logistics code for production
200	Frostschutzfuellung	Anti-freeze (code used 1968 – 1972)
201 – 209	Betriebsanleitung, Wartungsheft, Hinweisschilder in versch. Sprachen	Owners Manual, Service booklet, various labels in various languages
212	Hinterachse 1: 3.92	Rear axle ratio 1: 3.92. This ratio was standard in the US from 280SL 011132 until end of production. With codes 212, 232, 255 various rear axle ratios were available. The actual ratio is stamped on the rear axle housing itself; the early location of this number was in the rear, the later location on the left side of the differential (40).
215	Federn haerter	Stiffer springs
222	Verbandskasten	First aid kit
224	Kofferraumbeleuchtung	Trunk lighting (optional early, standard later)
226	Befestigung f. Warndreieck	Mounting hardware for warning triangle
227	Waermedaemm. Glas, Coupe-Dach	Tinted glass, hardtop, 230 SL
228	Waermedaemm. Glas, Seiten,Heck	Tinted glass, side+rear windows, 230 SL
229	Waermedaemm. Glas, Windschutzscheibe	Tinted glass, windshield, 230 SL
230	ZF 5-Gang Getriebe	ZF 5-speed manual transmission (only available in comb. with code 232)(available May 1966 – Feb 1971 (worldwide) perhaps until late 1969 for the US) “There were about 850 Pagodas built with 5 speeds. Total production that includes 113, 112, 111, 108 and maybe 109 was around 1,400 so they’re very rare regardless of what car they were used on.” (66)
232	Hinterachse 1 : 4.08	Rear axle ratio 1: 4.08. This ratio was standard in the US from 250SL 002442 to 280SL 011131
246-247	Heckscheibe elektr. heizbar (Coupedach)	Rear window electr. heated, safety glass (hardtop)
248	Heckscheibe elektr. heizbar, 280SL	Rear window electr. heated, compound glass, 280SL
249	Heckscheibe elektr. heizbar, waermedaemm. Glas, 280 SL	Rear window electrically heated, tinted glass, 280SL
254	Wegfall Schriftzug “Automatic”	Omit lettering “Automatic” (trunklid)
255	Hinterachse 1: 3.69 (km-Anzeige)	Rear axle ratio 1: 3.69 (reading in kilometer)
256	HA mit Sperrdifferential	Rear axle with limited slip differential (250 SL/280 SL)
260	Wegfall Typkennzeichen Heck	Elimination of model designation on trunk lid
269	Gepaeckgalerie	Roof rack; only possible in combination with code 600
269		Optional roof rack (1)
		Besides the optional Hardtop-mounted roof rack a trunk lid mounted rack was also available in the aftermarket (41)
279	Antenne mech. ohne Radio	Antenna, mechanically operated, when no radio is ordered
279	Alternative code: Behördenfahrzeug	Public Authorities Sales
280	Koffersatz, 3-teilig, alle	Trunk set, 3 pieces, 230/250/280 SL
281	Koffersatz, 4-teilig, 230 SL	Trunk set, 4 pieces, 230 SL
281		(1)
282	Koffersatz, 3-teilig, 250/280SL mit Fondsitzbank	Trunk set, 3 pieces, 250SL “California Coupe” (see code 417)
283	Koffersatz, 4-teilig, 250/280SL mit vorgeklappter Fondsitzbank	Trunk set, 4 pieces, 250 SL “California Coupe” with folded rear bench(code 417)
288	Tonneaudecke (mit code 417)	Tonneau cover (California coupe)
289	Skihalter	Ski rack; only possible in combination with code 600
289		Installing the front part of the optional ski rack (18)
291	Kleiderkoffer gross	Garment trunk, large
292	Waeschekoffer, mittel	Linen case, medium size
293	Waeschekoffer, klein	Linen case, small
294	Hutkoffer	Hat box
295	Necessaire	Beauty case
297	Schnallriemen und Befestigung	Strap and mounting material for trunk
298	Schnallriemen und Befestigung	Strap and mounting material for rear seat area (“California Coupe”)
305	Luefterkupplung Viskose	Fan clutch, viscous
315	Warnblinkanlage USA	Hazard warning light, US-version
319	Kiste fuer Coupe-Dach	Box for hardtop
323	Verpackung fuer Export	Special packaging for export vehicles, Paintwork preservation
324	1 kg Lack	1 kilogram paint
325	2 kg Lack	2 kilogram paint
328	Spezialverpackung Export	Special packaging for export vehicles
345	Nebelscheinwerfer Halogen 280SL	Separate halogen fog lamps, 280SL
345		Fog lamps on bumper (43). Usually, European cars had the fog lamps integrated in the lower part of the headlight unit. US version units did not have the integrated fog lamps. These separate fog lamps could be ordered.
350	Frostschutzfuellung	Anti-freeze (see also code 200)
401	Einzelsitze	Single seats (as opposed to bench)
411	Schiebedach mechanisch	Manual sliding roof in hardtop (as of 1970)
411		There were two suppliers, Golde (crank operated) and Webasto (T-handle). On special order, an electrically operated Golde sliding roof was also available. (13) However, Jens Rath of Kienle Automobiltechnik GmbH writes that he has information from Mercedes Benz Classic, Stuttgart, Germany, that option code 411 is not valid for the W113 model series, and that only a few cars were converted with a mechanical sunroof by the system supplier Webasto after delivery.
414	Coupe-Dach (lose)	Hardtop (separate)
415	Coupe-Dach ohne Roadster-Verdeck	Hardtop, but no softtop. This code was available for the 230SL; the car did have the softtop compartment (i.e., no California Coupe, see code 417)
416	Coupe-Dach montiert	Hardtop, mounted
417	Coupe-Dach mit Fondsitzbank anstelle von Verdeckkasten und Verdeck	“California Coupe”, hardtop and rear bench seat instead of softtop compartment and softtop (available for 250SL and 280SL)
417		California Coupe, leather. The seat back can be folded down and luggage stored on top of it(-)
		This photo shows a California Coupe, without its hardtop, with the rear bench seat back folded down and a softtop that was added at a later time. You can only sit on the rear bench seat when the softtop is up.(18)
420	Automatisches Getriebe, Mittelschaltung	Automatic transmission, floor shift
422	Servolenkung	Power steering
423	Servolenkung	Power Steering
426	Code 420+422 zusammen	Combination Code 420+422
429	Code 230+422 zusammen	Combination Code 230+422
431	Sicherheitsgurte vorn	Safety belts, front
434	Sicherheitsgurte vorn, USA	Safety belts, front, US version
440	Stossstaenger mit Hoernern, v+h	Bumpers with guards, front and rear
441	Stossstaenger mit Hoernern, USA	Bumpers with guards, US-version
441		Front bumper guards, US version (44)
451	Windschutzscheibe Verbundglas	Windshield, laminated glass
452	Fanfare Zweiklang	Two-tone horn
453	Code 451+452 zusammen	Combination code 451+452
461	Instrument Meilen-Anzeige und englische Beschriftungen	Instrument with mileage reading and English lettering
462	Zuendkerzen fuer Touristenfzg.	Spark plugs for tourist vehicles (up to 3/66)
462	Nebelschlussleuchte, 280SL	Rear fog lamp, 280SL (as of 68)
462		Rear fog lamp under the bumper(18)
462	Attach:Fog.jpg Δ	Fog lamp installation instructions (65)
473	Motor mit niederer Verdichtung	Low-compression engine (low octane areas)
481	Unterschutz	Undershields (aka skid plates)
491	USA-Ausfuehrung	US-Version
492	Groesserer Waermetauscher	Heavy-duty heat exchanger
493	Groesserer Waermetauscher USA	Heavy-duty heat exchanger, US-version
502	Aussenspiegel rechts	Outside rear view mirror, on the right side
503	Aussenspiegel links	Outside rear view mirror, on the left side
506	Aussenspiegel links und rechts	Outside rearview mirrors, left and right
506		Right outside mirror, later version, on a left hand drive vehicle. The location is often critizised as ineffective. (18)
508	Aussenspiegel links im Beipack, Fuss montiert	Left outside rearview mirror in bypack, base installed on door
510	Radio Becker Mexico (Olympia with stereo-cassette)
511	Radio Becker Mexico (LMKU)
512	Radio Becker Europa cassette
513	Radio Becker Europa stereo, USA
514	Radio Becker Europa LMKU (LW, AM, SW, FM)
515	Radio Becker AM, FM, USA
516	Radio Becker Grand Prix (LMKU)
517	Radio Becker Monte Carlo
518	Radio Becker Europa stereo
519	Radio Becker Grand Prix, USA
524	Lackkonservierung	Paintcoat preservation
525	Reparatur Lack-Set	Paint repair kit
531	Antenne automatisch	Automatic antenna
532	Antenne automatisch ohne Radio	Automatic antenna without radio set
533	Entstoerung ohne Radio	Interference suppression w/o radio set
534	Antenne mechanisch ohne Radio	Manual antenna without radio set
535	Code 532+533 zusammen	Combination code 532+533
536	Code 533+534 zusammen	Combination code 533+534
550	Anhaengevorrichtung, 280SL	Trailer coupling, 280SL
551	Lenkrad elfenbeinfarbig	Steering wheel, ivory colored
565	Fondsitz quer	Rear seat, sideways
565		Rear seat, sideways, occupied (45)
566	Fondsitzbank und Lehne anstelle Gepäckablage	Rear seat bench instead of parcel shelf
571	Kopfstuetze rechts	Headrest, right
572	Kopfstuetze links	Headrest, left
573	Kopfstuetzen links und rechts	Headrests, left and right
582		From 01-04-1970 to 31-05-1972 Air Conditioner (Frigiking)
590	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Front	Tinted glass, windshield, 250/280SL
591	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Front,Bandfilter	Tinted glass, windshield, darker on top (US)
592	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Seiten	Tinted glass, side windows, 250/280SL
593	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Heckscheibe	Tinted glass, hardtop rear, 250/280SL
594	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Front+Seite	Tinted glass, windshield and doors, 250/280SL
595	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Front+Seiten, Bandfilter	Tinted glass, windshield and doors, darker on top
596	Waermedaemmendes Glas, Seite+Heck	Tinted glass, doors and hardtop, 250/280SL
597	Waermedaemmendes Glas rundum	Tinted glass, wrap-around, 250/280SL
598	Waermedaemmendes Glas, rundum,Bandfilter	Tinted glass, wrap-around, darker on top
600	Zierstaebe fuer Coupe-Dach	Garnish mouldings on hardtop
600		Hardtop with garnish mouldings. These mouldings are necessary to attach the optional roof rack (code 269) or ski rack (code 289).(13)
601	Oel fuer Sperrdifferential	Oil for limited slip rear axle
608	code 600+601 zusammen	combination code 600+601
610	Scheinwerfer gelb	Headlamps with amber lenses (e.g., France)
611	Leuchteinheit sealed beam Linksverkehr	Sealed beam headlights, left-lane traffic
612	Leuchteinheit sealed beam Rechtsverkehr	Sealed beam headlights, right-lane traffic
613	Leuchteinheit asymmetrisch Linksverkehr	Headlamps asymmetric, left-lane traffic
615	Zusatzblinkleuchten f. Italien	Additional turn signal lamps for Italy
616	Leuchten f. Australien, Italien, England	Lights for Australia, Italy, GB
617	Spezialleuchten fuer Italien	Special lights mandated in Italy
618	Leuchteinheit Halogen (Fern-, Abblend-, Nebellicht in Leuchteinheit)	Halogen headlamps (as of 4/70) (high-, low-beam and fog lamp in headlamp unit)
		Standard European headlamps (18)
618		Optional European halogen headlamps (flat lens)(18)
620	Italien-Ausfuehrung	Version for Italy
621	Kennzeichenschild Export	Elimination of license plate moulding
622	England Ausfuehrung	Version for GB
624	Schweden-Ausfuehrung	Version for Sweden
629	Frankreich-Ausfuehrung	Version for France
630	Guertelreifen	Radial ply tires
631	Verbandskasten	First aid kit (as of 1970, prev. code 222)
640	Leichtmetallraeder	Light alloy rims “Bundt cake” (as of 10/69)

“Here’s an interesting excerpt I found from an old “Star” magazine that gives some history on these “old style” alloy wheels: The old style alloy wheels were initially a dealer installed option in the fall of 1969 on 1970 models. The part # 108 400 0902 is stamped on the inside of the rim. These wheels were painted silver, but not treated with a clear coat. After July 1970 cars ordered with the alloys were delivered direct from the factory with five alloy wheels.” (46)

641	Reifen Weisswand	White-wall tires
641		2-piece hubcap, whitewall tires (18)
641		1-piece hubcap, whitewall tires (18)
642	Code 640+641 zusammen	Combination code 640+641
642		Light-alloy wheels, whitewall tires (18)
645	Reifen M + S	Winter tires
663	Kraftstoff 50 Liter	50 liters of fuel
664 to 669	Verpackungsarten	various modes of shipping protection (styrofoam, cosmoline etc.)
671	Keine Varta Batterie	No Varta battery
680	D-Schild	D-sign (nationality label req. in Germany)
681	Betriebsanleitung, Schilder englisch	Owners Manual, labels in English
682	Feuerloescher	Fire extinguisher (code from about 1970 on)
687	Typschild mit Baujahr	Model plate with production year
720	Verdeck-Stoff	Folding (Soft) Top Fabric Black
746	Verdeck-Stoff	Folding (Soft) Top Fabric Dark Brown 8023
820	Touristen-Fzge USA, Japan, AU	European Delivery for US, Japan, Australia
835	Kokosmatten	Coco mats
836	Feuerloescher	Fire extnguisher (code up to about 1970)
875	Haftsuchscheinwerfer	Spotlight, suction cup
980	Kfz-Brief	German registration document
991	Fuer weitere codierte Sonderausfuehrungen siehe Produktionsauftrag I	For other coded options see production order I
992	Fuer weitere nicht-codierte Sonderausfuehrungen siehe Produktionsauftrag I	For other non-coded options see production order I
993	991 + 992
994	Standwagen f. Ausstellung (Motor & Karosserie nicht ausstellungsmaessig)	Stationary car for display (engine and chassis not prepped)
995	Standwagen f. Ausstellung (Nur Karosserie ausstellungsmaessig)	Stationary car for display (chassis prepped for display)
996	Vorfuehrwagen fuer Ausstellung	Demonstration & test drive car at exhibitions
997	Standwagen f. Ausstellung (Motor & Karosserie ausstellungsmaessig)	Stationary car for display (engine & chassis prepped for display)
998	Weitere Sonderwuensche siehe Produktionsauftrag I	For further special requests see production order I

Dealer-installed options are not coded on the data card. The most popular dealer-installed option in the US, actually for some time installed before the car was sold, was Air Conditioning. In other countries, including Germany, non-Becker radios were often installed by the dealer or by the owner (never at the factory).