From March 1962, the 220SE models were joined by companion model 300SE Coupés and Convertibles, which bore the W112 designation of their sedan equivalent. This is what designer Paul Bracq envisaged when he designed his 300SE studies - a top-of-the-range luxury machine with the extra attraction of high performance. The 300SE, of course, followed the example of its sedan counterparts in featuring air suspension which supplied the car with a wonderful smooth like handling. Automatic transmission was also standard.

The 300SE was given a power boost in 1964 to improve its performance. However, more far-reaching changes were made in the autumn of the following year. The cars picked up the stronger new rear axle designed for the W108 sedans, together with larger disc brakes. To accomodate the larger discs, the 300SE received 14in wheels in place of the 13in types. Thus revised, the 300SE continued in production until December 1967 when it and the 250SE were both replaced with the new 280SE Coupés and Convertibles..

From the outside, the basis of the 300SE Coupé/Convertible models were the 220SE Coupé/Convertible models. So for a detailed description of the 300SE, please read chapter 3) 1961: The 220SE Coupés and Convertibles first. You can read the word "300SE" where it says "220SE". Below are things mentioned were the 300SE models differ from the 220SE models.

The early 300SE models had the same wheelcovers as the 220SE models, rims with 12 holes and a detachable coloured hubcap in the middle. With the arrival of the 250 SE Coupé/Convertible in 1965, Mercedes gave the wheels of the 300SE models the same appearance as the wheels of the 250SE Coupés/Convertibles. The rims now no longer had the 12 holes but consisted of a single strip of chrome. The hubcaps remained unchanged.

Mercedes applied the same 'trick' with the 300SE Coupé/Convertible models as they did with the 300SE sedans when it came to distinguish these models from the other models: chrome and lost of it!
Put into practise it ment that extra chrome was placed around the wheelarches and alongside the side of the car.

Below are things mentioned where the 300SE Coupé/Convertible models differ from the 220SE Coupé/Convertible models so for a more detailed description of the interior of a 300SE, please read chapter 3) 1961: The 220SE Coupé and Convertible first. You can read the word "300SE" where it says "220SE".

The interior of the 300SE Coupés and Convertibles differed from the cheaper models by the use of burr walnut rather than plain walnut, the 300SE models incorporated 220km/h speedometers instead of 210 km/h types. The 300SE also featured a courtesy light delay, which kept the interior light on for a few seconds after the doors were closed. The gear-lever for the automatic transmission was still on the steering colomn, later models had their gear-lever (automatic and manual) on the central tunnel. Leather upholstery was standard on all Coupés and Convertibles.