🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL55 AMG

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

R230

Engine Code:

113.992

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

High-performance luxury grand tourer, positioned at the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's roadster offerings for its era, known for its blend of exotic styling, powerful performance, and advanced technology.

Competitors:

Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 360 Modena/F430, Aston Martin DB9, Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Key Features:

Supercharged V8 engine, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, retractable hardtop, AMG styling and performance enhancements, luxurious interior appointments.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Interior, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Page Count:

Thousands (estimated for comprehensive software)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (Digital, likely searchable and interactive)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113K), including component testing, disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and performance tuning.

Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (722.6), including fluid service, valve body diagnosis, torque converter testing, and electronic control unit (TCU) troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, differential service, driveshaft U-joints, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Active Body Control (ABC) system diagnosis and service, hydraulic pump, accumulators, struts, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes:

High-performance braking system, including ABS, ESP, brake fluid flush, caliper service, rotor replacement, and parking brake.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, seats, mirrors, CAN bus communication.

HVAC:

Automatic climate control, refrigerant system, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, blend door actuators, cabin air filter replacement.

Bodywork:

Panel alignment, door and lid adjustments, convertible top mechanism diagnosis and repair, exterior trim.

Interior:

Seat removal and repair, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, interior lighting.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), live data stream analysis, component testing using diagnostic tools.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, differential fluid change.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major and minor components, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, ABC system repair, convertible top mechanism repair, electrical component replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Installation:

Procedures for installing new or replacement parts, including torque specifications and alignment procedures.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical component data, emissions data, dimensional specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electronic system diagnosis, and hydraulic system repairs.

Lighting System:

Headlights (Bi-Xenon, Active Curve Illumination), taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, signal indicators, diagnostic procedures for all exterior and interior lighting circuits.

Convertible Top System:

Complete diagnosis and repair procedures for the electro-hydraulic retractable hardtop system, including hydraulic pump, actuators, sensors, control module, and roof latch mechanisms.

Diagnostic Tools Interface:

Information on using Mercedes-Benz proprietary diagnostic tools such as STAR Diagnosis (XENTRY) for in-depth system analysis, module coding, and software updates.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary software format, likely executable (.exe) or a dedicated viewer, optimized for interactive use and searchability.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Software)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Extensive use of clear, detailed diagrams, schematics, and step-by-step illustrations for all repair and diagnostic procedures.

Search Functionality:

Full text search capability, allowing users to quickly locate specific components, systems, or troubleshooting steps.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

5.4L (5439cc) V8, SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder, Intercooled Supercharger

Engine Code:

M113K

Horsepower:

476 PS (355 kW; 469 hp) @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

700 Nm (516 lb-ft) @ 2650-4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI), Bosch Motronic ME 2.8

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)

Oil Type:

MB 229.5 Specification, SAE 0W-40

Oil Capacity:

8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

MB 325.0 Specification (Glysantin G48 or equivalent) - Blue/Green

Coolant Capacity:

11.0 Liters (11.6 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (722.6) with AMG SpeedShift

Transmission Features:

Manual shifting modes (buttons on steering wheel or gear selector), Comfort, Sport, and Manual modes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.10 Specification (Shell ATF 134, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134, or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) for a complete fluid service.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4526 mm (178.2 in)

Width:

1815 mm (71.5 in)

Height:

1302 mm (51.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2560 mm (100.8 in)

Curb Weight:

1905 kg (4199 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

317 L (11.2 cu ft) with roof up, 235 L (8.3 cu ft) with roof down

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this generation, but Mercedes-Benz has a strong safety record.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Active Body Control (ABC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination.

Passive Safety Features:

Dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, pop-up roll bars, crumple zones, reinforced safety cell.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) NTG 2.5, featuring a 7-inch display, AM/FM/CD/DVD, navigation system, and optional SiriusXM satellite radio.

Audio System:

Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Parktronic parking assist, cruise control, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control (though less common on the SL55), rain-sensing wipers.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (via the COMAND system).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 30,000 to 40,000 miles or 4 years.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 3 years.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid meeting MB spec.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 5.1) meeting MB 331.0 Specification.

Common Issues:

Active Body Control (ABC) system leaks and pump failures, transmission control module (TCM) issues, supercharger clutch failure, differential seal leaks, coil pack failures, EKG style SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) corrosion, trunk pump leaks (convertible top).

Active Body Control Reservior:

Potential for leaks at the ABC reservoir and its associated lines, requiring fluid top-ups and component replacement.

Spark Plug Part Number:

NGK IFR6Q-G (or equivalent).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

60,000 miles.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history in luxury and performance vehicles, dating back to the late 19th century. The SL lineage, in particular, represents a continuous evolution of sporty, luxurious, and technologically advanced grand touring convertibles.

Model Evolution:

The R230 generation of the SL-Class, introduced in 2002, replaced the R129. The SL55 AMG variant, introduced in 2002/2003, became the flagship performance model of this generation, powered by the formidable M113K supercharged V8. This specific 2008 model falls within the facelifted version of the R230 (introduced in 2006/2007) which featured updated styling, a seven-speed automatic transmission (though the SL55 retained the 5-speed), and improved technology. The SL63 AMG with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 later replaced the SL55 AMG.

Production Years:

R230 Generation: 2002-2011. SL55 AMG specific production: 2002-2008.

Manufacturing Location:

Bremen, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Awards:

Consistently recognized by automotive journalists for its exceptional performance and luxury. While specific awards for the 2008 model might vary, the SL55 AMG line generally received accolades for its powerful V8 engine and sophisticated engineering.