Mercedes-Benz first unveiled the W186, 300 series sedan (no letter designation) and cabriolet 4-door model at the 1951 Paris exhibition auto show. It's unique appearance and features, in comparison to previous post war models, were a huge success, gaining instant appeal by State governments, celebrities, and wealthy businessmen. Features included the X frame chassis of prior models, a 6 cylinder overhead valve carburated engine to compensate for 2+1/2 ton weight, central lubrication system of the 170 model, swing axle, and rear load leveler.
Unique options included, several Becker radio models, VHF short-waved telephone, dictation machine, 7 basic MB colors, Webasto and metal sunroof, and a custom-ordered combination of wood trim types, leather or cloth seats, and carpeting. The models used by Dr. Konrad Adenauer had further custom features including window curtains, divider window, magazine/newspaper nets, writing/eating trays, document storage, lighted mirrors, fog lamps, sirens, and flag holders.
| Zylinderzahl | 6 (Reihe) | Vorderradaufhängung | 1 Querlenker; 2 Querfedern |
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| Hubraum | 2996 (Steuer 2213) ccm | Lenkung | Schnecke ZF-Roß | |
| Leistung | 125 PS bei 4500 U/ min | Fußbremse | Hydraulisch, Servohilfe, 4 Rader Trommel—260 mm, Bremsflache 1470 | |
| Verdichtung | 8,55: 1 | Handbremse | Mechanisch, Hinterräder | |
| Vergaser | 1 Doppel-Fallstromvergaser; Solex 30 JFFK |
Schmierung | Zentral | |
| Ventile | Hangend, obenliegende Nockenwelle; Antrieb durch Duplex-KetteSeitlich stehend; |
Radstand | 3150 mm | |
| Kurbelwellenlager | 4 | Spur vorn/hinten | 1382/1412 mm | |
| Kühlung | Pumpe, 11 Liter Wasser | Gesamtmaße | 5190×1860×1620 mm | |
| Schmierung | Druckumlauf, 5,5 Liter öl | Räder | Scheiben | |
| Kraftübertragung | Antrieb auf Hinterräder | Fahrgestellgewicht | 1000 kg | |
| Kupplung | Einscheibentrockenkupplung | Wagengewicht | 1910 kg | |
| Schaltung | Schalthebel Wagenmitte | Zuläss. Gesamtgewicht | 2360 kg | |
| Getriebe | 4 Gang | Höchstgeschwindigkeit | 165 km/h | |
| Synchronisierung | I-IV | Beschleunigung 0-100 km/h | 16 sec | |
| Übersetzungen | I. 3,83; II. 2,02; III. 1,44; IV. 1,00 | Verbrauch/100 km | 16 Liter | |
| Antriebs-Übersetzung | 4,70 oder 4,50 | Kraftstofftank | 72 Liter (im Heck) | |
| Fahrwerk | U-Profil-Prebstahl-Niederrahmen | Motor | Daimler Benz M 186 II, 6 Zylinder/ Reihe |
