🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL-Class

Model Variant:

SL55 AMG

Model Year:

2003

R Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code:

M113 ML55

👋 Introduction

Segment:

High-performance luxury grand tourer (GT) convertible.

Key Competitors 2003:

Porsche 911 Carrera, Ferrari 360 Spider, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante, BMW Z8.

Performance Focus:

Supercharged V8 engine, advanced AMG tuning, sophisticated active suspension (ABC - Active Body Control).

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated infotainment system, power-operated retractable hardtop.

📋 Manual Details

General Information:

Introduction, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only)

Instrumentation And Controls:

Instrument Cluster, Driver Controls, Climate Controls

Comfort And Convenience:

Entertainment Systems, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Cleaning, Accessories

Driving And Operation:

Driving

Maintenance And Technical:

Maintenance and Specifications, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery, Fuel information, Air filter(s), Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model and year)

Type:

Owner's Manual (Factory Equivalent)

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system overview.

Chassis:

Suspension system basics, braking system operation, steering system overview.

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument cluster functionality, lighting controls, basic electrical system warnings, entertainment system operation.

Body And Interior:

Locks, security, seating, safety restraints, climate control operation, convertible top operation (if applicable to specific manual content).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning.

Operational Procedures:

Starting and driving the vehicle, operating climate control, using the infotainment system, engaging security features.

Emergency Procedures:

Information on warning indicators, basic troubleshooting guidance.

Depth:

Owner-level operation and maintenance guidance. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or full repair instructions, which are found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text if converted properly from original factory PDF.

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan/conversion.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Supercharged V8

Displacement:

5.4 Liters (5439 cc)

Engine Code:

M113 ML55

Horsepower:

493 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection with supercharger.

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)

Coolant Type:

Approved Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (MB specification 325.0 or 326.0), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed AMG SpeedShift Automatic Transmission

Shifting Modes:

Comfort and Sport modes.

Transmission Fluid:

MB Specification 236.10 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

72.9 inches (1852 mm)

Height:

52.5 inches (1333 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4150 lbs (1882 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard (ESP - Electronic Stability Program)

Braking System:

AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs.

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, rollover protection system.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters, automatic height adjustment.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium sound system with CD player, AM/FM radio.

Navigation:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, possibly adaptive cruise control (Distronic) on some models.

Parking Assistance:

Parking sensors (front and rear) may be optional.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated Bluetooth hands-free calling system (e.g., UHI interface).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific conditions.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (DOT 4 specification).

Coolant Change:

Initial change at 15,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Pentosin High Performance II 0W-40).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 Liters (10.0 US Quarts).

Common Wear Items:

ABC suspension hydraulic lines and accumulators, ignition coils, electronic throttle body, MAF sensors.

Convertible Top Actuators:

Potential issues with hydraulic pump and actuators for the retractable hardtop.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU831z, Mahle OX354D, Mercedes-Benz A1131800109.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Context:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and performance, particularly with its AMG division.

Sl Class Lineage:

The SL-Class represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz roadster design, evolving from iconic models like the 300SL Gullwing and Pagoda.

R230 Generation Years:

2001-2011 (Facelifted in 2008)

Amg Development:

The SL55 AMG was developed by Mercedes-AMG GmbH, incorporating significant powertrain and chassis upgrades for enhanced performance.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Accolades:

Consistently praised by automotive press for its potent performance and luxury blend. Often cited in 'best performance cars' lists of its era.

Reliability Perception:

While a high-performance vehicle, Mercedes-Benz generally maintains good reliability perceptions, though AMG models can have higher maintenance costs. The manual is key to proper upkeep.