Positioning:
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG represents the pinnacle of the SL-Class roadster, blending luxury, performance, and advanced technology. This manual serves owners and technicians who demand the highest level of accuracy for maintaining and repairing this exclusive grand tourer.
Competition:
Competes with high-performance luxury roadsters such as the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and Ferrari California.
Highlights:
Hand-built AMG 6.2L V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, retractable hardtop, luxurious interior appointments.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical, HVAC, Body, Interior, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Page Count:
Extensive (Software typically includes thousands of pages of detailed information)
Manual Type:
Official Factory Service Manual (Software)
Format:
Software (Digital, likely searchable PDF or proprietary application)
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnosis and repair of ECU, sensors, actuators, ignition system, fuel injection system (AMG M156 naturally aspirated V8)
Powertrain:
Complete coverage of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, including service, repair, and adjustment procedures
Chassis And Suspension:
Service for AMG sport suspension, ABC (Active Body Control) system, steering components, and alignment specifications
Brake System:
Detailed procedures for AMG high-performance braking system, including caliper service, rotor replacement, fluid flush, and ABS/ESP diagnostics
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems, including COMAND infotainment, lighting, and comfort features
Climate Control:
Service and repair for THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system, including refrigerant handling and component diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Repair procedures for body panels, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats, and safety restraints
Preventative Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, and lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults with flowcharts and symptom-based guides
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic scan tools (e.g., STAR Diagnosis), interpreting fault codes (DTCs), and performing system tests
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and all critical measurements for accurate repairs
Depth:
Expert Level (Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers, covering detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and system calibration)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
6208 cc (6.2 Liters)
Horsepower:
518 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
465 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Bore X Stroke:
102.2 mm x 94.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Oil Capacity:
8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Type:
MB 229.5 Specification (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 Synthetic)
Transmission Type:
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
Clutch Type:
Multi-plate clutch (Wet clutch pack) instead of a torque converter
Drive Modes:
C (Comfort), S (Sport), S+ (Sport Plus), M (Manual)
Shift Technology:
Race Start (launch control), double-declutching function
Transmission Fluid Type:
MB 236.10 Specification (e.g., Fuchs Titan ATF 4134)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Liters (when dry)
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA due to low volume/specialty vehicle class, but designed to meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards.
Electronic Stability Program:
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Curve Analysis and Sport Handling Mode
Braking System:
AMG High-Performance Braking System with internally ventilated and perforated discs
Headlight Control:
Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination and Headlight Washers
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, and rollover protection system.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front belt tensioners and force limiters, NECK-PRO active head restraints
Rollover Protection:
Automatically deploying rollover bars behind the headrests
Infotainment System:
COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Entertainment) system with 7-inch color display, HDD navigation, AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD player, USB interface, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Audio System:
Harman Kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system (optional or standard depending on trim).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
DISTRONIC PLUS (optional feature available on some models)
Parking Assistance:
PARKTRONIC parking assist (front and rear sensors)
Lighting Technology:
Active Bi-Xenon Headlights with cornering function
Phone Integration:
Bluetooth interface for hands-free telephony and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Transmission Service:
Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (fluid and filter change).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Change:
First change at 15 years or 150,000 miles, then every 7.5 years or 75,000 miles (Mercedes-Benz approved coolant).
Coolant Type:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or 326.0 Specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 PLUS (or MB approved equivalent)
Common Problems:
ABC suspension hydraulic leaks, camshaft wear (M156 engine specific), transmission mechatronic unit issues, oil cooler leaks, and convertible top hydraulic system faults.
Engine Maintenance Notes:
Regular oil changes with correct specification oil are critical for the M156 engine. Pay attention to any ticking noises from the engine, which could indicate camshaft or lifter issues.
Mercedes Benz Legacy:
Mercedes-Benz has a long and illustrious history in luxury and performance automobiles, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself. The SL line, in particular, has been a flagship model for decades, renowned for its blend of comfort, style, and engineering prowess.
Sl Class Evolution:
The SL-Class has evolved from a pure sports car to a sophisticated grand tourer. The R230 generation, introduced in 2001, featured a retractable vario-roof hardtop, moving it further into the luxury GT segment. The AMG variants, like the SL63, inject significant performance capability.
Sl63 Amg Development:
The SL63 AMG represents a significant engineering achievement by AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The 2011 model year featured the introduction of the M156 engine, AMG's first in-house designed and built V8, and the innovative SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission.
Production Period:
The R230 SL-Class was produced from 2001 to 2011. The SL63 AMG variant was available from 2007 (with the M156 engine introduced for the 2009 model year in most markets, and the MCT transmission for 2011).
Manufacturing Location:
Bremen, Germany
Performance Awards:
While specific awards for the 2011 SL63 AMG are not as widely publicized as mass-market vehicles, AMG models consistently receive accolades from automotive publications for their engine power, driving dynamics, and track-oriented performance.
Customer Satisfaction:
Generally high customer satisfaction for performance and luxury, though maintenance costs and potential for specific component failures are considerations for owners.