Vehicle Class:
Grand Tourer (GT), Luxury Sports Convertible
Target Audience:
Affluent consumers seeking high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced personal transport
Key Competitors:
BMW 6 Series Convertible, Jaguar XK, Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Maserati GranTurismo
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, advanced comfort features, potent V8 and V12 powertrains, retractable hardtop (Vario-roof)
Technological Highlights:
Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, bi-xenon headlights, advanced infotainment (COMAND), adaptive cruise control (Distronic)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, emissions control, diagnostics
Transmission Automatic:
722.6xx (5-speed), 722.9xx (7-speed) - removal, installation, overhaul, hydraulic system, electronic control
Transmission Manual:
Not applicable for R230 SL-Class, exclusively automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension:
Active Body Control (ABC) system, strut replacement, hydraulic lines, accumulators, control modules, conventional suspension components
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP, brake discs, pads, calipers, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering gear
Electrical System:
12V battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, CAN bus system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, convertible top mechanism (Vario-roof), interior trim, seats, HVAC
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control, A/C system components, refrigerant, blower motor, control panels
Infotainment And Navigation:
COMAND system, radio, CD changer, navigation unit, speaker system, antenna
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module, crash sensors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding, symptom-based diagnostics
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major and minor components
Overhaul And Rebuild:
Instructions for engine and transmission overhaul, including torque specifications and tolerances
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams interpretation, component testing, signal tracing
V Diagnostic Procedures:
Specific procedures for diagnosing ABC system faults, including pressure testing and solenoid valve checks
Convertible Top Repair:
Vario-roof hydraulic system maintenance, adjustments, and troubleshooting
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools like STAR Diagnosis (XENTRY/DAS), and specialized testers
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for engine, transmission, and suspension component clearances
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Mercedes-Benz specific tools required for repairs
Engine Code Range:
M113 (V8), M273 (V8), M156 (V8 AMG), M137 (V12), M275 (V12 Bi-turbo)
Displacement Range:
4.7L, 5.0L, 5.5L, 6.0L, 6.3L (AMG)
Horsepower Range:
302 hp (SL 500 early) to 603 hp (SL 65 AMG)
Torque Range:
339 lb-ft (SL 500 early) to 738 lb-ft (SL 65 AMG)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI) on later models
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (M113, M137) or DOHC (M273, M156, M275) with 3 or 4 valves per cylinder, some with variable valve timing (VVT)
Cylinder Configuration:
V8 and V12
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific NHTSA ratings for the R230 may not be directly published for all years, Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era generally achieved high safety standards, often 4 or 5 stars in relevant categories.
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation)
Braking Assistance:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)
Airbag Systems:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags, roll-over protection system
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Convertible Top Safety:
Integrated roll-over protection bars, automatic deployment system
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service system, check specific model year)
Major Service Intervals:
Often around 30,000 miles or 3 years for transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and spark plug replacement (refer to manual for specifics).
Abc System Maintenance:
Regular flushing and replacement of ABC fluid and filter is crucial, typically every 40,000-60,000 miles or as recommended.
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40 or equivalent full synthetic)
Coolant:
MB 325.0 or MB 325.5 (Ethylene Glycol based)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (or DOT 4 ESP)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 236.3 (Mineral oil-based)
Abc Fluid:
MB 343.0 or MB 345.0 (Mineral Oil-based hydraulic fluid)
Abc System Leaks:
Common issues include leaks from hydraulic lines, accumulators, and pump seals. ABC fluid degradation can cause system failure.
Vario Roof Mechanism:
Hydraulic leaks, sensor failures, or mechanical binding in the roof operation can occur.
Ignition Coils:
Early models with M113 engines could experience ignition coil failure.
Catalytic Converters:
Premature failure on some V12 models due to specific operating conditions.
Transmission Conductor Plate:
Common on 722.9 transmissions, leading to shifting issues.
