🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

500SL

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

R129

Engine Code:

M119

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Grand Tourer Convertible

Target Audience:

Affluent consumers seeking high-performance, luxury, and sophisticated open-top motoring.

Key Competitors:

Porsche 911 Targa/Cabriolet, Jaguar XJS Convertible, BMW 8 Series Convertible (later models)

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful V8 engine, sophisticated suspension, high-quality interior, advanced safety features for its era, iconic Mercedes-Benz build quality.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing a complex luxury vehicle, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Electrical Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Pages:

High (Detailed software, likely equivalent to hundreds of printed pages)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital, likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, fuel injection (DME), ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions

Transmission:

4-speed automatic (722.4 series), torque converter, hydraulic controls, servicing

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, differential, axles, driveshafts

Suspension:

Front independent (double wishbone), rear independent (multi-link), springs, dampers, bushings

Brakes:

Hydraulic, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), vented front discs, solid rear discs, master cylinder, lines, calipers

Steering:

Recirculating ball, power steering system, steering gearbox, linkages

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors

Bodywork:

Chassis, body panels, doors, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, glass

Comfort Systems:

Climate control (manual and automatic), heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Engine performance diagnosis, ABS fault tracing, electrical system troubleshooting, error code interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, alternator), transmission service, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, convertible top repair

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment, parking brake adjustment

Calibration Procedures:

ABS sensor calibration (if applicable), basic system checks

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex system overhauls and diagnostics.

Detail Level:

Includes detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Software

Searchability:

Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

N/A (Digital format, print quality dependent on user printer)

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4973 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder (32 total)

Horsepower:

322 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, ACEA A2 or MB 229.1 approved 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic

Engine Oil Capacity:

8.0 Liters (approx. 8.5 US quarts) with filter

Coolant Type:

Mercedes-Benz approved ethylene glycol coolant (e.g., G05)

Coolant Capacity:

11.0 Liters (approx. 11.6 US quarts)

Spark Plugs:

Bosch F8DC4 or equivalent (specific torque and gap required, detailed in manual)

Air Filter Part Number:

A 119 094 02 01 (example, confirm with VIN)

Oil Filter Part Number:

A 119 180 01 09 (example, confirm with VIN)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic (722.4 series)

Shift Modes:

Standard, Economy (E) mode for smoother, more fuel-efficient shifts.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.3 approved Dexron II or III automatic transmission fluid

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

7.5 Liters (approx. 7.9 US quarts) for complete refill

Transmission Filter Kit Part Number:

A 124 270 03 98 (example, confirm with VIN)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4455 mm (175.4 in)

Width:

1810 mm (71.3 in)

Height:

1300 mm (51.2 in)

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 in)

Curb Weight:

1830 kg (4034 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

2200 kg (4850 lbs)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.5J Alloy

Standard Tire Size:

225/55 ZR16

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 112 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

NHTSA ratings for this era are less comprehensive than modern standards, but the R129 platform was engineered with a strong focus on occupant protection.

ABS:

Standard Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation) on some models.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional in some markets/early production.

Rollover Protection:

Automatic rollover protection system (pop-up hoops deployed by sensors in case of detected rollover).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning front seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

High-quality factory sound system, often with cassette player and optional CD changer. Pre-wiring for modern upgrades is generally present.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (optional) with diagnostic capabilities for HVAC system.

ABS:

Integral to braking system for enhanced safety.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Diagnostics:

OBD-I diagnostic port, with specific Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic protocols requiring specialized tools or advanced manual interpretation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, using synthetic oil.

Major Service Interval:

Significant inspections and component checks recommended every 30,000-60,000 km (18,000-36,000 miles) or as per service booklet.

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter change recommended every 60,000-100,000 km (36,000-60,000 miles).

Wiring Harness:

Degradation of insulation on specific engine bay wiring harnesses (subject of recalls/service campaigns).

Convertible Top Hydraulics:

Potential for hydraulic leaks or pump failure affecting convertible top operation.

Mass Airflow Sensor:

Can become contaminated or fail, affecting engine performance.

Idle Control Valve:

Can cause rough idling or stalling.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear over time leading to clunks or imprecise handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and performance, particularly in the luxury roadster segment with predecessors like the SL series.

R129 Introduction:

The R129 SL replaced the R107 SL and was introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year. The 500SL was a flagship model upon its debut.

Design Philosophy:

Characterized by a more sculpted and aerodynamic design than its predecessor, while retaining the classic SL proportions. High focus on safety and driver comfort.

Production Period:

1989-2001 (R129 platform)

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Accolades:

While specific awards for the 1992 model year are scarce in public records, the R129 chassis and the 500SL in particular were widely praised by automotive journalists for their engineering, performance, and luxury when new. Often featured in 'best sports cars' or 'best convertibles' lists of their time.