Mercedes-Benz 170 S 1949–1952 car dimensions: 4455 mm long, 1684 mm wide and 1610 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,220 kg.
The cabin is more spacious and better appointed than the 170 V, with wood veneers framing the windows and dashboard. Seats are comfortable and adjustable. A heater is optional. A sliding roof is available as an option on the saloon. A car radio is offered as an optional extra from 1950. No electronic driver aids are fitted.
The saloon has a proper external-access boot with space for the spare wheel. Boot capacity is limited compared with later cars.
Kerb weight is 1220 kg and gross weight 1540 kg, giving a payload of 320 kg. The car uses a cruciform oval-tube frame with coil-spring front suspension and swing-axle rear. No towing figures are published for the standard saloon.
The cabin features rich wood veneers framing the windows and dashboard along with chrome details. Seats sit high like armchairs and give a comfortable ride. The interior feels well appointed and generously proportioned with an organic feel from the ash wood. An optional heater and sliding roof were available.
Fuel consumption 9.7 l/100 km
Hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes
Central chassis lubrication system activated every 200 km
Durable engines that are relatively easy to work on and maintain
Solid oval-tube frame construction
Fuel use sits at 9.7 litres per 100 km under the DIN guideline measured at three-quarters of top speed. The 1.8-litre petrol engine delivers 52 hp and a top speed of 120 km/h.
A central lubrication system feeds oil to chassis points. An indicator light reminds the driver to press a footwell pedal every 200 km. Engines of the era prove durable and straightforward to service.
Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes form the main safety equipment. The solid construction with oval-tube frame adds strength relative to contemporaries. No period crash-test data appears in records.
Keeping the car centres on regular lubrication and basic mechanical care. Parts remain accessible given the simple design.
Length 4455 mm, Width 1684 mm, Height 1610 mm, Wheelbase 2845 mm (170 S 1949–1952)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz Public Archive technical data.