Affluent consumers seeking sophisticated performance, comfort, and technology.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW Z4, Jaguar XK8/XKR, Chevrolet Corvette.
Key Features
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with retractable hardtop (Vario-roof).
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS with integrated navigation, audio, and communication features.
Suspension:
ABC (Active Body Control) active suspension system.
Engine Options:
V8 and V12 powertrains.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Focus:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation EXpert) System
Secondary Coverage:
General operation and features of the COMAND APS infotainment system.
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for factory COMAND manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Type:
Operator's Manual / Owner's Manual (Specific to COMAND System)
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (NTG1 generation)
Navigation:
Operation of the GPS navigation system, map data input, route planning.
Audio System:
Radio, CD player (single/changer), media playback, sound settings.
Telephony:
Bluetooth® hands-free calling (if equipped with teleaid/phone module).
Climate Control Integration:
Display and basic control of climate settings via COMAND interface.
Vehicle Settings:
Customization of certain vehicle functions accessible through the COMAND screen.
Procedures Included
Initial Setup:
First-time setup and configuration of the COMAND system.
Basic Operation:
Navigating menus, using buttons and controls.
Destination Entry:
Entering addresses, points of interest (POIs).
Audio Management:
Tuning radio stations, selecting CD tracks, adjusting audio preferences.
Phone Pairing:
Connecting and managing mobile phones via Bluetooth.
Troubleshooting Basics:
Common error messages and basic corrective actions.
Technical Depth
Depth:
User-oriented, focusing on operation and daily use of the COMAND system.
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited; does not cover in-depth electronic diagnostics or component repair.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Typically searchable text (if OCR'd correctly).
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original; quality dependent on source scans.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Model Variant:
SL500
Engine Code:
M113 (5.0L V8)
Displacement:
4966 cc
Configuration:
V8, 90-degree bank angle
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder, dual spark plugs per cylinder
Performance
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
339 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Engine Variant Sl600
Engine Code:
M137 (5.8L V12)
Displacement:
5786 cc
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift manual shifting
Model Sl500:
722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-TRONIC)
Optional
Type:
N/A for 2003 SL-Class (5-speed automatic was standard across R230 variants)
Features
Driving Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.
Fluid Specifications
Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 or MB 236.12 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacities
Capacity Approx:
8.0 - 9.0 Liters (varies by service procedure)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4537 mm (178.6 in)
Width:
1810 mm (71.3 in)
Height:
1302 mm (51.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2560 mm (100.8 in)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 235 liters (with roof up)
Weights
Curb Weight Sl500:
Approx. 1815 kg (4000 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the same way as modern vehicles, but designed to meet rigorous safety standards.
Active Features
Stability Control:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front, side, and head airbags; Active front head restraints (NECK-PRO).
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up roll bars behind headrests.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
COMAND APS (NTG1)
Display:
7-inch color LCD screen
Navigation Media:
DVD-based navigation system (map updates often available for purchase).
Audio Source Options:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player (single disc in dash, optional changer), Cassette player (in some configurations).
Driver Assistance
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC (adaptive cruise control).
Parking Assist:
Optional front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Hands-free calling via Bluetooth (requires compatible phone and teleaid module).
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input or Media Interface connector for external audio devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (based on 'Assyst' service system), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to vehicle's 'Assyst' system; major services often around 30,000 miles or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles/3 years thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
MB 229.5, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.
Coolant Spec:
MB 325.0 (Antifreeze Protection)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB 331.0)
Known Issues
Varnished Paint:
Clear coat failure and paint delamination on older models.
Abc Suspension:
Hydraulic leaks from struts, hoses, and pumps; accumulator failure.
Vario Roof Hydraulics:
Leaks and malfunctions in the hydraulic system for the retractable hardtop.
Blower Motor Resistor:
Failure of the HVAC blower motor resistor leading to loss of fan speed control.
Ignition Coils Spark Plugs:
Misfires due to failing ignition coils and spark plugs (especially common on V8/V12).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing luxury roadsters, dating back to iconic models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing'.
Model Evolution
R230 Generation:
The R230 generation (2003-2011) replaced the R129 SL. It introduced the innovative Vario-roof (retractable hardtop).
Updates:
Received a significant facelift for the 2009 model year (R230 facelift), including revised styling and updated technology.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The R230 generation SL-Class was generally well-received for its technology, comfort, and performance, though specific awards for the 2003 model year related to COMAND are less common than overall vehicle accolades.
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