Segment:
        
        
            Luxury Grand Tourer / Personal Luxury Car
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Affluent individuals seeking a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced convertible.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            BMW 8 Series Convertible, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 911 Cabriolet (964).
        
     
    
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Iconic Pininfarina-influenced styling, robust build quality, sophisticated retractable hardtop (Vario-roof).
        
     
    
        
            Performance:
        
        
            Powerful V8 engine, refined ride and handling, strong acceleration.
        
     
    
        
            Luxury Appointments:
        
        
            Premium leather interior, wood trim, advanced (for its time) climate control and comfort features.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full engine teardown, rebuild, timing, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Electrical:
        
        
            Ignition system, fuel injection (KE-Jetronic/MEC systems), sensors, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed automatic transmission (722.3xx series) overhaul, adjustments, hydraulic system, electronic controls.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Differential, driveshafts, CV joints, driveshaft center bearing.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, brake fluid, calipers, pads, rotors, lines.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, heater core, climate control system.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, pressure regulator.
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, hangers.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, body control modules, power windows, seats, mirrors.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, automatic climate control operation and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism and hydraulics, interior trim.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Extensive troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures, testing methods.
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection/replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Major Repairs:
        
        
            Engine rebuilding, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, circuit tracing, fault diagnosis for electrical systems.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Repair:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for convertible top hydraulic system maintenance, leak troubleshooting, and actuator replacement.
        
     
    
        
            ABS System Repair:
        
        
            Specific procedures for diagnosing and repairing the ABS system, including sensor replacement and hydraulic unit service.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting Charts:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common issues and symptoms.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Professional-level detailed repair and diagnostic information.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostic strategies, OBD-I scan tool usage (where applicable), specific testing procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Complete listing of all critical torque specifications for engine, chassis, and body fasteners.
        
     
    
        
            Clearances And Tolerances:
        
        
            Precise specifications for component clearances and operating tolerances during rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification and usage of specialized Mercedes-Benz tools required for specific repair procedures.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            V8, Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            4973 cc (5.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            96.0 mm x 85.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Valve Train:
        
        
            SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            326 PS (322 hp) @ 5500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            480 Nm (354 lb-ft) @ 3900 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Injection System:
        
        
            Bosch KE-Jetronic Electronic Fuel Injection with Lambda Control
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            API SG, ACEA A2-96 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 15W-40 or 10W-40, Castrol GTX 15W-40)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
        
     
    
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (Glycol-based, MB-Approval 325.0, typically blue or green)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            12.5 Liters (13.2 US Quarts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using the specified synthetic oil.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 60,000 km (36,000 miles) or 48 months, including filter replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 24 months, regardless of mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 2-3 years or as recommended by coolant type.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Typically every 50,000 km (30,000 miles) for standard spark plugs, or as specified by the manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Mercedes-Benz Specification 343.0 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 4 (Mercedes-Benz Specification 331.0)
        
     
    
        
            Windshield Washer Fluid:
        
        
            Water-based washer fluid with antifreeze additive as needed.
        
     
    
    
        
            Wiring Harness Issues:
        
        
            Degradation of insulation on engine wiring harnesses (especially around the engine bay) can lead to shorts and malfunctions.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Hydraulics:
        
        
            Leaking hydraulic lines or pump failures in the convertible top system.
        
     
    
        
            Mass Air Flow Sensor:
        
        
            Failure of the MAF sensor can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and poor fuel economy.
        
     
    
        
            Crankshaft Position Sensor:
        
        
            Failure can result in the engine not starting or stalling unexpectedly.
        
     
    
        
            ABS Hydraulic Unit:
        
        
            Potential failure of the ABS hydraulic unit, leading to ABS warning lights and loss of ABS function.
        
     
    
        
            Interior Electronics:
        
        
            Issues with power windows, seat motors, or climate control systems due to aging components or wiring.