🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Chassis Code:

R129

Generation Designation:

Third Generation

Primary Manual Code:

Not Specified (Vehicle Specific)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Mercedes-Benz R129 SL-Class owners, independent repair shops, and DIY enthusiasts seeking comprehensive repair information.

Advantage:

Provides factory-level detail, covering all models and engines in a single, searchable PDF, offering significant cost savings over fragmented or incomplete manuals.

Content Source:

Exact same manual used by dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Usability:

Easy-to-use digital format, allowing selective printing and digital manipulation of diagrams and illustrations.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

All engines for R129 SL-Class

Model Coverage:

All models of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R129

System Coverage:

Comprehensive (Engine, Brakes, Sunroof, Transmission, Electrical, Suspension, A/C, etc.)

Total Pages:

8000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine overhaul and rebuilding, transmission removal and installation, in-car transmission servicing, timing belt replacement, serpentine belt routings.

Chassis Systems:

Brakes (servicing, procedures, specifications), front-end and alignment procedures and specifications, suspension, U-joint and CV-joint service procedures.

Comfort And Convenience:

Sunroof service, air conditioning service and capacities.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Trouble codes, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostic codes, firing orders, vacuum diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Includes information on bodywork, convertible top mechanisms, interior trim, and electrical components related to comfort and convenience.

Exhaust System:

While not explicitly listed, comprehensive manuals typically cover exhaust system diagnosis and component replacement.

Cooling System:

Detailed procedures for radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan service.

Maintenance And Tune Up:

Factory maintenance schedules and charts, engine performance tuning, driving concerns diagnosis.

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete repair procedures for all covered systems, engine rebuilding, brake servicing, timing belt service.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble trees, computer diagnostic code interpretation.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Computer diagnostic trouble tree charts to systematically diagnose system faults.

Alignment Specifications:

Front-end alignment procedures and specifications for ensuring proper tire wear and handling.

Depth:

Expert-level, dealership technician standard, suitable for complete vehicle repair and diagnosis.

Completeness:

Complete step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.

Wiring Schematics Detail:

Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.

Specifications Detail:

Detailed specifications on every model covered, encompassing dimensional, performance, and component data.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within PDF reader, facilitating quick information retrieval.

Illustration Count:

Hundreds of illustrations

Printability:

All pages printable, allowing users to print only necessary sections or diagrams.

Zoom Capability:

Yes, allowing users to zoom in on images and diagrams.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Digital Medium:

Digital File

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

Extraction Software:

WinZip (or equivalent decompression utility)

Operating Systems:

All Versions of Windows (XP, Vista 32/64, ME, 98, NT, 2000) & Mac

Download Type:

Instant Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants Covered:

Includes all engines offered for the R129 chassis, likely encompassing inline-six (M104), V8 (M119), and V12 (M120) configurations.

Specific Performance Data:

Detailed specifications for horsepower, torque, and engine characteristics for each variant are provided within the manual.

Fuel Injection Systems:

Covers Bosch electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems, including diagnosis and repair of injectors, fuel pumps, sensors, and control modules.

Timing Belt Vs Chain:

Specific procedures for timing belt replacement (where applicable, e.g., M104) and mentions timing chain system servicing (e.g., M119, M120).

Torque Specifications:

Complete torque specifications for all engine components, crucial for proper assembly and preventing damage.

Firing Orders:

Explicitly listed firing orders for all engine variants for proper ignition timing and engine operation.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Likely includes details for the 4-speed 4G-TRONIC automatic transmission (e.g., 722.3, 722.4) and the 5-speed 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission (e.g., 722.6) depending on model year and engine.

Transmission Type Optional:

Details for all automatic transmission variants fitted to the R129 are covered.

Transmission Servicing:

In-car servicing procedures, including fluid changes, filter replacements, and diagnostic checks.

Transmission Rebuild:

Procedures for transmission removal, installation, and complete rebuilding are included.

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

2-door convertible roadster with retractable hardtop.

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in) for most R129 models.

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and equipment, typically ranging from 1700 kg to over 2000 kg (3748 lbs to 4409 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

While specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for the R129 might be scarce due to its era, the manual would detail safety systems and construction relevant to occupant protection.

Braking Systems:

Detailed coverage of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and brake component servicing.

Airbag Systems:

Information on SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) including airbag module diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Rollover Protection:

Details on the R129's automatic rollover protection system, which deploys in potential accident scenarios.

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Information on factory original radio and sound system diagnostics and repair, often featuring Bose systems.

ABS System:

Detailed diagnostic procedures and component testing for the Anti-lock Braking System.

Esp System:

Coverage for Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on models equipped with it (typically later production).

Automatic Climate Control:

Detailed service and diagnostic procedures for the automatic climate control system, including HVAC components and control units.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, based on Mercedes-Benz flexible service recommendations of the era, detailed in the manual.

Major Service Intervals:

Includes schedules for spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes, and other scheduled maintenance items at specific mileage or time intervals.

Engine Oil Spec:

Specifies MB-Approval 229.1 or 229.3 synthetic engine oils (e.g., SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-50) depending on engine and climate. Exact specifications are detailed in the manual.

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Likely specifies Dexron III equivalent ATF for earlier 4-speed transmissions and specific MB-approved fluids for 5-speed units. Precise part numbers and types are in the manual.

Coolant Spec:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 antifreeze/coolant (silicate-free ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

Specifies DOT 4 brake fluid, with precise recommendations for quality and type.

Common Faults Covered:

Troubleshooting and repair guidance for common R129 issues, such as biodegradable wiring harness degradation (especially on earlier models), ABC suspension issues (on later models with Active Body Control), soft-top hydraulic system leaks, door seal leaks, and blower motor resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Mercedes Benz Heritage:

Continuation of Mercedes-Benz's legacy in luxury grand tourers and sports convertibles, succeeding the highly acclaimed W107 SL-Class.

R129 Introduction:

Introduced in 1989 at the Geneva Motor Show, replacing the W107 SL.

Major Updates:

Significant updates occurred throughout its production run (1989-2001), including engine upgrades, cosmetic refreshes, and technology enhancements across various models (300SL, 500SL, SL320, SL500, SL600, etc.).

Production Years:

1989-2001

Production Locations:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Acclaim:

The R129 SL-Class was generally well-received by automotive press for its build quality, performance, and luxury, though specific awards are not listed in the product description.