Positioning:
Flagship luxury grand tourer with advanced technology and performance.
Competitors 2003:
Porsche 911, BMW 6 Series (E63/E64), Jaguar XK8/XKR, Aston Martin DB7.
Design:
Elegant roadster design with retractable vario-roof (hardtop convertible).
Technology:
Introduction of Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, bi-xenon headlights, COMAND infotainment.
Interior Quality:
Premium materials, sophisticated interior design, and advanced comfort features.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all applicable engine variants.
Transmission:
Service, repair, and diagnostics for automatic transmissions.
Suspension:
Active suspension system (ABC) diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, ESP, brake pad/rotor replacement, fluid service.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnosis of ECUs, sensors, actuators, lighting, and comfort systems.
Body And Chassis:
Convertible top mechanism (Vario-Roof), body panel repair, chassis components, climate control.
Interior:
Seat systems, dashboard, trim, and comfort features.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, coolant, thermostat, and related components.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, and emissions control.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converters, mufflers, and exhaust manifolds.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Diagnosis:
Advanced diagnostic techniques utilizing Mercedes-Benz specific tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis).
Depth:
Vehicle-specific and technician-level accuracy, not generic information.
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic with Touchshift
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift programs, manual shifting mode.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB Specification 236.14 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated (as typical for this class/era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated (as typical for this class/era)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head protection airbags, rollover protection system.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and belt force limiters.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, radio, optional navigation.
Display:
Central color display integrated into the dashboard.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parktronic parking sensors.
Telephony:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (often requiring a specific phone cradle).
Keyless Go:
Optional Keyless-Go system for starting and accessing the vehicle.
Seats:
Multi-contour, heated, and ventilated front seats with memory function.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically indicated by 'Service A' or 'Service B' via the instrument cluster (e.g., every 10,000 miles or 1 year).
Major Service Interval:
Refer to manual for specific mileage/time-based intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc. (e.g., transmission fluid often recommended around 60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
MB Specification 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB Specification 331.0)
Abc Suspension:
Leaking ABC hydraulic lines, strut failures, pump issues, ABC fluid degradation.
Vario Roof:
Hydraulic leaks in the roof system, micro-switch failures, pump or cylinder issues.
Ignition Coils:
Individual coil pack failures leading to misfires.
Trunk Pump Failures:
Failure of the electro-hydraulic pump unit for the trunk/convertible top.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Sensor can become contaminated or fail, affecting engine performance.
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long and distinguished history of producing high-performance luxury sports cars and roadsters dating back to the Silver Arrows era and iconic models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing'.
R230 Introduction:
The R230 SL-Class replaced the R129 SL-Class and introduced a modern, sleeker design and significant technological advancements.
R230 Facelift 2003:
While the R230 debuted in 2001/2002, the 2003 model year represents an early production iteration before subsequent significant styling and mechanical updates (e.g., facelift in 2006).
Manufacturing Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Automotive Press Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003 model year might vary, the R230 SL-Class generally received critical acclaim for its engineering, luxury, and performance from major automotive publications during its tenure.
Reliability Perception:
Historically, Mercedes-Benz models of this era are known for robust build quality, though complex systems like ABC require diligent maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.
