🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL600

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Convertible

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking high performance, advanced technology, and premium comfort in a two-seater convertible.

Key Competitors:

Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Lexus SC 430 (at the time of its generation).

Vehicle Type:

Two-door, two-seater convertible with retractable hardtop.

Powertrain Focus:

Emphasis on potent V12 engine performance and refined driving dynamics.

Technology Level:

Incorporates Mercedes-Benz's advanced comfort, safety, and infotainment systems of the era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL600.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes sections on maintenance, specifications, engine compartment, driver controls, safety restraints, and customer assistance.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for comprehensive owner's manuals of this era and caliber).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust.

Chassis:

Brake system, suspension, steering, wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Lighting system, battery, instrument cluster, infotainment, climate control, power accessories.

Body And Interior:

Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, convertible top operation (if applicable), interior controls.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure, wiper blade inspection.

Maintenance Schedule:

Guidance on routine servicing intervals and recommended checks.

Safety Features:

Operation of airbags, seatbelts, ABS, ESP, and other safety systems.

Troubleshooting:

Information on warning lamps and basic diagnostic indicators.

Customer Assistance:

Information on dealer services, warranty, and reporting safety defects (US).

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic flowcharts found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Readability:

Requires a PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).

Quality:

Digital format, quality depends on source scan but generally reflects factory original clarity.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M275 (Biturbo V12)

Configuration:

V-12, 60 degrees

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5513 cc)

Aspiration:

Twin-Turbocharged with Intercoolers

Horsepower:

510 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

612 lb-ft (830 Nm) @ 1800-3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Spec:

MB Approval 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts) with filter change.

Air Filter Part Number Example:

A2750900001 (typical for this engine family, exact number may vary slightly).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission with Touchshift

Transmission Model:

7G-TRONIC

Driver Selectable Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB Approval 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Genuine ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

178.5 inches (4535 mm)

Width:

72.9 inches (1852 mm)

Height:

52.2 inches (1325 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2585 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4674 lbs (2120 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

5600 lbs (2540 kg)

Trunk Volume Hardtop Retracted:

Approximately 7.1 cu ft (200 liters)

Trunk Volume Hardtop Deployed:

Approximately 11.2 cu ft (317 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

While specific NHTSA ratings for the 2011 SL600 are not readily available, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era typically performed well in crash testing due to advanced safety engineering.

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Crosswind Assist.

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (ASR).

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, knee airbags (driver).

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars activated automatically in a rollover detection scenario.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters.

Head Restraints:

Active Head Restraints (NECK-PRO) to reduce whiplash injuries.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXperience)

Display:

Central color display in the dashboard.

Navigation:

Integrated hard-drive based navigation system.

Audio System:

Premium Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system (optional or standard depending on specific build).

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming; possibly optional Media Interface for iPod/USB connection.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC PLUS (optional driver assistance system).

Parking Assistance:

Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors.

Lighting System:

Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and headlamp washers.

Climate Control:

Multi-zone automatic climate control with dust filter.

Seating:

Multi-contour climate-controlled (heated and ventilated) power seats with memory function.

Roof Operation:

Electrically operated Vario-Roof (retractable hardtop) with remote operation and glass rear window.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first, as indicated by the Flexible Service System (ASSYST PLUS).

Major Service Recommendations:

Includes spark plug replacement (often around 60,000 miles for V12s), transmission fluid service, brake fluid flush, coolant service, and various inspections at specified mileage or time intervals.

Coolant Spec:

MB Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a silicate-free, long-life formulation).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Plus or MB Approval 331.0 (Hydraulic Brake Fluid).

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

MB Approval 236.3 (Power Steering Fluid).

Common Wear Items:

ABC suspension hydraulic lines and accumulators can develop leaks; coil packs and ignition coils; certain electronic control units (e.g., ECU, transmission control module); Active Service System (ASSYST) indicator malfunctions.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Hydraulic pump and cylinders for the Vario-Roof can require maintenance or repair over time; seal aging.

Interior Components:

Leather wear, trim piece degradation (especially in hot climates), climate control actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance, particularly in the sports car segment with its SL lineage dating back to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.

Sl Lineage:

The R230 generation of the SL-Class, which includes the 2011 SL600, was introduced for the 2003 model year. It represented a significant advancement with its electro-hydraulic vario-roof (retractable hardtop) and a focus on combining sporty performance with luxury GT comfort.

Sl600 Positioning:

The SL600, equipped with the powerful V12 engine, was positioned as the flagship model within the SL range, offering unparalleled torque and a more relaxed, potent driving experience compared to the V8-powered SL550 or SL500.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sl Class Awards:

While specific awards for the 2011 SL600 may not be highlighted, the R230 SL-Class consistently received accolades for its design, performance, and luxury from automotive publications during its production run. For example, various automotive journalists praised the V12 models for their effortless power delivery and refinement.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports often provides reliability ratings and performance reviews. For the R230 SL-Class, reliability was generally rated as average to below average, common for complex luxury vehicles of this era.