Multi-layer sliding bearing

A multi-layers sliding bearing comprising

• a back metal layer,
• a bearing alloy layer selected from the group consisting of a Cu alloy and an Al alloy,
• an intermediate plating layer selected from the group consisting of Ni, Ag and an alloy containing Cu as the main constituent,
• a Sn-based overlay layer containing substantially no Pb, and
• a back plating layer provided on a back face of said back metal layer,
• said Sn-based overlay layer containing a reinforcing metal and/or inorganic particles,
• wherein said reinforcing metal is present in an amount not more than 30 mass % and/or said inorganic particles are present in an amount not more than 25 vol %,
• a content of said reinforcing metal and/or inorganic particles being varied step-wise or successively in a direction of a thickness of said overlay layer so that said content in a thickness-wise central portion of said overlay layer is relatively high and so that said content in a surface portion of said overlay layer and a boundary portion thereof adjacent said intermediate plating layer is zero or smaller than said content in said central portion of said overlay layer.