For sale: 1996 S500 Coupe C140 Mercedes
Specifications
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Related to the Satria GTi (but a separate model) was the R3 (R3 derived from "Race, Rally, Research"). This was a special edition model that we thought worth mentioning in this guide, as it is generally viewed by by enthusiasts as a run-out model for the Satria GTi.
There were only 150 of the first Generation R3s built. They utilised the same 1.8l Mitsubishi sourced engine as used in the GTi, but there were significant differences between the cars, which focussed heavily on weight reduction and handling. The following list of features / modifications were applied to the R3 cars (note, this list mainly covers the Stage 1 R3). The R3 also had stage 2 and 3 versions which had more significant upgrades to the power train and chassis.
- A new free-flow exhaust system (helping to produce 140 bhp (105 kW) and 168 nm of torque).
- Top speed of 205 km/h, with a 0-100 sprint of 8.6 seconds.
- A five-speed manual transmission was fitted to all cars (same as the GTi).
- The body was double stitch welded (i.e. welded twice for increased structural rigidity),
- Front and rear suspension strut braces were fitted as standard.
- Suspension improvements included uprated springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and lower ride height.
- ABS brake system was removed, and cross-drilled and slotted DBA (Disc Brake Australia) discs were fitted all round. M1144 series brake pads were supplied by Mintex Racing.
- All sound-deadening material and driver's airbag were removed to bring weight down to just 995 kg. Cars were fitted with light-weight carpet only.
- Inside, a Momo "Tuner" steering wheel was fitted, a carbon fibre gear knob, titanium effect dash trim and Recaro SR4 seats.
- The interiors of all cars were trimmed in black and red fabric, with the seatbelts also finished in red.
- Lightweight 16 inch Advanti alloy wheels were fitted standard. These are a 5-spoke design with a gun metal finish, and are fitted with Yokohama Advan 205/45 R16 AD07 tyres.
- A carbon fibre roof spoiler was applied.
- The headlamps had a smoked finish applied
- The car was painted "Incognito Black" with signature red and silver stripes on the sides. Only 150 units were ever produced.
A big thanks in this section to the information and images from the following link: http://www.zerotohundred.com/forums/threads/retreat-review-r3-satria.3953/, paultan.org and wapcar.my.
Vehicle location
Australia , Western Australia , Bassendean
Unfortunately, this one is a statutory write off so cannot be registered - one less of these great cars on the road in Australia. It will surely make a great parts car, with lots of very expensive parts, so it will be interesting to see what it sells for (spotted for sale on Lloyds Auctions in January 2023).
This is a very late example of the series 1 car, which had already adopted many of the series II features, including the updated climate control, power steering pump and improved wiring harness. However, it did not benefit from the final series upgrades which included the bumper mounted front/rear reversing sensors, side airbags and a few other items. This one is however nicely optioned with grey leather and a rear windscreen sunshade, timber rim wheel, but hideous aftermarket alloys.
This is a May 1996 model, and I know of a July 1996 model that is a full series II car, so that indicates the changeover must have occurred in Mid-1996 for the final series CL cars.
Learning bits and pieces every day about these. See our C140 information guide here, and check out the original Lloyds auction listing here.