Market Position:
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG represented the pinnacle of performance luxury grand tourers, offering a blend of sophisticated engineering, exotic car performance, and open-top driving pleasure.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other high-performance luxury convertibles and coupes of its era, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Ferrari 360 Spider, and Aston Martin DB9 Volante. Its unique combination of a supercharged V8 and advanced ABC suspension set it apart.
Key Features:
Hand-built AMG 5.5L Supercharged V8 engine, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, panoramic vario-roof, advanced safety features, premium interior appointments, and potent acceleration.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive service, repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, electrical diagrams, wiring schematics, component specifications, and detailed procedures for all major systems.
Page Count:
Estimated 3000+ pages (Software Package)
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software (often referred to as WIS - Workshop Information System)
Format:
Software (Digital Access/Download)
Systems Covered:
Engine (M113 ML55, Supercharged), Transmission (5G-TRONIC AMG Speedshift), Suspension (ABC Active Body Control), Brakes (AMG High-Performance Braking System), Steering, HVAC, Electrical System, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Infotainment, Safety Systems (SRS Airbags, ABS, ESP), Lighting, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Differential, Axles, Chassis, Body, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component diagnosis and repair, ABC hydraulic system service and bleeding, engine tune-up, fuel injector testing and replacement, exhaust system repairs, coolant system flush and fill, transmission fluid and filter service, differential service, electrical troubleshooting, module programming and coding, convertible top operation and repair, body panel alignment and repair, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, component testing, torque specifications, and detailed assembly/disassembly instructions.
Technical Depth:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance checks to advanced diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, system overhauls, and electronic module diagnostics and programming. Includes factory-level engineering data and specifications.
Engine Name:
M113 ML55 AMG
Displacement:
5.4 Liters (5439 cc)
Aspiration:
Supercharged (Lysholm twin-screw supercharger with intercooler)
Horsepower:
493 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft @ 2650-4500 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (9 US Quarts)
Oil Type Specification:
MB 229.5
Spark Plug Type:
Bosch YR7MPP33 or equivalent (Iridium)
Transmission Type:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 3.17
Features:
Direct Select manual shifting via steering wheel buttons, three shift modes (Comfort, Sport, Manual), electronic stability control integration, torque converter lock-up.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.12 (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 Liters (Dry Fill)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not Specifically Rated (As typical for low-volume luxury sports cars of this era)
IIHS Ratings:
Not Specifically Rated
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Bi-Xenon Headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS).
Passive Safety Features:
Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, pop-up roll bar, crumple zones, reinforced A-pillars, seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system with CD player, AM/FM radio, optional navigation, and integrated telephone.
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system
Driver Assistance Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (Distronic), Parking Assist (Parktronic), Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic climate control.
Connectivity Features:
Tele Aid emergency calling system, optional Bluetooth interface for mobile phones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions (refer to specific vehicle service schedule).
Major Service Intervals:
Often involves spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, and transmission service around 40,000-60,000 miles. Detailed intervals are in the manual.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz specification MB 325.0 (Glysantin G48 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MB 236.3 (or Pentosin CHF 11S/202)
Known Issues:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks (struts, lines), oil cooler leaks, camshaft position sensors, ignition coil failures, serpentine belt failure, ECU water ingress, convertible top hydraulic cylinder leaks and control module issues, intercooler pump failure.
Brand Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, and performance dating back to the invention of the automobile. The 'SL' designation signifies a 'Sport Leicht' (Sport Light) model, a lineage of iconic roadsters.
Model Evolution:
The R230 SL-Class, introduced for the 2003 model year, replaced the R129. The SL55 AMG variant, introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year, was a significant performance upgrade over standard SL models, featuring the supercharged V8. The 2006 model year saw a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) for the R230 generation, bringing updated styling and technology.
Production Years:
R230 Generation: 2003-2011; SL55 AMG: 2003-2008
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
