Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer / Roadster
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology in a convertible sports car.
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK Convertible, Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Body Style:
Retractable Hardtop Convertible (Vario-Roof)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) standard
Predecessor:
R129 SL-Class
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel information, engine oil, battery, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications
Chassis:
Brakes (general operation), suspension (general operation), steering (general operation), wheels and tires (general operation)
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster, lighting systems, entertainment systems, climate controls, driver controls, locks and security
Body And Interior:
Seating, safety restraints, interior controls, convertible top operation (implied for SL-Class)
Operation:
Startup and shutdown, driving techniques, using vehicle features, parking, emergency procedures
Maintenance:
Routine checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid replacement guidance, filter replacement guidance, basic cleaning instructions
Troubleshooting:
Warning lamps and indicators, basic fault identification (e.g., battery issues)
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, understanding vehicle functions, and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or repair procedures, which would be found in a service manual.
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated in a comparable manner to modern standards, but designed to meet or exceed all federal safety standards.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esp:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Abc:
Active Body Control (ABC) - enhances stability and ride comfort
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags (pelvis side airbags in seat backs)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Automatically deploying rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars)
System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)
Features:
AM/FM/Weatherband radio, CD player, optional navigation system, optional Bose premium audio system.
Features:
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, automatic climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers.
Features:
Voice control system (LINGUATRONIC), optional telematics system (Tele-Aid/Tele-Service).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact ASSYST service codes).
Major Service Intervals:
Intervals for spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, and other major services are specified by the ASSYST system and detailed in the manual (e.g., Service A, Service B).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 synthetic engine oil, meeting MB 229.5 specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40)
Coolant:
MB approved coolant concentrate (e.g., Mercedes-Benz G48) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for 722.6 transmission.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB approved specification, e.g., MB 331.0).
Power Steering Fluid:
MB approved hydraulic fluid (e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent).
Common Issues:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, trunk hydraulics failure (for soft top operation), SAM module (Signal Acquisition Module) issues, ignition coil failures, biodegradable wiring insulation degradation (on some models, less common for 2004).
Oil Filter:
Typical part number: Hiflofiltro HF1004, Mann-Filter HU830x, or Mercedes-Benz OE part (e.g., A2711800109 for some variants, check VIN for exact fitment).
Air Filter:
Typical part number: Mann-Filter C35174/1, K&N 33-2452, or Mercedes-Benz OE part (e.g., A1130940201).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (9.0 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 liters (11.1 US quarts).
Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and safety, particularly in its SL line, which dates back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' of the 1950s.
Generation:
R230 generation introduced for the 2003 model year, succeeding the R129.
Updates 2004:
Minor updates for 2004, primarily cosmetic and feature enhancements over the inaugural 2003 model. The SL500 was the volume leader.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
