🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL500

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

R129

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium Grand Tourer (GT) Convertible, targeting luxury and performance-oriented clientele.

Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 911 (993 generation), Chevrolet Corvette (C5 generation)

Highlights:

Robust V8 power, sophisticated suspension, retractable hardtop (optional vario-roof), luxury interior appointments, advanced safety features for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Systems:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

M119.970 5.0L V8 Engine, 722.6 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Chassis:

Independent Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut with Multi-link), Independent Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Power Assisted Steering (Hydraulic), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (ASR)

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Ignition System, Fuel Injection System, Lighting, Power Accessories, Climate Control Electronics, Instrument Cluster, SRS (Airbag) System

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

Fault Code Reading and Interpretation (OBD-II), Component Testing, Circuit Diagnosis, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides

Depth:

Comprehensive - Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and exploded views.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Proprietary Software (likely executable or interactive PDF/HTML based)

Quality:

Digital - High-resolution graphics, diagrams, and text. Searchable content.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M119.970

Engine Type:

SOHC V8

Displacement:

4973 cc (5.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

96.5 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

315 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

347 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M1.3 Engine Management System with Sequential Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

11.5 Liters (12.2 US Quarts)

Oil Capacity W Filter:

8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (API SJ or better, MB-Approval 229.3)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

722.6 (Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic)

Type:

N/A for SL500 in 1997

Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.14 Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 Liters (dry fill), 5.5 Liters (drain and fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4509 mm (177.5 in)

Width:

1810 mm (71.3 in)

Height:

1300 mm (51.2 in)

Wheelbase:

2515 mm (99.0 in)

Front Track:

1532 mm (60.3 in)

Rear Track:

1526 mm (60.1 in)

Curb Weight:

1830 kg (4034 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

2300 kg (5070 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

470 kg (1036 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Specified

Trunk Volume:

215 Liters (7.6 cu ft) with soft top stowed

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not Rated (Vehicle manufactured before comprehensive NHTSA rating system)

IIHS Side Impact:

Not Rated (Vehicle manufactured before comprehensive IIHS rating system)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) / Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (SRS), Side Airbags (optional/standard depending on market)

Roll Over Protection:

Automatic Roll-over Bar Deployment System

Seatbelts:

Front Seatbelt Pretensioners and Force Limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system (standard or optional, depending on trim/market) with cassette and AM/FM radio. CD changer optional.

Climate Control:

Automatic Climate Control with cabin air filter and recirculation mode.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Headlights:

Halogen projector beam headlights with headlight washers.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-installed cellular telephone system (older analog technology).

Operation:

Power-operated soft top with optional hardtop (for winter use). R129 featured an advanced electro-hydraulic system for top operation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil).

Transmission Service:

Every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Includes fluid and filter replacement.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (if using long-life iridium spark plugs).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (MB-Approval 343.0)

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz Approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G48)

Wiring Harness:

Degradation of the insulation on the engine wiring harness ('biodegradable wiring') can lead to various electrical issues. Repair often involves replacement.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Maf:

Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idle, poor acceleration, and check engine lights.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail, causing misfires and rough running.

ABS Esp Sensors:

Wheel speed sensors and ABS/ESP control modules can be prone to failure, affecting braking and traction control systems.

Hydraulic System Leaks:

Leaks in the hydraulic system for the convertible top or self-leveling suspension (if equipped) can occur.

Catalytic Converters:

Over time, catalytic converters can become clogged or fail, impacting engine performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing luxury sports cars and roadsters, dating back to models like the 300 SL 'Gullwing'.

R129 Generation:

The R129 SL generation, introduced in 1989, represented a significant technological and design update from its R107 predecessor, focusing on safety and driver comfort while retaining performance.

Production Years R129:

1989-2001

Manufacturing Location:

Sindelfingen, Germany

1997 Updates:

The 1997 model year saw the introduction of the 5.0L M113 engine (replacing the M119 for some markets, though M119 remained for SL500 in North America), and importantly, the adoption of the 5-speed 722.6 automatic transmission across the range.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 1997 model year are not readily available, the R129 SL generation was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its blend of performance, luxury, and build quality, cementing its status as a benchmark GT.