Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Convertible Sports Car
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a convertible package
Key Competitors 2007:
Porsche 911 Carrera/Turbo, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari California (emerging)
Retractable Hardtop:
Vario-roof system offering coupe-like security and convertible freedom
Powertrain Options:
Range of powerful V8 and V12 engines, including AMG variants for enhanced performance
Suspension Technology:
Active Body Control (ABC) for superior ride comfort and dynamic handling
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, advanced infotainment and climate control
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain operation and basic maintenance
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, braking systems, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, power accessories, basic electrical troubleshooting indicators
Body:
Convertible top operation, climate control, interior features, exterior features, locking systems
Safety:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage, electronic stability program (ESP), ABS
Instrumentation:
Dashboard layout, indicator lamps, warning messages, trip computer
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, basic cleaning
Operational Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, operating the convertible top, using climate control, parking assist operation
Safety Procedures:
Proper use of seat belts, child seat installation guidance, emergency procedures
Information Display:
Understanding system messages and warnings
Depth Level:
Owner-level understanding and basic operation; does not cover in-depth repair diagnostics or component replacement
Print Quality:
High-quality print, durable paper stock
Binding:
Perfect bound or stapled binding, suitable for frequent use
Paper Type:
Glossy or semi-gloss paper, with clear text and image reproduction
Sl550 Engine:
5.5L V8 (M273)
Sl550 Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Sl550 Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4500 rpm
Sl600 Engine:
5.5L V12 Biturbo (M275)
Sl600 Horsepower:
510 hp @ 5000 rpm
Sl600 Torque:
612 lb-ft @ 1800-3500 rpm
Sl55 Amg Engine:
5.4L V8 Supercharged (M113 E55 ML)
Sl55 Amg Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Sl55 Amg Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Sl65 Amg Engine:
6.0L V12 Biturbo (M275 AMG)
Sl65 Amg Horsepower:
604 hp @ 5500 rpm
Sl65 Amg Torque:
738 lb-ft @ 2200-4000 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Sl550:
Approx. 4.8 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Sl600:
Approx. 4.5 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Sl55 Amg:
Approx. 4.3 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Sl65 Amg:
Approx. 3.8 seconds
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Sequential Turbocharging (SL600/SL65), Supercharging (SL55)
Sl550 Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6)
Sl600 Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (722.6) with 'Touchshift'
Sl55 Amg Transmission:
5-speed Automatic AMG Speedshift (722.6)
Sl65 Amg Transmission:
5-speed Automatic AMG Speedshift (722.6)
Transmission Options:
None for 2007 SL-Class models
Transmission Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes; Manual shifting via selector lever or paddle shifters (AMG models)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this year/model, but built to high safety standards.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated by IIHS for this year/model, but built to high safety standards.
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist (on some models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist (BAS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, head airbags (windowbags), roll-over protection system
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars integrated behind headrests
Comand System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) with integrated radio, CD player, optional navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system available, offering enhanced audio quality.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control available on some models, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Parking Assist:
PARKTRONIC parking sensors front and rear.
Bi Xenon Headlights:
Standard bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination.
Bluetooth Interface:
Bluetooth hands-free communication system.
Major Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specifics based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Mercedes-Benz generally recommends transmission fluid and filter changes at intervals like 40,000-60,000 miles, or as indicated by the Flexible Service System (FSS).
Engine Oil Type:
MB 229.5 approved synthetic engine oil (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 0W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity Sl550:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity Sl600:
Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) with filter change
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.12 or MB 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., ZEREX G-05, Pentofrost G12/G12+)
Abc Suspension Leaks:
Common issue with ABC fluid leaks from hoses, struts, or pump. Requires specialized service.
Electronics Glitches:
Various electrical gremlins can occur, often related to sensors, SAM units, or control modules. Diagnosis can be complex.
Convertible Top Actuators:
Issues with hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and microswitches that control the Vario-roof operation.
Ignition Coil Failures:
Can occur on V8 and V12 engines, leading to misfires and rough running.
Brake Wear:
High-performance models can experience rapid brake pad and rotor wear due to driving style and vehicle weight.
Heritage Focus:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology, including its pioneering work with roadsters.
R230 Generation Overview:
The R230 generation, introduced in 2002, represented a significant departure with its retractable hardtop, advanced electronics, and a focus on combining luxury GT comfort with potent performance.
2007 Updates:
The 2007 model year saw updates including the introduction of the new SL550 (replacing the SL500), updated styling, and revised technology, including a more advanced COMAND infotainment system.
Production Location:
Bremen, Germany
Common Awards Context:
While specific awards for the 2007 SL-Class might not be universally cited, the SL-Class line consistently receives accolades for luxury, performance, and convertible technology from automotive publications.
Consumer Satisfaction Context:
Mercedes-Benz models, especially the SL-Class, often score highly in consumer satisfaction surveys for build quality and luxury experience, though maintenance costs can be a factor.
