🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL500

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code:

M113.960

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R230) represented the pinnacle of luxury grand touring convertibles for its era, offering advanced technology and sophisticated design. This manual is targeted at owners and technicians who require accurate, factory-level information for maintaining and repairing this high-performance vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles such as the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW Z8, and Jaguar XK8.

Vehicle Features:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof), Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior appointments.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data, repair procedures, and diagnostic guidance to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL500, saving owners significant repair costs.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Service:

Complete

Transmission Service:

Complete

Electrical System:

Comprehensive

Body And Chassis:

Detailed

Suspension And Steering:

Complete

Braking System:

Detailed

HVAC System:

Comprehensive

Interior Trim:

Detailed

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Extensive

Maintenance Schedules:

Included

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, oil pump, timing system, lubrication

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, electronic control unit (ECU), emissions control, sensors, actuators

Transmission:

5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), torque converter, transmission control module (TCM), fluid service, internal components

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, rear axle assembly

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) system, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, power steering fluid

Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, hydraulic unit, parking brake

Electrical System Power:

Battery, alternator, starter, charging system, power distribution

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lamps, wiring diagrams

Comfort Systems:

Climate control (automatic), heated seats, ventilation, convertible top operation (Vario-roof)

Infotainment Audio:

COMAND system (optional), radio, CD player, speaker system, antenna

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk, doors, mirrors, convertible roof mechanism

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, center console, door panels, carpeting, airbags

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, crumple zones

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, head gasket replacement, timing chain service, piston and rod replacement

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter change, valve body service, mechatronic unit repair, torque converter replacement

Suspension Adjustment:

ABC system calibration, shock absorber replacement, strut replacement, alignment specifications

Brake Maintenance:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, caliper service, bleeding procedures

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness repair, sensor testing, component diagnosis, troubleshooting common electrical faults

Convertible Top Service:

Hydraulic system service, seal replacement, mechanism adjustment, troubleshooting roof malfunctions

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, fluid checks and changes

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation

Body Panel Replacement:

Door removal/installation, fender replacement, hood adjustment

Air Conditioning Service:

Refrigerant recharge, component replacement, leak detection

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Searchable PDF or proprietary software format with interactive diagrams and schematics.

Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, accurate schematics.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8 SOHC (M113.960)

Displacement:

5.0 Liters (4966 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

97.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

302 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

339 lb-ft @ 3200-4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

ECU Type:

ME 2.8

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

Gear Ratios:

3.207 (1st), 2.110 (2nd), 1.412 (3rd), 1.000 (4th), 0.728 (5th), 2.570 (Reverse)

Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (or equivalent)

Shifting Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.5 inches (4509 mm)

Width:

72.2 inches (1834 mm)

Height:

52.1 inches (1323 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.8 inches (2586 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Gross Weight Rating:

N/A

Trunk Volume:

11.2 cubic feet (with roof up)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not Applicable (Vehicle specific ratings may vary by region and time of testing)

IIHS Side Impact:

Not Applicable

ABS:

Standard

Esp:

Standard (Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)

Airbags:

Driver, Passenger, Side Airbags, Knee Airbags (where applicable)

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bars behind headrests

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system (optional), featuring CD player, radio, navigation, and optional Bose sound system.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Traction Control), Cruise Control.

Connectivity Options:

Early Bluetooth integration (optional), teleaid system (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Transmission Fluid:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (refer to specific service manual for exact interval).

Spark Plugs:

Every 100,000 miles (platinum or iridium plugs).

Air Filter:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (MB-Approval 229.5)

Coolant:

Antifreeze/coolant (e.g., G-05 or equivalent), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (or MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB Specification 343.0 (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Common Problems:

Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic leaks and pump failures, transmission conductor plate issues, ignition coil failure, mass airflow sensor (MAF) problems, convertible top hydraulic cylinder leaks, window regulator issues, serpentine belt tensioner failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing legacy in producing iconic roadsters and luxury vehicles, dating back to the pre-war era and continuing through the 300SL 'Gullwing' and subsequent SL-Class generations.

R230 Introduction:

The R230 SL-Class debuted in 2001 for the 2002 model year, replacing the R129. The 2000 model year falls within the R129 generation, but the product listing specifically refers to the R230 chassis. Assuming the listing has a typo and means the first year of the R230 SL500, which was 2003 in North America. If it truly refers to a 2000 R129, the engine would be the M113.980.

Manufacturing Plant:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

The SL-Class has historically received numerous accolades for luxury, performance, and design from various automotive publications, although specific awards for the 2000 model year or early R230 generation might vary.