The Mercedes-Benz W105 is the internal designation for a four-door executive car, manufactured by Daimler-Benz from 1956 to 1959, and marketed as the Mercedes-Benz Typ(e) 219. The W105 was nicknamed Ponton, along with its Mercedes model siblings, from its introduction, because it employed ponton, or pontoon styling, a defining post-war car design innovation that unified a car's previously articulated bonnet, wings, body and running boards into a singular, slab-sided envelope.

Mercedes-Benz W105
219
Mercedes-Benz 219 (W105)
Overview
ManufacturerDaimler-Benz (saloons)
IMA (estates)
Production
  • 1956–1959
  • 27,845 built
Body and chassis
Classluxury car (F)
Body style
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
RelatedMercedes-Benz W120/W121180 (D) & 190 (D)
Mercedes-Benz W180220a/S
Mercedes-Benz W128220SE
Powertrain
Engine2195 cc M180 II I6
Transmission4-speed manual, lever on steering column
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length4,650 mm (183.1 in)
from 8–1957: 468 cm (184 in) [1]
Width1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height1,560 mm (61.4 in)
Curb weight
  • 1,290 kg (2,844 lb) (dry)
  • 1,725 kg (3,803 lb) (loaded)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz W187
SuccessorMercedes-Benz W111

The Mercedes 219 (internally W105), had a 2.2 L inline 6-cylinder engine, and uniquely featured a bodyshell that combined the stretched nose of the more luxury W128 and W180 models 220a and 220 S(E), but shared the regular standard wheelbase cabine, with shorter rear doors, with the 1953 entry-level 4-cylinder Mercedes W120/W121 models 180 and 190, to offer an intermediate no-frills 6-cylinder model option.

History

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The body shape had been introduced in 1953 by the W120 chassis 180. In the following year, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 6-cylinder 220a which was visually similar to the 180, but with a 170 mm (7 in) longer wheelbase, and an entirely new rear suspension design. 100 mm (4 in) were added to the front to accommodate the two extra cylinders and 70 mm (3 in) added to the rear doors to provide more legroom for the rear passengers.[2] This model ran until 1956 when the 219 and the 220S were introduced.

Model identification

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The 219 from the a-pillar forward was identical to the long-nosed 220a, including the single-carburettor 2.2 L 6-cylinder engine. However, from the a‑pillar back, it used the shorter body of the W120/W121 180/190 models — accordingly, wheelbase and total length of the 219 were shorter compared to the 220 S, but bigger compared to the 190.[2] This can be identified by the one-piece windows in the rear doors, as opposed to the 220a and 220S having separate quarter windows.

Inside, the 219 used the simpler instrumentation of the small car, along with bakelite trim instead of woodgrain.

Model Years Chassis code Engine Displacement Power Built
219 3/56–7/59 105.010
105.011[a]
M 180.921 / R 6 2195 cc 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) 27,845
  1. ^ Equipped with a Webasto sliding sunroof. The material was referred to as "Covertex" (vinyl).
Technical data Mercedes-Benz W105 (Manufacturer's figures except where stated)
Mercedes-Benz 219
Engine 6-cylinder-inline engine (four-stroke), front-mounted
Bore x Stroke 80 mm x 72.8 mm
Displacement 2195 cc
Max. Power 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) @ 4800 rpm
Max. Torque 157 N⋅m (116 lbf⋅ft) @ 2400 rpm
Compression Ratio 7.6:1
Fuel feed: Double downdraft carburetor Solex 32 PAATI
Fuel tank capacity 56 L (14.8 US gal; 12.3 imp gal)
Valvetrain SOHC, duplex chain
Cooling Water
Gearbox 4-speed manual, lever on steering column
rear wheel drive, standard axle ratio 4.10:1 from August 1957: 3.90:1
Electrical system 12 volt
Front suspension Double wishbones, coil springs, stabilising bar
Rear suspension Swing axle, coil springs
Brakes Drum brakes (Ø 230 mm), power assisted optional
Steering Recirculating ball steering
Body structure Sheet steel, unibody construction
Track front 1,430 mm (56 in)
Track rear 1,470 mm (58 in)
Tire sizes 6.40 x 13
Top speed 148 km/h (92 mph)
Fuel Consumption (estimate) 11.2 L/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 21.0 mpg‑US)

References

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