Positioning:
High-performance luxury grand tourer, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering for its era
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari 360 Modena, Aston Martin DB9
Engine Power:
Supercharged V8 delivering exceptional horsepower and torque
Suspension:
Advanced Active Body Control (ABC) for superior ride and handling
Convertible:
Retractable hardtop offering coupe and convertible driving experiences
Performance Brakes:
AMG-tuned braking system for stopping power commensurate with performance
Build Quality:
Renowned Mercedes-Benz build quality and luxury appointments
Engine:
5.4L Supercharged V8 (M113.992), including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul
Transmission:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (722.6xx series), including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, including hydraulics, actuators, and diagnostics
Brakes:
High-performance braking system (AMG), including ABS, ESP, and component replacement
Electrical System:
Full electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for all vehicle systems
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, alignment, doors, windows, convertible roof system operation and repair
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control system, including refrigerant, components, and diagnostics
Comfort Systems:
Seats, convertible top, interior trim, and accessory systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures using Star Diagnosis (DAS)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul
Adjustment:
Component adjustments, including suspension height, steering alignment
Replacement:
Component replacement procedures for all parts
Depth:
Full OEM diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostic Tools:
Reference to Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tools like Star Diagnosis (DAS) and XENTRY
Software Platform:
Proprietary Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software interface
Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams, schematics, and photographs
Text Search:
Full text search capability
Hyperlinks:
Hyperlinked table of contents and cross-references
Engine Type:
V8, 4-valve per cylinder, SOHC (Supercharged)
Displacement:
5439 cc (5.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
97.0 mm x 92.0 mm
Horsepower:
493 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
516 lb-ft (700 Nm) @ 2650-4500 rpm
Supercharger:
IHI Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger with intercooler
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
8.5 Liters (approx. 9 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Mobil 1)
Transmission Type:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-Speed Automatic
Shift Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercedes-Benz Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Specification 236.10 or 236.14 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 9.0 Liters (dry fill, consult manual for exact procedure)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not Rated (Vehicle Design Era)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not Rated (Vehicle Design Era)
ABS:
Yes, Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Yes, Electronic Stability Program
Traction Control:
Yes, Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
Brake Assist:
Yes, BAS (Brake Assist System)
Airbags Front:
Dual-stage front airbags
Airbags Side:
Seat-mounted side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Active roll-bar system deployable in case of rollover
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and force limiter seatbelts
Head Unit:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Device) system
Navigation:
Integrated GPS navigation system
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system
Cd Changer:
Multi-disc CD changer (typically in dashboard or trunk)
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Front and rear PARKTRONIC parking sensors
Bi Xenon Headlights:
Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic range adjustment and headlamp washers
Bluetooth:
Optional integrated Bluetooth hands-free communication system
Voice Control:
Optional LINGUATRONIC voice control system
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Major Service A:
Service A typically due around 10,000 miles or 1 year. Includes oil change, filter replacement, safety inspection.
Major Service B:
Service B typically due around 20,000 miles or 2 years. Includes Service A items plus cabin filter, brake fluid check, additional inspections.
Abc Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 - 40,000 miles or 4 years, depending on usage and conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz G48 Coolant (Blue/Green) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 5.1) synthetic brake fluid
Abc System Leaks:
Common issues include leaks in ABC struts, hoses, and pump due to age and material degradation. Requires specialized knowledge to repair.
Supercharger Idler Pulley:
Idler pulley bearing failure can occur, leading to noise and potential belt damage.
Εκhaust Manifold Cracks:
Exhaust manifold cracks can develop due to heat cycling, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Varnish Buildup:
Potential for varnish buildup in engine oil passages if maintenance intervals are not strictly followed, especially with non-synthetic oils.
Tamper Module Failure:
Failure of the transmission's electronic selector module (ESM) can cause shifting issues.
Mercedes Heritage:
Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing heritage in luxury vehicles, performance engineering, and motorsport, dating back to the late 19th century.
Sl Class Lineage:
The SL-Class is a flagship luxury sports convertible series with a lineage stretching back to the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' and 'Roadster' of the 1950s.
R230 Generation:
The R230 generation, introduced for the 2003 model year, marked a significant technological leap with its standard Active Body Control (ABC) suspension and retractable hardtop.
Production Years:
R230 SL-Class: 2003-2011. SL55 AMG specific variants produced throughout this period.
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Performance Awards:
While specific awards for the 2004 model may be scarce, the SL55 AMG was consistently recognized by automotive publications for its blistering performance and luxury blend.
Road And Track:
Likely featured in 'Road & Track's' 'Best Cars' lists for its class.
Oem Certification:
Officially licensed Mercedes-Benz service and repair manual, indicating adherence to OEM standards and accuracy.