Mercedes-Benz Medium Sedan · Typ 170

W15

Hans Nibel’s Typ 170 — swing axles and a new middle-class Mercedes.

Production
1931–1936
Built
13,901
Body
Sedan
Chassis
W15
Mercedes-Benz Medium Sedan (W15)

Hans Nibel's Typ 170 changed what a Mercedes-Benz could be — a middle-class car with independent front suspension and swing-axle rear geometry that brought advanced chassis engineering down from the luxury tiers to ordinary buyers.

The Typ 170's technical layout was the real story: semi-elliptic springs up front and swing axles at the rear gave the car a modern ride and handling balance unusual in its price class. Nibel's design established engineering principles that would echo through Mercedes-Benz's smaller models for years, making the Typ 170 one of the most important middle-class chassis of the pre-war era.

Built from 1931 to 1936, the Typ 170 reached 13,901 examples — a strong production total that underlines its commercial success. It directly preceded the Typ 170 V and laid the chassis groundwork for the volume Mercedes-Benz sedans that would carry the company through the 1930s.

W15 interior
Cabin details of the W15, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

2 distinct series across 1931–1936 — each identified by its chassis and engine numbers from period factory data.

ModeloAños-modeloChasisMotorTransmisiónTotal
Type 170 Sedan1931–1936151513,775
L300 Van1932–19351515126

* La cifra de producción publicada cubre todas las series de ese modelo; la fuente no la desglosa más.

W15 side profile
Studio profile of the W15 — the proportions that defined this chassis.
W15 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the W15.

Engines.

The M15 as fitted to the W15.

M15

Inline-6
  • 15 1.7 L · 1,692 cc

    33 PS

    24 kW · 32 hp a 3,200 rpm