Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Sports Roadster
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK, Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Infotainment Highlight:
COMAND APS system providing integrated navigation, premium audio, and connectivity in a luxurious cabin
Design Philosophy:
Elegant, performance-oriented design with a retractable hardtop for dual-personality driving
Value:
Essential guide for maximizing the functionality and enjoyment of the vehicle's advanced COMAND APS system.
Primary System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Infotainment Features:
Navigation, Audio, Telephony, Climate Control Integration, Vehicle Settings
Model Coverage:
All 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class variants equipped with COMAND APS
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 150-250 (based on typical Mercedes-Benz COMAND manuals)
Type:
Owner's/Operator's Manual
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS NTG 3.5 (or similar iteration for 2009 SL)
Navigation:
System operation, map updates, destination entry, route planning, points of interest
Audio System:
Radio (AM/FM, SiriusXM), CD/DVD playback, media interface (e.g., SD card, USB via adapter), sound settings
Telephony:
Bluetooth pairing, hands-free operation, contact management, call logs
Climate Control Integration:
COMAND interface for climate control functions (if applicable)
Vehicle Settings:
Customization of vehicle functions via COMAND display (e.g., lighting, door locks, display preferences)
Initial Setup:
System activation, language selection, initial configuration
Daily Operation:
Operating radio, media, navigation, and phone functions
Troubleshooting:
Common error messages, basic system restarts, troubleshooting common connectivity issues
Software Updates:
Guidance on potential software update procedures (if user-serviceable)
Depth:
User-focused operation and basic troubleshooting, not deep diagnostic or repair procedures
Engine Code Typical:
M272 (for SL350/SL500 variants) or M156 (for SL63 AMG)
Displacement Typical Sl500:
5.5 Liters (5461 cc)
Configuration Typical Sl500:
V8, 32-valve (4 valves per cylinder), DOHC
Performance Typical Sl500
Horsepower:
382 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
391 lb-ft @ 2800-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential, multipoint)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Length:
171.1 inches (4346 mm)
Width:
73.1 inches (1857 mm)
Height:
51.5 inches (1308 mm)
Curb Weight Typical Sl500:
4277 lbs (1940 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by model, typically around 5115 lbs (2320 kg)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Up:
Approx. 13.2 cubic feet (374 liters)
Trunk Volume Hardtop Down:
Approx. 10.2 cubic feet (288 liters)
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly rated as a convertible; individual component safety assessed.
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP®)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Body Structure:
High-strength steel and aluminum body structure
System Name:
COMAND APS (NTG 3.5 Generation)
Display Type:
High-resolution color LCD screen (typically 7-inch)
Control Interface:
Rotary/pushbutton control knob with surrounding buttons, steering wheel controls
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional (DISTRONIC PLUS)
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parktronic system (front and rear parking sensors)
Headlights:
Bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination (standard on most models)
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Media Interface:
Optional Media Interface (MI) for iPod/USB connectivity via adapter
Satellite Radio:
SiriusXM Satellite Radio (subscription required)
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (or as indicated by the Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System - ASSYST PLUS)
Major Service Interval Typical:
Service A/B intervals typically start around 10,000 miles. Major services with component checks (e.g., brakes, suspension) recommended around 30,000, 60,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type Specification:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 compliant synthetic engine oil (e.g., 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 depending on specific engine and climate)
Transmission Fluid Type Specification:
MB 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC Automatic Transmission)
Coolant Type Specification:
MB 325.0 or MB 326.0 compliant coolant (e.g., Zerex G-05)
Common Issues Infotainment:
Occasional COMAND system freezes, navigation glitches, CD changer issues, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
Common Issues Mechanical:
ABC (Active Body Control) suspension leaks or pump failures, camshaft position sensors (M272 engine), transmission control module issues.
Known Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator problems, various sensor issues.
Brand Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and innovation in automotive design.
R Class Predecessor:
The SL-Class traces its lineage back to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster of the 1950s, a symbol of performance and luxury.
R230 Generation Introduction:
The R230 generation was introduced for the 2003 model year, featuring a retractable vario-roof (hardtop convertible).
2009 Facelift Updates:
The 2009 model year represented a significant facelift for the R230, incorporating revised exterior styling (including new headlights and grille), updated interior, and enhancements to the COMAND system and powertrain.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Brand Awards General:
Mercedes-Benz vehicles consistently receive accolades for luxury, performance, safety, and engineering from automotive publications and organizations worldwide.
Sl Class Awards General:
The SL-Class, as a flagship model, has historically been recognized for its blend of GT comfort and sports car dynamics. Specific awards for the 2009 model year are model variant dependent.
