Market Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer Roadster
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK, Aston Martin V8 Vantage.
Retractable Hardtop:
Vario-Roof system provides coupe-like security and convertible freedom.
Active Body Control:
Advanced hydraulic suspension system offering exceptional ride comfort and handling.
Engine Diversity:
Wide range of powerful V8 and V12 engines, including AMG variants.
Manual Type:
Owner's/Operator's Manual
Primary Model Covered:
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R230 Chassis)
Variant Coverage:
SL500, SL600, SL55 AMG, SL65 AMG specific information
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting modes, fluid levels.
Chassis And Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) system operation, tire pressure monitoring, wheel and tire care.
Brakes:
Brake system operation, ABS, Brake Assist, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery care, fuses, lighting systems, interior electronics.
Infotainment And Comfort:
COMAND system operation, climate control, seat adjustments, convertible top operation.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt operation, electronic stability program (ESP), cruise control.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement.
Convenience Features:
Operating the retractable hardtop, climate control settings, infotainment system navigation, power seat adjustments.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding dashboard warning indicators, basic fuse checks, remote key operation.
Driving Techniques:
Proper use of transmission modes, utilizing ESP and other driver aids.
Depth:
Owner-focused; covers operation, basic checks, and safety. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typical of a service manual.
Digital Format:
N/A (Product is a printed manual)
Print Quality:
High-quality OEM standard printing, likely with color diagrams and illustrations.
Binding:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet for durability.
Paper Quality:
Durable, glossy paper stock suitable for automotive use.
Sl500 Engine:
5.0L M113 V8, Naturally Aspirated
Sl500 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Sl500 Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Sl600 Engine:
5.5L M275 Bi-Turbo V12
Sl600 Horsepower:
493 hp @ 5000 rpm
Sl600 Torque:
590 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm
Sl55 Amg Engine:
5.4L M113 ML-55 Supercharged V8
Sl55 Amg Horsepower:
469 hp @ 6100 rpm
Sl55 Amg Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Sl65 Amg Engine:
6.0L M275 ML63 Bi-Turbo V12
Sl65 Amg Horsepower:
604 hp @ 5500 rpm
Sl65 Amg Torque:
738 lb-ft @ 2200-4000 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Sl500 Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6)
Sl600 Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6)
Sl55 Amg Transmission:
5-speed AMG Speedshift Automatic
Sl65 Amg Transmission:
5-speed AMG Speedshift Automatic
Shifting Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes available across models; manual shift mode (M) typically via steering wheel paddles or shifter.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz ATF Specification 236.10 or 236.12 (e.g., Shell ATF 134)
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific 2006 SL-Class ratings may vary, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally performed well in crash tests, benefiting from robust chassis design and advanced safety features.
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (standard)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist System (BAS) (standard)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) (standard)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags (depending on configuration).
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll-over protection system behind the seats.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.
Comand System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with integrated navigation, radio, CD player, and optional telephone/changer.
Harman Kardon:
Optional Harman Kardon surround sound audio system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, with Distronic adaptive cruise control available on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors optional on some trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Heated And Ventilated Seats:
Optional heated and ventilated front seats.
Multicontour Seats:
Optional multicontour seats with massage functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Consult the manual for specific conditions.
Major Service:
Major services (e.g., Service A, Service B) are indicated by the 'Service Due' message on the instrument cluster, typically occurring every 30,000-40,000 miles, including checks on various systems, fluids, and filters.
Engine Oil Specification:
MB-Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol SLX Professional 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity Sl500:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts)
Coolant Specification:
Mercedes-Benz Specification 325.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)
Abc Suspension:
Hydraulic leaks from ABC hoses, strut failures, and pump issues are common on higher mileage R230 models. Requires specialized maintenance.
Variorof Mechanism:
Actuator failures, hydraulic leaks, and sensor issues can affect the retractable hardtop operation.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can be a wear item, especially on the AMG models, leading to misfires.
Teleaid System:
Older TeleAid systems may be obsolete or require updates/deactivation.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing luxury automobiles and pioneering automotive technology since its inception.
Sl Class Lineage:
The SL-Class, originating from the iconic 300SL Gullwing and Roadster, represents Mercedes-Benz's flagship sports convertible, evolving through generations of design and technology.
R230 Generation Intro:
The R230 SL-Class was introduced for the 2003 model year, featuring a groundbreaking retractable aluminum hardtop (Vario-Roof) and advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Production Years R230:
2003-2012
