🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

SL65 AMG

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

R230

Generation Designation:

Facelift 1 (Pre-facelift 2)

Engine Code:

M275

Transmission Code:

722.6

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Ultra-Luxury Grand Tourer / High-Performance Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, Independent Mercedes-Benz specialists, Automotive repair shops

Key Competitors 2006:

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Lamborghini Murciélago, Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT

Vehicle Description:

A powerful, two-door, two-seater convertible roadster representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's performance and luxury offerings, featuring a handcrafted V12 engine and advanced technology.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authoritative, dealership-level repair and maintenance information, essential for preserving the performance and value of this complex vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Infotainment, Body & Chassis, Active Body Control (ABC), Body Electronics, Security Systems, Emissions Control

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual (SFSM) / Electronic Diagnostic Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Software (CD-ROM/Downloadable Application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Details:

M275 Bi-Turbo V12, Engine management system (ME 2.8/2.9), Ignition system, Fuel injection system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Turbocharger system, Exhaust system, Engine diagnostics and troubleshooting

Transmission Details:

722.6 (5G-TRONIC) Automatic Transmission, Torque converter, Gearbox hydraulics, Electronic control unit (ECU) for transmission, Transmission fluid specifications, Service and repair procedures, Troubleshooting

Drivetrain Details:

Rear-wheel drive, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles, Wheel bearings

Suspension Details:

Active Body Control (ABC) system (front and rear struts, hydraulic pump, accumulators, control unit), Conventional suspension components (if applicable for specific trims/repairs), Wheel alignment specifications

Steering Details:

Hydraulic power steering system, Steering rack, Steering column, Power steering fluid specifications

Brakes Details:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake discs (front and rear), Brake calipers, Brake pads, Brake fluid specifications, Parking brake, Brake bleeding procedures

Electrical System Details:

12V battery system, Alternator, Starter motor, Fuses and relays, Wiring diagrams, Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), Power windows, Central locking, Keyless-Go, Sensor systems (e.g., ABS, ESP, ABC), Body control module (BCM)

Climate Control Details:

Automatic climate control (THERMOTRONIC), HVAC system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), Refrigerant type and charge, Diagnostic procedures

Infotainment Details:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display), Audio system, Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, Speaker system

Body Chassis Details:

Body panel removal and installation, Door mechanisms, Convertible top operation and repair (Vario-roof), Interior trim, Bumpers, Chassis components, Corrosion protection

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, Oil changes (engine, transmission, differential), Filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), Fluid level checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant replacement, Wiper blade replacement

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., turbochargers, intercoolers, injectors, ignition coils), Transmission overhaul and repair, Suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, hydraulic lines), Brake system repair (calipers, rotors, lines), Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair, Convertible roof mechanism repair

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation, Component testing procedures, System fault finding trees, Using SDS (Star Diagnosis) system for advanced diagnostics

Technical Data Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, Electrical component specifications, Fluid capacities and types, Component testing parameters, Alignment specifications, Wiring diagrams, Component locations

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electronic system diagnostics and repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary Software Application (requires installation on a PC)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content for quick access to information.

Interactivity:

Interactive diagrams, links between sections, potential for multimedia content (images, videos - if applicable to specific software version).

Printability:

Selectable sections can be printed, typically at high resolution for clarity of diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Software-based)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software-based)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

M275.980

Configuration:

V12, 60-degree

Displacement:

5.5 Liters (5513 cc)

Aspiration:

Twin-Turbocharged (Intercooled)

Bore X Stroke:

82.6 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

661 hp @ 5100-5300 rpm (with AMG Speedshift Plus)

Torque:

738 lb-ft (1000 Nm) @ 2000-4000 rpm (electronically limited)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

80 Liters (21.1 US Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (722.6)

Transmission Features:

AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS (multiple shift modes: C, S, M, AMG Selectable Gearshift)

Gear Ratios 5G Tronic:

1st: 3.59, 2nd: 2.19, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.16

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2006 SL65 AMG

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB-Approval 236.10 (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Shell ATF 134)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 - 8.0 Liters (dry fill/rebuild) - Check manual for exact procedure.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4537 mm (178.6 in)

Width:

1815 mm (71.5 in)

Height:

1303 mm (51.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2560 mm (100.8 in)

Front Track:

1555 mm (61.2 in)

Rear Track:

1530 mm (60.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1970 kg (4343 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 2320 kg (5115 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 317 Liters (11.2 cu ft) with roof up; 221 Liters (7.8 cu ft) with roof down

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year/variant in the same way as mass-market vehicles. Relies on extensive passive safety systems.

Active Safety Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control System (ASR), Active Body Control (ABC) for chassis stability

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger front airbags, Side airbags, Knee airbags (driver), Rollover protection system (pop-up bars), Seatbelt pretensioners, Anti-whiplash head restraints, Reinforced chassis structure, Crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Name:

COMAND APS (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display)

Infotainment Features:

GPS Navigation, CD Player, DVD Player (for navigation maps and audio), AM/FM Radio, Digital Sound Processor (DSP), Harmon Kardon sound system integration, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (may require specific module/phone compatibility).

Driver Assistance Features:

Distronic (Adaptive Cruise Control - optional), Parking Assist (PARKTRONIC - optional), Bi-Xenon Headlights with Active Curve Illumination, Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic climate control.

Connectivity Options:

Primarily through Bluetooth for phone calls. Limited direct internet connectivity or advanced smartphone integration as seen in modern vehicles.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, per Mercedes-Benz recommendations.

Transmission Service Interval:

Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km) for fluid and filter change. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Abc System Service:

Fluid flush and filter replacement recommended every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km). Regular system checks are crucial.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB-Approval 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol SLX Professional 0W-40)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (9.0 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0 / 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Phosphate-Free, Blue)

Power Steering Fluid:

MB-Approval 343.0 (Hydraulic Fluid - typically Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Plus (e.g., MB-Approval 331.0)

Common Problems Reported:

ABC system hydraulic leaks (hoses, struts, pump), Coil pack failure, Ignition module issues, Transmission control module (TCM) issues, EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) sensor failures, Oil leaks from engine seals/gaskets, Convertible roof mechanism malfunctions, ABC hydraulic fluid degradation requiring flushing.

Troubleshooting Focus:

The manual is crucial for diagnosing and repairing the complex ABC system and the twin-turbo V12 powertrain, which can be prone to specific electronic and hydraulic faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Focus:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering excellence, and pioneering automotive technology since its inception. The SL-Class lineage represents a tradition of high-performance, stylish convertible sports cars.

Sl Class Lineage:

The SL-Class has evolved through many generations, from the iconic 300 SL 'Gullwing' to modern interpretations. The R230 generation, introduced in 2001, marked a significant technological leap with features like Active Body Control and the Vario-roof.

Sl65 Amg Introduction:

The SL65 AMG variant was introduced in 2004 for the R230 generation, featuring the formidable M275 V12 engine, representing the ultimate expression of the SL's performance capabilities.

Production Plant:

Bremen, Germany

Production Years R230:

2001-2011

Production Years Sl65 R230:

2004-2011 (with updates in subsequent model years)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 2006 SL65 AMG are less documented than for broader models, the R230 generation and AMG V12 models consistently received praise for performance and engineering from automotive publications such as Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and others.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently rated among the most powerful production cars of its era.

Manual Certification:

Officially Licensed by Mercedes-Benz.