MERCEDES-BENZ 500 K 540 K W29

Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1934 to 1936
Body and chassis
Class	Luxury
Body	Various
Powertrain
Engine	5.0L 8 Cylinder
Transmission	4-speed manual optional 5-speed

 The Mercedes-Benz 500K Manufactured by Daimler-Benz AG,4Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, GermanyThe Mercedes-Benz 500 K is a classic example of the solid and reliable automobiles of the 1930s. The car was first built in 1934, and was replaced by a more powerful version, the 540 K, in two years.

The 500 K model was fitted with various body types a roadster, a special roadster, an open tourer, a cabriolet in A, B, and C versions, a sports coupé or a limousine. The bodies differed in the number of seats, side-windows, and doors. Other versions included a streamlined coupé, the so-called 'highway courier', as well as armoured models for high-ranking army officers. The car was fitted with a 5019 cc in-line eight-cylinder engine. At a low compression ratio of 5.5, the engine developed a power of 117.7kW (160hp) at 3400 rpm. Among other notable construction features were a nine-bearing camshaft, a company-designed duplex carburettor, and a Roots compressor. The compressor was started in third gear at a speed of 30km/h (19mph) and disengaged at 3400 rpm, which coincided with a speed of 100km/h (62mph). It facilitated acceleration only. At a steady cruising speed the semi-automatic  Maybach overdrive system was engaged.

Streamlined coupé, the so-called 'highway courier',

The frame chassis was fitted with swing axles with balance springs at the rear, and independent wheel suspension in front. The low-pressure tyres were fitted on Rudge wire-spoke wheels.

The operating instructions specified a maximum speed of 175km/h (108mph). An expensive item was that the oil had to be changed after every 1500km (930 mi).Altogether 354 of these cars were built.

Mercedes-Benz 540 K (1936-1939) 

At the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris in October 1936, the successor Type 540 K was presented. With otherwise the same technical equipment this had an eight-cylinder OHV in-line engine with 5401 cc and switchable Roots blower . The power in the suction mode increased to 85 kW (115 hp), when operating with a compressor 132 kW (180 hp). The top speed increased to 170 km / h.

1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet