Serial production of the 4-door sedan began in August 1959, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the fall. Initially, the series consisted of 220b, 220Sb and 220SEb. These replaced the (W105) 219, (W180) 220S and (W128) 220SE Ponton sedans, respectively. The 220b was a basic version, with little chrome finish, simple hubcaps and basic interior finish that had no pockets on the doors. Prices were DM16,750, 18,500 and 20,500, with an approximate sales ratio of 1: 2: 1.

All modes shared the M127 2195 cc M127 engine transported from the previous generation, producing 95 hp (71 kW) at 4800 rpm and capable of accelerating the heavy car to 160 km / h (155 if equipped with optional automatic gearbox). The 220Sb featured dual carburetors and produced 110 hp (82 kW) at 5000 rpm, increasing the top speed to 165 km / h (103 mph) (160 km / h) (160 km / h (99 mph)) and improving from 0 at 100 km / h (62 mph) acceleration to 15 seconds (16 in the 220b). The top-of-the-range 220SEb featured Bosch fuel injection producing 120 hp (89 kW) at 4800 rpm, with a top speed of 172 km / h (107 mph) (168 km / h (168 mph) for cars) and a range of 0 to 100 km / h (62 mph), time of 14 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz 220Sb
In 1961, the W111 chassis and body were shared with the even more basic 4-cylinder W110 and a luxurious W112 version built on the W111 chassis with its body and the 300-liter 3-cylinder M189 large block 6 series engine, many standard power features and a high level of internal and external finish. The body of the W110 featured a shorter hood compared to the W111.

Mercedes-Benz 220Sb
In May 1965, the 220Sb and 220SEb were replaced by the new 230S. It was visually identical to the 220S, [citation needed] with a 2306 cm3 M180 engine modernized with twin Zenith carburetors producing 120 hp (89 kW) at 5400 rpm. The maximum speed is 176 km / h (109 mph) (174 km / h (108 mph) in the car), the acceleration from 0-100 km / h (62 mph) is 13 seconds (15 with automatic transmission). As a successor to the 220b, Mercedes-Benz also introduced the 230, with the 2306 cm3 engine installed in the W110 series car. A total of 41,107 230S models were built until January 1968, when the last of the 4-door arrangements left the production line.

During its ten years between 1959 and 1968, 337,803 W111s were built.

Coupé and cabriolet

Cocktails almost disappeared in two-door versions
The design of a replacement for the two-door Pontons began in 1957. Since most of the chassis and transmission system were to be unified with the sedan, the scope was focused on the external style. Mercedes chose the work of engineer Paul Bracq, who had a more square and subtle rear treatment, more evocative of the subsequent square style of the subsequent W108 / W109 than the sharp fins of the sedan.

Production began in the late 1960s, with the coupe debuting on the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, in February next year. The convertible followed at the Frankfurt Motor Show a few months later. Almost identical to the coupe, the roof with folding hood in a recess behind the rear seat and covered by a well-fitting leather "boot" in the same color as the seats. Unlike the previous generation of the two-door ponton series, the 220SE designation was used for both the coupe and the convertible; both received the same version of the 2195 cc M127 engine. Prices in 1962 were 32,500 for the coupe and 36,000 NLG for the cabriolet. Options included a sliding sunroof for the coupe, automatic transmission, power steering and individual rear seats.