Mercedes Model Letter meaning
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Super Member
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CLK 55 AMG 2005 and CLK 63 AMG cab.2007 - 2009 EVO - 2013 ML63 AMG - 2018 G63 AMG
Mercedes Model Letter meaning
I was wondering what all the model letter means... 
CLK
SLK
SLR
CLS
GLK
SL
CL
ML
GL
B
C
E
G
R
S
Maybe nothing...
(didn't fing anything in the search option)
CLK
SLK
SLR
CLS
GLK
SL
CL
ML
GL
B
C
E
G
R
S
Maybe nothing...
(didn't fing anything in the search option)
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2004 E500 & 1987 560SL
In the beginning, these letters had special meaning. A 450SEL for example meant S for Sonderklasse (Special class) E for EInspritzer (fuel injected) and L for long version. Other letters were C for coupe and D for Diesel
They only used very few letters. with the introduction of new product lines and more and more engines it became impossible to destinguish the cars just by their designations.
At that time they converted the exsisting letters into model designations starting with the E and S for their (then) main product lines.
treddel.
They only used very few letters. with the introduction of new product lines and more and more engines it became impossible to destinguish the cars just by their designations.
At that time they converted the exsisting letters into model designations starting with the E and S for their (then) main product lines.
treddel.
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W221 S600, W220 S55 AMG Kompressor, W124 300E, W140 S320, W210 E3204M W164 ML320 Bluetec
GL - large SUV
GLK - small SUV
CL - large coupe
CLK - small coupe
SL - large roadster
SLK - small roadster
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
CLK - Coupe, Light, Short
SLK - Sport, Light, Short
SLR - Sport, Light, Racing
CLS- ?
GLK - Geländewagen, Light, Short (if you follow the logic of the G and CLK, SL etc.)
SL - Sport, Light
CL - Coupe, Light
GL - Geländewagen, Light (IMO, see GLK)
ML - ?
B - ?
C - Kompact
E - Used to mean fuel injection in German, but now I believe it stand for Executive
G - Geländewagen
R - ?
S - Super
M
Last edited by Germancar1; Nov 28, 2008 at 10:25 PM.
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I've seen this "translation" before and it must be one of the few that are right. But I just watched a document about MB history and some of the first cars (could have been before they were called Mercedes-Benz) had the S for the German word for "Sports" and/or "Super", would have to see it again. This was for the high end model (of the few available) and was claimed to be the origin of the S-class nomination.
The list from Germancar1 seems good, taking into account that "light" equals "licht" and "short" equals "kurz", that is, all letters come from the German language (I see this was mostly already covered).
I'm afraid there is no simple single truth even inside the company, or do our experts know otherwise?
The list from Germancar1 seems good, taking into account that "light" equals "licht" and "short" equals "kurz", that is, all letters come from the German language (I see this was mostly already covered).
I'm afraid there is no simple single truth even inside the company, or do our experts know otherwise?
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Is the "Sonderklasse" often used by Germans?
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2009 GL450 2005 E320
Mercedes Model Letter meaning
CLK - Coupe, Light, Short
SLK - Sport, Light, Short
SLR - Sport, Light, Racing
CLS- ?
GLK - Geländewagen, Light, Short (if you follow the logic of the G and CLK, SL etc.)
SL - Sport, Light
CL - Coupe, Light
GL - Geländewagen, Light (IMO, see GLK)
ML - ?
B - ?
C - Kompact
E - Used to mean fuel injection in German, but now I believe it stand for Executive
G - Geländewagen
R - ?
S - Super
M
SLK - Sport, Light, Short
SLR - Sport, Light, Racing
CLS- ?
GLK - Geländewagen, Light, Short (if you follow the logic of the G and CLK, SL etc.)
SL - Sport, Light
CL - Coupe, Light
GL - Geländewagen, Light (IMO, see GLK)
ML - ?
B - ?
C - Kompact
E - Used to mean fuel injection in German, but now I believe it stand for Executive
G - Geländewagen
R - ?
S - Super
M
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To be honest, Sonderklasse I never heard of that in respect of MB! 1:1 translation for that would be "special class" if that would make sense to you?!
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I somehow was able to figure out that, not only based on your language skills. Your signature may have helped too.
To clarify, I've seen it used on these US forums only. Thanks for the "native view".
To clarify, I've seen it used on these US forums only. Thanks for the "native view".
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2012 W212 E350 Bluetec
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From: Edmond, OK
2013 GL450
I took the tour at the MB Plant in Sindelfingen, Germany when I picked up my car and I asked the tour guide what they meant and he told me that there is no method to the madness except that it is madness for those who wish to figure it out.
He said that the origins of the class/model lettering was lost some time within the first few ownership/partnership changes never to be found again. German engineered cars were designed by class hence the wide use of bicycles and public transportation. This didn't begin to change until the export market picked up. Remember the 500SEL??? We used to call it the Arabmobile because it seemed they were the only ones who had them!
L in european model cars normally meant Limousine and E meant Eleganz S Saloon which means the same as Limousine...madness!!!
He said that the origins of the class/model lettering was lost some time within the first few ownership/partnership changes never to be found again. German engineered cars were designed by class hence the wide use of bicycles and public transportation. This didn't begin to change until the export market picked up. Remember the 500SEL??? We used to call it the Arabmobile because it seemed they were the only ones who had them!
L in european model cars normally meant Limousine and E meant Eleganz S Saloon which means the same as Limousine...madness!!!
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From: San Jose, CA
W211 E350, R170 SLK230
These questions are always fun... I think the E for Executive is an Americanized thing that sales people tell customers.
I don't think L stands for Long..
otherwise.. SLK would be Sonderklasse (Special), Long, Kurz (short) = Special Long Short?!
I don't think L stands for Long..
otherwise.. SLK would be Sonderklasse (Special), Long, Kurz (short) = Special Long Short?!
