🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL550

Year:

2007

Chassis Code:

R230

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster

Competitors 2007:

BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Jaguar XK Convertible, Lexus SC 430.

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology in a convertible package.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Powerful V8 engine and sophisticated Active Body Control suspension were hallmarks of the SL550.

Convertible Design:

Retractable hardtop (Vario-roof) offering coupe-like security and open-air driving experience.

Usp Vs Competitors:

Superior ride comfort via ABC, robust build quality, and extensive luxury features often set the SL apart.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely CD-ROM or downloadable digital format)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, typical of official factory service manuals (thousands of pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All aspects of the 5.5L V8 M273 engine, including assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.

Transmission:

Service and repair procedures for the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission (722.9).

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, differential, axles, and driveshafts.

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, components, diagnostics, and service procedures.

Brakes:

Hydraulic braking system, ABS, ESP, brake pad/rotor replacement, fluid bleeding, and component diagnostics.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, and wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse/relay locations, and module diagnostics.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control system, A/C refrigerant handling, component testing, and troubleshooting.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seating mechanisms, convertible top system (Vario-roof), and associated hydraulics.

Infotainment And Comfort:

COMAND infotainment system, audio components, navigation, telematics, and comfort features.

Routine Maintenance:

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

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and symptom-based diagnostics.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Calibration And Adjustment:

Procedures for calibrating various sensors, control modules, and systems (e.g., steering angle sensor, ride height).

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information often implies the use of factory diagnostic tools like STAR Diagnosis (XENTRY/DAS).

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Requirements:

Requires a compatible operating system (e.g., Windows XP/Vista/7) and potentially specific software environments for full functionality.

Printability:

Designed for digital access; printable pages can be generated for individual procedures or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Software format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M273.963

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

5461 cc (5.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

98.0 mm x 90.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Valve Train:

SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT)

Horsepower:

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

391 lb-ft (530 Nm) @ 2800-4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic ME 9.7 (or similar)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Model:

7G-TRONIC (722.9)

Transmission Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.14 (e.g., Shell Spirax S6 ATF ZM, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.2 inches (4348 mm)

Width:

71.0 inches (1803 mm)

Height:

51.7 inches (1313 mm)

Wheelbase:

100.8 inches (2560 mm)

Front Track:

60.2 inches (1530 mm)

Rear Track:

59.3 inches (1505 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4100 - 4300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg), depending on options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 5290 lbs (2400 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Specified/Recommended for US Models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely 5-star (based on contemporary Mercedes-Benz safety standards)

IIHS Ratings:

Refer to IIHS for specific crash test results; expected to perform well in contemporary tests.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control

Bas:

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Distronic Plus:

Optional DISTRONIC PLUS (adaptive cruise control)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, head protection airbags, integrated roll-bar system.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass windshield

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system

Audio Options:

Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (often optional)

Adaptive Cruise Control:

DISTRONIC PLUS (optional feature)

Parking Assistance:

Front and rear parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)

Bluetooth Interface:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (via Media Interface, often with adapter)

Telematics:

Optional Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid system

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Refer to the manual for precise intervals based on driving conditions (ASYST system).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 20,000 miles, replace as needed. Often tied to service intervals.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, but check specific recommendations for the M273 engine.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Historically, Mercedes-Benz recommended 'lifetime' fill, but modern best practice for the 722.9 transmission is a fluid and filter change around 60,000-80,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic 0W-40 or 5W-40 meeting MB-Approval 229.5

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/Coolant meeting MB-Approval 325.0 (typically a long-life silicate-free formula, often blue or greenish-blue)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 PLUS (or MB-Approval 331.0)

Active Body Control Abc:

Leaking ABC struts, pump failure, control module issues, and fluid reservoir leaks are common potential issues requiring specialized diagnosis.

Vario Roof Mechanism:

Issues with hydraulic leaks, pump failure, sensors, and latches can affect the retractable hardtop operation.

Transmission Shifting:

Hard shifting, delayed engagement, or 'limp mode' can occur, often related to valve body issues, conductor plate faults, or low transmission fluid.

Ignition Coils:

Misfires can occur due to failing ignition coils, a relatively common wear item in many Mercedes-Benz engines of this era.

Sbc System Predecessor:

While the SL550 uses a traditional hydraulic brake system, earlier R230 models had the SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system, which had documented reliability concerns. This manual pertains to the updated system.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and performance, dating back to the invention of the automobile.

Sl Roadster Lineage:

The SL-Class traces its roots back to the iconic 300SL 'Gullwing' and has evolved through several generations, consistently representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz convertible technology and luxury.

R230 Generation Timeline:

The R230 generation was introduced for the 2003 model year, with the SL550 replacing the SL500. It received a facelift for the 2007 model year, introducing the M273 engine and updated styling.

Production Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Previous Generation Awards:

While specific awards for the 2007 SL550 might be scarce, the SL-Class generally received praise for its blend of performance and luxury in its respective model years.

Reliability Ratings:

Consumer reliability ratings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era vary; thorough maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability. Refer to JD Power or Consumer Reports for historical data.